SRAM X01 crankset

SRAM DESERVE A ton of credit for freeing the MTB world from front shifters, mechs and chain guides. Unfortunately their carbon crank arms are off-pace compared to the best in the category.

The 30mm axle option (510$) adds stiffness but there’s still noticeable arm flex when you press the pedals hard. That’s despite the fact they’re significantly heavier than the carbon competition from Race Face and FSA. They’re slightly cheaper though, and SRAM’s X-SYNC chainrings are among the quietest and most secure around. Spiders are interchangeable if you decide to double up on rings, or you can lose weight and tune gearing with their vast range (26-40t) of direct-mount rings. The X0s last well cosmetically too, especially now you get rubber tip protectors as standard.

WEIGHT: 614g
ARMS 170, 175mm

Price 472$

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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