Shimano Deore XT M8000 crankset

SHIMANO’S NEWXT crankset is even more mechanically durable than its legendary forebears but it looks scruffy faster than ever.

The hollow-forged arms and fixed spider are impressively stiff for powerful torque transmission and precise trail feedback. Separately bought chainrings allow ratio choice and the steel teeth set in a carbon composite sandwich are super-durable even in UK conditions. The low-scooped DCE tooth profile is amazingly secure too. Installation onto the steel axle is simple and secure, with Boost axle versions now available but still no 30mm options. Double or single-ring mount holes add weight over the direct-fit competition too. The black finish needs protective taping to stop it looking six months old after only a couple of hours.

WEIGHT: 669g
ARMS: 165, 170, 175, 180mm

Price 225$

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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