Alpkit Hadron light

Alpkit’s rebranded Magicshine light bundle looks a real bargain, but testing revealed some troubles. For a start, the actual output seems more like half that claimed. A focused central punch means it still has acceptable reach but the intermediate beam is lumpy and irregular, which can get confusing against complex backgrounds. The three-stage power menu includes sketchy flash and then off sequences too. That’s not as crippling as on some lights here though, because the wireless remote means you can flick past them without taking your hand off the bar. The generous hardshell battery allows a decent ride at full power. A helmet mount and extension lead are included, and a rear light can be added via a Y-shaped cable splitter. Magicshine reliability is normally excellent too.

Weight 345g
Run time 3hrs 15mins

Price $142

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.

READ MORE >>

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.

READ MORE >>

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

READ MORE >>