In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
When we say that the bikes we test have to withstand a lot, we are of course referring in particular to the individual components. And since it's not worth buying a new bike every time something breaks, we've taken a closer look at various bike components and tested them for a purchase recommendation. Of course, we did the same for the rider's equipment, as this can also be affected under certain circumstances. Which products are worth buying?
MTB accessories: Bike components
Tranquilliser: Rockshox Vivid Coil Ultimate shock
Last year, Rockshox relaunched the Vivid downhill shock, and now the Americans are following up with the coil spring version. The new Vivid Coil inherits most of the technology from the already familiar Vivid Air damper. Here you can adjust the compression damping, separated into high and low speed, from the centre position in two clicks harder or softer, similar to the Charger 3 damper. The rebound (15 clicks) does not separate high and low speed.
The rebound adjuster also serves as a 3-way adjuster to adjust the high-speed compression damping, which can only be adjusted with a tool, and the hydraulic bottom out. Disadvantage of the steel spring: There is little influence on the progression. If the sag doesn't fit, a new spring is needed (44 euros). If the spring fits, you can fine-tune the spring preload and thus the hardness using the knurled screws, but the effect is not great.
A special feature of this shock: The end progression can also be adjusted via the hydraulic bottom-out setting. If you turn the adjuster in the direction of the plus sign, strong damping takes effect in the last 20 per cent of the spring travel, which prevents hard bottoming out, but can possibly impair the utilisation of the spring travel. The Vivid shocks (Coil & Air) also come with touchdown technology. This completely bypasses the damping of the main piston in the first 10 per cent of the stroke for a more sensitive response.
Despite a rather tight set-up, the Vivid Coil on our test bike was a delight Canyon Strive:ON with a super-sensitive response behaviour and feels the ground extremely sensitively, especially around the sag area. This gives the Canyon great traction. The shock also impressed on the descents. It never lacked control and encouraged the rider to: Brake up! The damping works quite plushly overall - if you close the compression adjuster a little, you get a good counter-pressure without the shock feeling harsh. Points of criticism so far: none. Weight: 1049 grams (without bushings with 450 spring). Price: from 699 euros >> e.g. at Maciag Offroad or Tradeinn available.
Conclusion on the Rockshox Vivid Coil Ultimate
The Vivid Coil Ultimate is expensive and heavy, but makes up for this with fantastic performance. In other words: a powerful tuning part for baller bikes where weight is not an issue and which harmonise with linear steel spring dampers.
Strengths and weaknesses of the damper
- Plus: Response behaviour, traction, hydraulic bottom-out function
- Minus: Weight (!), price
Cable killer: Magura Vyron 170 mm stroke variable seatpost
Just over a year ago, the Swabians presented their electronic telescopic support Vyron. It is the third evolutionary stage. Now Magura claims to have worked out all the teething troubles. The battery is supposed to last a whole year, and the developers reckon with around 9000 strokes (up and down). Naturally, I wanted to check this and keep count. But first things first. I fitted the support ten months ago. It was easy. Unlike other dropper posts, you have to switch on the Vyron. I first had to get used to this and kept forgetting to switch it on. At 1.90 metres tall, I chose the post with a 170-millimetre stroke and got on well with it. The remote lever is comfortable to press and sends the signal to the post via Bluetooth in a flash.
During the ten months of use, the prop performed its work stoically and reliably - even in the rain and mud. Super! However, after nine months, 2550 kilometres and a lot of ups and downs (I got confused when counting), my test came to an abrupt end. When extended, the seat post sagged by one to two centimetres and showed some lateral play, which was hardly disturbing. However, both are covered by the two-year warranty.
Oh yes, and the battery: it lasted until the end, although I describe myself as a frequent rider and assumed that I would run the battery down within the first eight months. If you want to do your seatpost a favour after a long period of use, send it in for a service, similar to suspension elements, at a cost of € 139. Available stroke lengths: 100, 125, 150, 175 millimetres. Weight: 717 grams (170 mm stroke). Remote lever: 55 grams, price: 580 euros >> at Boc24 available.
Conclusion on the Magura Vyron 170 mm stroke
The best Vario support I've ever had. There was a defect after ten months. But not a big deal thanks to the warranty. The simple installation and the clean cockpit are the strongest arguments in favour of the Magura Vyron for me.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Vario support
- Plus: Function, stroke variety, simple assembly, long-life battery, clean cockpit because no cables
- Minus: Price, defect after nine months
Wild number: Michelin Wild Enduro Combi bicycle tyres
Grip at the front, fast at the back - that's how it should be! The new edition of the Wild Enduro combination is a success. The slotted studs at the front and the soft rubber provide plenty of grip and give early warning of slipping. The rear tyre is similar to a semi-slick. The lugs on the tread are flat and designed for low rolling resistance. The soft side lugs provide plenty of grip even when cornering slightly.
I first had to get used to the high level of grip. While the side lugs showed visible signs of wear after a short time, the flat lugs in the centre were less impressed. In the six-month test phase, peppered with races and park rides, I didn't have a flat tyre. In the wet, the front tyre clogs quickly. The Maxxis Assegai is better at this. At 1244 grams per tyre (29 inch, 2.40), it's no lightweight, but it's extra robust. Price: 77 euros (per tyre) >> e.g. available from Bike-Components .
