TOUR test centre: New pedal system, double helmet, 18-gram goggles & more on test

The pedal system from Ekoï

If you look at the development of road bike pedals over the past 30 years, then the new PW8 pedal system from French manufacturer Ekoï is a minor revolution. The number "8" in the model name indicates that the pedal and shoe bring the sole of the foot within eight millimetres of the pedal axle. This is an extremely low value and, from a biomechanical point of view, is considered favourable for pedalling and power transmission. At just 105 grams per pedal, it undercuts both the Look Keo Blade Carbon and Shimano's Dura-Ace pedal, the metal cleats weigh 15 grams per pair and are available in two versions to vary the heel clearance between 0 and 1.5 degrees or 3 and 6 degrees.

The pedal body follows the contour of the sole exactly; after around twelve hours of familiarisation, spread over several rides, we dare to say that no other pedal currently offers such a full, wobble-free and supported stance. The tiny cleats are recessed into the sole so that you can walk almost normally in your shoes. Nevertheless, stepping in is almost effortless, the locking mechanism only requires light pressure but holds securely. It is important to know that the shoe and pedal form a closed system. The manufacturer has announced that shoes from other manufacturers with the PW8 sole standard will soon be available, but will not fit cleats from other systems. The Ekoï shoe is lightweight (280 grams per shoe), comfortable, slip-free, with a normal width fit and two Boa-Li2 fasteners.

+ very light, very good stability, good walking suitability
- Closed system

• Price set shoe and pedal: 627.21 Euro
• Price pedals alone: 171.05 Euro

Double helmet from Julbo

In contrast to the glasses (right in the picture, text below), the new Helmet top model from Julbo is not the lightest helmet in its class. The Finisher Evo, which is also worn by the pros in the Groupama-FDJ team, weighs 321 grams (sizes 56 to 59); that's around 60 grams more than the average weight in the TOUR helmet test in the June issue. If the supplied "Speedshell" is put on, the helmet with the Mips Air Node safety system is a further 82 grams heavier. The shell is designed to improve aerodynamics and protects against rapid cooling at low temperatures. Without the shell, we attest that the helmet in the team design has very good ventilation and an all-round fit. The helmet is only a little wide at the temples on very slim heads. Otherwise, the size adjustment in width and height works perfectly. The magnetic chin lock snaps shut securely and a pigtail can be threaded generously between the width adjustment and the edge of the helmet. The helmet has an excellent finish and the goggles can be easily and securely stored in the shell.

+ Processing, helmet shell, goggle garage, all-round fit
- Relatively heavy

• Price: 310 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 321 grams (without aeroshell)

Lightweight glasses from Julbo

A touch of nothing - with a lot of wealth: the new Density Spectron from Julbo At 18.6 grams, they are among the lightest cycling glasses ever; even with ten grams more on the temples, they would still be within the average weight of comparable competitor products. Nevertheless, the filigree construction sits very securely on the nose and head, although the slim, internally rubberised temples can become a little tight behind the ears from a head circumference of around 56 centimetres. We liked the contrast-enhancing effect of the large one-piece visor, which makes trees appear bright green, gravel tracks slightly brownish and tarmac a little darker. The curved lens provides good protection from the wind; the half-frame leaves sufficient distance to the forehead and eyebrows. The goggles are available in six colours and three filter variants, and come with a soft case and cleaning cloth.

+ very light, fits securely, all-round fit
- slim temples can pinch

• Price: 125 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Weight: 18.6 grammes

Mini compressor from Silca

It has plenty of power: in the practical test, the new Silca Elettrico Ultimate mini compressor pumped four 45 mm wide gravel tyres to 2.5 bar and two slimmer 28 mm road bike tyres to six bar with one battery charge. This is a practical performance for the 242 gram (8 x 5.5 x 3.5 centimetres) battery-powered pump, which heats up to a good 50 degrees and indicates its exhaustion with the word "Hot!" on the easy-to-read display (charging time around one hour). We know from other brands that the small compressors heat up considerably when inflating, but the Silca is the only pump that displays this as a warning to protect against damage. The accessories include all the necessary adapters for different wheel valves; with the included pointed mouthpiece, it also fits ball valves. The compressor switches between bar and PSI units at the touch of a button, and the three-button operation is self-explanatory. The elegant, anodised and screwed metal housing is pleasant to the touch and of much higher quality than most competitors, but the price of 180 euros is, as is typical for Silca, also considerably higher.

+ top workmanship, powerful, easy to operate

• Price: 179 Euro
• Weight: 242 grams including hose