SRAM GX-1400 crankset

SRAM’S GX-LABELLED cranks offer great all-round performance at an affordable price.

The hollow-forged arms are plenty stiff and can handle a battering without obviously suffering. The three-bolt splined crank mount makes it easy to swap between single or multi-ring spiders or direct-mount rings. The X-SYNC chainring teeth still set the standard for quiet-running security, and steel versions are now available aftermarket for high mileage/foul weather use. The arms last much better cosmetically than Shimano’s rival XT cranks too, though protective tape is still wise. There’s a 30mm axle version (270$) to increase stiffness and lose 14g, or you can get the same spider, direct ring and axle options with the solid-forged GX-1000 cranks for just 142$.

WEIGHT: 685g
ARMS: 170, 175mm

Price 232$

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.

READ MORE >>

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.

READ MORE >>

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

READ MORE >>