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BIKE test winner mobile cleaning devices
White sugared forest paths. Cleat tracks in deep snow. Stiff frozen ruts. The truth in the German winter usually looks different. Bikers come home from their home rounds covered in mud, their bikes caked with dirt beyond recognition. Lucky are those who have a water supply and garden hose on their doorstep. For everyone else, mobile cleaning devices can be the ideal solution. This is because the battery-operated devices generate their water jet independently of a power socket or domestic water connection. These two products particularly impressed us in the test.
Test winner Aqua2Go Pro
Price: 241,95 Euro >> available here
- Scope of delivery: hose, battery, charger 12V and 220 volt, LED lamp, brush attachment, various spare parts
- Operation / running time: rechargeable battery, 12V operation / approx. 29 min.
- Tank / pressure / hose length: 20 l / max. 10 bar (2 stages) / 6 m
- Accessories: Cleaner reservoir for nozzle
Thanks to the huge 20-litre tank, three heavily soiled bikes can be cleaned at a pressure of 10 bar. Powered by twelve volts, the service life is extended enormously. The pump can be removed and draws water from almost any source. The battery is both LED light and power bank. The compact nozzle, which can be adjusted with a twist, also reaches nooks and crannies, but the brush attachment is impractical and splashes a lot of water. The pump lock and transport handle are small, so be careful when handling. The small castors run poorly on loose surfaces.
Strengths in the test: Battery runtime; accessories; water supply; 12-volt power connection; battery torch/power bank; extremely self-sufficient device
Weaknesses in the test: Pump lock; battery indicator and switch barely visible; castors too small
Price-performance tip Gloria Multijet 18V
Price: 174,99 Euro >> available here
- Scope of delivery: charger, battery, lance, dirt filter, suction hose, PET bottle attachment
- Operation / running time: rechargeable battery / approx. 12 min.
- Tank / pressure / hose length: not available / max. 25 bar / 5 m
- Accessories: Foam nozzle, 10-litre container
Gloria's Multijet is similar to a cordless screwdriver in terms of handling. The device is somewhat heavy, but sits comfortably in the hand. The battery indicator and pressure adjustment are easy to see. The lance makes handling more difficult, without the extension the Multijet cleans more precisely. Unfortunately, only one of the four spray modes is really useful. On the other hand, coarse dirt is cleared away properly even at pressure level two. The Gloria is extremely self-sufficient and sucks water from any source, even from a PET bottle with the integrated attachment. Particularly practical with the optional 10-litre canister.
Strengths in the test: Compact device; can be used very independently; high-quality workmanship; battery indicator; three pressure levels; good maximum pressure
Weaknesses in the test: Battery life; not all spray modes usable
The best cycling shorts for the long haul
When every muscle fibre begs for the finish line at the end of the Ronda Extrema at the BIKE Marathon on Lake Garda, even the smallest disruptive factors in your cycling shorts become instruments of torture. A scratchy seam suddenly grates like a saw on the thigh. The saddle presses like a pincushion through the sagging seat pad. And overly tight braces weigh on your shoulders like heavy barbells. The cycling shorts are the most important link between rider and bike. Lucky are those who have already found a pair that fits perfectly. For everyone else, here is an overview of our favourite models for men and women.
Test winner women's cycling shorts Assos Dyora Summer Bib Short
Price: 200 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹ (S) / Sizes / Made in: 156 g / XS-XLG / Bulgaria
- Features: seamless X straps; wide, rubberised stretch cuffs
- Padding (length / width / thickness / hardness): 21 cm / 13 cm / 11 mm / medium
In typical Assos style, the Dyora cycling shorts only fit perfectly in the saddle. The robust material offers light compression and fits snugly to the body. The wide, taut straps are positioned comfortably at the sides of the chest and hold the shorts perfectly in place, but can pinch at the shoulders. We recommend buying one size larger if necessary. Leg cuffs with woven-in silicone and the slightly raised waistband ensure a high level of comfort even on long rides. The padding of the Assos cycling shorts for women is well positioned and moves with the rider. Minor criticism: The seams in the hip bend and at the base of the bib are slightly scratchy.
