The DT Swiss D 232 One Dropper stands out for its unique design and it is aimed specifically for cross-country mountain biking and racing with a drop of just 60mm. But, while the drop is short, less often means more and despite excellent performance and reliability, it is heavier and more expensive than many of the best dropper posts.

The Limar Pora is a lightweight all-mountain helmet with a comfortable and breathable fit. It might be one of the lighter options among the best mountain bike helmets but it has limited adjustment and a peak that I found frustrating while riding.

The Vittoria Barzo tyre with the brand's XC Trail casing is designed for all conditions riding and mixed-terrain and it has been excellent on softer surfaces, too. The XC Trail casing has proved to be strong and durable but does hamper trail feedback. If there is one downside, it's grip on wet rocks but, overall, it's one of the top contenders in the best mountain bike tyre space. 

Castelli is not the first company to integrate a hydration bladder into a jersey or top but it is one of a few new options on the market aiming at gravel riders where aerodynamics and the ability to stay fuelled over long distances is vital. But with a premium price, no bladder and fewer features than a standard hydration vest, does the Castelli Unlimited Pro Jersey provide any real benefits?

The Maxxis Reaver is a gravel tyre designed for faster riding, featuring slightly more tread on the edge than the brand's ultra-low-profile Receptor model.

Silca Secret Chain Blend is a lubrication product that requires melting and submerging the chain into a melted wax liquid. Although the process is more complex than using a drip wax, a few additional tools can simplify it. The benefits include a cleaner drivetrain, enhanced durability in most conditions and reduced friction.

The Fara Modular Cockpit has a distinctive design that retains some advantages of a traditional two-piece system while offering a secure and clean method for attaching accessories. The handlebar features 10mm of reach adjustment, providing some flexibility in fit. I found the shape very comfortable, although the setup comes at a premium.

Ergon's BT Gravel bar tape with its 3.5mm thickness is comfortable and easy to install, thanks to the good level of stretch. Designed to perform well in all weather conditions, the material and texture provide reliable traction. However, the adhesive provides minimal adjustment, which could be an expensive drawback given the cheaper options among the best gravel bar tape.

The recently redesigned Hutchinson Python 3 Racing Lab, now in its third iteration, offers a balanced mix of speed, grip, and durability that qualifies it as a versatile all-round option. This performance tyre excels in drier, summer conditions, showing some limitations in muddy terrain.

The DT Swiss F 232 One suspension fork moniker may be a bit of a mouthful but it excels on the trail – and that's all that counts. With a wide range of adjustments and impressive stiffness and surpasses expectations for a cross-country fork. It offers mid-range compression and good small-bump sensitivity – all the ingredients for a comforting ride.