MTB Batteries Lumenator 17 light

MTB Batteries make replacement cells for salvaging ropey eBay lights, and that experience means their own branded lights are spot on for the money. The claimed 2,200-lumen output is more like 1,200 to 1,500, with limited distance reach, but it gives broad coverage from the front wheel upwards, with a smooth edge that’s easy on the eyes. You can order the small two-LED head with an O-ring or GoPro mount. Upcoming changes will split the three solid modes (press and hold for strobe/ flash) and on/off duties between the two rear switches so there’s no illumination interruption. Four Panasonic cells in a metal case give impressive run times that make the lack of a life indicator less troubling. The stretchy bag-battery fits most frames easily. Reliability peace of mind makes the price a bargain.

Weight 360g
Run time 3hrs 10mins

Price $158

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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