CRANKS

Vouilloz might well go full carbon with the SRAM Noir but there is still the chance to get hold of the excellent SixC from Race Face. Going forwards however it seems another straight battle between SRAM and Shimano. From a £200 Truvativ Descendant – heavy duty but pretty lightweight cranks – to a £400 Shimano XTR or Truvativ Noir that offer great strength at a lightweight but heavy price bracket. It’s a question of weight and reliability matched to your budget. Longer crank lengths are usually best longer for enduro type events around 175mm, but Shimano offers six sizes of XTR from 165mm to 180mm.

Shimano chainsets www.madison.co.uk

Truvativ chainsets www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

GEARS

The introduction of 10 speed hasn’t been fully taken on board by enduro racers, well not at the events that are more downhill based at least. Still 10 speed paired with an 11–36T out back is now commonplace with a 36T front ring – probably what normal human beings would use. 38T up front and 11–32 out back is known to work as well. All about the legs, the engine, and the event.

CHAIN RETENTION

MRP range, E13, Straitline all make simple and massively effective methods of keeping the drive on. Don’t think you’ll not need one because a flying rock will end your day by smashing your ring to bits, so make sure there’s protection not just retention.

MRP www.ison-distribution.co.uk
E Thirteen www.silverfish-uk.com
Straitline www.hotlines-uk.com

WEIGHT

You’ll be looking at sub 30lb ideally.

BAG OR NO BAG? WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?

Camelback Mule
Mountain Pipe Pump
C02
Puncture Kit
Michelin latex type Tubes
Energy bar
Water