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5 essentials for road cyclists
Road cycling in the cold: winter jacket from Q36.5
- Price: 320 Euro >> available here
- Colours: Grey, brown, black
- Sizes: XXS to XXL
According to the manufacturer, the Q36.5 Gregarius winter jacket aims to be an alternative to the classic softshell jacket and differs in its design from its multi-layered softshell competitors. Its outer shell including membrane and the fluffy lining in the front area are not bonded, making it feel light and airy when you first try it on. With a weight of just 335 grams (size L, around 150 grams lighter than a softshell jacket), the scales confirm our first impression; the recommended temperature range of zero to ten degrees Celsius is also suitable according to our practical test on a morning autumn ride, provided you wear a fluffy long-sleeved vest underneath.
The outer skin does not let the wind through and water droplets quickly roll off it (water-repellent, not waterproof). The jacket has a great cut: it anticipates the bent racing bike position, its collar and cuffs fit snugly without pinching; overall, it has a normal fit. Reflective strips, a zip that can be operated with one hand and three jersey pockets plus a side zip pocket for small items round off the offer. The manufacturer recommends ordering one size smaller for the jacket, which is also available in a women's cut, although we always recommend trying it on first if you are wearing more than one vest underneath.
Advantages: Weather protection, fit and feel, features
Essentials for road cyclists: tool set from Wera
The bicycle tool set 3 from Wera at a price from 75 euros (>> available hereThe Wuppertal-based manufacturer has included a small puncture box with the 41-piece ¼-inch tool set in the practical bag, which can be equipped with a ratchet and the bits required for the bike as required, including a tyre lever. This is a good solution and practical. Apart from that, the comprehensive range of tools leaves nothing to be desired as a high-quality basis for screwing at home or as a breakdown helper on the road, both for amateur and professional screwdrivers. Contents Bit ratchet, bit holder, universal holder, tool shank, 7 sockets 5.5; 6 to 15; 3 bits PH1, PH2, PH3; 6 bits Torx 10 to 30; 3 bits slotted 0.5; 0.6; 1.0; 7 bits Inhex 2 to 8; 5 Inhex bits with ball head 2.5 to 6; two tyre levers
Advantages: Workmanship, value for money, flexible puncture box for travelling
Also for road cyclists: headlights from Lupine
The SL Grano LED headlamp from German manufacturer Lupine impresses from the very first time you pick it up. With a weight of just 170 grams and a robust, CNC-milled aluminium housing that is both impact-resistant (to IK09) and waterproof (to IPX6), the SL Grano has a top-quality finish. The elegant light can be mounted on the Gopro holder, for example under the GPS computer. However, the test shows that the existing bracket on the underside of the handlebars should be as parallel to the road as possible, otherwise it could be difficult to direct the light flat enough onto the road due to the shape of the lamp. If this is successful, its homogeneous, bright beam illuminates the road and the edge of the carriageway perfectly and leaves no obstacle unrecognised. Price: 196 euros >> available here.
The light duration of up to 1:45 hours in the brightest mode is a decent value (charging time 2:30 hours), while the daytime running light shines for up to twelve hours. An ambient light sensor automatically activates dimmed low beam in automatic mode. This is convenient and increases passive safety. Two status LEDs on the top of the housing indicate the active light level in addition to the battery capacity, making it easy to monitor the light level while driving. And should the Li-polymer battery reach the end of its life, the screw-fastened housing makes it easy to replace.
Advantages: Light image and duration, workmanship, operation, ease of servicing
Essentials for road cyclists: handlebar tape from Cosmic Sports
The Haritakee handlebar tape from NG is made from 50 per cent recycled PET and 50 per cent jute. The woven material is robust and has a good grip both dry and wet. It is easy to wrap and the length of 2.5 metres is commendable (a good two metres is normal). With a thickness of around two millimetres, the tape does not offer any particular damping, but we did not find this to be a negative aspect. The scope of delivery includes high-quality aluminium handlebar end plugs as well as flexible and adhesive end tape for a durable and clean finish. Price: 30 euros.
Advantages: Winding properties, high-quality handlebar end plugs, sustainable material
Mobile phone transport: Case from Muc-Off
The Waterproof Essentials Case from Muc-Off costs €36 and is a robust bag designed to safely transport your smartphone and bits and bobs in your jersey pocket. It is labelled as "waterproof", which we can partially confirm after the practical test on the racer in the rain and ten-second immersion in water; only a drop of water was visible directly at the end of the zip on the test paper towel draped inside. Inside, the 59 gram bag measures 17 x 9 x 2 centimetres, an open and a zipped compartment help to keep things tidy. Thanks to two external straps, the valuables carrier can also be attached to other items of luggage.
Advantages: Good weather protection, robust
Matthias Borchers
Editor