Price-performance tip women's cycling shorts Protective P-Traverse W
Price: from 90 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹ (S) / Sizes / Made in: 163 g / 36-46 / Lithuania
- Features: wide, tight waistband; rubberised leg cuffs; side pocket
- Padding (length / width / thickness / hardness): 19 cm / 10.5 cm / 15 mm / medium
The second strapless women's cycling shorts model in the test also has the problem that the waistband rolls in at the stomach and then causes pressure points. Otherwise, the high-cut P-Traverse Bib Shorts for women are quite comfortable to wear and wrap the wearer well. The material has the same elasticity all round, but feels a little cheap when sweaty, but the seams are hardly noticeable. Good: the cuffs of the long trouser legs do not press directly on the muscle. The large silicone insert is a little annoying. As with the men's shorts, the padding of the women's cycling shorts is very narrow and leaves little room for changing position.
Test winner men's cycling shorts Assos Mille GTO Bib Shorts C2
Price: 290 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹ (M) / Sizes / Made in: 189 g / XS-TIR / Bulgaria
- Features: seamless straps and cuffs; 2 leg lengths; reflective
- Padding (length / width / thickness / hardness:) 18.5 cm / 15 cm / 22 mm / medium
With the Mille GTO, Assos has found the perfect compromise between comfort and compression. The cycling shorts for men fit tightly without constricting. There are no seams in any of the cuffs. Silicone dots fix the cycling shorts inconspicuously to the thigh. The seamless straps that cross at the back keep the padding in place. If you still feel like you're wearing a nappy when standing, the extremely thick padding and the fluffy insert in the crotch provide comfort even after hours. There is some criticism for the slightly scratchy strap attachments. The workmanship of the bib shorts for bikers is top-notch and, from experience, the money will be well invested for years to come.
Price-performance tip for men's cycling shorts Gonso SQlab Go Bib
Price: 120 Euro >> available here
- Weight (M) / Sizes / Made in: 197 g / S-6XL / Turkey
- Features: seamless, rubberised leg cuffs; mesh back
- Pad (length / width / thickness / hardness): 18.5 cm / 16 cm / 6 mm / hard
Even if the Gonso cycling shorts can't quite keep up with the best bib shorts in the test in terms of cut, they are an absolute price-performance tip. The thin, firm padding from SQlab remains pressure-resistant even on the longest rides, but requires well-set sit bones. The Gonso is therefore not the best choice for beginners. The fabric sits comfortably, even if it is sometimes a little scratchy. The seamless straps are sufficiently tight and keep the trousers firmly in place. We also liked the slightly longer trouser legs, whose wide, seamless cuffs effectively prevent them from riding up.
The best MTB shoes
Mountain bike shoes for long tours and trail rides have to combine the best of both worlds. Grippy and comfortable like hiking boots, but at the same time stiff and powerful like racing shoes - criteria that are almost mutually exclusive. These two mountain bike shoes manage the balancing act best and are therefore among the best MTB accessories of 2022.
Test winner MTB shoes Scott MTB Shr-alp Boa Evo
Price: 150 Euro >> available here
- Weight (size 44) / sizes: 886 g / 40-48, no half sizes
- Sole material / profile: nylon fibreglass / Scott Sticky Rubber
- Features: Boa fastening; toe and heel protection; Ergo sole
- Fit: Slim fit shoe with flat instep and narrow toe box
If the slim cut is right for you, the Scott MTB shoe is a top trail shoe that offers plenty of comfort and protection and is still well ventilated. The single Boa fastener holds the foot surprisingly securely in the shoe, keeping you stable and firmly connected to the pedals. The power transmission is also perfect. Thanks to the wide cleat channel, you can easily find your way into the binding. The Scott MTB shoes Shr-alp roll comfortably when walking, the chunky tread works on many surfaces and offers sufficient grip and traction.
Tip all-round MTB shoes Crankbrothers Mallet E Speed Lace
Price: 170 Euro >> available here
- Weight (size 44) / sizes: 910 g / 37-48; half sizes 39.5-46.5
- Sole material / rubber compound: carbon-nylon mix / Cranbrothers MC1
- Features: speed laces with pocket; toe protection; silicone gripper on heel, incl. cleats
- Fit: Medium-width cut throughout, slightly flat instep
With the Mallet, the American company Crankbrothers delivers a top all-rounder in mountain bike shoes. The touring shoe can be quickly adjusted using Velcro and Quick Laces and sits comfortably and without pressure points thanks to good padding. The stiff sole and the tensile material transfer power well to the pedals. Because the Mallet is slightly curved at the front, it is also comfortable to walk in and its profile also provides plenty of grip. The toe box offers plenty of protection against rock contact and splash water, but the shoe gets a little sweaty on hot days. Good entry thanks to the angled cleat channel.
