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Disc brakes High braking efficiency with low hand force and sensitive modulation, their insensitivity to wet conditions and the advantage that they do not wear out a load-bearing component like rim brakes - all this has allowed the hydraulic disc brake to make a breakthrough and achieve an optimum ergonomic adjustment of the distance to the handlebar grip.
Lighting system A hub dynamo is mandatory on a bicycle. The dynamo runs smoothly and almost without resistance in the front wheel and can also power a smartphone or sat nav via a USB socket in addition to the lights. On an e-bike, the power comes from the battery. Modern LED headlights offer plenty of brightness for rides in total darkness. High-quality headlights score points with a more homogeneous light field, better sealing against moisture and a more stable design. Rear lights bolted to the pannier rack or integrated are clearly visible and protected. Exposed rear lights mounted on the mudguard are easily damaged when manoeuvring.
Luggage carrier A spring flap quickly clamps a jacket. However, if you use panniers, the flap often gets in the way if there is not enough space for the hooks. A removable spring flap is therefore a good idea. A second, deeper railing gives bags more space and also a more favourable centre of gravity. Carriers made of welded steel or aluminium tubes are more stable than bolted or solid aluminium constructions. A carrier is optimally mounted when the strut base is supported over a large area on or on the frame tube and is held under the mudguard by a U-shaped profile. A simple, flat bracket cannot support lateral pendulum impulses well enough.
Mudguards Only sufficiently long mudguards are effective in the wet. If a mudguard covers the circumference of the tyre at least horizontally and perhaps even has a spoiler at the end, the feet on the front wheel and the followers on the rear wheel (or trailer occupants) remain clean and dry. The longer the mudguard, the more it vibrates while riding. Therefore, the struts should be stable and vibration-resistant, especially on the front wheel.
Parking support Stands mounted on the rear triangle support the bike broadly and therefore more securely. They are the only reliable option for loaded bikes. Centre stands get in the way when manoeuvring if the crank collides with the folded-out stand.
This must also be included:
Boot A dirt and waterproof bag on the luggage carrier offers plenty of flexible storage space for cyclists' basic equipment, everyday utensils and even spontaneous shopping. Legendarily leak-proof, stable and handy: Ortlieb Back-Roller Free.
Breakdown kit With Tool, Mini pump, Tyre lever set and Spare tube Even a breakdown on the road won't hold you up for long. Stowed in your bag, it travels inconspicuously and is quickly to hand if the worst comes to the worst. Check beforehand that the tool has the required spanners for your bike (Allen key, Torx, 15 mm spanner). The best choice is a mini pump that can operate several valve types, has a pressure gauge and a mechanism that can be switched from volume to high pressure. Plastic tyre levers protect the rim and inner tube when levering. The replacement inner tube must have the same valve as your original inner tube.
Castle A good Castle to lock the bike is also in good hands in the bag. Look for a high protection class if you often have to park your bike in public.
