Mick Kirkman

Contributor/tester

shimano gr7

The Shimano GR7 has a new, high-grip Michelin sole and uses laces rather than a tensioning loop system and also has a neoprene ankle collar.

Giro Jacket II Flat

The Giro Jacket II Flat shoe is one of the cheapest, but with a gumwall sole, thick tongue and heel pads and tough materials, the finish doesn’t look cheap.

five ten impact pro

This new Five Ten Impact Pro incorporates Five Ten’s latest improvements for weight saving, improved drying times and maximum toughness.

bontrager flatline

The Bontrager Flatline shoe has good grip, flexes enough so you can feel the pedal and it’s hardwearing. It’s not perfect though.

Bontrager SE5

The Bontrager SE5 enduro tyre is brand new in this chubby, 2.6in, width. The Team Issue version is a heavy duty, tubeless ready model.

lazer roller mips

The Lazer Roller MIPS helmet is Lazer’s entry-level all mountain helmet and kind of a cheaper version of its Revolution lid.

intense carbine

The all new Intense Carbine 29C is a 155mm travel enduro weapon rolling on 29-er wheels. We had a thrash of the top-end Factory model.

ibis ripmo

Designed to meet requirements for tough EWS races, the Ibis Ripmo is a longer travel 29er from a brand with reputation for fast pedalling, efficient bikes.

Cane Creek DBCoil InLine

A “rebel shock” built by one of Cane Creek’s coil fanatics. The new Cane Creek DBCoil InLine is a creation that it sure to delight the anti-air brigade.

blackburn tradesman multi-tool

The new Blackburn Tradesman multi-tool can remove chain quick links out on the trail. If, like me, that’s a task you’ve struggled with, rejoice!

wtb vigilante

WTB Vigilante is practical versatile tyre that’s become a UK staple. And WTB tyres have earned a good reputation as being tough and durable.

vittoria morsa

Big in the road bike world, Vittoria is making a major MTB push. But one of their established all round trail tyres is the Vittoria Morsa.

specialized butcher 2.6

Another brand reworking its tyres is Spesh. Bigger, meatier rubber is on the menu, like this Specialized Butcher 2.6 served up with Gripton compound.

schwalbe magic mary

Schwalbe Magic Mary has always been super grippy and now lasts longer and rolls faster than before. It works really well even in the drier months.

panaracer pandura

Panaracer Pandura TLC is a triple compound, all-mountain model with a proper two-ply DH casing. With nylon taffeta sidewall reinforcemen.