Tip Enduro MTB shoes Fizik Gravita Tensor
Price: 180 Euro
- Weight (size 44) / sizes. 926 g / 36 -48; 37.5-46.5 half sizes
- Sole material / rubber compound: nylon / Vibram XS Evo
- Features: lacing; Velcro; pull-on loop; toe and ankle protection; cleat shims
- Fit: Medium-width cut throughout, slightly narrower in the toe area
Super protection, good power transmission and secure footing on the pedals - the Fizik comes pretty close to the enduro ideal. The asymmetric neoprene gaiter merges seamlessly into the tongue and fits snugly around the ankles without any pressure. Robust and water-repellent ripstop material and the laterally offset lacing provide traction on the foot and can be finely adjusted. The flattened cleat channel makes entry easier. Great for cranking. But other shoes run better.
The best MTB saddles in the 2022 BIKE test
Anyone who thinks that tyres are the number one tuning part on a bike is wrong. It's not grips, tubes or gear components, but the inconspicuous black component that hides under the biker's bum. Many customers bring their old saddle with them when they buy a new bike. This is because the factory-fitted saddle model rarely fits the rider's anatomy perfectly. The tyre pressure? Can be adjusted. The suspension? Can be adjusted in a few simple steps. But the saddle? It either fits or it doesn't.
For this reason, we do not carry out a tough comparison test for mountain bike saddles. After all, while the testers are often surprisingly unanimous when it comes to other products, three test subjects, who usually scrutinise every saddle closely, often end up with three very different opinions. Anatomy, riding position, mobility, riding style - there is no other component where so many individual factors play a role as when buying a saddle. Nevertheless, we don't want to withhold our favourite saddles from the last test from you.
Race saddle tip Specialised Power Arc Expert
Price: 150 Euro
- Weight / frame / adjustment range: 247 g / CrMo / 50 mm
- Widths / usable width: 143; 155; 168 mm / 108 mm
Pressure distribution The pressure peaks are due to the hard padding, but only occur on the sit bones. The perineum remains pressure-free.
The tightly padded Specialized Power is a top saddle for sporty and experienced bikers. A suitable position is quickly found, there is plenty of room for the sit bones and the rear provides good support when pedalling. The perineal area is relieved without causing pressure points. The slim shape also suits tight thighs, while the short nose restricts position changes somewhat on climbs.
Tip touring saddle SQlab 611 Ergowave active 2.1
Price: 160 Euro >> available here
- Weight / frame / adjustment range: 240 g / S-Tube / 60 mm
- Widths / usable width: 13; 14; 15; 16 mm / 138 mm
Pressure distribution High pressure peaks, but only on the sit bones, the perineum is ideally relieved by the step and channel.
The step concept of the Ergo manufacturer SQlab also applies to the 611 Ergowave active 2.1 fully open: The perineum is completely relieved - even on climbs. The revised 611 has a high-quality finish, protected sides and firm padding. This means it works perfectly even on long rides. The rear step provides plenty of support, the Active function provides noticeable damping and the lateral flex relaxes the back. The correct angle of the touring saddle is somewhat difficult to find.
Tip comfort saddle Terry Fly Arteria Gel
Price: 90 Euro >> available here
- Weight / frame / adjustment range: 297 g / CrMo / 75 mm
- Widths / usable width: Standard; Max / 120 mm
Pressure distribution Good support on the ischial tuberosities, the perineum remains free even when the pelvis is rotated; no pressure points on the recess
With the Fly Arteria MTB saddle, Terry has a comfortable and well-damped long-distance saddle in its programme. The wide, flat rear offers plenty of space to change position from time to time. With the Terry Fly Arteria MTB saddle, the pressure is also almost optimised on the sit bones, and the perineum also remains free on the saddle nose. There were no complaints about pressure on the edges of the cut-out. The Terry saddle is easy to adjust thanks to its flat shape.
