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Damper pumps
No modern MTB air suspension can be tuned without a special shock pump for bikes. But which model really measures accurately? And are digital pumps better than analogue ones? We tested 13 shock pumps for suspension forks and shocks. These are our favourites.
1st Topeak Pocketshock DXG - the best analogue pump
- Price 49,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight 178 g
- Display analogue / 36 mm diameter
- Print area max. 360 psi
- Pump / hose length 208 mm / 98 mm
- Deviation¹ 80 psi / psi per stroke 75 psi / 0.84 psi
- Equipment Pressure release button; pressure loss protection; handle with rubber coating; metal cylinder; rubberised pressure gauge; hose clip
Conclusion: Topeak Pocketshock DXG
The Topeak Pocketshock scores with its high-quality workmanship and small pack size - making it a good companion on tour. Despite its compact design, the Topeak shock pump is comfortable to hold. The valve head, hose and drain valve work perfectly. The only thing to remember is the activation wheel when unscrewing. Even if the scale itself is easy to read: Overall, the pressure gauge is quite small and the measured values deviate from the actual value by approx. 5 psi. However, if you are looking for a reliable pump that is always with you, this is the right choice.
2nd Topeak Pocketshock Digital - our test winner
- Price 79,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight 195 g
- Display digital / psi; bar; kg/cm3
- Print area max. 300 psi
- Pump / hose length 256 mm / 125 mm
- Deviation¹ 80 psi / psi per stroke 79.2 psi / 1.00
- Equipment Pressure release button; pressure loss protection; digital pressure gauge; metal cylinder; 360 degree rotatable hose with protective braiding; hose clip on handle
Conclusion: Topeak Pocketshock Digital
In contrast to the analogue Pocketshock, the digital shock pump from Topeak measures extremely precisely - the same pressure gauge as Rockshox. The Topeak also impresses in terms of handling: comfortable grip, long, protected hose, easy-to-use and sufficiently long valve head, easy-to-adjust deflation button. The pump volume is also slightly larger. The Pocketshock Digital can do everything a touch better than its analogue sister - it just takes up a little more space in the rucksack. It won't fit in most hip bags. Nevertheless: a great digital pump at a fair price.
3. 3min19sec damper pump - the cheap one
- Price 16,99 Euro >> available here
- Weight 212 g
- Display analogue / 36 mm diameter
- Print area max. 300 psi
- Length / Length hose 229 mm / 165 mm
- Measured value at 80 psi / psi per stroke¹ 81 psi / 0.89 psi
- Equipment Pressure release valve; 360° rotatable hose; long valve head for easy screwing on/unscrewing with recessed valves; aluminium pump body; plastic handle
Conclusion: 3min19sec damper pump
The 3min19sec is a standard model from a major manufacturer that is also supplied with many complete bikes. For just 17 euros, you get a robust pump with which the set-up can be carried out precisely. Although the small display is difficult to read, the pump hits the tens exactly. The measured values are therefore generally quite accurate. The drain valve is not optimally positioned and is sometimes actuated accidentally. There is no decoupling on the valve head. Nevertheless, pressure is not lost when the valve is unscrewed.
Floor pumps
Checking the air pressure in your tyres is a standard ritual before every bike tour. Just as a floor pump that ensures the right pressure is part of the basic equipment. We tested ten current models between 30 and 60 euros and show our top 3 here.
