Gamut Podium pedals

IF THE PODIUMS look familiar that’s because they were originally designed and sold by Point One Racing, who’ve since been acquired by Gamut.

The latest incarnation is still super-slim for extra ground clearance – the concave chamfered platform is just 8 to 10mm thick – but it’s designed to be strong and durable enough for DH race use. Nine removable pins per side ought to provide trusty traction, and at just 298g a pair these pedals aren’t going to weigh you down. We’re looking forward to giving them a thrashing on the trails!

Price 165$

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

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KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

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SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

The alloy Airbuster has a large knob so you can regulate the flow of gas, a mechanical stop to prevent the cartridge being pierced in transit and a dust cap to keep the valve free of debris. While it works with Presta and Schrader valves, switching between them requires a fiddly change of the valve head. The thin rubber sleeve doesn’t provide much protection from cold spent canisters. You can’t insert much of the valve into the inflator head, so you have to be careful to avoid leaks. Price $33 w/16g cartridge

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