All Arround MTB

2FO (read: Foot Out Flat Out) is the name given to Specialized’s gravity-focussed shoes available in both clipless and flat-pedal versions. Unsurprisingly for a Californian brand, the upper is well ventilated, with perforated panels on either side. There’s very little padding around the toe-box, which can feel a little chilly on cold UK rides though the raised inner ankle affords some protection without impinging on the airy feel.

Specialized's Ground Control was one of the first really good tyres, and while the new tread bears no resemblance to the original it's still a good XC all-rounder at a cracking price.

The Enduro Pro is another excellent choice for spring and summer riding, thanks to its VaporRize shell, which the company claims transfers moisture and prevents your shorts from feeling clammy and claustrophobic. The Enduro Pro also possesses two large, zippered leg vents. The company’s DeflectUV 50+ treatment adds a bit of ultra-violet protection to the package – something, honestly, I never look for in shorts, but is a plus for anyone who spends long days under the glare of the sun.

Developed with Specialized pro rider Brad Benedict, these are a solid and dependable set of pedals. At 432g a pair they’re the heaviest flats here by 72g. The large aluminium body is stout and we’ve found them to stand up to abuse extremely well as a result. We’ve put serious time in on the Bennies, and they’ve come through it all without any play, or serious damage.

While the original Command Post was a 3-position affair, this new one comes with ten for much greater saddle height adjustability.

At just 21, Troy already has two World Championship downhill titles to his name and last year he won his first World Cup in the senior ranks — we bet it won’t be his last.

Cheaper than the American Classics and much lighter than the Superstars, for some the hand-built 1760g Rovals will be the perfect combination.

The Myth is the only female-specific mountain-bike saddle Specialized sells. While some brands might commit more to the category, the mid-range Comp offers quality at a reasonable price. I rode both the 143-millimeter and 155-millimeter widths, and found the 143 to be better suited to my body (my sit bones measure about 120 millimeters).

Why carry an inflator and pump, when one tool can do the same job as both? Enter the Airtool CO2, which can accept threaded cartridges to give its inflating powers a huge boost. The concept allows trail riders to have the speed of CO2, without leaving them stranded after a puncture.

WHO IS JAROSLAV KULHAVY? This 28-year-old racing machine from the Czech Republic won gold at the London 2012 Olympics in the XC event and was overall UCI XC World Cup winner in 2011. Despite a string of bad luck on the World Cup circuit this year, he took the UCI Marathon World Champion and Czech national titles in 2014.

Bike technician to the stars, Evan Warner is SRAM's man on the road, travelling the world and tirelessly keeping some of the fastest bikes on the planet ready tor that next podium challenge.

The dry and dusty trails have started to take their toll on the Stumpy over the past few weeks, with the higher speeds and rougher ground meaning she’s required some workshop love to keep her running smoothly and creak free.

The new 2FO – it stands for ‘foot out, flat out’ – comes in flat and clipless versions and is aimed squarely at all-mountain and DH riders, with a focus on pedal connection, comfort and protection.

THE SILKY UV-RATED material and T-shirt shape of this jersey make it comfortable next to the skin and the 3/4-length sleeves give a feeling of extra protection as well as making it a good choice for fair-skinned riders needing some extra coverage in the heat of high summer.

I t was no major shock to see Specialized unveil their first 650b bike this spring, and no doubt it’ll soon be just one of many. It does mean the Stumpjumper FSR EVO is now available in all three wheel sizes though.Why?Well, Spesh say customer demand was a key factor in bringing the 650b version to market.

THE RIME’S ‘BODY Geometry’ insole feels weird at first but there’s sound orthotic science behind the shaping and we know plenty of riders who won’t use anything else. The shoe comes in a good range of sizes too but we’d definitely try the distinctive fit before you buy.

S pecialized’s P.Series bikes have been much loved hardcore/ jump hybrid contenders for years and this 2014 nugget is no exception. If you’re after a really well priced and well sorted complete bike package for jump, street and even better-groomed trail centre action then the P.Street is outstanding. Its rock solid responsiveness and short-stroke fork make it seriously unforgiving on rougher trails though.

  AFTER A COUPLE of years riding in Sam Hill’s shadow, baby faced Aussie youngster (and two-time junior world champ) Troy Brosnan has emerged as one of the top contenders on the DH circuit, beating his former teammate and challenging for World Cup glory. It’s no wonder then that Specialized have decided to release the young whippersnapper’s very own signature edition Dissident full-face helmet.