30 years of the TOUR Test: Milestones from 30 years of the TOUR Test

1995

In the December issue, TOUR documented that certain mudguard attachments can lead to serious accidents. Both metal and plastic mudguards can get caught in the tread of the front tyre, be carried away by the rotating wheel and become wedged under the fork crown. The bike locks up and a fall is inevitable. Together with TOUR and the consumer organisation "AG Verflixtes Schutzblech", a round table was set up in the industry, which set itself the task of establishing technical solutions to the problem. Today, fixings that can release the mudguard are standard.

>> Interview Dirk Zedler: "That was a pioneering achievement"

1995

For a report in the September issue, TOUR collects examples that show the dramatic consequences that the relatively new technology of suspension on mountain bikes can have. Experts and surveyors attest to the incorrect dimensioning, material and manufacturing defects of various products and designs. Some manufacturers and importers are responding to the cases of damage with recalls. TOUR also provides tips on what cyclists should look out for when dealing with suspension forks.

1996

In a joint project with the Schweinfurt University of Applied Sciences, TOUR is carrying out real data measurements on road bikes for the first time. Using sophisticated mobile measuring electronics, the technicians record the real loads to which the handlebars and forks are exposed. Typical road bike riding situations such as downhill sections, full braking, jumping over obstacles, riding uphill and over cobblestones are tested. This and other data collected subsequently is also used to determine realistic loads for the TOUR test bench tests.

1997

In September, TOUR focuses on the topic of road bike rims, which can suddenly break due to worn or worn rim flanks and can result in serious accidents. The technicians raise awareness of rims as a wear part and give tips on how to handle lightweight rims and prevent the risk of wear, and suggest equipping aluminium rims with wear indicators.

2000

In the August issue, TOUR documented that the then still relatively new technology of Ahead stems can cause problems if the products are not designed correctly in terms of material and load. Five out of 17 test subjects failed the static test for the safety of the handlebar clamp and the durability of the bolted connection.

2005

For the training camp in Sicily, TOUR is organising a unique test in which the camp participants can take part: Eight racing bikes with frames made of steel, titanium, aluminium and carbon are made completely unrecognisable and the reader testers are asked to find out whether and how the different frame materials affect the riding experience. One result: the material cannot be felt.

2010

Now for something positive: In a large-scale report for the March issue, TOUR is able to show and prove that damaged carbon frames are not necessarily ready for the scrap heap. Carbon can be repaired and specialised companies do this so well that carbon frames are functionally (and visually) as good as new.

Here you can find all the information and background to our test procedure.