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Summer is coming and just in time there are new glasses to protect your eyes from the sun. So it's high time to get your equipment! In case it's still too cold for the short jersey, we've also tested a wind jacket. There are also new shoes and a mini compressor in case you do have a puncture.
Attractive: glasses from Shimano
- Price: 190 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 29 grammes
Shimano's new S-Phyre 2 Ridescape GR cycling glasses are high-quality and innovative: the visor is held in place on the frame by two small magnets integrated into the lens; this makes it easy to replace with a little pressure and it finds its place automatically. This works much smarter than with many competitor products, whose lenses have to be changed by bending, tilting or with the help of small hinges. Nevertheless, the lens sits securely in the frame and we had no problems with unintentional loosening during the test. Unfortunately, replacing the nose bridge remains extremely fiddly. The Shimano lenses with Ridescape technology are available in three versions for predominantly off-road use (OR), gravel biking (GR) or on the road (RD).
Their tint, contrast and light transmission should be adapted to different needs. We found the gravel lenses we tested to be high-contrast and slightly brightening. The fit and field of vision of the glasses are excellent. However, at a price of 190 euros, the 29 gram S-Phyre 2 is probably the most expensive pair of cycling glasses in Shimano's history
Advantages and disadvantages of the Shimano S-Phyre 2 Ridescape GR:
- Plus: Fit, protection, contrast
- Minus: Nose bridge replacement
Panoramic lens: Glasses from Oakley
- Price: 304 Euro
- Weight: 41 grammes
Oakley is launching three new glasses for the 2025 season: Radar Plate, Sphaera Slash and Velo Kato. We tried out the latter model. It stands out thanks to the visor that extends far over the bridge of the nose. The large lens is made of Plutonite, a particularly impact-resistant polycarbonate that Oakley has equipped with "Prizm" technology; this is intended to optimise the perception of colours and enhance contrasts. The glasses weigh 41 grams, which is around ten grams more than comparable cycling glasses. This is not noticeable as a disadvantage, although the two rubber nosepieces supplied can pinch on rather wide noses. The rubberised temples hold the Velo Kato securely on the head; the huge panoramic lens is drawn wide around the eyes and nothing disturbs the view to the side. We really liked the pleasant tint of the lens and the very high contrast of the glasses, which are optimised for use on the road. The eyes are very well protected and completely draught-free behind the lens. The comparatively expensive Velo Kato does not have a visor replacement option, but changing the nose pads is very easy.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Radar Plate, Sphaera Slash and Velo Kato:
- Plus: Protective function, contrast
- Minus: Visor change not provided
A formality: shoes from Specialized
- Price: 549 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: 36 to 49; 38.5 to 46.5
The last of the new Specialized S-Works Ares 2 shoe is based on more than 100,000 3D foot scans from the US manufacturer's RETÜL fit system. Their analysis revealed that conventional cycling shoes do not optimally support the natural shape of the foot. With the new last, you should now be able to pedal even more efficiently and comfortably. This is visible from the outside on the comparatively wide front shoe, whose outer contour mimics the shape of the foot, giving the toes noticeably more room in their natural position. This feels comfortable as soon as you slip them on and remains so even after hours in the saddle; whether you're pedalling lightly or pedalling hard, you can feel how you're putting pressure on the pedals with the entire surface of your foot. The Boa fasteners and the wide, well-padded tongue make adjustment very easy and the heel hold is impeccable. We would have liked more and better markings on the stiff carbon sole for aligning the cleats; the existing ones were no help at all. The 525 gram shoe (pair weight in size 44) is available in many half sizes, but the downer is the hefty price tag.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Specialized S-Works Ares 2:
- Plus: Fit, size adjustment, heel hold
- Minus: Position markings for panel mounting
Windbreaker: windbreaker jacket from Gorewear
- Price: 120 Euro
- Sizes: XS to XXL (men); 34 to 44 (women)
The new Gorewear Spinshift Shibori jacket made from recycled material protects against wind and light rain. Its striking batik design is available in three colour combinations and two cuts for men and women. Folded up, the 115 gram jacket also fits into small jersey pockets. We tested the jacket in cold, wet weather at the beginning of March and it proved to be a reliable wind blocker. We also liked its extended back, which extends well over the buttocks and reliably protects against splashing water. Ambitious racers may find the cut too comfortable; our 1.80 metre tall test rider normally wears a size M and wanted the jacket in a size S - with the same length - because it flutters a lot. The jacket does not have a back pocket. The zip proved to be stiff during our test rides and always required two hands. Reflective strips improve passive safety.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Spinshift Shibori wind breaker:
- Plus: Lightweight, compact, wind protection
- Minus: Fluttering tendency, stiff zip fastener
Pump power station: Mini compressor from Muc-Off
- Price: 115 Euro
- Maximum pressure: 7.5 bar
The new Pro version with LED display of the AirMach Electric Mini Inflator from Muc-Off belongs to the compact class, comparable to the E-Booster Digital from Topeak or the AS 2 Pro from Cycplus, which we have already tested. Including the silicone cover and extension hose, the mini compressor weighs an average of 156 grams. The three push-buttons can be operated without instructions, and the thumbnail-sized display can be switched between bar and PSI. After switching on, the desired target pressure can be preset to the nearest tenth using the plus or minus button, which is practical. In our test, the Muc-Off pumped six 28 mm tyres to four bar within 50 seconds each on one battery charge. A good result. The valve does heat up to 50 degrees, but this does not impair handling thanks to the silicone cover and pump hose. After 40 minutes, the battery is full again and the compressor manages a maximum of 7.5 bar in this state.
Advantages and disadvantages of the AirMach Electric Mini Inflator Pro:
- Plus: Features, display, non-slip cover
- Minus: Volume
Matthias Borchers
Editor