The best MTB grips from BIKE tests 2022
A little rubber, a clamp on the inside, and the bike handle is ready. But it's not that simple. Only when the damping, texture, stickiness and thickness match the mountain biker's anatomy and riding style does a grip literally become a well-rounded thing. Here are the best MTB grips from the trail, race and ergonomics categories.
Tip Trail grips DMR Deathgrip
Price: 27,99 Euro
- Weight / length / diameter: 105 g / 123 mm / 29.8; 31.3 mm
- Special features: lamellae on the thumb; waffle structure; internal clamping; 21 colours
One of our absolute favourites: great looks and well thought-out profile. Soft lamellae increase comfort on the thumb, fingers can get caught in the waffle profile on the underside. The diamond structure also provides a good grip. The Deathgrip is also available in two thicknesses.
Tip Race Grips ODI F-1 Series Vapor Grips
Price: 18,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight / length / diameter: 91 g / 127 mm / 30 mm
- Special features: 4 colours; indentations for increased finger grip
The ODI F-1 MTB grip has the softest compound in the comparison and filters out many small vibrations. The fingers find additional support in small indentations and the grip is also quite good. The bike grips are easy to pull onto the handlebars, but can slip a little off-road.
Tip Ergonomic grips SQlab 711 MTB Tech & Trail
Price: 34,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight / length / diameter: 135 g / 126 mm / S; M; L
- Special features: Internal clamp; anatomically flattened shape
The SQlab 711 MTB grips are modelled down to the last detail and follow the shape of the fingers. The bike grip maximises the contact surface of the ball of the foot without any annoying wings and remains fully suitable for off-road riding, with a very secure grip and noticeable damping. The 7OX takes less getting used to, but is ergonomically excellent. Find out more about the ergonomic MTB grip from SQlab here.
The best MTB backpacks and hipbags
There are many obstacles on the way to the summit. Flat tyres. Hunger pangs. Rain showers. So where to put all the equipment that helps mountain bikers through the adventure? Rucksack? Hipbag? We have scrutinised the various systems and selected the best products for trail bikers.
Test winner MTB backpacks Deuter Compact 14 EXP
Price: 110 Euro >> available here
- Weight / volume: 978 g / 14+5 / 18 l
- Carrying system: Eva padding with mesh
- Features: rain cover, protector straps, mobile phone compartment, volume expansion, hip belt pockets, hydration bladder compartment
- Hydration bladder: optional / 2 litres, 38 euros
Deuter's Compact 14 comes very close to being the perfect touring backpack for mountain bikers: despite maximum equipment, the Deuter remains extremely clearly structured. All compartments are easily accessible. The back system can be perfectly adjusted, sits extremely stable on the descent thanks to the hip wings set far inwards and also ventilates well. There is space for a mobile phone, hydration bladder and tools in extra compartments. On top of this, the Augsburg-based company has provided helmet and goggle holders as well as protective straps. The volume can also be expanded. A well-deserved test win for the Deuter MTB backpack.
Tip Enduro backpack Evoc Trail Pro 16
Price: 210 Euro >> available here
- Weight / volume: 1001 g / 16 / 18 litres
- Carrying system: Eva padding with mesh
- Equipment: Level 2 protector included, rain cover, tool compartment, emergency plan, helmet holder optionally available (18 euros)
- Hydration bladder: optional / 2 litres, 35 euros
The new Evoc Trail Pro is the ideal choice for extended enduro tours. Despite the level 2 protector, the weight is kept within limits. With the combination of movable shoulder straps, powerful hip wings and the tried-and-tested stretch belt, it literally hugs the wearer on the descent and sits extremely securely. Wide-opening compartments provide a perfect overview of the contents, and the voluminous hip pockets can even hold a smartphone. Only the moderate ventilation, the handling of the hydration bladder and the high price give cause for some criticism.
