All Arround MTB

Part of a limited-edition collection designed with Aussie enduro and DH superstar Sam Hill, the Deemax Pro Ltd looks immediately different, with its squared-off neckline and distinctive fabric. It feels good too – the material is almost cotton-like and, although light to wear, has a more robust feel than most at this weight. While the cut of the body is fine – relaxed but not oversized – the sleeves are very narrow over the forearms. This makes them feel like they want to pull up, so we found it more comfortable to ride with them pushed up than worn down. There’s a short-sleeve version of this top that would avoid the problem. The combination of fabric quality and racing provenance does also mean that, when it comes to cost, this is a jersey that sits firmly in the ‘splurge’ category. Price $112

Mavic’s original Gore-Tex trail boots were our go-to shoes for year-round riding for several seasons, and these are even better. The outsole is unchanged and is stiff enough for stamping hard up climbs but flexible enough for a bit of hike-a-bike, with superb grip courtesy of the big V-shaped blocks of the ‘Contagrip Premium’ tread. Elsewhere, there’s a stiff upper, a well-structured heel that stops lift when walking or pedalling, and a toe bumper for protection. They’re sized for wiggle room with fat socks. While the XC Pro H20s aren’t fully-sealed winter boots, the Gore-Tex liner gives excellent weatherproofing and they’re tall enough to survive splashes and paddling. The win over the previous model is that the old four-strap closure has been replaced with laces and a single wrap-over stabilising strap for a much snugger, more secure fit. That leaves the price as the only downside, but if they last like their predecessors, it’s a cracking investment in winter riding comfort. Pr

The XA Pro shorts exude the quality and attention to detail we’ve come to expect from Mavic. They’re made from a lightweight ‘Trail Tech’ fabric, which feels comfortable yet durable, thanks to its dense weave and 11 per cent elastane content. A small internal key pocket is hidden near the waistband and there’s a zipped pocket just above the knee. While these don’t provide enough storage to let you ride packless, there’s space for the key/card essentials. On the bike, perforations on the inner thighs aid breathability but undermine the effectiveness of the otherwise sprayresistant DWR-coated material. Small diamond-shaped grip sections help keep you perched on the saddle, until it gets really muddy. Getting the sizing right is crucial, since there’s no waist adjustability, but we found Mavic’s size chart to be accurate and the stretch rear panel allows some flexibility. Price $120

There isn’t a wheelset with a more prestigious history in downhill racing than the Mavic Deemax. The iconic yellow hoops have been ridden to victory by many of the sport’s top names, including Troy Brosnan, who this year won his second World Cup on a set of the 2018 wheels. These have undergone a few changes, starting with an increase in internal rim width from 21mm to 28mm. This is still quite conservative, but Mavic aren’t believers in the ‘wider is better’ trend and reckons this width gives the best balance of ride quality and tyre choice. The new asymmetric rim profile gives more even spoke tension on the rear wheel, increasing lateral stiffness and, Mavic say, delivering more predictable handling. Following the lead of the Deemax Pro enduro wheelset released earlier in the year, the DH rim now has a hookless profile, with vertical sidewalls for extra strength. Many features of the old Deemax have been carried over, such as Mavic’s weightsaving ‘ISM’ machining and the large

Mavic’s ‘half-hearted’ wide wheel approach isn’t fashionable, but the new Deemax Pros are light and massively tough. Once you’ve added valves, the solid rim bed and new hookless sides mean an instant seal. Tyres are included, and the new 2.5in Claw up front is an awesome aggro all-rounder. Add super-stiff tracking, low-pressure stability and a 27mm inner width, and the front wheel can be ridden super-hard. The rear is much narrower (23.5mm), to improve rolling speed and make the back end easier to turn/slide. Mavic’s Quest rear tyre is surprisingly draggy too, and the narrower profile doesn’t damp impacts as well as the glueddown front. With a different back tyre, the ultra-reliable rear hub and low weight make this a very responsive, precise-feedback race or hard-riding option. Weight 820g+910g= 1,730g Width 27/31mm (f), 23.5/27mm (r) Freehub lag 7.5° Sizes 650b Price $1200

Lightweight and low-profile, the Crossmax Pro is Mavic’s ‘allmountain’ helmet. It has a wide, adjustable peak that sits supersecurely but feels like it’s flexible enough to move out of the way in the event of a crash. The low-sitting retention band is easy to adjust, with a choice of three vertical settings, and provides a secure fit, coupled with the functional chin strap. ‘XRD’ memory foam underneath the padding adds extra comfort and helps spread the retention system load. We did find the forehead padding itchy at times, which seemed to be due to the material used and the extra warmth of the thicker pad. Generally, we found the Crossmax Pro to be reasonably well ventilated, although some testers did find that the bug netting towards the front of the helmet restricted airflow. Weight 320g Sizing S, M, L Price $195

AS THE NAME suggests, the Aksium Thermo is a jacket for colder days. The inner surface is brushed and cosy against the skin, but it wicks well and we stayed comfortable even when things warmed up.

Mavic describe the Quest XL as a rear tyre but it works well up front in drier weather too.

Developed with input from racing legends Jerome Clementz and Fabien Barel, the Crossmax shoe has been designed for the rigours of enduro competition. The Contagrip outsoles are some of the best out there, offering superb grip in all conditions.

Mavic's confident, super damped enduro tyre is a fantastic way to glue the front end of your bike onto any sort of ground, as long as you don't mind a slog on the climbs.

When you’re as big a brand as Mavic, it would be all too easy to simply stamp your name on any old bag, but the French wheelsmiths have applied their typical attention to detail to this 8.5l enduro-style pack.

Mavic’s Crossmax short strikes a nice balance of comfort and durability. The Trail Tech ST shell is as light as those of the more summery shorts, yet feels a hair more substantial than most of the warm-weather offerings. As for storage, the CrossMax sports four pockets on its front face, the bottom two of which snap and zipper close. There’s also a small, zippered stash pocket on the backside. Mavic bucks the tide a bit by eschewing Velcro’d side adjusters in favor of belt loops alone. If I had my druthers, I’d opt for having both.

SKINNY RIMS AREN'T fashionable and 145$ of matching tyres sounds like marketing gone mad. but Mavic's Crossmax Enduros ride as radically as they look.

OUT OF THE box (or off the hanger), the Crossmax looks fairly basic in terms of styling and the relatively thick fabric feels like it’ll be hot to wear.We mentally tagged it as one to keep for cooler days. But out on the bike on the warmest day of the year so far, it slurped up moisture like a dream.

MAVIC’S BRIGHT YELLOW Crossmax is certainly the most recognisable boot available but it’s also seriously aspirational.

Despite the Star Wars Stormtrooper black and white colourway turning geography teacher fawn on their first outing, I love the   ingletracks more than any other gloves, and have two pairs on rotation.