Mick Kirkman

Contributor/tester

michelin wild enduro

Some of the fastest EWS racers helped develop these Michelin Wild Enduro. They’re end specific, with different treads and construction per wheel.

goodyear newton

Goodyear's four-tyre range from pure XC models up to these Goodyear Newton Premium tyres, more suitable for trail and enduro riding.

maxxis aggressor

Maxxis Aggressor is targeted as a bit of a do-it-all tyre, but has gained most popularity as a rear option, especially for hard-packed and dusty trails.

kenda hellkat

The designed-for-downhill Kenda Hellkat is now available with a more trail-friendly, dual-compound ‘ATC ‘casing that’s almost 250g lighter.

continental trail king

Continental Trail King looks familiar, but shoulder blocks are reshaped and jut out at a better angle as a result of a more rounded inflated shape.

bontrager xr4

The Bontrager XR4 Team Issue has always claimed to be a bit of an all-rounder that can handle loose, rocky, rough, wet or dry trails.

Merida now has a posse of models sharing the same gene pool, including the One Sixty and One Forty, the eOne Sixty and this latest One Twenty.

Truvativ Descendant DH 35

The Truvativ Descendant DH 35 bar is part of a fleet of bigger bore models in both carbon and alloy, with plenty pro rider signature geometries and widths.

evoc hip pack race 3l

EVOC Hip Pack Race 3L has a roomy 3l of cargo space. It’s well organised with a main chamber that houses a reservoir and larger clothing or pumps.

camelbak repack lr 4

The Camelbak Repack LR 4 is their second attempt at an enduro-style bum bag. The brand have clearly learnt lessons from its older Palos LR 4.

EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro

EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro is a firm staff favourite here at mbr. It’s solid and secure with the quickest and best internal bike retention system.

manitou jack

Fresh for 2018 is the all-new Manitou Jack dropper for £300. It’s a collaboration between the engineers at component brand Answer and Manitou.

Bavarian component company Newmen is only a couple of years old, but has serious pedigree. Michael Grätz, who started Syntace and Liteville heads it up.

smith session mips

Brand new for 2018, the Smith Session MIPS is an all-mountain lid offering Koroyd technology for a cheaper price than its flagship Forefront helmet.