Panaracer Driver Pro 2.22in tyre

Panaracer’s Driver Pro has been around for a while but it’s still a distinctively quick but not totally treacherous tyre suitable for a surprisingly wide range of UK trail use.

The spread of tiny square blocks scattered over the ZSG (Zero Slip Grip) rubber means it’s not as fast as some other semi-slicks in rolldown tests. But it also means there’s a lot of small hooks to snag grip out of natural trails even when it’s loose or damp. The lack of big blocks for cornering and off-camber bite means it needs careful management but if you’re smooth and subtle it’ll work OK on the front as well as the rear for cross-country riding. The reinforced bead strip helps shrug off pinch flats and the high-quality Japanese construction makes it impressively durable for a sub 600g lightweight.

Best for: Rear
Weight: 598g
Width: 53mm

Price 60$

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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