All Arround MTB

Trek’s in-house post has some neat features at a reasonable price, but performance and reliability have varied dramatically between different samples we’ve had, and it only comes in one diameter. If the 31.6mm size fits, then the weight and length are reasonable.We’re fans of designs that clamp the cable at the remote, because set-up and tensioning is so much easier. The forged shifter-style remote lever is particularly neat too, albeit fixed in position. Together with the roller cam actuation, this makes the Bontrager post a smooth operator with a quality lever feel. Initial upper-shaft wobble never seems to get any worse, and the twin-bolt saddle clamp is secure and easy to use. Reliability across the several samples we’ve used has been hit-and-miss, though, with some Drop Line posts soldiering on through minimal servicing and grim weather but others having problems from new or developing them quickly once exposed to dirt. Weight 690g Stroke 100, 125, 150mm Diameters 31.6m...

Bontrager’s Drop Line post is one of the easier droppers to fit, thanks to the narrow, easy-opening clamp on the remote, the well-angled bolts on the head and – our favourite feature – a cable that’s clamped at the lever end, not at the base of the post. Three lengths of drop are offered – 100mm, 125mm, and 150mm – but only one diameter – 31.6mm – so riders requiring a 30.9mm option need to look elsewhere. Overall lengths are reasonable, so there shouldn’t be any frame compatibility issues. In use, the drop of the post is smooth (and improved a little with use) and there’s minimal wobble at the saddle. The lever isn’t the biggest out there, but the shape is good and its action light – so long as the cable routing is good. Return speed is decent, too – not so sluggish that you’re waiting around, but not so fast as to put you at risk of a slap in the nether regions.We have found, though, that it requires frequent TLC to keep the return smooth and reliable. Otherwise, it becomes slugg...

Bontrager’s Starvos is a hybrid jacket/jersey that combines windproof panels on the front and arms with a lighter, more breathable knit at the back. This is a tried and tested approach that keeps wind and light rain off where it matters, so you’re protected in bad weather and from the chill of descents, but allows heat to dissipate faster than a jacket made wholly from softshell material. While the cut is relaxed enough that you can add insulating midlayers, we found it was warm enough to work fine on frosty mornings with just a baselayer underneath. The longer back is very jersey-like, with an elasticated hem and gripper and three open pockets, and the cuffs are elasticated too. More of a beefedup jersey than a jacket, the S1 is well priced and good for crisp, dry days, but not as capable as others here. Weight 473g Price $135

The SE Elites are fairly chunky, at 32mm in diameter. They’re made from a reasonably soft yet not overly tacky rubber. While they only have a single lock-on collar, it’s secured with a relatively chunky 3mm Allen bolt and our grips didn’t slip at all. The lack of an outboard collar means a little extra bar real-estate for your hands. That thick construction means they’re better for those with bigger hands and/or who want a little extra insulation from harshness through the bar. The pattern is grippy with or without gloves, in both dry and wet conditions. Price $45

We like the slim, minimal design of the Rapid Pack. Two amplysized zip pockets with internal mesh compartments offer plenty of easilyaccessible storage for races or shorter rides and there’s space between them for a standard bottle. The large foam back panel holds the bag in place securely and the waist strap doesn’t have any loose ends to flap around. With just 1.4l of storage, you can only pack the bare essentials. The back panel gets quite sweaty. No bottle is supplied and the tight fit of the bottle holder makes it difficult to slide your drink back into place while riding. Price $67

Looking and feeling like a far pricier lid, the Rally has a hard twopiece polycarbonate outer enclosing its EPS liner. The adjustable peak is formed from soft plastic and stays rattle-free and secure, with room for goggles underneath. We had no issues fitting eyewear under the brow. At 400g, only the Bell is heavier, but the Bonty lid doesn’t feel too weighty on your head. The numerous vents make light work of maintaining airflow. While the pads hold your head securely, comfort doesn’t match that of the Giro, TLD or Urge lids. Fit-wise, the Rally feels snug, with some testers complaining of pressure points towards the front and back of the helmet. It’s also comparatively shallow, so it may feel perched on some head shapes. You can buy the Rally without MIPS for $45 less. Weight 400g Sizing S, M, L Price $150

