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Espresso tamper from Chris King
Chris King enjoys cult status. Since 1976, tuners from all over the world have been craving the colourful anodised inner and head bearings or seat clamps from the Portland, Oregon-based company. For fans of handmade coffee creations among lovers of the anodised look, Chris King now has an espresso tamper in its range. The tamper with a diameter of 58 millimetres and the legendary NoThreadSet handle combines the two passions for coffee and cycling. Incidentally, the elegant hand tamper costs 200 euros. Too expensive? As a gift!
- Price: 200 Euro
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Cult, processing
- Minus: -
Box from Thule: Santu
- Price 899 Euro (extra costs for mounting kit) >> available here
- Weight 14.4 kilos
- Volume 260 litres
- Payload 45 kilos
Owners of a Thule Easy Fold XT or Epos carrier have the perfect base for when they need more storage space in their car instead of space for bicycles. With the new Thule Santu box, 260 litres of packing volume (manufacturer's specification) can be placed on the rear carrier - this corresponds to around half the boot volume of a mid-range saloon. The one and a half metre wide and 60 centimetre deep box may seem unwieldy at first glance, but with a weight of just over 14 kilograms it is very easy to handle, which is also helped by the integrated wheels and a recessed grip. We really liked the simple assembly with four adapters, which are precisely attached to the rail using the ratchet straps and fit perfectly with the mounting holes in the case shell. Four eight-millimetre screws secure the box and a torque spanner is included. The lid lock is less precise and only engages properly when the thin, flexible lid is pressed down evenly with both hands. The key can only be removed once a red visual marker has clicked into place. The weight of the load may vary depending on the authorised coupling load of the vehicle!
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Assembly, processing, handling
- Minus: Locking mechanism
Pump from Topeak
- Price 100 Euro >> available here
- Maximum pressure 7 bar
- Battery 600 milliamp hours
After the well-known manufacturers of floor pumps and mini-pumps have so far tended to hold back on the trend towards battery-powered small compressors, Topeak is now launching the E-Booster Digital. After unpacking, the first impression is positive: The independent shape with the boiler-like pump head does not resemble any of the previously known no-name products. Practical additions are the non-slip silicone cover and the ten centimetre long tube adapter, which significantly improves handling at the tyre valve. The display with illuminated digits is easy to read, even in sunlight, and the operating logic can be understood by everyone after two or three attempts. Topeak promises a maximum pressure of 8 bar and four fillings of 5.5 bar for 28 mm tyres. Our practical test result: 7 bar maximum pressure and six fillings at 3.5 bar with a 32-millimetre tyre.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Operation, handling, performance
- Minus: -
Glasses: Giant Agos
- Price from 80 Euro (favourable version)
The Agos cycling goggles from Giant cost 100 euros, weigh 31.7 grams, are top-quality and well equipped: These include the silicone-covered temples for a good grip on the head and the adjustable, rubberised nose pads. The easy lens change and the clear replacement lens included in the price for poor visibility conditions are practical features, while a cleaning cloth and case round off the package. During the practical test, we liked the high-contrast vision and the vivid colours thanks to the large lens. We were less convinced by the half-frame frame, which is supposed to improve vision when the head is lowered. Three testers unanimously reported that the goggles then sit so high that the edge of the lens permanently touches the edge of the helmet. We recommend trying the goggles on with your own helmet.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Processing, features, contrast and colours
- Minus: Fit
Gravel wheels from Fulcrum
- Price 2450 Euro
- Weight 1450 gram
Fulcrum presents the Sharq as an off-road wheel for high demands: aero spokes, ceramic bearings and an elaborately manufactured carbon rim embody the Italian company's accumulated expertise. With an inner rim width of 25 millimetres, the manufacturer recommends at least 30-millimetre tyres; 35 to 40 millimetres are ideal. Minimally pronounced hooks allow even wide tyres to remain stable on the rim, but still offer some protection against bouncing at high pressures. Our test wheelset is very light for the width: 1450 grams are otherwise typical of the league of expensive road wheels with significantly narrower rims. Our measurements confirm that the wheels are nevertheless stable, with stiffness values at a very high level at the front and rear. The 24 spokes are triple-crossed where the greatest loads occur: on the front wheel on the left and on the rear wheel on the drive side. The braking force at the rear is absorbed by single-crossed spokes. The distinctive hump design is intended to improve crosswind behaviour; the rims performed very well in our aero test. The elegant finish rounds off a convincing but expensive package.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: light, stiff, good aerodynamics
- Minus: Comparatively expensive
