dhb MTB Trail Hooded Softshell jacket

It may be budget-priced, but this softshell is anything but basic. The windproof fabric has a sturdy quality and a DWR finish keeps light rain at bay, while a grid-fleece lining aids wicking and gives an instant ‘ahh’ of cosiness, as well as feeling soft against the skin if you’re in short sleeves (and you really don’t need to layer up much – this is a warm jacket). The cut is casual but becomes more functional on the bike, with a dropped back hem, good sleeve and cuff shape, and soft inner cuff gaiters that seal in warmth. Mesh pocket linings that double as front vents, a waterproof main zip and a drawcord-adjustable hem and hood with a stiffened peak are extra features that add to the overall comfort and wearability. It’s incredibly well priced for a jacket that ticks so many boxes.

Weight 562g

Price $120

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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