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There may only be three litres of storage inside the Evoc Hydro 3 pack, but it’s enough to cram in the essentials for long rides. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

\u00a3105<\/li><\/ul>
While I\u2019m all for ditching riding packs and cramming all my essentials onto the bike, that isn\u2019t always possible on every ride. Especially long ones.<\/p>
I\u2019ve found packs such as the Evoc Hyrdo Pro 3 <\/a> incredibly useful for those bigger days out when you need a bit more kit.<\/p>
$\"Evoc$
Broad shoulder straps not only help keep the Hydro 3 stable on your back, but also offer some well-considered storage. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Sure, you\u2019ll still get a sweaty back and people may scoff at the fact you\u2019re wearing a bag, but having enough kit or the right tools to complete a ride will always be my preference over looking cool on the bike.<\/p>
The broad shoulder straps offer some easy-to-access pockets so you can stash essentials such as energy gels<\/a>, multi-tools<\/a> or even tubeless repair plugs well within reach.<\/p>
A compact 1.5-litre bladder is stored inside the main pocket with enough space to get a waterproof jacket<\/a>, spare gloves<\/a>, tools and even more snacks inside.<\/p>
$\"Evoc$
A magnet on the chest strap and bite valve stem means re-locating it once you’ve had a drink is easy. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Although that sounds like quite a lot of kit, which might well weigh you down or, worse, flap about uncontrollably as you bounce through the bumps, the Hydro Pro 3 is incredibly stable.<\/p>
Even with only the two chest straps to tether the shoulder straps in place, it\u2019s surprising just how steadfast this little pack feels while ducking and diving in and out of the trees.<\/p>
<\/div>
RockShox SID Ultimate fork<\/h2>
<\/div>
$\"RockShox$
The latest RockShox SID Ultimate fork comes with 110mm or 120mm of travel. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a31,069 (excluding TwistLoc remote)<\/li><\/ul>
I\u2019ve had to include the new SID Ultimate<\/a> fork from RockShox here because it\u2019s the first fork I\u2019ve ever given a five-star review to. Quite simply, it\u2019s brilliant.<\/p>
While I liked the previous version, this feels that bit more capable and comfortable, and irons out bumps more like a trail fork. And it\u2019s still light.<\/p>
$\"RockShox$
RockShox now offers the SID with an updated Charger Race Day 2 damper. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
I wasn\u2019t totally sure I\u2019d be into the TwistLoc remote and the three-position damping, but after a lot of miles, I came to really appreciate being able to tweak the feel of the fork on the fly.<\/p>
For the most part, I\u2019ve not been locking the fork out fully, but using the middle \u2018pedal\u2019 mode (shifting the SIDLuxe shock into this mode at the same time), which helps to make things far more efficient.<\/p>
It firms the fork and shock up enough to make you feel like a hero when winding on the power, but ensures there\u2019s still enough comfort when climbing rough ascents.<\/p>
$\"RockShox$
The revised TwistLoc remote enables you to toggle quickly between damper modes. The only downside is the push-on, rather than lock-on, grips that now come as standard with this remote. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Overall, though, it\u2019s how supple and smooth the fork is that has won me over. <\/p>
This new fork isn\u2019t quite as progressive as its predecessor, which means using all the travel is that bit easier. However, it’s supple, tracks the trail well and still feels supportive when you need it to be.<\/p>
<\/div>
Troy Lee Designs Drift shorts<\/h2>
<\/div>
$\"Troy$
Thanks to the svelte cut and minimalist features, the Drift shorts are ideal for those looking to put big trail miles in. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3119.99<\/li><\/ul>
If you like to dabble with high-mileage trail riding or cross-country racing, but don\u2019t like skin-tight Lycra, finding well-fitted kit that remains baggy enough to avoid that spray-on look isn\u2019t always easy.<\/p>
Troy Lee Designs\u2019 Drift kit is nicely tailored and manages to balance the loose, comfortable fit you\u2019d want from mountain bike kit. However, it remains figure-hugging enough that it doesn’t flap about in the wind when the speed picks up.<\/p>
The Drift shorts are my personal highlight. There\u2019s enough length and broad enough legs to ensure trail-style knee pads<\/a> will work with these should you wish to get a little wilder, though thanks to the cut, they work and look just fine without pads, too.<\/p>
$\"Troy$
The latest version of the Drift shorts features a rearward-facing thigh pocket as well as one at the back of the waistband. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The older shorts, like the ones pictured here, have a zipped pocket at the rear of the waistband, which is handy for stowing a car key or card. <\/p>
Newer Drift shorts also feature a larger rearward-facing pocket on the thigh, which is slightly bigger and more useful.<\/p>
While the Drift shorts aren\u2019t cheap (the price listed here is for the outer short only, with no padded liner included), they are incredibly comfortable and work brilliantly on the bike.<\/p>
And, after a serious number of miles and plenty of visits to the washing machine, mine are still looking fresh.<\/p>
<\/div>
Maxxis Forekaster 3C MaxxTerra EXO tyres<\/h2>
<\/div>
$\"Maxxis$
The Maxxis Forekaster tyre straddles the line between fast cross-country and heavy-duty, sticky enduro rubber really well. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a364.99<\/li><\/ul>
If you live somewhere such as the UK, where it likes to rain, a low-profile cross-country (XC) tyre won\u2019t cut it for a good chunk of the year.<\/p>
That\u2019s because the tyre tread isn\u2019t deep enough to cut into the soft dirt beneath it, leaving it unable to meaningfully dig into anything and generate any kind of grip.<\/p>
The same can be said for loam and dust, too.<\/p>
That\u2019s where the Maxxis Forekaster<\/a> comes in. Maxxis says this tyre fills the void between speedier XC tyres with their shallow treads and firm rubber compounds, and its chunkier offerings aimed at trail and enduro riding. Here, the treads are taller and more aggressive, as well as stickier and slower-rolling.<\/p>
Sure, compared to a fast-rolling XC tyre, the Forekaster feels a little more laboured on tarmac or hardpack sections of trail, but as soon as things are a little softer under-tyre, the Forekaster really comes into its own.<\/p>
$\"Maxxis$
In terms of all-round performance, the Forekaster is a great trail tyre, thanks to its easy-rolling nature and well-spaced tread pattern, which works well just about everywhere. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
There\u2019s enough tread to bite into mud or sink into dust and loam, and generate traction when you most need it.<\/p>
Tall shoulder treads help to boost corner grip and confidence when descending, while the square tread blocks dig in nicely when you do hit the brakes and need to slow down.<\/p>
When the mud does get thicker, the Forekasters manage to shed mud relatively quickly, too.<\/p>
All things considered, rolling speed isn\u2019t that bad and I\u2019d rather take that extra resistance for improved traction when the conditions take a turn for the worse.<\/p>
While it might be great to be able to zip along with next to no effort on a shallow-treaded XC race tyre, if you can\u2019t make it around the next turn, is it really worth it? Give me the extra grip any day of the week!<\/p>
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