Already ridden - parts in a short test: Enduro pedals, eco-saver & handlebar-stem combo

Knee pads: Ion Arcon LT

Protection level 2/K-Type B, 456 grams (L)

Ion is one of the first manufacturers to use a fully biodegradable protector from ReZro and a large proportion of recycled materials for its recently launched Arcon LT knee pad. However, there is no need to worry about the protector rotting off your knee - the degradation process takes around three to five years.

With the Arcon, Ion has managed to combine a lightweight sleeve with a high level of protection. The specially developed protector fulfils the high protection level 2 and covers a particularly large area as a type B protector. This becomes obvious when you take the pad out of the sock to wash it.

The side wings are said to offer 15 per cent more protection than other models and protect the medial and lateral tibial plateau in particular from impacts. Another clever feature is that the protector is pre-shaped to the knee. Price: 119.99 euros >> e.g. available here.

Snug fit & good hold

Together with the very long sleeve, which feels almost like a light compression stocking, this ensures an excellent fit and a solid fit. Despite the lack of a Velcro fastener, the Arcon LT does not slip off the knee, even on long pedalling sections. A stretch band over the calf also keeps the protector in place. On our first few rides, we particularly liked the high level of comfort: Nothing slips, nothing pinches - even longer uphills are doable with the Arcon LT.

One small drawback: despite the laser cuts in the Cordura fabric and the open-pored construction of the ReZro pad, very little fresh air reaches the knee. Nevertheless, the Ion Arcon LT is a convincing do-it-all protector: trail tours, enduro rides, bike park descents - everything is possible with it.

+ Great fit; snug and secure fit; no pinching; high level of protection; large pad that can be removed for washing

- Moderate ventilation

Enduro MTB pedal: Time Speciale 12

366/45 grams (pedals/cleats)

Time has launched an attack on pedal emperor Shimano and has given its Speciale enduro model a big brother. It not only has an enlarged platform for greater stability, but also four pins instead of just two.

The luxury version with titanium axle and aluminium body weighs just 366 grams and, despite the protruding cage, is around 30 grams lighter than Shimano's XTR trail pedal - but also more than twice as expensive. But Time also has cheaper pedals in its range.

What has remained the same is the firm and defined engagement and the option of two release angles (13/17°). In combination with low-profile trail shoes, the new Time Speciale 12 is extremely firm and secure thanks to the rear pins, giving you plenty of control in the terrain.

Still room for improvement: You have to hit the mechanism precisely to click it in, there is little lateral freedom of movement and the cleats can hardly be mounted at an angle. Tip: For 190 euros less you can get the Speciale 10 with steel axle (450 grams). Price for the Time Speciale 12 with titanium axle: 390 euros >> available here.

Turbo sunglasses: React Rev

Tint level 2-4, 24 grams

A good pair of bike glasses must: 1. look good, 2. fit well, 3. be functional. The Rev from React Swiss can do everything and more. It looks like something from the James Bond laboratory at Q, because the glasses work with mini sensors and solar cells. This allows them to adapt to the ambient light at lightning speed. And now hold on tight! This is said to be up to 1200 times faster than with photochromic lenses. The technology is complex, so the price of the React is hardly surprising.

Striking: the flyweight. You can hardly feel the glasses. Thanks to the adjustable nose piece, the React could even be adjusted to fit my beet nose, it sits nicely close to the face without the lower frame protruding into the field of vision. The XXL lenses make sense, because: lots of glass = lots of protection.

Now for the only point of criticism: the React adjusts at lightning speed, but only from tint level 2 to 4, i.e. medium dark to very dark. This is too dark for some trail riding. At least 1-3 would be desirable. Price: 329 euros >> available here.

The liquid crystals darken the disc in the blink of an eye - it's amazing how well the technology works. Dimitri Lehner, Freeride editor-in-chief

In the last part of "already ridden" we took a closer look at the new enduro tyres from Goodyear, flat pedal shoes from Shimano, Cratoni's brand new trail helmet and an ultralight rucksack from the bikepacking experts.

Back protector: Bluegrass Seamless Lite D3O

Protection level 1, weight: 445 grams

Light, airy, comfortable - these are just a few of the attributes that describe the Bluegrass protector shirt. Despite its low weight, the D3O pad, which extends far over the back, provides excellent protection. Although officially only level 1 certified, the 7.43 kN we measured would also be sufficient for protection level 2.

The stretchy mesh shirt has a very long cut and holds the protector securely in place, but also offers an enormous amount of freedom of movement - ideal for trail and enduro use. Two small back pockets hold small items such as bars and the like. Price: 200 Euro >> available here.

The honeycomb construction makes it feel airy even on sweaty climbs, but nipples can rub against the open fabric - ouch. Because you like to wear the Bluegrass protector all day, the shirt needs to be washed frequently. It's good that the protector can be easily removed for this.

Handlebar-stem unit: Giant Contact SLR Trail Cockpit

Weight: 334 grams, handlebar width 800 mm

Appearance, weight and durability are reasons in favour of a handlebar-stem unit. The cockpit looks clean, the one-piece construction usually saves weight and there is no need to constrict the handlebars in the stem. However, the cockpit can only be adjusted in height.

The Contact SLR trail unit from Giant with Enduro approval addresses this point and combines a stylish look with full customisability. The cockpit can be adjusted between 40, 45 and 50 millimetres in length and also by plus/minus three degrees in angle using the shims and inserts included in the scope of delivery. The increased flexibility comes at the expense of weight. Unfortunately, there is no crash replacement for the expensive part. Price: 499 euros.