1. Rose Druckmacher BL floor pump - the test winner
- Price 50 Euro >> available here
- Weight / hose length 1,305 gram / 1,265 mm
- Height / max. extension / stroke 675 / 1,200 / 525 mm
- Strokes/bar / Decrease pressure gauge¹ 15 / 0.2 bar
- Extras, spare parts Drain valve, spare parts are not available individually
Valuation
Conclusion: Rose Druckmacher BL floor pump
Test winner - high-quality workmanship, pumps smoothly, great wooden handle, stable with solid pump head; minor weaknesses in readability and spare parts supply
2. SKS Airmotion 12.0 floor pump - ideal for tall bikers
- Price 55 Euro >> available here
- Weight / hose length 2,160 grams / 1,280 mm
- Height / max. extension / stroke 720 / 1,245 / 525 mm
- Strokes/bar / Decrease pressure gauge¹ 17 / 0.2 bar
- Extras, spare parts Double valve, almost all spare parts are available from specialist dealers or online shops
Valuation
Conclusion: SKS Airmotion 12.0 floor pump
For tall people, pumps easily throughout, the pressure gauge is easy to read and measures precisely; the somewhat wobbly cylinder in the metal stand is annoying; long hose.
3. topeak Joeblow Sport III - robust classic
- Price 50 Euro >> available here
- Weight / hose length 1,600 gram / 780 mm
- Height / max. extension / stroke 685 / 1,150 /465 mm
- Strokes/bar / Decrease pressure gauge¹ 18 / 0.1 bar
- Extras, spare parts Valve adapter for balls etc., on the Topeak website you will find many spare parts that are also available from specialist dealers
Valuation
Conclusion: Topeak Joeblow Sport III
Top pump, beautifully smooth-running and high-quality workmanship; shortest hose in the test, which can make handling difficult in confined spaces
Tools for frame assembly
1st Crankbrothers BC18 Bottle Cage Tool Kit
It has taken a long time, but now Crankbrothers has also launched a series with integrated tool solutions. The BC18 is the jack-of-all-trades among the various options.
A bottle cage serves as the basis, which has been upgraded with all kinds of useful features. On board is a tyre lever with tubeless patch and piercing tool. An aluminium case on the side protects the minitool and chain tool from dirt. Clever: The mini-tool pops out of its case with a spring. Another clip holds the pump or CO2 cartridge (not included).
Solid handling, secure hold
Off-road, the bottle cage scores with a firm fit. The water bottle hardly wobbles even in heavy bumps. The mini tool sits comfortably in the hand and the lever can be extended slightly by clipping the chain riveter to the tool via the connecting bar. It took us a while to get to grips with all the functions and tricks of the tool set. The following turned out to be particularly clever: The tyre lever acts as a handle for the chain riveter. The riveter itself also functions as a CO2 adapter and spoke tensioner.
Slight rattling during the journey
During the test, we had the Klic HV pump mounted on the bracket. Its hose rattled slightly in the housing on bumpy forest paths. The Minitool was also minimally audible when shaken. Otherwise, the BC18 is currently one of the most comprehensive and best on-board solutions
Features & details
- Price 99,99 Euro >> available here
- Bottle cage right/left mounting
- Additional holder for pump or CO2 cartridge
- Minitool with the following tools: hexagon socket 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8; Torx 10/25; screwdriver
- Tyre lever; tubeless tool; spare tyre plugs; chain tool; spoke spanner; CO2 adapter; valve wrench
- Weight 250 gram
Advantages & disadvantages
+ Minitool protected; extensively equipped; good hold for tools and water bottle; left/right mounting
- minimal rattling
2 Topeak Toolbox 20+
If there is no free bottle cage position on the bike, Topeak's own series of clever puncture repair tools come into play. The Ninja tools are based on the same high-quality, waterproof case that can be opened with a quick-release fastener after swivelling to the side as the Phoenix Dock Tool System from Pivot. The advantage: the holder can be attached to the frame at any suitable point using cable ties and is rubberised on the underside to protect the paintwork.
Another option is to attach it to the lower end of one of the Ninja bottle cages. The well-equipped Mini 20 Pro sits firmly in its case and does not rattle while riding. In our opinion, it is also an excellent choice for bikers in terms of handling. It offers the most important functions and - with the exception of the chain rivet - sits comfortably in the hand when wrenching, although at 226 grams it is not exactly light.
