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Gravel accessories: Bags & bike racks
Bikepacking bag from Camelbak
Hydration specialist Camelbak now has a complete collection of bikepacking bags in its range, but the centrepiece remains the M.u.l.e. on bike frame pack, a frame bag that is attached underneath the top tube and holds three or four litres. It is specially designed to hold the new 2-litre bike reservoir, a hydration bladder with drinking straw and bite valve. The rest remains as storage space. Two litres correspond to about three large bike bottles, for which there is often a lack of space or mounting points, especially on small frames. Price: 139 euros >> e.g. at Tradeinn available at a reduced price.
Quickly accessible drinks, extends the bike's liquid capacity by 2 litres, sits more securely than bottles.
Bikepacking system from Aroe
Does your bike have no, not enough or poorly positioned threaded points for luggage? The Spider Rack from Aeroe can be attached to virtually any rear triangle using a clever tensioning strap system, even on fullys. The rack comes with one shell-shaped holder, but can be extended to three (pictured). These pods can hold a tent, sleeping bag or one of the waterproof truck tarpaulin changing bags (8 or 12 litres). Despite minimal swinging, the holders sit securely and unobtrusively. Up to 36 litres, permanently fixed (caution with carbon struts), variable positioning.
Rack: 135 Euro >> available here at a reduced price | bag from 49 euros >> available here.
Bicycle carrier from Tree Frog
Taking the bikes out into the countryside but don't feel like mounting the roof rack, or the car doesn't allow it? The carrier systems consisting of a rear wheel mount and rack for the fork from Tree Frog are a smart, space-saving solution for such cases! The Elite and Pro systems can hold one to three wheels on the car using a suction cup, including extra holders for the removed front wheels. Mounted in accordance with the regulations, our bikes were firmly attached to the car after four minutes, despite our initial scepticism.
Tree Frog Elite 2: 345 Euro >> available here Tree Frog Elite 2 + L2 Holder Combo: 510 Euro
Variable quick assembly, 500 kg pulling force / suction cup, little storage space.
More about gravel bikes
Gravel accessories: pedals and lights
Alternative click pedals from Crankbrothers
Shimano's SPD pedal is, so to speak, the standard product in the off-road pedal sector. However, Crankbrothers has long been building pedals with what we consider to be a more forgiving mechanism. After the Eggbeater without any frame, the Americans also offer flatter models such as the Double Shot (above) or Candy (below). This makes it easier to start off and hit the pedal correctly. The movement to release the shoe requires significantly less force than with the SPD, the engagement is somewhat more "unerring" and the traction stability is comparable.
Candy aluminium: 119,95 Euro >> available here Double Shot: from 64 Euro >> available here.
Pedals for beginners from Magped
Newcomers often don't have the confidence to use click pedals. The Austrians from Magped make it easier for them; instead of mechanics, a strong magnet holds the shoe to the pedal, making it much easier and more intuitive to disconnect. Instead of a cleat, a metal plate with a guide is fitted, which ensures that the foot is always positioned correctly on the pedal and provides a surprising amount of traction until the magnet is released. For beginners, we recommend the Enduro 2 model (above) with magnets on both sides instead of the lightweight Gravel.
Enduro 2: from 159 euros >> available here Gravel: 189 Euro >> available here.
Positions and fixes the shoe perfectly, easy release of the connection.
Dropbar-compatible battery lamp from Büchel
Lighting on sporty bikes usually looks like a foreign object. Battery-powered lights "destroy" the flat silhouette on the handlebars, whether you're commuting or on a late training ride. The company Büchel from Fulda probably saw it the same way and has three front lights in its programme which, clamped next to the stem, protrude in front of the handlebars and thus look like an extension of the stem. With 35 lumens and a 680 mAh battery, the Ahead 35 model is not a floodlight, but a very nice detailed solution and perfectly adequate for road use, optionally with a white reflector. The Optical 150 FL model is designed for pedelec mounting.
The sporty line of the bike is retained, more space for sat nav, mobile phone etc. on the handlebars, "towers over" handlebar bags. Price: 15,99 Euro >> available here.
Gravel accessories: tools and cleaning
Brake maintenance tool from Park Tool
If you push your bike over hill and dale, the brake disc will sometimes touch an obstacle. Despite increasing tolerances, a small deformation is enough to cause the disc to make a rhythmic grinding noise. To avoid having to have such a trifle serviced, every ambitious biker should have a straightening tool at home. With a little feeling and - importantly - a precise tool like the DT-2 from Park Tool, you can hardly go wrong. Price: 24,50 Euro >> available here.
Simple, custom-fit tool, saves costs, even useful when travelling by bike.
High pressure cleaner from Muc Off
Even when it's dry, the bike often looks a mess after an off-road tour, but there's no time for a big clean or a trip to the wash box. The high-pressure cleaner from Muc Off is as handy as a large shoe box and blows all the dirt off the bike. Its interchangeable nozzles have been specially developed for bicycles, the jet is gentle on bearings, handlebar tape etc., and a special lance with access for a cleaner produces foam for the big cleaning job. Bag included.
Compressor and nozzles specially developed for bicycle cleaning, compact, powerful. Price Starter Kit: 110 Euro | Price Complete Set: 219,99 Euro >> available here.
