GODFATHERS OFGEAR
These brands helped shape MT Bin ga nd are still making cutting-edge kit today
1 SUNringlé Duroc 35 wheelset Ringlé’s stems (the longer, the better!) and hubs were ’90s must-haves. They’re still in the wheel game, and these promise reliability with no weight penalty. £539.98 www.hotlines-uk.com
2 USE Helix dropper post South Downs-based USE have been turning out innovative bike kit since 1990. Their debut dropper uses unique spiralling internals. £284.99 (165mm stroke) www.ultimateuse.com
3 Panaracer PanDura 27.5x2.4in tyre The Smoke and Dart were a legendary pairing, and Panaracer hope their enduro offering will prove just as popular. £54.99 www.zyrofisher.co.uk
4 ProTaper aluminium handlebar Answer’s ProTaper was the first butted MTB bar. This has a similar tapered profile, but is a load wider, at 810mm. £79.99 www.hotlines-uk.com
5 RockShox BoXXer World Cup DebonAir fork The iconic DH fork marks its 20th birthday with a classic ‘BoXXer red’ paintjob and new damper, spring and crown. £1,689 www.zyrofisher.co.uk
6 Bell 4Forty MIPS helmet Bell made one of the first cycle helmets – the Biker – back in 1975. The 4Forty’s a lot better looking, and offers more protection too. £89.99 www.zyrofisher.co.uk
7 USE Boom Carbon 35 handlebar and Vyce 35 stem British design at its best – the 800mm bar is built for charging at a weight for racing (203g), while the stem (108g) uses a unique twin-bolt design. £134.99/£89.99 www.ultimateuse.com 8 MRP AMg (V2) Carbon chain guide MRP’s top-end enduro guide covers chainrings from 28t to 38t. Long gone are the dual aluminium plate guides that let Shaun Palmer run up to 48t rings! £164.99 www.ison-distribution.com
9 Onza Ules grips The same shape, rubber and porcupine logos as the originals, but with a lock-on collar. £19.99 www.moorelarge.co.uk
10 Shimano Deore XT Race M8000 SPD pedals Shimano introduced the SPD system back in 1990 and they’re still at the top of the clipless pedal game. £89.99 www.madison.co.uk
11 Nukeproof Horizon 3 in 1 rear hub Nukeproof’s hubs were a big hit in the ’90s. This carries on that heritage, with a 12mm axle and three width options. £159.99 www.nukeproof.com
12 Hope Tech 3 E4 brakes Hope were pioneers in the development of disc brakes and hubs. The Tech 3 E4 is their go-to brake for trail/enduro duties. £190 (not inc. rotor) www.hopetech.com 13 Pace RC127+ frame The iconic square tubing of the RC200 is long gone, replaced with aggro geometry and plus tyre compatibility. £575 www.pacecycles.com