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.
Kristian Bauer
Oakley Sutro Lite - Broadband cinema
I don't have to follow every fashion, but I like this one! The glasses with the giant lenses immediately won me over. The field of vision is not restricted in any direction, the wind doesn't whistle through - and above all: these glasses look really cool. It was very important to me that there was no frame. The Sutro Lite fulfils all the criteria and is more robust than the glasses I had before. I won't be giving them back - even if small glasses are back in fashion at some point! The Sutro Lite is available, for example, from Rosebikes or Bicycle XXL.
Sportful Hotpack - Weather protection
This jacket is no longer really white, and there's a reason for that: it's with you on almost every ride. At 80 grams, it doesn't weigh much and can be easily stowed away in the practical bag. The Windbreaker is perfect for keeping out the wind on descents, and even in light drizzle it's good emergency protection. That's why I stuff the jacket into my jersey pocket on almost every ride.
Favero Assioma Duo - Power data
Measuring power via a crank is ideal from a technical point of view, but involves a lot of effort. Changing the bike is complicated and the compatibility of the bottom bracket and chainrings has to be clarified. I am glad that I was able to do without the Assioma wattmeter pedals I have changed over. Screw it on and ride off - that's all it takes. The associated app shows the charge status and the battery lasts a long time. Wattage data without stress - that makes sense!
Sandra Schuberth
Vaude Drop Shorts - dry and airy
These short rain trousers have been with me since 2018. They have quickly become an essential piece of equipment for me on long tours, whether on winter bikepacking trips or over 900 kilometres in the drizzle across Germany. They successfully keep the rain off the padding of the cycling shorts. At least as important to me is that they keep the wind out, so I don't get as cold. Why not long trousers? Long rain trousers are usually too warm for me and I sweat. The short rain trousers are more airy. I chose a size larger for maximum comfort. Fun fact: The trousers also fit my partner and have already made one or two rain rides more comfortable for him. The Vaude Drop Shorts are available at Rosebikes or Mountain time.
Bergans Merino baselayer - still good enough
The merino baselayer from Bergans has accompanied me on countless adventures on and off the bike since 2015. Be it on an icy bikepacking tour to a singlespeed cyclocross event or on a pre-Christmas 700-kilometre gravel tour back home, including a night in a mountain hut on the Erzgebirge ridge. I particularly appreciate the high neck closure. The material is also neither too thick nor too thin. Unfortunately, the good piece has become quite holey in the meantime. Until it is given its final task as a flap, it will keep me warm this winter on my 26-kilometre commute.
100% Hypercraft XS - it fits me too
Finding sunglasses that fit my small face is no easy task. My helmet and glasses often clash, sometimes I can't fit a cycling cap between them, or the glasses slip down my nose. Somehow I've managed to come to terms with different glasses so far, but I've never been completely satisfied. At this year's BIKE Festival on Lake Garda, I tried the newly introduced Hypercraft XS from 100% and tried it on. I also really liked the look of it. Of course, that also played a role in the decision to buy. When they became available on the market, I bought them. And lo and behold, they fit very well and I sometimes forget that I'm wearing sunglasses. The only drawback: there are no photochromic lenses for the Hypercraft XS. I rely on self-tinting lenses, especially for ultracycling events, so that I don't have to change the lenses when the light conditions change.
Angelika Rauw
Shakedry rain jacket from Gorewear - rohes egg
My favourite part for riding in the rain is the Shakedry rain jacket from Gorewear, which came onto the market in 2016. I've owned a first-generation model for five years - and it's still completely waterproof, incredibly light (100 grams), dries incredibly quickly, but above all, it lets more sweat into the fresh air than any rain jacket before it. That's why I prefer it to all the other waterproofs in my wardrobe, even when jogging. Apart from that, I treat the expensive piece (already 280 euros at the time) like a raw egg so that it lasts as long as possible. This is because the special material, which unfortunately cannot be produced in bright colours, is sensitive: it must not be tumble-dried, dry-cleaned or ironed (but does not need to be re-impregnated) and does not tolerate friction, for example from rucksack straps. That's a shame, because I'd love to take the Shakedry with me when I go hiking.
Sigma rear light Nugget II - keep it simple
Once I've discovered something that works without any problems, I stay loyal to it for a long time. That's how I feel about the Nugget II from Sigma, a relatively simple oval USB rechargeable rear light. I particularly like the simplicity: the Nugget is reasonably priced (around 14 euros in shops, online for as little as 8 euros >> e.g. here), available in many shops, bright enough in city traffic and on dark country roads. It can be attached in seconds with a rubber ring to any of my bikes, but also to bags and rucksacks. If the ring tears, you can get a replacement in the bike shop. The five hours of light and the one brightness level are more than enough for me. And: I can switch the light on and off while riding without having to twist it.