Test winner MTB hipbags Osprey Seral 7
Price: 90 Euro >> available here
- Weight / volume: 373/529 g / 7 / 6 litres
- Carrying system: Eva padding with mesh
- Features: including hydration bladder, magnetic clip for tube, compression straps, large compartments on hip wings
- Hydration bladder: yes / 1.5 litres
With a volume of six litres, the Osprey Seral 7 hip bag is almost the size of a rucksack - but it is surprisingly comfortable to carry and sits securely even on the descent. However, the hip bag should not be overloaded, otherwise comfort will suffer. Despite the hydration bladder, there is room for a full set of touring equipment. However, a few more compartments would provide a better overview. The large compartments on the wings are easily accessible and the hydration tube is securely attached to the magnetic clip. Knee pads or a windbreaker can be attached to the compression straps. The Osprey hip bag on top is top quality.
Price-performance tip MTB hip bag Vaude Moab Hip Pack 4
Price: 65 Euro >> available here
- Weight / volume: 374 g / 4 / 3 litres
- Carrying system: Mesh padding
- Features: bottle holder, tool compartment, rain cover, 2 large pockets on the hip wings
- Hydration bladder: no / not available
Clever hip bag from Vaude with high carrying comfort. The Vaude Moab Hip Pack 4 is broadly supported on the back, the flexible strap ensures a great fit without cutting into the stomach. The organisation is clever: Mobile phone compartment, separate tool box with tube compartment and two large wing pockets that even fit a mini pump. With a little practice, a water bottle can also be easily removed, leaving the compartment wide open. If you ride with a bottle on the frame, you can even fit a windbreaker in the Moab Hip Pack. Only fans of hydration bladders will not get their money's worth here.
Best MTB pedals in the 2022 BIKE test
Plastic MTB pedals are all the rage at the moment. The platform pedals made of nylon or fibre composite material look stylish, are lightweight and inexpensive. These are the two winners of our last flat pedal test.
Test winner MTB pedals Tatze Link Composite
Price: 89 Euro
- Weight / dimensions (W x L x h) / surface area: 358 g / 98 x 111 x 16.5 mm / 10.9 cm²
- Pin length / number: 5 mm / 10 per side
- Material / bearing: GRP / 2 ball bearings, 1 plain bearing
- Special features: 2 spare pins, refresh kit for bearings
The Austrians do everything right with their first MTB pedal made of plastic: the flat design increases ground clearance. The Tatze Link Composite has high-quality bearings, is double-sealed and also looks good. The enormous grip is noticeable from the very first few metres. The pins of the MTB pedals from Tatze seem to literally drill into the shoe profile, and the outer pins are slightly raised for optimum contact. When you put your foot down, you can feel the metal pins pull out of the sole. This ensures maximum grip on the descent, but also makes it difficult to reposition the foot on the MTB pedal. Riders with large feet will want a slightly larger footprint.
Price-performance tip MTB pedals OneUp Comp
Price: 42,99 Euro
- Weight / dimensions (W x L x h) / surface area: 364 g / 105 x 112 x 18.5 mm / 11.8 cm²
- Pin length / number of pins: 4.5 mm / 10 per side
- Material / bearing: nylon composite / plain and ball bearings
- Special features: 6 colours
The MTB pedals OneUp Components Comp have been undergoing testing for some time now and have so far impressed with their delicate appearance, impeccable durability and impressive grip. The black material conceals imperfections particularly well. Only in comparison with the competition do the differences become clear, and it becomes apparent that the grip is surprisingly less than expected. Even the total of ten pins and the ribbed pedal surface cannot change this. However, changing position is all the easier. The rounded base offers sufficient comfort even for large feet.
The best bicycle torque spanners
Stem, seat clamp, shock mount. There is hardly a screw connection on a bicycle that does not have a torque specification. Four, six or twelve Newton metres are often printed or laser-engraved in small letters on the various components. But what does four Newton metres mean, for example, as is often required on carbon handlebars? Approximately hand-tight? For such a sensitive component, which is also safety-relevant, this would be about as precise as a pinch of salt in the baking instructions. Torque spanners provide reliable values here. We have tested workshop tools and handy bike torque spanners for travelling. And these tools for bikers were the best:
Test winner torque spanner Wera Bicycle Set Torque 1
Price: approx. 195 Euro >> available here
- Weight / length: 434 g / 300 mm
- Range / drive: 2.5 to 25 NM / 1/4 inch
- Accessories: Instructions; test seal; Torx 10 to 30; Inhex 3 to 8; socket spanner 10 to 15; Inhex extension Inhex 5, 6; softbox
When the Wera box was opened, all the testers' eyes lit up. In addition to the impeccably crafted spanner, there are the most important bits and two extensions. Despite its size, the spanner fits perfectly in the hand, so even small screws can be operated easily. The scale is easy to read, finely adjustable and the mechanism has a clean rasterisation. The tightening direction and grip point are also indicated. The Wera only triggers in one direction. A full test certificate is also available here. Officially, the 16-piece set costs more than 400 euros.
