Onza Canis C3 RC2 55a 2.25in tyre

The more we use Onza’s Canis, the more we realise what a rapid, agile all-rounder it is and the less we want to take it off. The super-light, finely woven 120tpi carcass not only seals well but accelerates quickly.

It’s super-supple, moulding to the terrain and letting you flow across rough sections rather than rattling around and losing speed and direction. It’s also impressively tough considering how light it is. The directional ramped blocks and alternating X-shaped tread lugs are close enough to roll well but far enough apart to use on muddy trails without spinning or clogging. It’s not the toothiest tyre when you drop your shoulder into corners but the 55 duro outer/65 duro centre compound gives a great balance of trustworthy turn-in and straight line speed. There’s a skinwall version for 85$ too.

Best for: Front
Weight: 610g
Width: 55mm

Price 72$

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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