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Some of you will immediately scream "Give it to me!" when you see these items from the parts and clothing sections:
1st carbon hat: Kask Defender
If you fall at just over walking speed, your arms will no longer be able to absorb the momentum. Next point of contact: the chin. That's why full protection is needed when things get rough on the trail. With the Defender, the Italian label Kask has developed a very lightweight full-face helmet made of carbon, ventilated through 18 slits to prevent the head from overheating. The carbon fibre hat weighs just 778 grams (size M). That's really good! We will soon be checking how safe it is in a crash test. The Defender is available in 4 colours and 4 sizes.
Price499 Euro >> e.g. available here.
2nd protective shield: SixSixOne glasses
The safety experts from Southern California are known for their protectors, helmets and pads. In 2021, SixSixOne is launching a goggle on the market for the first time - at a very reasonable price! The goggles are lightweight, fit close to the face and are comfortable to wear (we've already tried them) - and they look good! Available in 2 sizes and 4 colour styles.
Price: 40 Euro
3. style-o-mat: Alpina Rootage Evo
Want to look like Reichsgraf Berghe von Trips - the legendary Formula 1 driver? No problem. The Rootage Evo from Alpina makes it possible. The jet helmet offers more protection than a classic enduro helmet. Very good! Practical: the tried-and-tested size adjustment wheel at the back of the head. This allows you to loosen or tighten the helmet with a flick of the wrist. Just as practical: the ratchet chin strap. Available in 4 colours.
Price160 Euro >> e.g. available here.
4th Aggro-Italian: Frame MDE Carve
Have you ever heard of the bike label MDE? We haven't yet! The bike manufacturer from Italy adorns itself with the slogan: "Born in the Alps". Sounds promising, doesn't it? We liked the aggressive Carve trail bike. It's available in 27.5 and 29 inches with sophisticated kinematics (150/135 mm) and a generous reach (464 mm in M).
Price for the frame kit: 1890 euros.
Info: mdebikes.com
5. fast part: Öhlins DH 38 M1 suspension fork
It is (still!) the fastest DH fork in the world - and wants to stay that way. That's why the Swedes upgraded their Öhlins DH 38 M1, gave it more effective air damping, reduced friction and improved the set-up. With the DH 38, 2019 world champion Loic Bruni is set to become the fastest downhiller in the world again in Leogang. By the time the magazine hits the newsstands, we'll already know whether the maths worked out.
Price1443 Euro.
Info: ohlins.eu
6. spring can: Cane Creek Kitsuma damper
Cane Creek has revised its Kitsuma shock. The Americans have given it a three-way adjustable platform. Finally: you no longer need tools to set it up - very good! Available as an air or steel spring version, both with twin-tube technology. Incidentally, the "spring cans" are handmade in Fletcher/USA. Weight: 585 grams (air, 210 mm), 471 grams (coil, 210 mm without spring).
Price730 Euro (Air), 700 Euro (Coil without spring).
Info: cosmicsports.com
7. dragon skin: Evoc Vest Lite protector waistcoat
We've been using the Protector Vest Lite from Evoc for years - in the park and when skiing. Because it's light and comfortable to wear. The successor now has an improved, pre-shaped protector (168 g). It is designed to absorb impacts even better. The pad consists of foam segments. This ventilates the back and fits better. Great: the full hip belt.
Price160 Euro >> e.g. available here.
8. turbo trousers: ION Scrub Mesh ine
Ion calls the colour of its Scrub Mesh ine turbo trousers Smashing Red. Abrasion-resistant, breathable, stretchy fabric is designed to turn the Mesh ine into a downhill machine. The colour provides the necessary mimicry.
Price: 146 Euro
9. downhill diva: Schwalbe Betty tyres
Oh, how we loved our Big Betty. But she fell victim to the catfight at Schwalbe and Magic Mary took over. But now the Betty is back - stronger than ever. Available with three carcasses: Superdownhill (1360 g), Supergravity (1250 g) or Supertrail (1140 g); example: 27.5 x 2.4 inches. There is a choice of two rubber compounds. Betty is said to roll better than Mary, making it particularly interesting as a rear tyre.
Price67,90 Euro >> e.g. available here
10. thick knee: Amplifi Havok Knee protector
Modern knee protectors reduce impact energy by up to 95 per cent (!) - the Havok Knee from Amplifi is one such protector. Inside is a foam pad from Sas-tec. It encloses the leg well and buffers the hell out of it (< 8 kN). New: a honeycomb laminated fabric for maximum comfort with a side zip.
Price120 Euro >> e.g. available here
11th film star: GoPro Hero 9 Black camera
The 8 has just been released and it's already time for the 9: the action cam market leader doesn't allow itself any weaknesses. The GoPro Hero 9 Black has become bigger and heavier, as it now films in 5k resolution, has better front and rear displays and a more effective stabiliser. The microphone should now also work really well.
Price380 Euro >> e.g. available here
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
