Skip to main content

Endura MTR Shell jacket


This is the lightest jacket on test, thanks to its minimal design and lightweight fabric. Don’t be fooled by the slim fit – well-placed stretch inserts plus a good cut through the shoulders mean there’s plenty of room to move and the MTR doesn’t feel restrictive in any way. ‘Minimal’ means no pockets, but if you’re wearing a pack that won’t worry you (plus there are silicone wear/grip patches on the shoulders for that) and the advantage is a no-fuss style that just works. The hood can be removed but won’t fit over all helmets. There’s an elastic loop at the back of the collar that allows the jacket to be rolled small and secured fast (it even fits into a jersey pocket). This is a waterproof to take with you on every ride, but it’s much better than just an emergency shell. The price isn’t bad too.

Weight 205g

Price $210

Popular posts from this blog

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.

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.

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.

GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

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.