Meet the test champions: our round-up of star bike products
22.2.2019
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Year after year, bikes are pushed to their limits at testing facilities and in editorial departments. How safe, practical and sophisticated are they really? The following products received high praise in 2018.
Even though February feels like May at the moment, it's more than likely that we still have a few weeks of rubbish weather ahead of us. If you're feeling the pull of spring training in the south, the Bike Travel Bag Pro by Evoc is an excellent option. You don't just have to take my word for it; that's the conclusion of numerous tests carried out by specialist magazines. It didn't just receive a «super» rating in the November 2018 issue of Bike Magazine; Roadbike's February 2018 edition also awarded it high praise. Its plus points include a removable frame and ease of use, and it's larger than previous models.
Super bike helmets
MountainBIKE (in German) put 27 helmets through their paces in practical tests. In the mountain bike category, the Mavic XA Pro and Giro Chronicle MIPS came out head and shoulders above the rest. The Mavic earned its place with its perfect adjustable fit, light shell, good ventilation and – importantly – high shock absorption. The Giro Chronicle achieved top marks in impact tests and left no room for complaint. Both received a rating of 84 points, sharing the top spot.
The winner in the cross-country category was the Scott Arx Plus. It was praised for its comfortable fit, adjustment options and good shock absorption.
My personal helmet epiphany came in 2018 with the Lumos Standard, which delivered much more visibility. This is worth its weight in gold in city traffic.
Super bike tyres
The Schwalbe Rocket Ron Addix was also rated «super» (Bike, May 2018). It combines excellent rolling resistance with low weight, with only shock absorption letting it down.
Do you have a racing bike? The Schwalbe Lugano came out top in the lowest price category of Roadbike's test (in German), combining low weight with good puncture protection. The Continental Grand Prix 4000 SII was the clear winner among the top models. Community member Andreas.hassa went even further, describing it as the «best tyre ever!»
Super cycling rucksacks
The Deuter Attack Enduro was the runaway test winner in the September 2018 issue of Bike. Its comfort and finish were praised, along with the excellent cushioning of its Shield System. The Osprey Escapist is larger with a capacity of 32 litres and its cleverly thought-out compartments earned it a rating of «very good» in the June 2018 issue.
It's a bit small to be a rucksack, but the Camelbak Repack LR 4 hydration pack was still awarded a «super» rating in the October 2018 edition of Bike. Along with 1.5 litres of liquid, it also has room for a few small items. Its glowing review was partly due to its adjustable compression straps, which ensure a comfortable fit. The magnetic clip for drinking tubes also proved popular.
Super sports glasses
Uvex Sportstyle 706 CV glasses were rated as «very good» (Bike, July 2018). They impressed the testers with their high-quality finish and Colorvision lenses, which claim to enhance colour and contrast.
Super bike trailers
In a test conducted by TV programme Kassensturz (in German) in March 2018, the Burley D'Lite just beat the Croozer Kid Plus to the top spot. I have to disappoint you, though: we no longer stock either product. Not the two-seater versions that were tested, anyway. We still have the Croozer Kid Plus for 1 2018. What’s more, its successors are in stock, too. Among other things, the Burley D'Lite X 2019 has a new easily adjustable reclining function. Other additions include an ergonomic handlebar, which doubles as an extra roll bar when folded forwards, and a quick receiver, which should make for easy removal of the tow bar and conversion kits. Whether all of that is enough for another test victory remains to be seen. I'd even go so far as to say: the previous version was good, and so is this one. I use a Thule one everyday and I'm very happy with it. In any case, bike trailers are safer than child seats (in German).
Super helmet lights
The Lupine Blika was awarded a «super» rating (Bike, January 2018) due to its phenomenal illumination and wide reach. All I can say is: 2100 lumens. It's a real headlight for extremely dark trails. But it's still a way off from being the brightest bike light in the world (in German).
Super click pedals
The Sixpack Vertic Trail earned itself a «very good» rating (Bike, September 2018). The release force is easy to adjust with the aid of a scale, while the feel is similar to the Shimano SPD system. Proof that you don't always have to go for a big-name brand.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
No worries, we'll keep our eyes peeled for new developments in the cycling market over the course of 2019. And we don't just give you others' opinions; we regularly put products to the test ourselves. If a particular topic or product has caught your eye, let me know in the comments!
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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