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All products at a glance
Endura Hummvee Flat Pedal Shoe: New cycling shoes for city and sport
Cyclists know Endura from Scotland primarily as a manufacturer of robust cycling shorts and well-functioning weather protection clothing. Now the Scots are also venturing into the world of cycling shoes.
We tested the Hummvee Flat Pedal Shoe. The model is aimed at sporty urban cyclists and mountain bikers, and not just because of the choice of colours. On the outside, the shoe manages the balancing act between chic urban design and stable footwear.
The walking comfort is good and comfortable enough to stroll through the city for an hour or two. The Endura Hummvee is also convincing on the pedals: the grip of the so-called StickyFoot rubber sole on the flat pedal is without complaint. The pedalling comfort lasts even if you cycle a few kilometres beyond the city limits. The breathability of the robust synthetic leather (PU) is okay, but is likely to reach its limits in hot midsummer. A small minus point: the rubber strap for the shoe laces should be positioned a little more towards the centre of the lacing for better effect. Nevertheless, Endura's entry into the cycling shoe segment can be described as a success.
Price: 100 Euro >> e.g. available at Bergfreunde.
- Plus: Good workmanship, robust material
- Minus: Retaining rubber for the lacing
Brooks B17 Standard: The classic leather saddle
The model B17 from Brooks is the leather saddle classic par excellence and has been manufactured in England for more than a hundred years in a slightly modified form. The saddle in retro design is made of genuine, fine leather, which is stretched over a solid steel frame and fastened with large copper-titanium rivets. There is no padding, and it doesn't really need it. The leather is still quite firm and hard on the first few rides, but the comfort increases practically from kilometre to kilometre. The saddle surface then adapts more and more to the shape of the buttocks. The leather can also be retightened using the spanner supplied.
Our tester found the leather surface a little too smooth, especially as you can easily slip back and forth on it with functional clothing made of synthetic fibres. However, this effect is hardly noticeable with classic jeans, for example. With its not exactly light 520 gram weight, the saddle is primarily aimed at comfort-loving commuters and touring cyclists.
The workmanship of the B17 is excellent, as you would expect from Brooks. The saddle is available in different sizes. As with shoes, the leather should be greased regularly to keep the surface supple and protected against the weather.
Price: 139,95 Euro >> e.g. available at Rosebikes.
- Plus: Seating comfort
- Minus: Initially very smooth surface
Peak Design Mobile Bike Mount: The extra robust smartphone mount
Smartphones can be quite expensive. No wonder many cyclists are reluctant to entrust this valuable item to a mount on the handlebars. Admittedly, many of these mounts on the market don't look particularly stable at first glance - neither the smartphone case nor the mount itself. Especially not when they are attached to the handlebars with rubber bands.
The Peak Design brand takes a more solid approach from the outset. Peak Design mainly produces accessories for photographers and filmmakers and knows how to protect expensive high-tech devices. And as smartphones are now the most commonly used cameras, there are now also appropriate holders for them.
The smartphone case (we tested it on an iPhone 13pro) encloses the mobile phone securely and shake-proof. The case, in turn, is clicked into the metal holder with the help of a strong magnet. The magnet, the supposed weak point, holds the smartphone just as securely in the holder with an additional click clamp - even on longer tours on gravel paths on a gravel bike or mountain bike. The aluminium mount is attached to the handlebars or stem using a robust clamp. The clamp can be easily adapted to various handlebar diameters using different adapters.
The smartphone can be mounted in portrait and landscape format. Admittedly, the price of the Peak Design Mobile Bike Mount is steep. But a solid mount for a smartphone costing hundreds of euros should be worth it.
Price: 69.99 Euro (bracket) / 33.05 Euro (protective cover)
- Plus: Very stable, easy to assemble
- Minus: expensive
Gobik Thermal Armour Vanta: sporty jersey jacket for the transitional season
Sporty touring cyclists and gravel bikers prefer clothing that is as compact as possible for their rides. For them, thick jackets or many layers hinder free movement. In the cool, damp season, a suitable solution is not so easy. The Spanish company Gobik has designed the Thermal Armour Vanta Jacket for these requirements, i.e. for the temperature range -5° to +10°C.
As is usual with sports jerseys, the Vanta Jacket is cut close to the skin - so it's better to choose a size larger. But if it's still a little too figure-hugging, the jacket offers a clever solution: a second, parallel zip that provides more width and ventilation when used.
The Polartec Neo membrane provides wind and rain protection, while Polartec Alpha fleece on the inside ensures cosy warmth. A double collar protects the sensitive neck and nape area. Well-fitting cuffs make it easy to pull on gloves. A really successful hybrid of long-sleeved jersey and weather protection jacket! But why is such practical functional clothing preferably designed in black with small reflective elements? Where is the idea of safety?
Price: 210 Euro >> e.g. at Gobik available.
- Plus: Wearing comfort
- Minus: only dark colours, expensive
Amity Jackets "Franz" EtaProof: Timeless companion in fine twisted yarn
No hiking look, no membrane, no microplastics, but still plenty of function: the German clothing brand Amity tailors everyday jackets for golfers, riders and cyclists. In the case of the trench coat called "Franz", which we tested over several weeks, Amity uses a special cotton fabric from Switzerland. "EtaProof" is extremely tightly woven and PFC-free impregnated. No showers were able to penetrate it during the daily commute kilometres. Unlike most membrane jackets, the short coat is extremely quiet, pleasant to the touch and feels very vapour permeable. Its bike details remain almost invisible in everyday use: stretch pleats in the back area allow an unhindered, moderate sitting position on the bike.
If you turn up the collar and fold down the cuffs, a large area of bright reflective material shines out. If it is not needed, it remains invisible. The cut and finish of the jacket, which is made entirely in Europe, are impeccable. Available in dark blue and sand. Conclusion: A high-quality, timeless piece of functional clothing made from convincing material. Perfect for the city and great for short cycling distances. Price: 399 Euro >> e.g. at Amity Jackets available.
- Plus: Material, cut and finish, hidden bike details
- Minus: Limited washability
H.A.D. multifunctional scarf: New fibres for the tubular scarf
Are there any cyclists who don't yet own a multifunctional scarf? Hardly! These lightweight, quick-drying tube scarves are simply practical. Some use it as a scarf, others as a headband or mouth and nose protection or even as a cap or pirate scarf. It is said that the majority (95 percent) of all multifunctional scarves are made of microfibres. And these are known to pollute our oceans.
That's why H.A.D./Profeet, one of the pioneers of tubular scarves, has taken the next step towards sustainability: from now on, the entire Lifetime Guarantee collection will be made from recycled, abrasion-resistant Powerstretch fibres in Germany. We have tested the "new" cloths: On the outside, there is no recognisable difference. At most, they feel a little softer than the previous cloths. We couldn't detect any difference in stretch and recovery behaviour - even after repeated washing. And the price has also remained the same. What is new, however, is the ten-year guarantee. The improvement seems to have been successful! Price: 17,95 Euro >> e.g. available at Bergfreunde.
- Plus: soft, good elasticity
- Minus: somewhat thin
