All Arround MTB

Despite an all-plastic construction and a bit of base-to-shaft wobble, SKS’s basic track pump has impressed us with its consistent, reliable performance. The handle is broad and comfortable, and its action is smooth all the way down. Inflation speed is middle of the road – it took us 34 pumps to get a 27.5x2.3in tyre to 30psi. Because it’s limited to 115psi, the Air-X-Press 8.0 can’t be used to charge some tubeless inflation canisters. The head has a secure fit over valves, and a flip-lock mechanism. While the hose isn’t long, we’ve rarely found this to be an issue. We’d like a slightly wider base and bigger gauge, but for $45 these little niggles are easy to forgive. Price $45

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

The Airboy CO2 combines a mini pump and a CO2 tyre inflator in one slim, short, lightweight (142g) package.You can inflate tyres the good old-fashioned – if a little tiring – way or you can screw a CO2 canister to the opposite side of the valve head and use the dial at the end of the pump to control the airflow.

SO GOOD The TOM is a solidly-built little number with some really nice features. The Allen keys range from 2.5mm to 8mm and are well finished and long enough to deal with fiddly situations.

THE SKS FLAP Guard is another take on the ‘fork fender’ type front mudguard. It mounts securely via four zipties – two around the fork arch and one around each of the lower legs.

SKS’S X-BOARD FRONT mudguard is held in place under the down tube by two reusable rubber straps.

This versatile if slightly stumpy tool comes with a small Neoprene posing pouch with TOMTOOL on the side.

SO GOOD The Tom 18 doesn’t take up a lot of room in your pocket or pack but has a whole load of tools crammed into its compact 70x50mm body. It sits comfortably in your hand when in use and gives easily enough leverage for a trailside tighten. The Allen keys are good quality, and the chain tool folds flat to sit flush when not in use and is easy to use too.