Mavic Crossmax Quest XL Ltd 2.4in tyre

Mavic describe the Quest XL as a rear tyre but it works well up front in drier weather too.

The lower tread doesn’t sink in or growl as much as that of a bigger-lugged tyre and it rolls OK on hardpack despite the super-soft 50/40 duro X-Mix dual compound. Rich communication and chewing gum style adhesion still let you go nuts with lean angles and late braking on harder surfaces though. The Quest XL is a reasonable weight for its excellent low-pressure stability and the well damped but never numb Guard 2 dual-ply carcass flows smoothly over blocks and edges to maintain momentum. It soaks up impacts really well so you’re less likely to get kicked off line too. The sidewalls put up a tough fight against cuts and punctures as well, but don’t expect the soft tread to last long.

Best for: Front
Weight: 930g
Width: 57mm

Price 70$

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

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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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