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Parts in dangerWarm & bright - MTB waistcoat & lighting in the endurance test

Laurin Lehner

 · 13.02.2025

Keeps the torso warm: the new Fox Flexair Fire waistcoat.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

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One lights up, the other keeps you warm: the bike light combination of Sigma Aura 100 and Sigma Blaze rear light is already in its second season. The special feature: The light and rear light are linked and can be operated with just one button. We also tried out the new Fox Flexair Fire waistcoat and were pleased that the waistcoat manages to do something that other mountain bike waistcoats cannot.

Lights such as the Sigma Aura 100 and the Blaze rear light are not only useful for commuters. Mountain bikers are also happy to get home safely after a short trail ride. Great: The light can be quickly attached to the handlebars and seat post with elasticated straps.

Flexair Fire - the new waistcoat from Fox with an MTB-specific cut finally manages to keep the back free of warming insulation so that trail riding is fun even with a rucksack. Here is our verdict on the lamp set and the MTB waistcoat.

Sigma Aura 100 Link & Blaze Link

Link 140 gram (set) / 120 Euro >> available here. Tester: Laurin Lehner

In Germany, winter means commuting to work with lights on in the morning and commuting home with lights on in the evening. I am now riding the Sigma set for the second winter. The silicone straps make it quick and easy to attach the light and rear light to the handlebars and seat post.

Super: the wireless connection. This means: press it at the front and the rear light also lights up. There are five modes to choose from, including an automatic mode. The Aura lights up with 25 to a maximum of 100 lux. That's easily enough to cycle home from your after-work ride.

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The Blaze Link rear light on the seat tube also has a brake light function. Instead of a continuous light, I had initially wanted a flashing mode for more visibility in traffic. However, this is prohibited anyway, and an infringement costs 20 euros according to the catalogue of fines. That's why the StVZO-approved bike light simply doesn't have one. Good: There is a brake light function.

The Sigma bike light on the front of the handlebars clearly indicates the battery charge status. In 75 lux mode, the manufacturer claims a runtime of four hours. That's not quite enough in winter - but I'm still satisfied. The light and rear light can be charged quickly via micro USB. In short: recommendation goes out!

BIKE review Sigma Aura 100 & rear light Sigma Blaze.Photo: BIKE-GrafikBIKE review Sigma Aura 100 & rear light Sigma Blaze.Dream team: The Sigma Aura 100 and the Blaze rear light.Photo: Georg GrieshaberDream team: The Sigma Aura 100 and the Blaze rear light.
Although the Sigma Blaze rear light also has an on/off button, it doesn't need to be pressed at all - thanks to the coupling with the light on the handlebars. Unfortunately, there is no flashing mode, but this is prohibited anyway according to the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations. According to the catalogue of fines, an infringement costs 20 euros.Photo: Laurin LehnerAlthough the Sigma Blaze rear light also has an on/off button, it doesn't need to be pressed at all - thanks to the coupling with the light on the handlebars. Unfortunately, there is no flashing mode, but this is prohibited anyway according to the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations. According to the catalogue of fines, an infringement costs 20 euros.This is how it works: A short "press, press" and the light and rear light switch on. Another short "press" adjusts the modes and thus the lumens. Long press and the lamp and rear light switch off. Easy to recognise here: The battery indicator for lamp and rear light (FL/RL).Photo: Laurin LehnerThis is how it works: A short "press, press" and the light and rear light switch on. Another short "press" adjusts the modes and thus the lumens. Long press and the lamp and rear light switch off. Easy to recognise here: The battery indicator for lamp and rear light (FL/RL).The different modes of the Sigma Aura 100.Photo: SigmaThe different modes of the Sigma Aura 100.The battery indicator for the lamp and rear light.Photo: SigmaThe battery indicator for the lamp and rear light.

Fox Flexair Fire waistcoat

287 grams (M) / 200 Euro >> available here. Tester: Laurin Lehner / 1.78 m / 74 kg

I love waistcoats. I have some from Patagonia, Scott, Ion and Fox (predecessors). The special thing about them: Waistcoats keep the upper body warm but leave the armpits free and therefore well ventilated. Ideal for the transitional period in combination with a merino long-sleeved shirt. Conventional jackets can fall short here.

The new Fox Flexair Fire has a successful MTB-specific cut with an extended back section against splashing water, two zip pockets for smartphone and keys and warm material. Top: In contrast to other waistcoats in my collection, the back is more airy. This means I sweat less - especially when I'm out and about with a rucksack.

Size M fits me very well at 1.78 m tall with medium shoulders. I think the price is exorbitant, so the slider is not quite set to "buy". Caution: rather for cold days. A suitable spring alternative: the Shelter Hybrid Padded Vest from Ion.

>> More MTB waistcoats in the test can be found here

>> Wheels, gloves, waistcoat & grips: parts in danger - parts in the test & what for the gentle wash

Material & specification (manufacturer information)

  • Main part: 92 % polyester, 8 % elastane
  • Filling: 100 % polyester
  • Lightweight main body
  • 4-way stretch
  • Consists of at least 88% recycled material
  • Strategically placed ripstop material
  • A synthetic insulating filling keeps you warm even in damp climatic conditions
  • You can keep your valuables safe and close at hand in the zipped pockets during your ride
  • MTB-specific fit for additional comfort on the bike
  • Droptail hem extended at the back for additional coverage
  • Length (from shoulder tip): 68.6 cm, size M
BIKE review Fox Flexair Fire MTB waistcoat | Graphic: BIKEBIKE review Fox Flexair Fire MTB waistcoat | Graphic: BIKEI liked the MTB-specific fit.Photo: Georg GrieshaberI liked the MTB-specific fit.At last: the Fox Flexair has no warming material on the back. This makes sense, as you can work up a sweat here, especially with a rucksack.Photo: Georg GrieshaberAt last: the Fox Flexair has no warming material on the back. This makes sense, as you can work up a sweat here, especially with a rucksack.A small but annoying detail: Why is the tab on the collar so small that you can't hang it on almost any hook? Please improve it!Photo: Georg GrieshaberA small but annoying detail: Why is the tab on the collar so small that you can't hang it on almost any hook? Please improve it!

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Laurin Lehner

Born in South Baden, Laurin Lehner is, by his own admission, a lousy racer. Maybe that's why he is fascinated by creative, playful biking. What counts for him is not how fast you get from A to B, but what happens in between. Lehner writes reports, interviews scene celebrities and tests products and bikes - preferably those with a lot of suspension travel.

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