Ergon SMD2 Comp saddle

The SMD2 is Ergon’s downhill-specific perch. With chromoly steel rails and a carbon composite shell, the Comp model weighs 200g. When riding downhill, the saddle’s main role is to help with balance, along with a bit of seated pedalling and the odd sat-down foot-out drift. Ergon’s solution is a robust seat with a flat-ish backwards-sloping profile and no perineal cutout. The narrow, stubby shape (256mm long x 125mm wide) meant we never felt as though our movement on the bike was obstructed, and the padded edges definitely make it comfier on the insides of the thighs than some. The dimpled non-slip pad on top didn’t seem to make much difference. Apart from this, the SMD2 does everything that it sets out to well, but for the price, we think it would be fair to expect titanium rails.

Price $115

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

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DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

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Scott Scale 950

The Scale 950 uses the now traditional-for-cross-country 29er wheels to excellent effect, with a fast but fun character that's happy racing or railing.

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CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

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Formula CR3 brakes

The CR3 features a cartridge-type master, which improves power and modulation, plus it is super simple to service: The self-enclosed unit threads directly into the lever body. I took apart our test set and had it back together and bled in 10 minutes with no special tools. Like Formula’s RO brakes, the caliper pistons are actually oval, making more surface area–and thus, more power–than round pistons, but simpler than a four-piston system. The CR3 is best suited for aggressive trail riding.

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All Arround MTB

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