Cycling accessories: 5 products for a better riding experience

Cycling accessories: Headlights from Busch & Müller

The new IQ-XM Speed with high and low beam is the most powerful rechargeable headlight with road approval that Busch & Müller has in its range. The bright light with 170 lux and a 4600 milliampere-hour battery costs 300 euros. This makes the IQ-XM Speed suitable for speeding along on a road or gravel bike, even in deep darkness. The difference between the two light levels is clearly recognisable; the high beam reaches a distance of around 100 metres and illuminates the road surface powerfully, so that 30 km/h is always possible on asphalt.

Oncoming drivers praise the low glare from the headlights in dipped beam. The area in front of your own front wheel, on the other hand, is rather poorly illuminated, which some competitors can do better. The battery charging time of five and a half hours is comparatively long. Fully charged, however, the spotlight fires two hours and 20 minutes of floodlight into the darkness, which is a good value, as is the reserve light of around three hours. Operation with the wired high beam switch is excellent, the bracket is a little clunky and mounting could be a little smoother. If you ride an aero handlebar on your bike, you should check whether there are suitable mounts available before buying.

• Price: 300 Euro >> available at a reduced price from Rose
• Light duration: 2:20 hrs.
• Light reserve: 3:30 hrs.
• Charging time: 5:30 hrs.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Light output, fade-in light, light duration
• Minus: Fiddly holder, charging time

>> We tested these cycling accessories last time.

Wind waistcoat from Endless Local

Endless Local is a small, little-known manufacturer of cycling clothing. We tried out the men's version of the Magma Vest wind waistcoat from the Allgäu-based company's extensive range, which is also available for women. We liked the elasticated material, thanks to which the waistcoat clings to the body without flapping. Its cut anticipates the racing bike position well, the back is nice and long and extends well over the bum.

At the front, the material is windproof and water-repellent, while vapour-permeable mesh material at the back quickly transports sweat to the outside in the form of water vapour. Disadvantage: no protection against splashing water from the rear tyre. We also like the smooth-running zip and the soft-fitting collar. The waistcoat is available in four colours; the Allgäu-based company has not used reflective material.

• Price: 100 Euro
• Sizes: S to XXL

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Fit, does not flutter, very vapour permeable at the back
• Disadvantage: no reflective material, no splash guard on the back

Cycling accessories: Gloves from BBB

The new Controlzone softshell glove by BBB is made from windproof material with an integrated, vapour-permeable membrane and features a foam-padded palm. Thin neoprene cuffs hug the wrists and fit easily under the cuffs of the jacket. Thanks to conductive material on both index fingers, touch displays can be operated with both hands.

We liked the very good fit of the 50 gram (the pair in size XL) lightweight and very flexible glove; even long fingers have enough room in it. The protection against cool wind is very good and water droplets roll off quickly, so we can recommend the thinly padded glove for drizzly days and a temperature range of plus five to fifteen degrees. The glove also receives praise for its good grip on the handlebars and the reflective strips on the sides.

• Price: 32 Euro >> e.g. available at a reduced price at Alltricks
• Colours: Black, black-yellow
• Sizes: XS to XXXL

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Fit, touch capability, weather protection
• Minus: /

Minitool from Crankbrothers

Crankbrothers has two new, elegant-looking mini tools on offer: the F11- and the F16-Premium Multi Tool. We tried out the latter. Both tools are presented in an anthracite-coloured, anodised, brushed aluminium cover, which also serves as protection and a lever; the F16 also conceals a chain riveter, which can be used to cut and rivet current standard chains. An additional compartment on the outside contains a repair tool for tubeless tyres and space for a spare chain lock (not included).

All tools are neatly finished and sufficiently accurate, but are a maximum of three centimetres long, which is often not enough for angled screw connections, such as on the saddle frame or seat post clamp. Where there is enough space, the aluminium cover serves as a practical lever extension. We liked the compact design with rounded edges (85 x 40 x 24 mm); the tool weighs 185 grams. On board are a hexagon socket (2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8 mm), Phillips screwdriver PH1, Torx T25, spoke spanner (0/1/2/3), chain riveter (8-/9-/10-/11/12-speed), tubeless tool, three tubeless patches.

• Price: 60 Euro >> at Rosebikes available at a reduced price (F11: 50 Euro)

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Size, finish
• Minus: Tool length

Cycling accessories: Woolpower wool detergent

Jerseys or vests made from merino wool are becoming increasingly popular - because of their fluffy feel and because they are less smelly than synthetic fibres. On the other hand, as the clothes are relatively expensive, good care is all the more worthwhile. For gentle washing Woolpower the Woolcare wool detergent in the range. It does not contain any enzymes such as the protease known for pitting.

We tried out the mild-smelling liquid detergent on several washes, mainly socks and vests. The result is convincing: the laundry smells unobtrusively fresh and we did not notice any pilling of the wool. With hard Munich water, the manufacturer recommends 50 millilitres per wash, which means that the half-litre bottle is sufficient for ten washes and costs just under €1.70 per wash.

• Price: 16,90 Euro (500 ml) >> available at Bergfreunde

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Gentle care, mild fragrance
• Minus: /