The Maxxis Shorty is designed for wet conditions. It excels where grip is sparse, but that’s not to say that its mid-length spikes don’t hold up when things dry out. However, it is noticeably draggy, which becomes more of a downside on the driest days.​

Trek has had a long-standing presence in the mountain bike world with a vast range of bikes to back it up. The brands offering ranges from featherweight cross country bikes right through to downhill thoroughbreds. If you're in the market for a Trek bike and wondering which will suit you best, read on for our complete guide to their 2021 range.

With the turn of the year, it's nearly that time again where we crown the best bikes and kit we've tested over the past 12 months. Coming this week from Tuesday (12th Jan) we'll be presenting awards to both mountain and gravel bikes along with apparel, components and other gear.

The AM 100 S from Decathlon-owned brand Rockrider is a wallet-friendly, all-mountain rig that offers an impressive pedalling platform and an agile ride. While providing all the kit you expect from a modern mountain bike and prime for trail centre routes, its rather dated geometry holds it back on the gnarlier trails.

New for 2021 and brand new for the brand, Focus has launched its first ever gravel bike dubbed the Atlas. Controversially, Focus hasn't designed the Atlas to be topping podiums but it's built to handle everything you can throw at it and be a reliable companion during your weekend escapades. 

The Muc-Off Stealth Tubeless Puncture Plug kit provides a whole tubeless repair solution that hides neatly in your bar ends. While its price tag tops the competition, its superb build quality, versatility and sheer handiness means it's definitely worth every penny.

Endura’s MT500 Waterproof Short II is comfortable, well fitted and most importantly, waterproof. In fact, there’s not a lot to complain about, although I can’t say I’m too thrilled about this 'nutmeg' colour – luckily there's black as well – and it is fairly pricey.

Known for offering backpacks that come kitted with high levels of back protection, EVOC has added the Trail Pro to the line-up. Not only is it an all-new bag for the brand but it comes with a brand new back protector that's promised to be the lightest on the market while offering an even higher level of protection.

Relatively fresh in Vittoria’s line up is the Mazza, and it's an enduro/trail focused tyre that comes in two wheel sizes, two widths and two casings. While this Enduro cased 29er version performs predictably on loose surfaces in the dry or when damp, the Minion-esque looks and 'mixed conditions' label imply an all-round competency it just doesn't have.

Today Leatt has introduced the brand new DBX 4.0 Enduro helmet to the line-up. It's certified to downhill helmet standards and comes sorted with all the mod cons with the aim to make it a convenient and fully kitted enduro focussed lid.