Equipment and details
- Price: 54,95 Euro >> available here
- Holder for bottle cage holes, bottle cage and frame
- Waterproof case with quick-release fastener
- Minitool with 20 functions
- Tools: Phillips/flat head screwdriver; spoke spanner 14G/15G/Mavic; Shimano chain riveter; chain fixing hook; tyre lever; bottle opener with spoke holder; rivet pin breaker
- Hexagon socket 10/8/6/5/4/3/2.5/2 L; Torx T10/T25
- Weight: 226 grammes
Advantages and disadvantages
+ well protected; equipment; very good handling; various mounting options
- Chain tool a little unwieldy
Suspension forks
Fox or Rockshox? Which MTB fork for all-mountain bikes will win the duel in the 160 mm class? Rockshox ZEB, Fox 38 and DVO Onyx D1 38 - a shootout of the 2025 models should clarify whether the industry giants Fox and Rockshox still rule the enduro segment. All results can be found here. Our favourites are the following suspension forks
1st Fox 36 Factory
On the settings side, the 36 meets with new Grip-X cartridge The compression stage differentiates between high and low speed, while the rebound stage can only be adjusted using a rotary knob. The two candidates are also neck-and-neck in the laboratory.
It's different in practice. If you turn the high-speed compression knob on the Fox 36 clockwise to a defined click, the entire compression stage closes. This puts the fork in platform mode, which effectively prevents spring movement. All testers describe the response behaviour as "first-class" - just like that of the Lyrik.
Nevertheless, the comparison is in favour of Fox. Although the 36 offers a little less comfort, it is more stable in its travel on descents, making it more predictable and easier to control when riding harder.
Fox 36 Factory - Data, values & BIKE verdict
2nd Rockshox ZEB Ultimate - TEST WINNER bike 2024
The Rockshox ZEB takes the test victory by a narrow margin. Its greatest strengths: simple and intuitive setup, best weight and outstanding response behaviour.
Even though the Rockshox isn't quite as stable in its travel as the Fox, it's enough to win the points. As the fork is generally comfort-orientated, we recommend a little more compression than usual. Then the ZEB also skilfully parries hard hits.
We recommend the test winner to comfort-conscious enduro riders who want maximum traction. Those who want to test their limits in rough terrain will be happy with the sportier character of the Fox 38.
Rockshox ZEB Ultimate - Data, values & BIKE verdict
Vario seat posts
1. OneUp Components V3 - lightweight with plenty of stroke
- Price: 299 / 49 Euro (support / remote) >> available here
- Weight¹: 458 / 547 g (support / ready to ride)
- Stroke: 90/ 120/ 150/ 180/ 210/ 240 (tested)
- Diameter: 30.9 / 31.6 / 34.9 / 27.2mm (tested)
- Length / insertion depth¹: 505 / 133 - 273 mm
- Stack height¹: 30 mm
- Scope of deliverySupport; reducing pins; mounting paste; remote and clamp/adapter
- Special features: instructions are only available online; remote and adapter are added to the price of the post; available in many lengths and diameters; stroke can be reduced by 10/20 mm; cable clamping is on the post, not on the remote; very low stack height
Conclusion & evaluation OneUp Components V3
Many lengths and diameters, as well as a very usable stroke thanks to a minimal stack are the absolute plus points of the Oneup. The weight is also extremely low. The rubberised lever feels grippy and defined on the thumb and is easy to adjust. The stroke reduction via tiny pins is not an ideal solution, and there are no instructions included in the scope of delivery. Slight play and constant smacking of the cartridge cost points in terms of function. Otherwise a recommendable support.