Price-performance tip Torque spanner 3min19sec Premium
Price: 70 Euro >> available here
- Weight / length: 262 g / 220 mm
- Range / drive: 2 to 26 Nm / 1/4 inch
- Accessories: Instructions; manufacturer's test seal; Inhex 2.5 to 10; Torx 25, 30; softbox
The most favourable Bicycle torque spanner in the test impresses with surprisingly precise measurement results and is the absolute price-performance tip for hobby screwdrivers. The neatly lasered scale can be adjusted in 0.2 increments and covers a wide torque range. The stylish soft box contains the most important bits. Even if the short handle does not sit comfortably in the hand, the neatly finished spanner is easy to work with. During testing, the mechanism of the somewhat rough ratchet sometimes jammed. If the lock is not closed properly, the spanner can become misaligned.
Price-performance tip for travelling: Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+
Price: 80 Euro >> available here
- Weight / handle length: 93; 247 g / 93 mm
- Range / drive: 2 to 6 Nm / 1/4 bit
- Accessories: instructions; ratchet; extension; torque attachment; chain rivet; Inhex
- 2 to 8; Torx 10 to 25; PH2; pocket
Even if the Topeak is not quite as attractive as the Silca, it is still the more complete tool thanks to the chain riveter and is even more compact with its flat case. The scale on the torque attachment is also easier to read and delivers absolutely convincing values. Thanks to the extension, even hidden screws are easy to reach. Handling would be slightly better with a T-handle like the Silca. On the other hand, the mechanics give no cause for criticism. Anyone who values correctly tightened screws when travelling and is looking for an inexpensive tool will find what they are looking for here.
The best products from the bike lock test
It's every bike owner's nightmare: where the bike was just standing there is now just a broken bike lock. The beloved two-wheeler has fallen victim to brazen thieves. In our security special, we tested bike locks for the city and on tour. These are our favourites.
Bike lock test winner Kryptonite Evolution 790
Price: 135 Euro >> available here
- Weight / length: 1428 g / 90 cm
- Accessories: 2 keys; frame holder; key service
- Certification: ART-2; Sold Secure Gold
There is nothing to criticise about the Kryptonite folding bike lock. The solid and easy-to-use bracket can be attached to the frame at many points and the locking process runs smoothly over the long term. A 360-degree rotating head makes it easier to bring the bike lock together. Six extensively rubberised links allow flexible connection options and prevent scratches on the frame. The lock could not be picked with any of the standard methods in the time available.
Bike lock test winner Trelock FS 580 Toro X-Press
Price: 132,99 Euro >> available here
- Weight / length: 1427 g / 90 cm
- Accessories: 2 keys; frame holder; key service
- Certification: ART-2; Sold Secure Gold
The Trelock folding bike lock is identical in construction to the Kryptonite model. The bracket is also identical, easy to mount on the bottle cage or frame and convenient to use. The locking process of the high-quality bike lock runs absolutely smoothly, and the 360-degree rotating head makes it easier to bring the links together. The length and weight make it easy to transport and connect. Like the Kryptonite, the FS 580 Toro only gave way in the test when attacked with the angle cutter.
Bike lock tip for travelling: Ottolock Cinch Lock
Price: 84,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight / length: 178 g / 76 cm
- Special features: 3-digit numerical code; rubber sleeve for transport; 3 lengths
- Certification: not certified
The Ottolock bike lock is similar to a cable tie in the way it works. However, it is somewhat more robust than the Hiplok and can withstand attacks for longer. It can be rolled up small for transport and fits into a jersey or rucksack pocket. The medium length is easily long enough to secure the bike to thicker objects. Although the combination lock for bikes has a clearly perceptible grid, the discs keep twisting by themselves, especially when operated with gloves.
Stefan Frey
Editor
