Norrona trollveggen Gore-Tex Light Pro jacket

Norrona’s trollveggen range is designed for the most extreme alpine conditions so, while it’s not a bikespecific design, the GTLP gives excellent protection from the elements. The high specification of this Norwegian brand makes for an eye-watering price though. Made from Gore-Tex Light Pro, which delivers maximum durability and breathability, the jacket does almost stand up by itself but doesn’t feel uncomfortable on. Simple lines and easy-to-use features – in the form of waterproof zips, two large chest pockets and an over-the-helmet hood that fits perfectly (when you move your head, the body of the jacket doesn’t move at all) – make it a joy to wear. The two-way pit zips are the best we’ve tried, and usable even on the fly. This jacket is the ultimate in winter mountain biking protection.

Weight 455g

Price $674

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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