2nd Wolftooth Resolve V2 - the longest Tele seatpost on the market
- Price 440 / 60 Euro (support / remote)
- Weight¹ 493 / 597 g (support / ready to ride)
- Stroke 125; 160; 200; 242 mm
- Diameter 30,9 / 31.6 / 34.9 mm
- Length / insertion depth¹ 443 / 122 - 250 mm
- Stack height¹ 32 mm
- Scope of delivery Support; Mounting material; Remote
- Special features Self-relieving system; stroke reducible; adapter for Hope, Hayes, Magura; remote with ball bearings
Conclusion & evaluation Wolftooth Resolve V2
The Wolftooth Resolve V2 dropper post has only just been launched on the market and immediately wins the test. It scores with top workmanship, very usable travel and well thought-out features such as the self-venting cartridge. Its elegantly milled, ball-bearing lever is extensively adjustable, clearly defined and has a short lever travel. The Resolve glides through the stroke with very little pressure and extends again quickly (speed is adjustable). The weight of the post is also absolutely competitive. One small drawback: it gets stuck slightly when pressure is applied from above.
3rd Bike Yoke Divine SL - Race seatpost made in Germany
- Price: 330 / 65 Euro (support / remote) >> available here
- Weight¹: 409 / 514 g (support / ready to ride)
- Stroke: 80 / 100 / 125 mm (tested)
- Diameter: 30.9/ 31.6 mm (tested)
- Length / insertion depth¹: 420 / 81 - 277 mm
- Stack height¹: 43 mm
- Scope of delivery: Support; mounting material; operating instructions; valve adapter; reset tool
- Special features: Support can be shortened for even less weight and height; titanium bolts and lighter saddle mount
Conclusion & evaluation Bike Yoke Divine SL
Like the Revive, the Bike Yoke Divine is of extremely high quality, glides smoothly in its guides and has no play on the saddle. In the lowest position, the seatpost is firmly locked in place - good for quick pushes. Depending on the version, the stem can be shortened by up to 115 mm, which saves additional weight. The Divine SL extends quickly (speed adjustable) and engages audibly. Points are deducted for the somewhat more complex assembly and the surprisingly heavy running triggy lever.
4. the Rockshox Reverb AXS - the top dog among the dropper posts
- Price: 655 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹: 685 / 54 g (support / remote)
- Stroke: 100/ 125/ 150/ 170 mm (tested)
- Diameter: 30,9 / 31.6 / 34.9 mm (tested)
- Length / insertion depth¹: 500 / 104 - 264 mm
- Stack height¹: 60 mm
- Scope of delivery: Support; remote incl. clamp; battery; charger; bleeding tool
Special features: adjustable air pressure; bleed valve; Bluetooth; ANT+; compatible with Sram AXS app
Conclusion & evaluation Rockshox Reverb AXS
In terms of installation and operation, the classic wireless dropper post is hard to beat. Plug-and-play is the keyword for the Rockshox Reverb AXS. The large paddle is crisp and clearly defined, and intermediate positions are easy to find thanks to the fast AXS protocol. The post itself runs smoothly and quickly and is also reliable in the long term. Top: battery management via app or clearly visible light on the post head, long runtime and venting function. Less good: high weight and only available up to 170 mm travel.
Mudguard sets in the test
When things get really dirty, good mudguards - "mudguards" is the correct term - save a number of full washes. We have therefore selected five large-format mudguard setswhich are also designed to keep fully riders clean. Here is the derivative of the best models.
1st Crud XL Fender / Rear Fender
- Set price approx. 65 euros (online)
- Length f/h: 62/64 cm
- Weight f/h: 194/168 g
With the Fender XL for the front wheel, the British have landed a hit. The tool-free assembly with six tight rubber rings is wobble-free, the centrally split design allows air to reach the tyre. Plenty of length at the front, so good protection for the face. Our tip for the front wheel.
The rear mudguard inevitably leaves a lot of air to the tyre for the suspension travel on the fully. The protection is correspondingly moderate - more a part for hardtails. Mounting on the seat post requires a 5 mm hexagon socket. Technically solid, but not a winner. Unfortunately only available to order online.
