In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Mawaii Blade FTR cycling glasses: good value for money
Only 30 euros for a pair of road bike glasses? That's a strong argument! These affordable glasses come from Mawaii and are called Blade FTR; similar-looking competitor products cost many times more. The 26 gram glasses are supplied with mirrored polarised lenses in an ice blue tint (category 3), a cleaning bag and mini instructions; the manufacturer does not include a case or interchangeable nose pads. The frame and nose bridge are relatively large and wide, which is why the glasses fit best on large heads with a head circumference of 58 centimetres or more; on smaller heads, they fit more loosely. Contrary to the trend towards maximum lens size, the mirrored individual lenses are relatively small, although we have nothing to criticise in terms of wind protection or optical quality, which distinguishes these good, inexpensive glasses from some cheap seasonal offers in the supermarket.
+ Good protection, also against airstream, optical quality
- No interchangeable pads for size adjustment
- Price: 30 euros (no replacement lenses)
- Weight: 26.2 grammes
- Variants: black-matt grey frame, grey tint
Mounting stand Feedback Sports Pro Mechanic HD LTD: Noble helper
The manufacturer Feedback Sports was previously known as Ultimate, and its stands have always been characterised by their low weight and sophisticated clamping technology with quick release. The current anniversary model, the Pro Mechanic HD LTD, which is available worldwide in a limited edition of 850 units (200 units for Germany), is actually oversized for slim and light racing bikes with a load capacity of 45 kilograms. However, the eight-kilogram stand with gold and platinum anodised details is not fazed by anything. It holds bikes of every category securely in the claw, which can be operated with one hand and is equipped with jaw protectors to prevent scratches on expensive racers. The tried-and-tested quick-release mechanism is practical, releasing the wheel with a flick of the trigger. We liked the particularly elegant finish of the limited edition as well as the high mechanical quality of the telescopic tubes, the folding feet and the clamping mechanism. The elegant assembly aid is an ornament to any workshop.
+ Robust, durable, functional, stylish, spare parts supply
- Price: 479 Euro
- Weight: 8 kilos
- Load capacity: 45 kilos
Gore Spinshift rain jacket: Shift change
It's finally here: Gorewear presents the Spinshift as the first waterproof rain jacket with the more sustainable ePE membrane from Gore-Tex. It is the first membrane from the manufacturer to be made from polyethylene rather than PTFE. Gore wants to avoid environmentally harmful perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFC) in its production and reduce the CO2 footprint. Several testers were able to try out the 150 gram jacket and were all satisfied with the fit and function: The cut suits the racing bike position well, the back section is nice and long and protects the buttocks from getting wet. There was extra praise for the long sleeves with stretch cuffs, which fit snugly around the wrist and don't let in any draughts. The jacket is not a tight fit for racing, but also fits normal and larger types, and is also available in a women's cut. Details such as all-round reflective material, the backed and windproof zip and a back pocket with zip for small items round off the features of this very well-made jacket.
+ Processing, function, details
- Price: 250 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Weight: 150 grammes
- Colours: Yellow, Olive, Black
Magped Road2 magnetic pedal: with adhesive force
According to the manufacturer, the Road2 from Magped are a "real alternative for road bikes". Instead of the usual mechanical connection, the shoe and pedal connect using a magnet. In order for the connection to develop its full force, the system has to be adjusted somewhat awkwardly. If the magnet is positioned too high on the pedal body, for example, you can slip off the pedal even with relatively little pressure. As our test rider criticised, this can be particularly dangerous when pedalling out of the saddle. The freedom of rotation can be adjusted using small plastic adapters in three different lengths.
Clicking in and out is uncomplicated, but could be more defined. The cleats, which consist of a metal plate and a plastic adapter, are very comfortable to walk on. The workmanship of the carbon pedal and titanium axle leaves nothing to be desired. The pair weighs 214 grams, together with the pedal plates this results in a system weight of 326 grams, making the Road2 slightly heavier than the more expensive top models from Look or Shimano. The magnetic pedals can be recommended for those who shy away from a fixed, mechanical shoe-pedal connection.
+ top workmanship, secure stand
- Low adhesive force, complicated adjustment
- Price: 189 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 214 grams (pair), 112 grams (cleats)
Motul Frame Clean Cleaner: Cleaning flash
The Frame Clean from Motul's new range of bike cleaners is designed to remove the toughest dirt and lubricant residues from your bike. To test the full-bodied promise, we sprayed a dirty gravel racer from the test fleet with the slightly foaming cleaner from the saddle to the tyres, left the product to work for ten minutes - as stated in the instructions - and then rinsed it off with a muted spray from the high-pressure cleaner. The result: clean! The cleaner dissolves the dirt very well, there is almost no need to wash it again and there is a clearly recognisable difference to dirty areas where the cleaner did not reach. However, its low yield is not convincing. Even when used sparingly, the half-litre bottle is likely to be empty after around five bike washes.
+ Cleaning power, narrow and accurate spray jet
- Yield
- Price: 8,90 Euro >> available here
- Content: 500 ml
Matthias Borchers
Editor
