Bontrager Rapid Pack bumbag

We like the slim, minimal design of the Rapid Pack. Two amplysized zip pockets with internal mesh compartments offer plenty of easilyaccessible storage for races or shorter rides and there’s space between them for a standard bottle. The large foam back panel holds the bag in place securely and the waist strap doesn’t have any loose ends to flap around.

With just 1.4l of storage, you can only pack the bare essentials. The back panel gets quite sweaty. No bottle is supplied and the tight fit of the bottle holder makes it difficult to slide your drink back into place while riding.

Price $67

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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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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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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