Here are some of the highlights of what we saw a trade shows in the summer. Will we see this stuff on the trails over the coming months?

>>> Mountain bike clothing deals

Dirtlej Dirtsuit

Dirtlej is a small German brand has been on our radar for a while due to their innovative Dirt Suit. This high-tech take on the waterproof onesie looks to be ideal for meeting the British winter head-on. For wet and sloppy riding it avoids the nasty gap between two separate garments and effectively seal out the weather. Finish the ride and then strip out of it easily. There are multiple large zipped vents strategically placed around it to keep you cool. Plus four fully waterproof pockets. If the green is a little too bright, Dirtlej also produce a stealth black version, plus one with full length legs.

Dainese AWA/Scarabeo

You can’t mention Dainese without thinking of protection. For 2018 the good news is that protection is now extending into little ripper territory. The new Scarabeo range promises to keep your little ones safely protected when riding the trails. It also promises to grow with them, thanks to the clever Ribbo technology. Just snip the blue tape when they start outgrowing the armour and it will stretch with them.

Dainese is also bringing out its new AWA range, aimed at riders in search of proper performance clothing for all-day riding. Working as a system, the range features everything from insulating base layers, tiny packable windproofs all the way through to proper Alpine Winter resistant waterproofs. Release is due early 2018.

>>> Mountain bike helmet deals

661 Reset helmet

661 has had a quiet couple of years but are back with a bang with the launch of their new Reset helmet. Rather than continuing to use open mould designs, 661 decided to ‘reset’ the direction of the company and set out to create a helmet entirely of their own. It features a cavernous eye port for increased vision out on the trail, a unique sculpted look to set it apart from other brands full face helmets plus a range of colourschemes including this stunning pearlescent tropical version. The best thing about the Reset? When it launches it’ll sell for around eighty pounds.

ION gloves and shoes

Knitted kit is where it’s at for 2018. We’ve seen knitted shoes from Giro and Vaude, and now ION are in on the act with the latest version of their Gat and Ledge gloves. The Gat is a super light trail glove and now features a knitted back panel. This gives it a super open construction for better breathability. But rather than a pair of gloves crocheted by your gran the Gat has improved scuff and cut protection thanks to the synthetic material. Ion also claim the Gat is way more durable than before. Loads of colours and sizes should mean it’s a glove suitable for all.

ION also unveiled their new Raid shoe. This flat pedal specific shoe builds on the existing Raid-Amp model but streamlines the profile to make it look a little less ‘bike-specific’. They share the same SUPTraction sole as the Raid-Amp, created in partnership with Swiss shoe company Suplest. The upper, however, is much simpler in it’s look to broaden the appeal.