Mick Kirkman

Contributor/tester

ks ether

KS has now added bars stems to its line-up. Designed for enduro, the KS Ether stem is light and strong enough for everything from XC to DH.

gravity grid

There’s nothing to complain about here. The Gravity Grid stem’s price is fair, the finish is good and performance is right up there.

chromag bza

The Chromag BZA is perfectly in keeping with aggressive riding ethic. It works great, but doesn’t provide anything over a stem that’s half the money.

azonic rock

The design of the Azonic Rock proved stiff enough and the unusual 45mm reach may be useful. Solidity and steering response is good too.

truvativ descendant

Not the lightest, but the Truvativ Descendant is still perfectly acceptable for trail riding and XC. The price is excellent considering the quality.

syntace megaforce

The Megaforce 2 is mega expensive, but comes with a 10-year guarantee and, if money were no object, would be our first choice. Syntace really has ticked all the boxes.

Even as a flat pedal user, affordable insoles, like these Specialized footbeds, can bring a substantial increase in comfort and stability. Designed with Bike Fit innovator Andy Pruitt, they are…

Designed for maximum grip and stability, and tough enough for enduro racing, without the weight of a dedicated downhill tyre, the TRSr looks perfect for the kind of riding I…

Long, low and slack, and with a frame that apes the ride of a full-susser, the Stif Morf XT is a blast to ride.

The Sombrio Highline short is versatile and its handled countless wash cycles and still looks good.

At £30 it’s a no-brainer in terms of what it can add to your ride experience, and if you want to save a few grams, there’s a carbon version available…

best mountain bike knee pads

Comfort and breathability are superb, even in the hottest temperatures abroad, but stability is less than perfect.

Smith wanted to offer the benefits of the Forefront at a lower price point, so now offers a cheaper Rover helmet.

The GE1 grip differs from most by being specially shaped to fit the hand. So rather than a fixed, round diameter, the GE1 uses a slightly thinner zone under the…

Secure cornering hold that comes at an earlier lean angle, which will suit riders looking for consistent grip