Parts in danger: Three new products in a practical check: rain kit, pedals and mini-tool

Rain defier: Gore Wear Endure kit

Gore is known for its waterproof and breathable Gore membrane. But also for high prices. For the trousers and jacket (286 grams) from the new Gore Endure collection, you have to fork out a whole 450 euros (!). Apart from the price, the Endure kit convinced me. I clocked up quite a few kilometres in the rain on commutes and trail rides; water ingress? Negative!
The sporty cut jacket (size M, tester height 1.78 metres) fits well and has an extended back section. The Jacket By the way, our Comparison test won.
With the light and thin Trousers (173 grams!) I was particularly sceptical, as it had to withstand splashing water (no mudguard on the bike). It held tight for a very long time, but at some point it did let moisture through. After a wash, it kept out the wet again for quite a while. The fact is that the material is simply too thin for long rides in the rain with lots of splash water.
I was also sceptical about the thin material in the event of a fall - the trousers will probably not survive without tears or holes. But I didn't try it out.
By the way: Contrary to my misconception, Gore says that rain kits should be washed frequently: 40 degrees, mild detergent, no fabric softener. That's how the price is supposed to work: 250 Euro (jacket), 200 Euro (trousers).

Conclusion: The Gore Endure jacket has withstood several kilometres of rain. Great quality at a high price. The trousers also lasted a long time, but when there was a lot of splashing water, moisture penetrated through the trousers.

Strengths

• Waterproof (jacket)
• Processing
• Gore waterproof promise (see homepage for guarantee)

Weaknesses

• Price (!)
• Moisture penetrated the trousers when there was a lot of splashing water

This is what Gore Wear says about waterproofing:

A special waterproofing agent for functional clothing, available from specialist retailers, can be used to renew the permanently water-repellent DWR waterproofing. (Note: We recommend that you do not use wash-in waterproofing agents.) This after-treatment retains or restores the DWR waterproofing of the outer material so that it remains water and dirt repellent. The DWR waterproofing can easily be refreshed or renewed at home. If water no longer rolls off the outside of your clothing as usual, all you need to do is apply a special DWR waterproofing agent according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Moisture penetrates. That's what Gore Wear advises:

If the inside of your GORE-TEX clothing feels damp, this could be due to a leak or it could be time to renew the durable water-repellent DWR finish. Over time, the DWR waterproofing of the outer material wears off, especially in the shoulder and upper back area. Although the inner layer of the GORE-TEX material retains its waterproof properties, the outer layer can then soak up moisture, resulting in a clammy, cold feeling. More on restoring DWR waterproofing in the relevant section.

Saviour - Crankbrothers F11

I don't know about you, but I have the feeling that everyone rides tubeless, but nobody has tyre plugs with them. If the sealant runs out of the tyre, then you need a rubber sausage. If you don't have one, you have no choice but to put a tube on the rim - guaranteed mess. Crankbrothers have recognised the problem and combined tools and tyre plugs in their F11 mini tool. The stylish carbon housing contains a thin plastic attachment with three plugs and a press-fit tool. The tool itself has all the necessary tools (a chain riveter is not included) and disappears into the elegant housing with a magnetic catch. Weight: 138 grams. Price: 50 euros >> e.g. available here at a reduced price.

Conclusion: Chic and very functional tool with tyre plugs. The F11 is one of my favourite mini-tools.

Strengths

• Optics
• Tyre plugs
• Function

Weaknesses

• Nothing

Bayern Pedale - Ambit Haxn Hoita (size L)

According to the label from Oberammergau, this pedal is manufactured entirely in Bavaria. The Haxn Hoita foot holders are milled from aluminium and available in two sizes. Ten pins per footrest provide sufficient support. However, these have to be screwed into the aluminium pedal body itself. In addition to being made in Bavaria, the pedal has another exciting feature: a rotation brake. A grub screw can be used to continuously adjust the pedal's rotation. Cool for airtime freeriders, as the pedals always stay in position. A rather uninteresting feature for everyone else. On the trail, the Haxn Hoita offer plenty of comfort and sufficient grip. The design promises easy maintenance and therefore a long service life. Three colours are available. Weight: 414 grams (size M), 458 grams (size L). Price: 229 euros.

Conclusion: Chic, easy-to-maintain aluminium pedals with clever features. A little heavy and a little expensive.

Strengths

• Rotation brake
• Grip
• Processing

Weaknesses

• Weight
• Price