Evaluation Crud XL Fender/ Rear Fender
2nd SKS Mudrocker Set
- Set price 65 Euro >> available here
- Length f/h: 50/65 (up to 85) cm
- Weight f/h: 122/266 g
SKS delivers the most balanced set in the test. Both parts are really good in terms of protection and mounting, even if neither sets standards. At the front, only SKS offers the option of direct screw mounting on suitable triple clamps with the enclosed adapter, but the relatively wide Velcro straps also hold both protectors securely in place.
Rating SKS Mudrocker Set
3. unleashed MR02/M02 set
- Set price 75 Euro
- Length f/h: 51/76 cm
- Weight f/h: 115/217 g
At first glance, the set from the German manufacturer Unleazhed looks similar to the SKS range. A direct comparison reveals different qualities: Unleazhed makes do with narrower Velcro straps for its slightly lighter set, and the rubber pads between the rear mudguard and frame are also a little more fiddly.
However, the protective effect of the rear mud catcher is significantly better than that of the competitor. The generously long protector is less susceptible to vibrations thanks to three-dimensional reinforcements on the inside. This allows it to utilise its length and width with ease. No other in the test kept the back cleaner. Similar performance to SKS on the front wheel.
Evaluation Unleazhed MR02/M02 set
Mini pumps
To pressurise voluminous MTB tyres, you need stamina or a so-called high-volume pump. These powerful mini pumps are designed to inflate fat tyres particularly easily. We tested 11 models and show here the air pumps that do the job quickly, reliably and effortlessly.
1st SKS Airflex Explorer - pressuriser made in Germany
- Price 34,99 Euro >> available here
- Weight 135 g / 14 g
- Length / Diameter 205 mm / 31 mm
- Valve type Presta / Schrader
- Equipment Dust cap; extendable hose; soft grip; holder
- Pump strokes per bar / pressure max. 120 / 5 bar
Conclusion & evaluation SKS Airflex Explorer
Apart from the somewhat high hand forces and the not quite optimal workmanship, the SKS is an absolutely recommendable pump for MTB and gravel. Thanks to the centre split, it offers a good grip for both hands and the rubber coating on the pump hand is very comfortable. The pump head, which can be easily switched between Presta and Schrader valves, is also impressive. Somewhat annoying: the rattling of the hose inside the pump.
2. riverside MTB hand pump - Decathlon's price hit
- Price 14,99 Euro >> available here
- Weight 208 g
- Length / Diameter 250 mm / 29.5 mm
- Valve type Presta / Schrader
- Equipment Extendable hose; dust cap; snap-in function; telescopic cylinder
- Pump strokes per bar / pressure max. 96 / 4 bar
Conclusion & evaluation Riverside MTB hand pump
With the Riverside hand pump MTB pump, Decathlon delivers absolute value for money. Apart from the angular dust cap and the fiddly tube pull-out, it is a recommendation if you want to get a lot of volume into your tyres quickly. The valve connection is cleverly designed and fits Prest or Schrader valves without having to be screwed on. Top features: the telescopic function and the handle with lock function. Unfortunately, a bracket is not included in the scope of delivery.
3 Syncros Boundary 1.5 HV - solid all-rounder in two sizes
- Price 35,95 Euro
- Weight (pump/holder) 119 g / 20 g
- Length / Diameter 210 mm / 26.5 mm
- Valve type Presta / Schrader
- Equipment Extendable hose; clamping lever incl. dust cap;
- Pump strokes per bar / pressure max. 104 / 5.5 bar
Conclusion & evaluation Syncros Boundary 1.5 HV
Syncros offers a lightweight and reasonably compact mini pump at a fair price. When pumping, it scores with low manual force and a comfortable grip. The extendable tube also makes it easier to inflate the tyres. Less good: the small pump head with a fiddly lever and awkward valve type change. Thanks to the cleverly designed bracket, the Boundary doesn't rattle on the frame during transport, even on bumpy roads.
