The Osprey Viper 9 allows organised carrying and can be loaded up for all-day riding, but it works best when travelling fast and light.
Products
Scott Shr-alp RS shoes review
The Scott Shr-alp RS is pretty expensive, but it’s lightweight, tough and a really capable shoe for long days on the hills.
Bontrager Lithos MIPS helmet review
A top-quality product, and the inclusion of a sticker kit to customise the go faster stripes is a nice touch.
Gore Power Trail Short+ review
The first short from Gore that’s long enough for proper trail riding, combined with a super-lightweight fabric and slim cut that’s excellent for warm weather days.
Hope Spiderless Crankset review
Offers fantastic performance and reliability and really does look stunning.
Maxxis Tomahawk tyre review
As an all-rounder the Tomahawk falls short, but as a rear-specific dry condition tyre it comes recommended.
Five Ten Sam Hill Impact 3 shoe review
Aussie DH champ Sam Hill has helped update the classic Five Ten Impact Low into this signature model, which, by using several new materials gets improved comfort and drying speed.
Syntace Number Nine Titan flat pedal review
Eye-wateringly expensive it may be, but the NumberNine Titan is top quality.
RockShox Lyrik RCT3 Solo Air 160mm fork review
Solid, reliable and easy to set up, the new RockShox Lyrik offers first class performance.
Bos Deville 3-Way TRC 160mm fork review
The silky smooth action of the Bos Deville means that traction and comfort on loose, rough trails are both first rate.
X-Fusion Sweep 160mm fork review
X-Fusion is playing catch-up, there are better options on the market right now.
RockShox Yari RC 160mm fork review
This is an excellent 160mm fork for the money — stiff, reasonably light and you couldn’t set it up badly if you tried.
Manitou Mattoc Pro 160mm fork review
The Manitou Mattoc Pro is hugely adjustable and easily the best entry-level 160mm fork on test.
IXS BC-X3.1 gloves review
These full-finger gloves from IXS are just the dab for summer riding
Stan’s No Tubes ZTR Bravo Team wheels review
Amongst the best 29er wheels we’ve used. Highly recommended.
Shimano DX M647 clipless pedals
More than 10 years old, but even up against far more modern competition it’s still a great caged clipless pedal.
HT T1 clipless pedals
The only reason we can see to buy the T1 over XT is for the colours, of which there are seven.
Oakley Jawbreaker review
The new Prizm lens is truly stunning
O’Neal Trigger II flat pedal shoes review
The Trigger is very comfy with decent padding in the ankle area to protect against knocks and rocks
Azonic World Force flat pedal review
The World Force is a solid performer, and the best Azonic pedal to date