Conclusion on the Michelin Wild Enduro Combi
Successful tyre combination of grip at the front and fast rolling at the rear.
Strengths and weaknesses of the tyres
- Plus: Grip/cornering traction, puncture-proof
- Minus: Self-cleaning properties front tyre, weight
MTB accessories: Bike equipment
Hermaphrodite: Leatt Enduro 3.0 helmet
I was sceptical about combi helmets because they are unstylish. However, the Leatt Enduro 3.0 gets my style blessing because it also looks good in a downhill set-up. Using hooks and large press studs, the multifunctional helmet can not only be converted from a half-shell to a full-face helmet, but can also be transformed into a trail helmet (jet helmet) à la 50/01 crew using ear pads. Instead of mips, the South Africans equip the helmet with their own "Turbine 360" rotation protection.
The adjustment mechanism works perfectly and the Fidlock fastener is a pleasure to use. The weight as a half shell is high (466 g), the weight as a full face is low (726 g). The chin bar looks solid, but there are more solid ones for hardcore downhill use. We did not carry out a laboratory crash test, but at least on paper the helmet has all the necessary certificates. Price: 269 euros >> e.g. available at a reduced price at Rosebikes.
Conclusion on the Leatt Enduro 3.0 helmet
Convertible combi helmet with lots of function. Heavy weight as a half shell. Otherwise top.
Strengths and weaknesses of the combi helmet
- Plus: Function 3 in 1, workmanship, appearance
- Minus: Weight half shell, nothing for rough DH use
Bottle carrier: Hipbag Evoc Hip Pouch Pro
"Backpacks were yesterday!" I say: For short trail tours, a hip bag will do. The Evoc Hip Pouch Pro has a bottle holder plus bottle for all those who refuse to carry a hydration bladder. The fact that the bottle sits directly on the spine took some testers some getting used to. On the other hand, everyone liked the wide hip straps.
The organisation of the main and tool compartments and the ease of use are better implemented in other hip bags, such as the Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3, but once you get used to it, your smartphone, tube, tool and bar are quickly and easily stowed away. The flexible strap sits comfortably and securely on the back, even on rough sections. As with all hipbags, the more load you carry, the more the belt tends to bounce. Discreet, reflective elements for the ride home from the trail would have been nice. Weight: 273 grams (with empty bottle). Price: 90 euros >> e.g. at Bike Components or Rosebikes available at a reduced price.
Conclusion on the Evoc Hip Pouch Pro
Comfortable hip bag with bottle instead of hydration bladder.
Strengths and weaknesses of the hipbag
- Plus: Rear light holder, bottle instead of hydration bladder, carrying comfort
- Minus: Some testers were annoyed by the positioning of the drinking bottle.
Lace refusers: Fox Union Boa MTB shoes
With the Union, Fox has created a first-class MTB shoe that can compete with the big player Five Ten. I had already tested the Union last year and was very satisfied with its comfort, grip and features. Now I wanted to try out the model with the Boa lashing system. Only the click shoe had this so far.
The principle is simple: slip in, turn two wheels and fix the foot in the shoe. One push on the two wheels and the system is released and you can slip out. It works really well. Expensive luxury or must-have? Both at some point! Because the shoe is expensive, but you get so used to the quick fastener that you no longer want to tie the laces. Top: If you shave off one of the swivels when you fall, i.e. through your own fault, Boa is extremely accommodating and sends replacement material free of charge (changing works well with YouTube instructions) or you can send the shoes in. Weight: 892 grams (size 45), price: 225 euros >> e.g. at Maciag Offroad or Bike Components available.
Conclusion on the Fox Union Boa
Proven MTB shoe with all the necessary features and good grip. The Boa system works perfectly, no defects.
Strengths and weaknesses of the MTB shoe
- Plus: first-class shoe, Boa fastener function, Boa service in the event of a defect
- Minus: Expensive, more susceptible to defects than the sinker variant
Red Angels: Tubeless repair kit - WTB Rocket Tire Plug Kit
This aluminium sleeve of the WTB Rocket repair set contains a piercing tool, tubeless sausages and so-called Rocket anchors. The small tips are pressed into the tyre together with the plugs and are designed to prevent the plugs from tearing out. A spike in the back of the tool prevents air from being lost while the plugs are being prepared. Price: 45 euros >> e.g. from Tradeinn and Bike Components available at a reduced price .
Conclusion on the WTB Rocket Tire Plug Kit
Tire Plug 2.0: The WTB Rocket Tire Plug has useful features for quick repairs
Strengths and weaknesses of the Tubeless Repair Kit
- Plus: Function, pack size, Rocket anchor (reusable)
- Minus: Rocket anchor assembly a little fiddly
Handyman: YT Gravity Glove Uni cycling gloves
Refined! When it comes to clothing, YT draws inspiration from the best products on the market. The Gravity glove is reminiscent of the Fox Defend. That's good, because the cycling glove rocks. Top fit, foam padding on the knuckles and ball of the foot, high-quality workmanship - the glove from YT does everything right at a fair price. 29.90 euros.
Conclusion on the YT Gravity Glove Uni
Buy tip, high-quality glove with useful features at a fair price.
Strengths and weaknesses of the glove
- Plus: Fit, protection, workmanship
- Minus: Slipping in fiddly
