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Pirelli Scorpion Race DH M
1459 gram, 85 Euro >> available here
With the new MTB tyres Pirelli Race DH M is the grippiest tyre in the portfolio. The "Race" in the model name refers to the rubber compound. The SmartEVO DH compound is used on all Pirelli tyres in the downhill and enduro segment. The developers have tailored the tread pattern to "Mixed Terrain" (hence the "M").
The practical test quickly shows that easy rolling behaviour is not one of the tyre's strengths. However, traction and durability are top priorities. On alpine tours and in the bike park, the Pirelli tyres proved to have great traction in every situation. Thanks to the stable carcass, the Scorpion also defies hard punctures and does not feel spongy even at low air pressures. In corners, the tyre behaves predictably and doesn't break out arbitrarily.
Also good: After several months of continuous use, wear is limited. Although the studs have lost their sharp edges on the tread, there is no sign of frayed or even torn studs.
Durability and grip versus rolling resistance and weight - with this compromise, Pirelli has created the perfect gravity tyre. - Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Peak Performance Trail MTB Shorts Women
145 Euro, colours: black, pine needle, sizes: XS-XL >> available here
The Swedes have packed a lot of their outdoor expertise into the new Peak Performance Trail Shorts. The material is recycled, super stretchy and quick-drying. The width of the waistband can be adjusted using straps. The knee section is longer so that the shorts also fit perfectly over knee pads and there is no unwanted gap between the pads and the shorts.
With its muted colour and simple design, this Cycling trousers also cut a fine figure off the trail. The two zip pockets on the leg are practical, a little tight for a mobile phone, but the lift ticket fits in easily. There are deductions for this: The fabric on the inside of the knees is no match for the Velcro fasteners on the pads. After three months of use, the material is already very pilling. Most of the logo print on the right leg also came off after the second wash. The product developers could do with some more improvements.
It's a shame that the material of the Trail MTB shorts shows signs of wear after a very short time, considering the price. - Barbara Merz-Weigandt, BIKE editor
Evoc Knee Protector LS Flex Lite
408 gram (M), 100 Euro
The Munich-based protector label Evoc now finally has knee and elbow pads in its range. We were able to try out the light version of the knee protectors (also available as an enduro version) that were just presented at Eurobike. At 408 grams, the pair is on the light side. However, the protector does not have Velcro straps or an extension on the shin.
Good: The in-house Liteshield protector is ergonomically pre-shaped and sits securely and non-slip on the knee. Even better: even the pad in the tested Light version has the stricter CE EN 1621-1 Level 2 certification. The protector is comfortable on the uphill trail. The ventilation is okay and is on a similar level to its counterparts from Ion or Fox.
In short: successful premiere. Good fit, secure and pinch-free enough for pedalling. But criticism is also necessary: Unlike the Ion Arcon, the new Protector from Evoc is less off the shin. But it is cheaper. Available from March.
Lightweight trail pads are ideal for touring. Many of these pads are comfortable enough to keep on when pedalling. However, only a few models have a pad with the better protection level 2, and the new Evoc LS Flex Lite is one of them. - Laurin Lehner, BIKE test editor
Gorewear Spinshift
151 grams (XL), 249,95 Euro >> available here
Gorewear recently presented the Spinshift, the first rain jacket with the more sustainable ePE membrane from Gore-Tex. It is the manufacturer's first membrane that is made from polyethylene rather than PTFE. Gore wants to avoid environmentally harmful PFCs in its production and achieve a reduced CO2 footprint.
At Gorewear, the Spinshift is categorised as a road bike, but it is also a good choice for sporty mountain bikers, racers and marathon riders. It does not have a completely tight cut and also fits stronger sprinters.
Top: the long-cut rear and the long sleeves with stretch. A back pocket for small items, backed zips and plenty of reflective elements round off the features of this Cycling jacket off. The Spinshift also has a very high-quality finish. On the first few tours, the new material felt pleasantly breathable and rustled surprisingly little.
