Items at risk: Helmets, rucksacks and shoes put to the test

Deuter Attack 16

1595 grams / 220 euros >> Available here at a reduced price

Reviewer: Stefan Frey

Deuter has revamped its classic protector range. Yet the new Attack 16 is a Deuter through and through: high-quality, robust fabrics, exceptionally neat stitching and zips as smooth as a flipper gliding through the water. The layout of the compartments isn’t new, but it’s still absolutely spot on. A clever touch: all compartments can be opened wide without having to loosen the compression straps first. If you need to rummage in the main compartment, it’s best to lay the Attack flat on the ground and open it from the back. Then the contents sit almost as if in a small tray and don’t spill out onto the trail. You can tell in other ways too that a lot of thought has gone into the design. The softly padded goggle compartment is brilliant. The large hip pockets are detached from the hip belt and can accommodate even large items. Four stretch loops secure protectors, helmets or extra kit – saving weight and tucking away into small compartments when not in use.

But all these nice features are really just extras, because what really counts is the carrying system. Deuter does a good job here too: the chunky hip wings start well inwards and cling to the wearer like a pillion rider clings to the motorbike rider. No matter how hard the trail beats you up, or how it tilts vertically like a high-speed slide – the Attack doesn’t wobble, shift or slip. The back panel and shoulder straps are also comfortably padded, although – despite the Airstripe system – they aren’t excessively ventilated. And is there anything to complain about? Not much, but: the protector is relatively heavy and results in a comparatively high starting weight. At 220 euros, the price is also steep. It makes you think twice about buying a new cycling rucksack. But given the outstanding quality, the Attack 16 an investment that will last for many years. And should anything ever break, Deuter offers a repair service for all its products.

Advantages of the Deuter Attack 16

• ​excellent workmanship
• sensible subject allocation
• high level of comfort
• stable grip on rough terrain
• environmentally friendly materials

Disadvantages of the Deuter Attack 16

• high price; relatively heavy

Specialized S-Works Evade 4

332 grams (L) / 329 euros >> available here

Reviewer: Jan Timmermann

Strictly speaking, the Evade is a road cycling helmet, but even cross-country stars like Christopher Blevins make the most of its aerodynamic advantages in their quest to shave seconds off their times. Specialized is one of the few equipment manufacturers to operate its own wind tunnel to optimise aerodynamics and thermal performance. The improvements over its predecessor lie in the details: if the developers are to be believed, the head should now stay 2.4 per cent cooler. After our initial test, one thing is certain: on fast rides, the Specialized combines cooling and aerodynamics to perfection. That’s good, because the S-Works Evade 4 leaves a huge dent in your personal budget. The helmet is wonderfully light and can be worn discreetly in any situation. However, for rides with significant elevation gain and lower average speeds, we prefer the even better-ventilated Prevail 3. The Evade is, and always will be, head protection designed for uncompromising high-speed races.

First-Degree Seeker

825 grams (45) / 139.95 euros >> Available here at a reduced price

Reviewer: Laurin Lehner

The new Seekers is designed to perform equally well on a bike and on foot – without compromising on performance. The idea behind it is simple – one shoe for everything, from the pedals to the hiking trail. A TPU-reinforced heel counter promises stability on uneven terrain. At the heart of the Seeker, however, is the newly developed Venom sole with an integrated Power-Link system, designed to boost comfort on the pedals. Added to this is a Hypergrip outsole that interlocks perfectly with the pedal pins. I like the Seeker because it looks quite fresh, it’s incredibly comfortable to wear, and the sole offers plenty of grip. At 825 grams, the pair is light enough. In fact, First Degree doesn’t overpromise, as the shoe works well for hiking too. I also like to wear the Seeker for trail rides and easy park laps. However, when the going gets rougher, I prefer models with more toe and heel protection. The ventilation is only average.

One shoe to do it all – I like the idea. From trail rides to mountain hikes: the Seeker manages to strike the right balance. The ventilation could be better, though. Laurin Lehner, BIKE editor

Sixpack Evo Rail Ultra

148 grams (140 mm wide) / 129.95 euros >> Available here at a reduced price

Reviewer: Stefan Frey

Recommending a saddle is always tricky – everyone’s bum is different. Nevertheless, the Evo Rail is an exciting option, as the ‘Ultra Easy Mounting System’ offers a clear advantage: the frame and saddle shell merge into a single unit made of fibre-reinforced polyamide, which is simply slid onto the seatpost from the rear – this makes fitting it a whole lot easier. Combined with the E-TPU padding, the result is a saddle that’s almost outrageously light for the price.

Off-road, the textured surface ensures a secure grip even on steep sections. In some situations, the material is almost a little too grippy; if your thigh scrapes against the saddle on technical sections, it can sometimes result in a bruise.

The flat rear end offers scope for changing position on long rides. The V-shape with a wide nose helps when climbing, but may not suit every body type. In terms of padding, the Sixpack is on the sportier side, though the wings allow for a certain amount of flex. Handy: The M5 threaded insert on the underside allows you to fit compatible accessories such as lights or a saddle bag.

Slide it into place, align it, tighten the bolts – it couldn’t be easier to fit a saddle. The price-to-weight ratio is outstanding. Provided the shape suits your body, the Evo Rail is well worth recommending. Stefan Frey, BIKE editor

Troy Lee Designs Speed Pro

276 grams (M/L) / 110 euros >> Available at a reduced price here

Reviewer: Stefan Frey

Protective gear for the park needs to do one thing above all else: provide maximum protection. The demands placed on trail knee pads, however, are far greater. They shouldn’t be a sweatbox, yet they need to stay securely in place on the knee. Lightweight, yet secure. Breathable, yet robust. As you can see, it’s no easy task. Troy Lee delivers with the Speed Pro Knee Pads A very lightweight trail protector. Once you’ve put it on, you’ll be happy to keep it on your knee for the whole ride, as it’s extremely comfortable to wear. No pinching behind the knee. No slipping whilst pedalling. Although the breathable D3O protector only offers Level 1 protection under the CE standard, the pad is ergonomically shaped and covers a relatively large area, including the sides and underside of the knee. During the test, there was little sign of the promised ventilation. On the plus side, the protector can be easily removed from the sock for washing. And let’s be honest: sweaty knees are always better than bloody ones.