NUKEPROOF OIL SLICK SAM HILL RANGE £360

The Oil Slick range was designed for team riders only, its purpose was to show off Nukeproof’s creative prowess on the world stage. Then social media got hold of it and we asked, no demanded, that regular riders get access to the slick look too. Nukeproof relented, turning it into a Sam Hill Signature range.

Look past the cool looking oil slick shimmer and you’ll see some genuine innovation. The grips come in a softer compound for better bar feel and comfort. The famous Horizon flat pedals were revised earlier this year for better stability, and the stem now uses titanium bolts for extra durability.

The saddle is new, developed on the EWS circuit, where Sam used 3D printed prototypes for the final few rounds in 2019 to make sure they worked during seven hours of Enduro World Series racing.

The upshot is a short, 143mm wide saddle with a big channel down the middle to reduce pressure on your bits. It’s also 8mm lower than other mountain bike saddles, Nukeproof says, giving you better standover height. Those low-profile saddle rails are made from titanium which helps keep the whole saddle’s weight down to just 261g.

Individual component prices:

Sam Hill Signature Pedals, £125;

Sam Hill Signature Grips, £30; Sam Hill Enduro Saddle, £80; Tubeless Valves, £25; Sam Hill Ti Stem, £100.

CARBON FOR KIDS

The Specialized Hotwalk Carbon is made from Fact 9r carbon, just like mum/dad’s bike. Carbon wheels, slim-casing Rhythm Lite tyres, and a skinny carbon bar for small hands completes the build, which weighs a ridiculous 2.1kg, lighter even than Strider’s 12 Pro.

SOMETHING BLUE

Trail trousers don’t need to be black — Scott’s Trail Tuned Pant comes in Atlantic Blue with a silver logo. Slim fitting with a tapered leg for aero performance, it’s made from tough Cordura four-way stretch fabric, with two zip pockets and aluminium hook closure.