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Gravel bike accessories - Evil Eye Roadsense
Even if the name suggests otherwise, the Roadsense from Evil Eye is also ideally suited for off-road use. Its huge mono lens not only offers uninterrupted vision in all directions, it also protects against draughts at high speeds. Angle-adjustable temples and nose wings improve the fit on different faces.
The Roadsense is also available in two sizes. The Vario lenses in categories 1 to 3 are bright enough for riding in twilight, but also darken sufficiently in bright sunlight. On helmets with a low-slung shell, the high Evil Eye can hit the top. There are no ventilation slots, which means that the tight-fitting lens mists up easily.
- Price295 Euro >> available here
- Weight33 grams (size S,L)
Strengths: Sits well on many faces
WeaknessesWeak ventilation
Gravel bike accessories - Alpina Ravel
Gravel helmets are, how could it be otherwise, somewhere between road bike helmets and mountain bike helmets. Their shell encloses the back of the head better than that of a road helmet. This is a safety advantage, as you fall differently off-road than on the road.
The Ravel has a narrow cut compared to some of its competitors. It is easy to adjust, although the buckles are difficult to open. Once adjusted, nothing can be adjusted. Some goggles bump into the back of the helmet.
- Price: 130 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: 51-56, 55-59
- Weight: 290 grammes
Strengths: Precisely adjustable
WeaknessesSome goggles hit the back of the helmet
Gravel bike accessories - Ortlieb Fuel Pack
Ortlieb's new top tube bag holds around one litre and, if there are no suitable threads in the frame, is attached using perforated rubber strips. The lid of the energy bar bunker is held in place by a magnetic fastener and can be opened with a quick flick of the wrist; it usually closes by itself. The waterproof nylon bag is a little wobbly on the top tube, but sits securely. There is also a separate cable outlet. A good bag for small items.
- Price: 60 Euro
- Weight: 155 gram
StrengthsVariable use
Weaknesses: Tilting takes some getting used to
Storck Zeitjaeger Platinum 40G
The fact that gravel bikes ride more slowly than road bikes is mainly due to the heavier, wider tyres. A new, lightweight wheelset from Storck with carbon spokes provides more dynamism and better acceleration. The front and rear wheels together weigh a good 1300 grams, around 200 grams less than carbon wheels with comparably wide rims. The front and especially the rear wheel are less laterally stiff, making the wheelset more suitable for lightweight cyclists.
- Price1999 Euro
- Weight1311 grams for front and rear wheel
Strengths: Very light
Weaknesses: Little lateral stiffness; spokes sensitive to damage
Mini kitchen to go - Primus Feed Zone
Cooking utensils especially for bikepacking: The Cartridge gas cooker and the 0.5 litre aluminium pot have been extensively tested. The two can be connected with a screw mechanism - for a secure stand and maximum efficiency, the water boils in just a few minutes.
Practical: Each part of the Feed Zone can be purchased individually, depending on your own preferences. According to the manufacturer, the cooker/pot set with accessories weighs just under 500 grams and is available from outdoor retailers for around 150 euros. Pack sack costs 55 euros.
Strengths: All products available individually (>> e.g. available here)
WeaknessesPartly heavy
Gravel bike accessories - Schwalbe SOS Pump and René Herse Nuda Ultralight
Mini pumps are well suited to lightweight gravel bikes, but have their difficulties with the wide tyres and their air volume: with the René Herse we needed 320 pump strokes, with the Schwalbe even 460, to bring a 45 millimetre wide tyre from zero to two bar. At 13 centimetres long, the Schwalbe aluminium pump is really mini, while the carbon pump from René Herse measures 20 centimetres and weighs just 29 grams.
Swallow
- Price: 34,90 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 96 gram with holder
René Herse
- Price: 39,00 Euro
- Weight: 30 gram
Strengths of the Schwalbe pump: Very compact
Weaknesses of the Schwalbe pump: Many pump strokes required
Strengths of the René Herse pump: Very light
Weaknesses of the René Herse pump: Small pump head leaves little space to hold on to
Compliant - Keego drinking bottle, 750 millilitres
Titanium on the inside, plastic on the outside - this unusual combination of materials makes the bottle squeezable and neutral in flavour. The silicone mouthpiece is pleasantly soft and gentle on the teeth. A dust cap (available separately) prevents dirt in the mouth. It closes best when the bottle is in the holder.
- Price: 39,90 >> available here
- Weight: 86 gram
Strengths: Tooth-friendly drinking valve
WeaknessesRelatively expensive
