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BIKE editors have the luxury of being able to access a wide range of clothing and accessories - regardless of brand. So they know what really works.
Spring outfit
Biking in spring is great for several reasons: 1. the whole season is ahead of you, and 2. you can finally put away your heavy clothes and dress more airily. But it also gets fresh quickly in spring, be it in the mountains or when the sun disappears behind the ridge. There's nothing wrong with shorts in spring; you don't freeze so quickly on your legs, at least in my opinion. Nevertheless, I chose airy long trousers. Why? Because it looks good. A merino jersey is also the right answer for me in spring. I also wear an all-round weather jacket.
Open face helmet: Troy Lee Flowline SE
The Troy Lee Flowline SE looks visually sleek. And fast! The visor of the helmet can be adjusted in three positions without tools. A Fidlock fastener is used for the chin strap, which has proven itself in practice. The system can be tightened using the adjustment wheel at the back of the head. 14 ventilation holes are designed to keep your head cool - and they do. The Flowline SE has a MIPS system. This thin, sliding shell inside the helmet has been proven to reduce rotational forces in the event of a fall. In our laboratory test, we simulated a fall scenario that would cause a medium concussion in a biker. The Flowline SE reduced the risk to 19 per cent - a very good value. Weight: 385 grams (size M/L), sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL, The size is normal. Price: 190 euros (RRP) >> currently reduced at Bike24.
Glasses: Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep
The Sutro is a classic. It is available in the Sutro Lite variant and in the Sutro Lite Sweep version, as shown here in the photo, with a slightly more aerodynamic look. Either way, both look fast and stylish, are comfortable to wear and have a wide range of uses with their Prizm lens in Trailtorch tint. This keeps your eyes free from dust, spray water and flies. Disadvantage of the Oakley: Unfortunately, they are expensive. Price (RRP): 180 euros >> e.g. available here at a reduced price.
More favourable but no less stylish glasses are available from Naked Optics, for example. e.g. The Volt Pro from Naked for 80 euros or the Perf 500 photochrom HD from Decathlon for approx. 60 euros.
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Jersey: Sweet Protection Hunter Merino Hybrid LS Jersey
Merino is the answer, what was the question? I love lightweight merino shirts. Most of them are made from a wool mix. The Hunter Merino Hybrid LS Jersey has 84 per cent merino. The higher the percentage, the warmer it tends to be. The lightweight Jersey Hunter is not too warm and is ideal for use in the transitional period. The long-sleeved shirt can also be easily rolled up when temperatures rise. It is now also available in less plain designs; I like it le coolas the French say. Also available from other manufacturers, of course.
Have you always wondered what the advantages and disadvantages of merino are in sports use? Here's a quick overview:
Advantages of Merino
- Temperature regulating - Keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat, ideal for different weather conditions.
- Odourless - Natural fibres prevent odours better than synthetic fabrics. The more merino content, the less odour.
- Moisture-regulating - Absorbs perspiration and wicks it away to the outside, but remains relatively dry.
- Soft and comfortable - Does not scratch (with high-quality merino wool) and feels pleasant on the skin.
- Sustainable & biodegradable - More environmentally friendly than synthetic materials.
Disadvantages of Merino
- Reduced durability - Can wear out or get holes faster than synthetics.
- Dries more slowly - Takes longer to dry than synthetic jerseys.
- More expensive - High-quality merino clothing is usually more expensive than synthetic alternatives.
- Less elastic - Adapts less well to the body than modern synthetic fabrics.
- More care-intensive - More sensitive to frequent washing, should often be washed by hand or at a low temperature.
All-weather jacket: Patagonia Dirt Roamer Bike Jacket
This jacket is one of my favourite items in my wardrobe. And the Dirt Roamer from Patagonia neither fish nor fowl. It is neither a rain jacket nor a windbreaker, but a bit of both. It repels light showers well; if it gets chilly, it warms a little, and if it's windy, it protects. An all-weather jacket, in other words. It has two zip pockets: one at chest height on the inside and one at the lower back. The jacket can also be stuffed in here and packed down to a mini size. This means it fits into a slightly larger hip bag. As you know, Patagonia costs a little more, but the products are produced in a Fair Trade-certified factory. Weight: 230 grams. Price: 249 euros >> currently available at Bergfreunde.
Material: outer material made from 100% recycled nylon with a durable water-repellent DWR finish, manufactured without the use of PFAS, and a laminated circular knit lining made from 100% polyester
The jacket fits very well in M with a height of 1.78 metres and medium shoulders.
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Pants: Ion MTB Pants Tech Logo Men
The light Ion Mtb Trousers Tech from Ion achieves what few long trousers can. They are super comfortable to wear thanks to the 4-way stretch and are superbly ventilated. I like the cut, plus the ratchet fastening, two zip pockets and an elasticated waistband. Everything done right. I don't need to write any more. Material: 88 % polyester (recycled) 12 % elastane.
If you don't like trousers that are too stretchy, it's better to go for something else. Prefer short? Then I recommend the robust Fox Flex Air Short.
Bib shorts: Sqlab shorts ONE10
In the park, I don't like to wear underpants with padding. After all, you hardly ever sit there anyway, and padding between your legs isn't necessarily comfortable. However, if I have to pedal (and sit!) for longer, my bum is happy about the padding. Admittedly, I'm not a chamois expert, I've ridden too few models for that. But of the few I have ridden, the SQ Lab (>> e.g. available here) I liked them best with their padding. Unfortunately, the vertical seam at the front opened up after one or two seasons on two of my trousers. Not a good place for material fatigue. Please improve, Sqlab.
Knee pads: Where are the knee pads, bub?
Mistake, of course knee pads are a must. Preferably very light ones for pedalling that still offer enough protection. And of course they should hardly pinch - because it's difficult to push them down onto the calf with long trousers.
Good models for the mountain tour are:
- Ion Mtb K Sleeve AMPLightweight, inexpensive protector. Comfortable to pedal with and easier to stow in your rucksack on mountain tours. Protection level 1 >> available here.
- Fox Launch EliteLightweight, solid fit, easy to pedal. Also easy to stow in a rucksack >> available here. However, more expensive than the pedant from Ion.
Shoes: Crankbrothers Mallet shoes
I'm a fan of flat pedal shoes, i.e. shoes without a click. But if click shoes, then the Crankbrothers Mallet. They have a rather flat sole profile, provide plenty of support, are stiff enough and can also be fastened quickly and easily with Velcro. They also look good. Available in many different colour combinations and optionally with a Boa fastener (although more expensive).
To the tester
Tester: Laurin Lehner | Height: 1.78 m | Weight: 74 kg | Inside leg length: 85 cm | Arm length: 59 cm | Chest height 145 cm
Laurin Lehner
Editor
