Wrecked & rated

THE BEST BIKES & MTB KIT GIVEN A THRASHING

ALPINESTARS VECTOR TECH A2 HELMET

£150 https://zyrofisher.co.uk

The Vector Tech A2 offers a decent level of protection for trail and enduro riders. It includes a MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) liner, designed to better protect the head from angular impacts, as well as a reinforcing cage embedded into the EPS foam liner. The in-moulded polycarbonate outer shell wraps over the rim of the lid to cover the vulnerable foam, plus drops down low at the rear and covers your temples to properly encase your head.

While the retention cradle anchors just ahead of the temples, rather than wrapping around the entire circumference of your head, we found it to be relatively comfy once we’d cinched it up using the large, indexed adjuster wheel. The Vector Tech A2 isn’t as rounded as some lids, though, so it’s worth trying before buying to ensure it fits your noggin just right.

At high speeds, the massive intake vent up front funnels air in and over your head, providing you’ve set the peak out of the way. Slow down for tight singletrack or a steep climb, and ventilation drops off. The internal channels are covered (for the most part) by the MIPS liner, so you get sweaty fast. At least the thick padding soaks moisture up well. The helmet works with goggles (which can be stowed under the peak) and all the glasses we tried, but stashing specs on it isn’t easy. If the shape works for you and you don’t mind getting warm, it’s a decent lid. Rob

FIRST DEGREE FLITE XT FLAT-PEDAL SHOES

€134.90 https://firstdegree-mtb.com

Designed for gravity riding, dirt jumping and “all-terrain” use, the Flite XTs are this Austrian brand’s most versatile flat-pedal shoes. They have a certain ‘fresh’ appeal straight out of the box, with their striking combo of gum sole, clean white upper and sleek black laces.

First Degree claim you can lace them either internally or externally for an “especially refined fit”, but we didn’t find this to be the case. The sturdy build of the shoes offers protection, but doesn’t make getting a snug fit easy, with the rounded laces just not cinching up as tight as you’d hope. That said, the stiff upper does create a solid shield between your feet and any trail debris.

Despite the shock-absorbing foam on the tongue, there isn’t a ton of padding inside, so our feet felt a bit less cushioned than in something like Crankbrothers’ Stamp shoes. The heel pocket is deep and crad