Hobby bikers may frown at first at the Reboots Go X compression trousers. A pair of trousers for over 1200 euros? But there are times in an athlete's life when every shred of regeneration is as valuable as gold. Not just in the figurative sense. Thousands of (amateur) racers sign up for multi-day races every year for a lot of money. The last thing they want is to throw in the towel prematurely because of tired legs or not finish their season highlight satisfactorily. Even if one sporting session follows the next, a training plan is followed or a stressful everyday life takes its toll, sooner or later bikers are faced with the question of effective regeneration. This is when aids such as the Reboots Go X come into play. The principle is quickly explained: by applying pressure to the legs, the compression shorts are designed to push unwanted substances, such as lactate, out of the limbs and support the muscles during regeneration. Regeneration on demand, so to speak. Is it worth the hefty price tag?
Details about the Reboots Go X
- Purpose: Regeneration during training and competition
- Price: 1338 euros (currently reduced to 1249 euros)
- Weight: 4170 g (BIKE measurement, size L)
- Sizes: M (up to 84 cm) / L (from 85 cm, in test)
- Maximum pressure: 180 mmHg
- Battery life: up to 1.5 h
- Special features: wireless and tubeless, individual control of 16 pressure chambers, 8 overlapping air chambers per leg, 8 different programmes, control via Reboots app
How do the Reboots Go X work?
The principle of regeneration massage is not only familiar to athletes, but also in medical rehabilitation. Anyone struggling with swelling after an injury will probably be familiar with the term lymphatic drainage. In technical jargon, this is known as physical decongestion therapy. The transport of lymphatic fluid from the affected areas to the upper body is stimulated manually or mechanically. Unwanted substances are transported out of the body via the liver, kidneys and finally the urine. Above all, bikers want to get rid of the by-products of metabolism in the muscles. These include lactate, a lactic acid dreaded by racing cyclists, which manifests itself as fatigue and pain in the muscles. The reboots also promise to reduce the risk of inflammation, loosen the legs through massage and thus shorten the regeneration time.
The Reboots Go X trousers contain 16 air chambers that are inflated by small compressors. This creates a pressure wave in the legs, which massages them and pushes the lymphatic fluid out of the limbs. The intervals and points at which the pressure is applied can be set using eight different programmes in an app connected via Bluetooth. Each programme lasts 30 minutes, but can be interrupted or cancelled at any time. The intensity of the pressure can also be set in the app or on the battery-powered device attached to the trousers. The compact device is simply detached from the trousers using a twist lock and charged via a USB cable. Reboots promises up to 90 minutes of battery life. We were also able to verify this duration in the test. Without any other cable or hose connection, the Reboots Go X can be used anywhere where you can sit or lie with your legs stretched out.
The Reboots Go X in the endurance test
The regeneration effect of the Reboots compression trousers For example, frequent trainer and Ironman world champion Anne Haug. Enduro MTB athletes such as Steffi Marth and Jordi Bago also use the parts. But do the Go X also make sense for ordinary mountain bikers? We tested the compression shorts both after everyday training and during two stage races. The Go X were in use at the Alpentour Trophy and at the BIKE Transalptwo high-calibre multi-day marathons, which are also attractive for ambitious hobby cyclists. One disadvantage of the regeneration accelerator is immediately noticeable in the race luggage. With a weight of over four kilos and a large pack size due to their design, the trousers are not suitable for hand luggage. This can be a problem in races with luggage transport, where participants only have a limited amount of space available. You also have to find a place for the reboots in your wardrobe at home. Due to the internal electronics, the trousers cannot be folded up very small.
Before using the reboots for the first time, there is a small challenge. Although both trouser legs have a full-length, sturdy zip, which makes them easier to put on, putting on trousers with limited flexibility in a sitting position requires some practice. It is better to avoid pulling and tugging. On our very first attempt, the cable plug connection on a compressor came loose. The result: one air chamber was without function. No permanent damage, as the cable could be reconnected, but due to the internal structure, this took around 20 minutes of patience.
Apart from that, the Reboots Go X give an absolutely high-quality impression. Unlike many competitors, the Reboots products are not copies of existing concepts. The company develops its own products in Germany and employs a 20-strong team there. Production takes place in Asia. The workmanship is impeccable, the material robust but not breathable. On very hot days, it can get sweaty in the Reboots.
However, the function of the reboots is at least as important as the handling. Although the pressure of the trousers on the leg muscles took some getting used to at first, the mechanical regeneration massage quickly became a regular ritual during training and competition. However, it should be noted that different test subjects experienced different pressure levels differently. Specifically, the pressure at level eight was clearly too lax for one tester, while another found it uncomfortably high.
Fortunately, the pressure only increases slowly and can be quickly adjusted or completely released at the touch of a button or via the app. The latter can also be done selectively in individual chambers if, for example, a cramp hits your foot. If desired, the reboots can also provide a powerful boost: it's amazing how much power the small compressors can build up! During the test period, we occasionally had to contend with a loss of Bluetooth signal. The connection between mobile phone and trousers was always quickly re-established, but the running programme was interrupted when the signal was lost and had to be restarted - annoying but not a deal breaker.
Once you have found the right programme and setup for you, you can lean back and let the compression shorts do their work. The reclining time of at least 30 minutes alone has a regeneration effect. During the reboots, athletes are forced to rest from the hips down. Even though the test was carried out without medical supervision, we are certain that the Go X reboots have a clearly noticeable regeneration effect. All test subjects found the moment when the trousers suddenly released the air that had built up inside them particularly pleasant. This is when the flow of fluid in the legs is suddenly noticeable again and the lower extremities feel noticeably fresher. During the BIKE Transalp, the sessions in the Reboots Go X were combined with short visits to the masseur. The machine cannot replace a manual, relaxing massage. Again, it has too little power and too little precision in targeting individual muscles.
When it comes to decongestion, however, the Reboots Go X are a good help. After use, our testers reliably had to go to the toilet urgently - a good sign for the removal of unwanted substances! Finally, there is once again the question of price. Even if the compression shorts are a genuine quality product, they are still a luxury product. In the search for that last little bit of advantage, they are recommended for professionals. At the amateur level, they are likely to be too expensive for most individuals. However, those interested in buying could consider using the reboots to share with team partners or in a club.
Conclusion from BIKE test editor Jan Timmermann
Frequent exercisers and racers benefit from the regeneration effect of the Reboots Go X. A high maximum pressure and the selection of customisable programmes also help with really tired legs. High-quality workmanship, easy to control via app and can be used anywhere thanks to battery operation, the Go X are probably the most practical compression shorts on the market. The only thing that limits their user-friendliness in everyday life and during stage races is their high weight and pack size. Due to the expensive purchase price, they are not for everyone, but rather something for athletes with high ambitions.
Pro
- noticeable regeneration effect due to the removal of unwanted substances
- Can be used anywhere thanks to battery operation
- surprisingly high maximum pressure
- Large number of customisable programmes with app control
- Top workmanship promises longevity
Contra
- High price
- Sweaty on hot days
- Large and heavy
- Dressing requires practice
- Occasional Bluetooth cancellation
Jan Timmermann
Editor