Bontrager market the Montrose as a mountain bike and road saddle. Don’t let that put you off though, as it works great off-road. Although the hard rear is slightly unnerving when hanging off the back of the saddle on gnarly descents, it doesn’t get in the way too much. The obvious cutout down the middle takes all the weight off your sensitive areas and puts it onto your sit bones, where it should be. Due to the fairly hard hull and modest levels of padding, our main tester did get a spot of soreness on the sit bones during very long rides, but interestingly, not nearly as much as with Bontrager’s MTB-specific Kovee. It’s definitely a perch that works best with a good chamois, and it offers great support and comfort for steep climbs. There’s a choice of widths. Weight 210g Price $135

With average trail tyre weights creeping north of 900g, Bontrager’s refreshed XR4 Team Issue really stands out. At 760g for the 29x2.4in version, it’s light enough to put a noticeable lift in your climbing, acceleration and general agility. Siped and sloped blocks in a 61a centre compound with 50a shoulders mean it rolls fast but you can still get maximum use out of a 200mm rotor even in filthy winter conditions without it losing the plot. The ‘Inner Strength’ protective layer adds puncture protection but also seems to increase low-pressure stability, and while it’s a tight fit to get on, tubeless sealing is excellent. That all makes for a tyre that you can ride with the consistently connected control of a kilo enduro tyre and not far off the same expectations in terms of survivability, but will still put a significant injection of easy-rolling speed into your ride. It’s a sound price too. Price $60

The latest Lithos shorts use an integrated belt system to allow you to get the fit just right, alongside a double popper and fly closure to ensure they stay put. There’s enough give in the lightweight, stretchy fabric to keep pedalling unrestricted and the deep waistband doesn’t dig in or feel uncomfortable even on long days in the hills. The two zipped hand pockets are useful for essentials, and if that’s not enough, there’s a zipped thigh pocket too. While the baggy fit means the shorts will easily accommodate knee pads, it does make the legs quite flappy over bare knees. Price $105

The hexagonal-scaled ‘GnarGuard’ toe doesn’t just give these trail shoes a distinctive look, it also shrugs off rocks, accidental kicks and puddle spray. We like the way the inboard upper extends upwards, adding ankle protection for when you’re going gonzo. The Rhythms have a naturally stiff, snug ‘racy’ fit, and putting the Boa dial top and centre reduces the danger of accidental loosening. It does create a pressure point if cranked up tight though, and we’d avoid long rides in new shoes because the cuff and heel can dig in until they soften. While the secure fit and mid-stiffness carbonreinforced nylon sole make pedalling efficient, there’s still readable trail feedback through the pedals. The ‘Tachyon’ sole is surefooted off the bike. Our samples have taken a beating and are still scrubbing up like new, helping to offset the high price. Price 210$

Bontrager know a thing or two about making gloves that fit properly, and the Forays are a great example of this. That’s not to say they’re without faults though.

Just putting the Rhythm shorts on makes you think of summer – they’re lightweight, with a baggy cut and a good long leg length. The fit is generous so if you’re between sizes you’ll probably want to go down one (there are six to choose from).

THE FIRST IMPRESSION of the Bontrager softshell is that it’s cut for movement – it’s longer at the back, with a gripper to keep it all in place, and the generously long sleeves ensure that when you shift back, the jacket doesn’t shift up.

For their SE series, Bontrager take the treads of their trail tyres and mount them on a tougher Core Strength carcass for flat out, full gas survival at the expense of smooth subtlety.

Bontager's flash charger is a unique pump and compressor aimed at tubeless tyre users but its combined design is its weakness as well as its strength.

Trek is turning out some cracking bikes at the moment but one of the key aspects is that they're underlined with some excellent Bontrager rubber like the monster XR4 here.

The obvious difference here is that while the Airshot tank can be used with any pump, the Bontrager combines pump and tank in the same package. That’s a great idea in principle and potentially more convenient for transporting. It makes it a heavy, bulky piece to lug around though. Having already accidentally broken the hose attachment point once, its largely plastic construction is proving less robust than the metal fixtured Airshot too and obviously if the pump breaks you can’t use the compressor and vice versa.

The Lithos helmet from Bontrager not only looks good for the money, it performs on the trail too.

BONTRAGER’S TOUGH-TRAIL/ENDURO family now has shoes to match. The Rhythm’s bright neon tread lugs are made from properly grippy Tachyon rubber and wrap right round the sole, which is low enough for a connected feel even on smaller clipless pedals.