4th Lezyne Micro Floor Drive XL - the tornado among hand pumps
- Price 64,95 Euro
- Weight 366 g
- Length / Diameter 315 mm / 39 mm
- Valve type Presta / Schrader
- Equipment long hose; T-handle; stand; angle adapter; ball needle;
- Pump strokes per bar / pressure max. 28/ 2.4 bar
Conclusion & evaluation Lezyne Micro Floor Drive XL
When you buy a Micro Floor XL, you also decide to carry a rucksack - the pump is huge. But it blows air into the tyre like a tornado. 28 strokes per bar are record-breaking. The finish and feel are ingenious, but the handling is not always. The stand is a little tippy despite the folding foot, the screw valve is a little fiddly - it's easy to accidentally press the practical release button.
Cross-country wheels
It is almost impossible to judge what a cross-country wheel is really capable of in purely visual terms. We have five super-light carbon wheels underwent a blind test in practice and extensive laboratory comparisons with crash tests. Here is our best-of.
1st Newmen Phase Light Vonoa - only 1158 grams thanks to carbon spokes
The slim weight of the wheels presented in spring ensures a particularly light-footed start. In terms of lateral stiffness measured in the laboratory, the super-light Phase is in a low range. However, none of the riders found the wheels too soft in the test. The impact resistance is low, but is still in the green zone for the intended cross-country use.
The Phase wheels are available in different versions in terms of the weight and stability of the rim. The base rim (93 g heavier) offers significantly higher reserves against punctures and can withstand four times the impact intensity without damage, as our laboratory tests prove.
Technical data / manufacturer's specifications
- Price: 1590 Euro per set
- Brake mounts: 6-hole
- Freewheel: Sram XD, Shimano HG, Shimano Microspline
- Hubs: Newmen Fade
- Area of application: XC, classification 3
- Max. System weight: 130 kg
BIKE measured values & evaluation
- Rim width inside/outside: 30.3 / 36.3 mm
- Weight f./h.: 511 / 647 g / 1158 g per set
- Inertia f./h.: 350 / 358 kg x cm²
- Stiffness f./h.: 39.1 / 34.5 N/m
- Impact test: Defect at level 7 (22 joules)
Valuation
- Weight rating (20 %): 0.5
- Inertia (20 %):0, 5
- Driving experience (20 %): 2.5
- Concentricity (10 %): 3.0
- Impact resistance (30 %): 3.0
Overall grade 1.9
2. Pi Rope Duke Lucky Jack SLS4 - lightweight textile spokes
At 2589 euros, the Pi-Rope Duke wheels are the most expensive in the test and, thanks to the lightweight textile spokes, weigh less than 1200 grams. On the other hand, the Duke rim with a rim width of 28 millimetres is slightly narrower than that of the competition. The majority of suppliers rely on a rim width of 30 millimetres, even for cross-country use.
With their very low rotating mass, the Pi Rope wheels get going effortlessly. The lateral stiffness is low, as usual from other tests. Comfort and damping were praised in the ride test. The Pi Rope wheels are very forgiving, generate a lot of grip and are easy on the rider. Some riders found the feedback too indirect. The beautifully finished rims offer good protection against punctures.
Technical data / manufacturer's specifications
- Price: 2589 Euro per set
- Brake mounts: 6-hole
- Freewheel: Sram XD, Shimano HG, Shimano Microspline
- Hubs: Newmen
- Area of application: XC, trail, e-bike
- Max. System weight: 110 kg
BIKE measured values & evaluation
- Rim width inside/outside: 28.0 / 34.0 mm
- Weight f./h.: 534 / 658 g / 1192 g per set
- Inertia f./h.: 351 / 345 kg x cm²
- Stiffness f./h.: 43.5 / 35.7 N/m
- Impact test: Defect at level 6 (18.5 joules)
Valuation
- Weight rating (20 %): 0.5
- Inertia (20 %):0, 5
- Driving experience (20 %): 2.5
- Concentricity (10 %): 3.5
- Impact resistance (30 %): 2.5
Overall grade 1.8
Stefan Frey
Editor
