SixSixOne Recon elbow pads

SixSixOne’s Recon pads have a comfy fit and articulate incredibly well, but they’re not cheap. The stretchy sleeve incorporates a mesh panel at the rear that runs the length of the pad, which helps prevent you getting too hot. Silicone print at the upper and lower openings does its best to create traction with your skin, in the absence of any Velcro straps. For the most part it stops the pads sliding about, although if you hit a particularly long, rough descent you may find yourself needing to readjust them every once in a while, especially if it’s sweaty out. If you have a SixSixOne Evo armour jacket, the pads will popper onto it, helping them to stay put.

Thanks to their lightweight, slimline nature, the Recons will fit under most jersey sleeves comfortably. That lack of bulk means they’re only good for ‘scuffs and scrapes’ prevention, though. Because they rely on the stretchy sleeve to keep them secure, with no additional strapping, we had no comfort issues even when wearing them for long days in the Alps.

Price $78

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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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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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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COMMENCAL EL CAMINO 3

Commencal are going from strength to strength at the moment and they’ve taken their tough trail hardtail bang up to date with 650b wheels. With its skinny rims, crankset and fork, the El Camino certainly isn’t perfect and it’s the least hardcore bike here. The handling, smoothness, speed and all-round agility of the basic bike still make it a real blast for technical trail riding though, and it’s a great base for upgrading over time.

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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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