Tried and tested in August: Five items from GPS watches to bike cleaners in the TOUR test

Fast data collector Garmin Fenix

The Fenix 7 Pro Solar multisport watch in the medium size (47 mm diameter) weighs just 79 grams. The soft strap fits snugly on the wrist and the multifunctional companion for various sports is comfortable to wear. A plus point is the long battery life: ten days with several GPS recordings were no problem in the test. The actual runtime depends heavily on usage - in energy-saving mode, with solar charging and without GPS, the watch should last 173 days. The Fenix 7 Pro offers many functions, not all of which are needed - the training suggestions, for example, will be too superficial for experienced athletes. The GPS satellites are found quickly, the measurement of altitude and distance is very accurate and the heart rate measurement on the wrist works better than on older models. A topographical map from Garmin can be downloaded via the app, the Cycle Map costs 29 euros extra.

+ Battery life, altitude measurement, fast and precise GPS

- Bicycle map costs extra

• Price: 850 euros (variants with different diameters and bracelets)

Putzblitz care set from Schwalbe

Well-maintained tyres are a prerequisite for a training ride or participation in a marathon. To keep your bike shining at the starting line, tyre manufacturer Schwalbe now offers a care set with soap and brush. Tyre manufacturer Schwalbe is not only a pioneer in the recycling of bicycle tyres; the company from Reichshof in North Rhine-Westphalia is also developing ideas in other areas to harmonise ecology and economy. This includes, for example, the bike soap from the "Bike Soap Kit", which is made entirely from natural substances in Germany. It is dermatologically tested, vegan, microplastic-free and biodegradable in accordance with the OECD standard. According to Product Manager Peter Krischio, the palm oil it contains comes from certified, sustainable cultivation. The horsehair brush makes it easy to lather up the soap and clean the bike well, even in inaccessible places. The soap can then be stored in the aluminium tin without getting stuck in its own mud. Conclusion: practical, simple and very economical. However, the soap leaves slight streaks even after rinsing with plenty of water, so you have to dry the bike.

+ Economical, favourable, environmentally friendly

- Drying, wiping by hand required

• Prices in a set with soap, aluminium box, horsehair brush 29,90 Euro;
  Soap and aluminium box alone 7.90 euros each >> available here

Ezero comfort trousers from Everve

Pee-friendly is the new bib shorts for women from German manufacturer Everve. The highlight is that the bibs can be spread out to the sides, leaving the way clear for a relaxed pit stop without having to take off your jersey or jacket. The first generation of Everve's padless Ezero for women was only available as waistband trousers, but the latest version now has the much-requested straps. Our tester was able to test the shorts extensively in practice during stage races with distances of more than 200 kilometres in combination with the matching Ezero saddle and describes the riding feel of the lightweight shorts as good. The wrinkle-free fit in the pubic area, where other trousers with padding can pinch uncomfortably, was a positive feature. The straps keep the trousers perfectly in position and also relieve pressure on the sensitive abdominal area compared to waistband trousers. The highlight of the trousers is their strap design, which allows you to make a pit stop without taking off your jersey or jacket. The manufacturer has also changed the seams in the trousers, which are now barely noticeable.

+ Stress-free pee break, no pressure points

• Price 135 Euro (without saddle)
• Sizes XS to XL
• Colours Black, olive, navy

Pro Mechanic HD stationary holder from Feedback Sports

If you like to do a lot of work, a solid assembly stand like the Pro Mechanic HD from Feedback is a must. It can carry loads of up to almost 50 kilos. Admittedly, the new Pro Mechanic HD assembly stand from Feedback with a load capacity of 45 kilos is actually oversized for slim and lightweight road bikes. However, the stand made of anodised aluminium, which weighs a good eight kilograms, is not fazed by anything. It holds bikes of every category securely in its claw, which can be operated with one hand and is equipped with jaw protectors to prevent scratches. The tried-and-tested quick-release mechanism, which releases the wheel with a tap on the release button, is very practical. We liked the clean workmanship and high mechanical quality of the telescopic tubes, folding feet and clamping mechanism as well as the overall high-quality finish. The robust and very durable assembly aid is particularly worthwhile for frequent wrenchers and tool enthusiasts who have heavy pedelecs or e-mountain bikes in their fleet in addition to light racing bikes.

+ Robust, durable, functional, good spare parts supply

• Price 495 Euro >> available here

Iso bottle from Zefal

An insulated bottle is not expensive and increases the enjoyment of water, spritzers or tea. The Arctica Pro is designed to keep cold drinks cold for longer and hot drinks hot for longer. The cylindrically shaped bottle fits into any bottle cage, but has a very flat collar that the clip of the bottle cage can barely engage with, which is why the bottle sits somewhat loosely. Its screw cap is very easy to grip, the valve opens when pressure is applied to the flexible bottle sleeve, seals well and does not drip when the bottle is held upside down. Filled with 750 millilitres of 70 degree hot tea, it cooled down to 48 degrees in the six degree cold fridge within 60 minutes. That's a good value, although airstream would intensify the cooling effect.

+ Insulation, closure

• Price 15 Euro >> available here
• Volume 750 millilitres