The Bushwhacker 2Vi Mips is Sweet Protection’s high-end open-face helmet that comes complete with cool protective tech. It’s a great-looking lid that offers decent comfort and coverage with a build quality that’s indicative of its price. Though, while impressive in some ways, poor ventilation among a couple of other points keeps it from excelling among the very best mountain bike helmets.

Specialized's wheel subsidiary Roval has developed and updated its Traverse MTB wheel range. It now offers three wheelsets for trail, enduro, and bike park riding, each promising improved durability, performance, and control. On top of the three wheelsets, the brand also introduces the **it Happens' crash replacement policy.

Marin’s Alpine Trail E platform has been around for a little while now but its base-level model is the new kid on the block. It brings the performance of its higher-end stable mates to a more accessible price point. The result is a very wisely specced e-MTB that does everything it can to please riders who are after an aggressive, gravity-focussed ride. In the hands of more experienced riders, it’s one of the best e-mountain bikes around but its ride isn’t terribly welcoming to newbies.

The 661 Radia goggles are aimed to offer top performance at an affordable price and the brand appears to have hit the nail on the head. These goggles offer a wide and clear field of view combined with flawless comfort and almost everything you’ll need from the best mountain bike goggles. Although, it’s a shame that a second clear lens isn’t included.

DMR’s Stage 2 saddle takes everything we know and love about Ben Deakin’s signature saddle, the OiOi, and adds a microfibre cover. It keeps the robustness and shape of the saddle it's based on but eliminates its tendency to absorb water.

It's been quite a while since Bristol-based Starling Cycles last launched a new bike but now, it has brought the features of its much-loved Murmur and has bolted on a load more suspension travel. Along with a stretched chainstay, Starling has created the Mega Murmur to cater to those looking for a more capable steel full susser or anyone who is taller and after a more balanced and better fitting bike.

Deity’s Deftrap pedals bring large platforms and all of the serviceability of its muse, the TMAC, to a more affordable nylon build. The result is a durable pedal with plenty of grip and a beautifully large platform. However, it’s not without its foibles...

The RockShox fork range 2023 has just received another update and, this time, it's the uber-popular cross-country-going SID that has gone under the knife. Along with a heap of fresh features, the fork gets more air volume as well as a host of other nifty updates. The SIDluxe shock receives an all-new high-speed compression system and increased oil flow. The brand has also given its Twistloc remote lockout a well-deserved refresh.

After being shown how to ride our bikes as quickly as possible, Team ORCC has been busy training and preparing for the upcoming races. All of this has led up to this episode, where I put my newfound skills to the test at my first race at the Tiverton leg of the Southern Enduro series, and Suvi prepares herself further with fresh tyres for Raiders Gravel.

Bell’s top-of-the-range Full-10 full-face helmet lives up to its name in more ways than one. Of course, it’s a full-face helmet but it’s absolutely brimming with safety tech that, combined with a sky-high price tag, makes it a premium lid. Though pricy, it brings impressive comfort and aggressive styling to a package that’ll appeal to the most safety-conscious of downhill rippers. Its lack of airflow, however, limits it to purely gravity-fed riding and its asking price does put it out of reach for many.