SKS Airworx 10.0 - Reliability in orange
A few years ago, when I arrived late at the meeting point for a ride, it was often because there were various obstacles in the way of inflating my road bike tyres. In addition to a discounter pump, my range of floor pumps also included two models from well-known brands. However, these tended to go on strike as soon as a valve was slightly bent or shorter. A pump with a screw head often kept the valve head to itself - with the result that the tyre deflated completely in one go when I wanted to separate the two again. Since I have been using the SKS Airworx 10.0, none of this happens any more. The bright orange metal floor pump is stable, fills tyres with just a few strokes and the pressure gauge reliably shows the pressure. It can work with all valve types on my various bikes - even the French valves, which I treat a little carelessly, don't stop it from doing its job. The pump head securely encloses even the crookedest and shortest valves - and also releases them again. I haven't touched another pump since I got the Airworx. The only thing I no longer have an excuse for is being late.
Julian Schultz
Classic Bib Shorts from Rapha - the older, the better
The cycling garment in which I have covered the most kilometres is this one Bib shorts from Rapha. It has been serving me faithfully for more than ten years now - and simply doesn't break! The straps are now a little worn, and the seams on the seat pad are no longer in the best condition. But so what? The trousers are comfortable and not as tight-fitting as other models. However, the truth is that after longer rides I can read the Rapha lettering printed on the side of my thighs. In addition to the comfort, the fact that I don't have to take too much care of the trousers due to their advanced age is a big plus. They are therefore a faithful companion, especially when riding in bad weather or off-road - and will hopefully remain so for a few more years.
Reflectors from Nathan - for the winter season
The original Christmas present was actually intended to make me more visible when jogging in the dark. However, as the running shoes have been pushed further and further back in the shoe cupboard - cycling is the more attractive sport - I strap on the Reflectors I've since changed to it for night-time (test) rides. In combination with battery lighting and reflective clothing, I feel much more comfortable with it and luckily I haven't yet been picked up. Incidentally, studies have shown that moving parts are more visible in poor lighting conditions. That's why I put the straps around my ankles and not on my arms.
Rapha pouch for the jersey pocket - the little black one
Another favourite piece from the British luxury label? Yes, exactly. Other manufacturers may now be among the fashion trendsetters in cycling. But on the one hand, you don't have to follow every fashion, and on the other hand, Rapha's mix of simple design and high functionality convinces me. In the second category is the small Pouch for the jersey pocket - and I really do take it with me on every tour. I usually stow my mobile phone, change for an emergency Coke and keys in it. There's also enough space for a spare inner tube, CO2 cartridge and mini-tool. This keeps everything tidy, the jersey pockets don't bulge and the smartphone stays dry. At least it is protected from your own sweat. In heavy rain, the little black bag reaches its limits, but still offers better protection against moisture than if the smartphone & co. were loose in the jersey pocket.
Thomas Musch
Winter jacket from Castelli - flattering
The fact that this jacket is one of my favourites is also and above all due to its not-so-tight cut. Even when I'm wearing a sports vest and long-sleeved jersey underneath in the depths of winter, I still don't look like a sausage and can move easily in it. The windstopper membrane keeps out the icy wind, while the soft, brushed material with a pleasant feel keeps me cosy and warm. Nevertheless, enough perspiration vapour can escape so that I don't get cold and damp during my two or three-hour winter runs. The colour scheme may be (too) colourful for today's visual habits, but I like it and it's easy to see.
Cross shoes from Sidi - enduring
These shoes are almost a small miracle: their purchase date is lost sometime in the 90s, since then other cycling shoes have come and gone, but these have outlasted everything. The ratchet rattles, although I have almost lost one of the thin metal pins several times - but only almost. The twist lock works as well as ever, all the seams are intact, and with a little leather grease the shoe can be polished to a supple softness and still look good. The hard plastic sole isn't the most pedalling-friendly, but it practically never wears out. For some time now, an ergonomic insole has been pepping up the somewhat sparse footbed, and the narrow shape still fits me perfectly. Hopefully it will last another 25 years!
Saddle bags from Silca - great tuber
At first I was a little sceptical and smiled a little at the elaborate and deliberately different fastening system with the Boa twist lock. In the meantime, I've almost grown fond of the Silca bag, in which tyre levers, spare tube and mini tools can be rolled up and stored. Over time, the "Seat Roll" has turned into a somewhat misshapen bulb with a patina, but it clings tightly to the saddle frame and is held absolutely wobble-free and captive by the tightly tensioned wires of the Boa fastener. The pack doesn't make any noise either. The tool inside shows no signs of rust, so the cover must be largely waterproof. And brushed off with a little soapy water, it also looks good again.
