Parts at risk: Backpack, helmet & an insight into the Specialized Levo SL

The BIKE testers are constantly in action and make the parts tremble on their missions. We try out the latest equipment and say: should you buy it or not? In this issue, we tested the Swedish USWE Flow 16 L backpack, with its special harness system and no-wobble promise. We also report on the new edition of the Abus Hidrop full-face helmet and draw an interim conclusion on the Specialized Levo SL endurance test bike.

Dance grouch: USWE Flow 16 L

The Swedish backpack specialist is the top dog among hydration packs in the moto enduro sector. Hardenduro star Manuel Lettenbichler also relies on the hydration packs from USWE (pronounced: you swii). The Swedes promise: "Our rucksacks are absolutely wobble-free!"

A dancing monkey on your back? No way, the tight-fitting shoulder straps prevent that. These and the central buckle feel unusual at first, but you'll get used to it. Then you can hardly feel the rucksack. No wobbling, no slipping.

The many storage compartments in the two large pockets are well thought out. The side pockets on the hip belt also offer space for a mobile phone and keys. The rucksack is equipped with an integrated back protector (SAS Level 1) and a 2-litre hydration bladder. Weight: 1010 grams. Price: 239 Euro >> e.g. at Alltricks or Bicycle XXL available at a reduced price.

Conclusion on the USWE Flow 16 L MTB backpack

The "No Dancing Monkey" technology takes some getting used to, but works very well. Good pocket management. A little expensive.

Strengths

• Wearing comfort
• Soft eyewear compartment
• Back protector

Weaknesses

• Price

Shellfish: Abus Hidrop

The new edition of the full-face helmet from the Ruhr area is robust and has the feel of a downhill helmet. Style ahead: Abus has moulted! The tested Midnightblue and MossGreen colours are a feast for the eyes without being obtrusive. The HiDrop sits snugly on the cheeks and back of the head without pinching. Even large glasses, such as the 100% Armega, fit easily into the peephole.

Abus has dispensed with safety features such as Mips. We did not subject the helmet to a crash test, but relied on the current standards that the Hidrop fulfils. In addition, a break-away visor is installed to prevent the head from twisting (overstretching) in the event of a fall.

The two reigning German enduro champions Christian Textor and Raphaela Richter rely on the new Hidrop. Weight: 1070 grams (M). Price: 200 Euro >> at Alltricks or Bicycle XXL available.

Conclusion on the Abus Hidrop MTB full-face helmet

Very stylish helmet at a fair price. Unfortunately, no helmet bag is supplied.

Strengths

• Wearing comfort
• Optics
• Double D-ring buckle system

Weaknesses

• Ventilation

Permanent test update: Specialised Levo SL Comp Alloy

Facts:

• Suspension travel: 160 mm / 150 mm
• Frame size: S4
• Reach / Stack: 470 mm / 635 mm
• Weight: 20.2 kilos (without pedals)
• Price: 6600 Euro >> e.g. at Tradeinn or Bicycle XXL available

With the Specialized Levo SL you can get up almost anywhere. But can you get down everywhere? Yes, I thought, until I chased the minimal-assist trail bike over the Barbarasteig. - Laurin Lehner, BIKE test editor

Lots of stroke = lots of fun! I subscribed to this theory for a long time. Until I realised that small-stroke bikes are much more fun on 90 percent of the routes I ride. The concept of minimal-assist bikes also seems logical to me. Not only does it save weight, but more importantly, it provides a direct riding experience. Feedback from the ground instead of sweeping over roots with a hovercraft feeling.

With less travel, the bike is also easier to push, press and pull. In short: pilot instead of autopilot. On some trails, however, you are at a disadvantage. I experienced this on the Barbarasteig in Seefeld (Tyrol). While my colleagues were whizzing over the root-la-la with their 180-millimetre bikes, my Levo SL lost traction, bounced, bucked and stumbled. I had no choice but to hold on (more passenger than pilot) and force the bike back onto the chosen line again and again.

The moral of the story? You have to die a death: playfulness or smoothness. In short: on the rare bumpy stretches such as the Barbarasteig, for example, I'm happy to give up, as long as I enjoy the lively ride on most stretches instead of sinking into the suspension travel.

Interim conclusion on the Specialized Levo SL in the endurance test:

The Levo SL Comp cuts a fine figure almost everywhere. You have to ease off the throttle a little on angry trails, as the short suspension travel and the more favourable suspension elements are limiting here.

More Parts in danger Articles are available here.