FWE 160S track pump

FWE’s 160S sits at the more economical end of the track pump spectrum. For under 45$ you get a large steel barrel that’ll get tyres up to 160psi. Inflating a 29x2.3in tyre to 30psi takes just over 20 strokes.

The diamondshaped footplate grips prevent any slippage underfoot and the steel base is good and sturdy. While the pressure gauge is mounted at the base of the pump, its large size means it’s easy to read. The size of the gauge also gives the 160S an almost triangular footprint, which adds to the stability. A dual head makes it easy to switch between valve types, giving a firm fit every time. The hose is plenty long enough too. We found the height of the pump, stroke length and handle comfortable enough for a track pump at this price. Our only request would be a bleed valve to make it easier to fine tune pressures.

Price 42$

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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Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

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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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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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Anthony Messere’s Morpheus Vimana Slope

A flying chariot built with one thing in mind – slopestyle domination

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All Arround MTB

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