Andreas Kublik
Windproof jersey from Alé - Back protector
Over the years, you get handed a few souvenirs at company presentations. Many of them end up carelessly in the corner. But not the windproof and water-repellent short-sleeved jersey from Alé. For me, this good piece, which can be folded up and put into a jersey pocket, is perfect for cooler, changeable days thanks to its complete Windtex membrane, including reflective prints for more visibility: with most waistcoats, the back remains unprotected, rain jackets quickly become a mini steam bath except on descents. The Alé Klimatik, on the other hand, is almost an all-rounder. Combined with a vest, arm warmers or a thermal long-sleeved jersey, the bodysuit can be worn in any combination according to the onion principle. Only the seams could be more durable.
Wheelset from Tune - old-fashioned fidelity
First things first: I like things to be uncomplicated when cycling. I prefer riding to screwing. And so the Tune TSR35 aluminium wheelset has become a loyal companion for me over the years. When I ask my Test & Technology colleagues for a new test wheelset, they just smile. For them, wheels for rim brakes are an anachronism. For me, on the other hand, it's enough if I only have bleeding orgies and disc brake calipers on my mountain bike. Sure, the rim height is puny and the air resistance is noticeable compared to top aerodynamic rims. But the low brake wear, the clear pressure point and the low weight of 1449 grams have already reliably accompanied me on the Ötztaler Cycle Marathon or TOUR-Transalp - for experienced brakemen, the deceleration performance is completely sufficient even in the rain.
Wolfgang Papp
Rapha Classic Shoes - Noble shoes
The Classic Shoe from Rapha has accompanied my road cycling activities for around ten years now - and yes, it's true love. Everything just fits! Timeless design, perfect fit and comfortable to wear. The fact that the shoe is made from yak leather initially fuelled my guilty conscience when it came to sustainability. However, I am one of those old-fashioned people who prefer leather models for football boots and cycling shoes. Plastic trainers simply stink to high heaven after a short time! The fact that you step on Coppi and Anquetil with every turn of the pedals - their likenesses adorn one insole each - is a funny side effect that doesn't detract from the comfort.
Robert Kühnen
Hexagon socket set from Wera - Professional spanners
The Hexagon socket from Wera are among my most frequently used tools. Whether I'm working on my bike or on fixtures, this set is always my first choice. The workmanship and hardness are top-notch, the endurance is considerable. The special tool shape is gentle on the screw heads, the ball head screws around corners and the colour code helps you to quickly find the right spanner. The rubber coating is pleasant. Haptically and technically very good. The spanners are also available individually.
Silca Super Secret Chain Lube - Saubermacher
I've been waxing for a year now. I have converted six bikes to wax so far. Mine, but also some of my children's. No more black fingers and less wear and tear! Where there is no abrasive paste, there is less wear and tear. Hot wax is the first choice, but I often use Silca wax emulsion for re-lubrication. Apply, preferably directly after the ride, especially if it was wet, massage in with your fingers (!) and your chain care is ready. Lasts for around 150 kilometres. No matter how batzig the ride is - the drive always stays amazingly clean. You have to try it. The 120 ml bottle was enough for one year and six bikes.
Winsole insole - Footboards
Sometimes it takes longer to discover indispensable parts. I've only been riding the customised insoles from Winsole with a carbon base for a good year. But I put them in every cycling shoe I use. Always. And everyone benefits from them, from (too) soft MTB shoes to tough race shoes. The pedalling feel is always better with the insole. Even shoes that would otherwise be thrown away because of worn-out soles are rideable.
Training software from Golden Cheetah - free of charge
Great and free? There is! Bicycle parts are not yet created in this way, but software is. Golden Cheetah is open source software for visualising training data, especially power meter data. The software is simply fantastic, there is nothing better for ploughing through the ocean of training data. Some familiarisation is required.
Jens Klötzer
Winter vest from X-Bionic - always right
On the Winter vest from X-Bionic more than ten years ago on the recommendation of a colleague, because even in thick winter jackets I get cold as soon as I take a break. At the time, I would never have thought that it would serve me so well for so long. What's more, it's probably the most worn item of clothing in my wardrobe. This is all the more surprising because I hardly ever cycle in sub-zero temperatures. However, the intricately knitted top works so well that it is always my first choice when temperatures drop below ten degrees. It's perfect in the transitional period with a light windbreaker and in winter with a softshell jacket - there's no need for another layer. Sweat is reliably wicked away from the skin and the shirt always feels dry. The complicated cut fits like a second skin. I now wear the shirt on many other occasions: When hiking, jogging or kayaking, it also cuts a fine figure when worn solo and on cool summer days and can also show off its advantages.
