Ergon GD1 Factory Slim grips

Ergon offer the GD1 grips in ‘Regular’ (L/XL gloves) or ‘Slim’ (S/M) diameters. They’re side and position-specific too, due to the shape and grip pattern. Thankfully, all the info you require is etched into the single lock-on collar, which fastens securely to your bar with a meaty 3mm bolt.

We found it took just minutes to get used to the slight taper (they get wider towards the end) Ergon have employed to help reduce vibrations through the hands, and were instantly impressed by the grip pattern and rubber compound used. The channeled, angled block design used on the underside of the grip adds purchase when you’re pulling back on the bar. This is particularly noticeable when your gloves are wet and you’re clamouring for traction, both on the trail and on the bar.

Though the GD1s aren’t cheap, the build quality and well-executed design go a long way to justifying the price tag.

Price 45$

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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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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NS Bikes Metropolis bike

There aren’t many companies like NS Bikes, whose entire product range is designed around getting rad, ripping corners and boosting jumps. The Polish brand are passionate about freeride and have gained a reputation for building heavy-hitting,wellspecced and reasonably-priced bikes. This latest incarnation of their Metropolis dirt jump rig follows in this vein, with a doublebutted 4130 chromoly frame and an array of reliable kit. The frame mixes MTB and BMXtechnology, using a threaded bottom bracket and Race Face AEfect two-piece crankset in combination with horizontal dropouts and an integrated headset and seat clamp. A Manitou Circus Elite fork gives 100mm of air-sprung travel, with a 20mm front axle to maintain stifness. The Metropolis rolls on 26in NS Fundamental rims, fitted with Kenda Small Block 8 tyres. We reckon the combo of chrome frame and tan-wall rubber looks pretty rad too! The full build weighs a fairly robust 12.13kg , but it should have no problem shrugging of s...

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Marzocchi 350 NCR fork

Italy's most famous fork manufacturer aims directly at the high profile, high performance enduro race scene but it needs patience to reveal its potential.

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YT Tues downhill bike

The new Tues downhill bike is here – and won a World Cup on its first outing While a number of big brands have launched 29er downhill bikes,YT Industries are sticking with proven 650b wheels – for now, at least. The latest Tues comes in five sizes (S-XXL), with the biggest sporting a reach of 495mm. Head tube and chainstay lengths now vary between sizes, to put the rider in a better position on the bike. The S-L bikes have 435mm stays, while the XL and XXL are a shade longer, at 440mm. Reach is longer than last year on some sizes, including the XL ridden to victory by Aaron Gwin at this year’s openingWorld Cup round.A reachadjust headset can be used to tailor the fit further. YT have also made subtle but significant changes to the suspension. The initial stroke is said to be more sensitive, while there’s more mid-stroke support, to sit the bottom bracket a shade higher when on track.YT have decreased end-stroke progression, by five per cent, to make tackling really big hits th...

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All Arround MTB

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