Superstar Electro Alpine 30 Trail wheels

Superstar’s wheels have always been top value, but these are proper premium performers too. The Alpine30 rims are asymmetric to reduce the offset of the 32 ultrabutted Sapim Laser spokes, and the pre-taped ‘LockR’ profile means tyres pop easily and securely into place. Built by hand, the wheels track precisely but have enough give to let you carry speed and avoid trouble on long rocky descents. We’ve not had any ding or burp issues, and top-quality SKF bearings underwrite long-term smoothness. The instantreaction Electro rear hub offsets the relatively high weight of the wheel when it comes to snapping back up to speed. Considering the quality, the price is excellent, and Superstar include a two-year warranty, a crash replacement scheme and free spoke re-tensioning for life.

Weight 910g+1,020g= 1,930g
Width 29mm/35mm
Freehub lag 3°
Sizes 26in, 650b, 29in

Price $600

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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