All Arround MTB

With a dual waffle and knurled pattern and the choice of two diameters and rubber compounds, Brendan Fairclough’s original signature grips have proven popular. Now DMR have released a Race Edition version with a softer ‘secret super-tacky formula’ rubber for more comfort and control when it matters most. They use the same single lock-on ring, tapered core design as the standard Deathgrips, come in ‘thick’ and ‘thin’ versions, and are available with or without a flange (flangeless standard grips are now available too, for $25). We can only assume we’ll be whipping it sideways like Brendan with these on our bikes. Price $30

While DMR are better known for all things dirt jump related, they know a thing or two about wellconsidered bike and product design. The Sled, which is their second fullsuspension bike, but the first made from aluminium, is proof of this. The frame The Sled’s 160mm (6.3in) of travel is delivered via DMR’s ‘Orbit Link’ suspension system, which uses a pair of counterrotating links to connect the swingarm to the mainframe. What sets this apart from many other ‘virtual pivot point’ systems is that the lower link rotates around the Sled’s bottom bracket (BB). Controlling all of that travel is a RockShox Monarch RT3 shock, with a three-position lever that lets you lock it out for long climbs. An upper chain guide from Praxis Works is attached to the lower link and rotates around the chainring as the Sled moves through its travel. Other notable frame details include a threaded BB, collet-style pivot hardware and 148mm rear axle spacing. There’s room for a 2.4in tyre in the rear trian...

With its super-short steerer clamp height (33mm) and 5mm of rise or drop (depending on which way up you run it), the Defy offers lots of options for experimenting with bar height. DMR’s unusual ‘Top-Close’ clamp allowed it to twist on the steerer more easily than most of the stems here in our static test, even with the bolts tightened to the 6Nm maximum torque. The short stack also introduces more flex during standing sprints. At 187g it’s the second heaviest stem on test. It’s only available in a single 50mm length. Price $82

These new clipless pedals from DMR are expensive but they’re perfect for riders who have OCD tendencies when it comes to exactly how their shoes connect to their bike. At first glance they’re just Shimano SPD-style offerings with an alloy cage around the outside for extra support and protection. And that’s fine, because the SPD mechanism is a well-proven, tunable-tension set-up that’s easy to find fresh cleats for. DMR have a deservedly superb reputation for bearing and axle strength, via their classic flat pedals, and we’ve had no mechanical issues with the V-Twins through a dirty early spring and into the dry season. Where they really earn their chops and justify their price, though, is with the amount of tuning you can do to the platform and level of grip. In standard trim, plastic bumpers front and rear give clean, swift entry and exit with low-tread trail footwear. Add a shim underneath the bumpers and they become snug with skate-style clipless shoes. Then you can start sw...

DMR’s Stage 1 is well priced and we found it pretty comfy. The padding is fairly generous and although there isn’t much of a pressure-relief channel, we had no issues with pain or numbness in that area. We did suffer from a little chafing around the sides under the sit bones on long rides, though. The profile is only very slightly concave, so it can feel a little unsupportive on steep or undulating terrain. Because the cover material is smooth and plastic-feeling, it’s quite slippery when wet and muddy. It definitely benefits from having the nose pointed downwards to hold you in place when climbing. The included ‘RideSaver’ Velcro strap is handy for stashing a spare tube underneath, provided you don’t mind it getting muddy. It is possible to improvise a similar set-up with other saddles. Weight 277g (without strap) Price $75

Brendan Fairclough’s new signature ‘Grip for the brave’ is a strange mash-up. The outboard section is knurled with a waffled underside, while the inner end is ribbed, with a flange, for your comfort (ooh er missus!).

CREATED IN CONJUNCTION with one of the steeziest riders we know, Brendan Fairclough, these grips are designed to give ultimate control and comfort everywhere from the canyon gaps of Red Bull Rampage and the savage rock gardens of the World Cup circuit to the loamy singletrack of the Surrey Hills.

CONSIDERING THE HUGE amount of experience some of the other brands here have when it comes to making cranks, DMR have done an amazing job producing the set that consistently impressed us most.

SO GOOD The wider 95mm platform, 10 pins per side and concave shaping mean the new V12s don’t disappoint when it comes to grip. We’re big fans of the price too, which makes the build quality and 422g weight even more impressive. Though the 95mm platform isn’t the widest on paper, because the pedal body doesn’t sit tight to the crank arm, there’s space to accommodate wider feet.

SO GOOD Lots of thought has gone into the design of the Defy, which has an internal steerer clamp and tilted bar clamp to reduce the stresses going through the 5mm bolts. It has a really low stack height (31mm) and the widest bar clamp on test, which helps to reduce handlebar flex. Aimed at more aggressive riders, the Defy gives a solid feel to the cockpit that definitely gave us confidence when pointing at bigger drops and jumps. It comes with a natty matching top cap too.