All Arround MTB

The Desperado isn’t a jersey we’d necessarily have picked off the shelf, but the more we wear it, the more we appreciate its benefits. Made from a mix of merino wool (47 per cent) and polyester (53 per cent), the comfort level is high. On chillier mornings, we appreciated the warm feel that the wool brings to the fabric. As the temperatures rose, the jersey never felt overly hot. The inclusion of polyester in the merino yarn means it dries faster than a standard wool jersey too. As we’ve come to expect from 7mesh, the fit is immaculate. A properly articulated cut and long, dipped back hem make it a joy to ride in. Add the natural no-smell benefits of merino and the result is top comfort and performance even during multiday trips. There’s a choice of four (subdued) colours too. Price $105

Canada’s 7mesh have quickly earned a reputation for immaculate cuts and close attention to detail. The clean-lined Strategy jacket is made from two different weights of Gore Windstopper and, unusually for a softshell, has taped seams, making it highly weatherproof as well as warm and windproof. Construction quality is amazing – you could wear it inside-out and no one would know. Breathability is helped by lighter panels under the arms and at the back – a combo that really works. The fit is slim but the articulated shoulders and sleeves allow great freedom of movement. This is the holy grail of perfect fit and fabric mix that makes for a superb jacket. We love this for fast XC trails when the riding, and not what we’re wearing, is all we want to think about – and it’s currently reduced to $118. Weight 301g Price $297

The easy cut of the Guardian means there’s plenty of room underneath to layer up against the very worst conditions. That signature pared-back 7Mesh styling is still here, in the jacket’s clean lines, but it’s paired with all the practical details you could need. These include an excellent over-helmet hood, which adjusts both front and back with single-pull cords to provide a custom fit and unrestricted view, and a drawcord hem. The fabric is Gore-Tex Active, which is both light and highly breathable – the one we reach for when we know we’ll be pedalling hard but absolutely need a waterproof layer. We’re a sucker for the simplicity of the Guardian, but more so because of the performance of the fabric. If you like to ride whatever the weather, it could be worth the quite hefty investment. Weight 267g Price $487

Exceptional kit generally feels right as soon as you put it on, and with the Recons there was a definite ‘ah’ moment when we fastened the waist. Pared back in terms of design, with just two discreet hand pockets, these shorts have been considered down to the last detail.

THE STRATEGY IS one of two 300$ jackets in this test and we make no apology for the winning spots they both hold. This isn’t high fashion, where price doesn’t necessarily equate to performance. This is a case of the best fabric – GoreWindstopper, once again – being combined with incredibly well-specified functionality and pattern cutting that must have been refined again and again to get just the right fit.

Thousands of test miles and years of wearing hundreds of different products haven’t dimmed our enthusiasm for new kit, but with standards and functionality so much improved it takes an exceptional product to grab our attention in the way that the Glidepaths have. They share many of their functional details with other shorts – it’s the way these have been combined that makes them stand out.