Buy nice or buy twice: Productspecial

“Buy nice or buy twice!” – a tip which everyone will have heard at some point in life. This is when the price is not the decisive factor, but what counts are quality, function, longevity, and (last but not least) looks.

As buying a high-end e-mountainbike will often tear a deep hole in your wallet, we’ll show you the hottest ‘must haves’ to help avoid making your finances even more desperate by buying the wrong things. These products will guarantee excellent functionality and long-term fun. We want the things which make us smile when we use them, the things that give you the feeling you made the right choice.

Height-adjustable seatpost – RockShox Reverb

Already solidly established in the mountainbike arena, they are still far too rare in standard E-MTB specs. A telescopic seatpost like the RockShox Reverb ensures that your saddle isn’t in the way on downhills. This maximizes riding fun and considerably increases safety. A big choice of diameters and cable routing means they can be fitted to almost every frame.

Price: RRP 346 EUR / on the web from 200 EUR

Weight: approx. 535 g

Further information: RockShox

Helmet – IXS Trail RS

No exceptions, when riding, a helmet is mandatory! The IXS Trail RS helmet is one of our favorites with great ventilation, low weight, and a chic design. With its deep rear form it even offers the back of your head a greater level of protection. The price is also nice!

Price: 99.95 EUR

Weight: +/- 320 g

Größen: SM (54-58 cm), ML (58-62 cm)

Further information: Sportsdivision

Clipless pedal shoes – Vans Warner

Bike shoes don’t have to look like something from another planet. The Vans Warner combine cool looks with a high level of functionality, so it even cuts the mustard for after-ride beers in the pub!

Price: 100.00 EUR

Further information: Vans


Tires – Schwalbe Hans Dampf

Schwalbe’s Hans Dampf is a real all-around talent. In the Trailstar version (medium soft rubber mix) it offers huge grip and great puncture protection in every condition. But take care! The tire has a wide shape and might not fit in every E-MTB rear end. If in doubt go for the 2.25″ version if you can, but it’s only available for 27.5″ wheels.

Price: 54.90 EUR

Größe: 26-29″ x 2,35″ bzw. 27,5″ x 2,25″

Further information: Schwalbe

Mudguard – Marshguard

In wet or muddy conditions a suspension fork-mounted Marshguard will protect you from front wheel spray and you’ll be given a clear view. It can be fixed in next to no time with zip ties, and for € 10 it’s a real bargain with huge added value.


Price: 10 EUR

Weight: 31 g

Further information: Marshguard

Gloves – ION Path

They protect your hands in case of a crash and allow a firm grip on the bars – the ION Path gloves fulfill both these tasks with aplomb and are well vented to boot. Even on hotter rides you’ll stay comfortable. Thanks to the special weave of the fingertips, you won’t even need to take them off to use your smartphone!

Price: 29.90 EUR

Further information: ION Products


Cockpit – Spank Oozy


Hardly any other parts can influence bike handling as much as a good cockpit.
A short stem minimises the ‘over the bars’ feeling on steep descents and a wide bar gives the rider more control. This setup, composed of the 50 mm Spank Oozy stem and the 740 mm-wide Spank Ooozy bars won us over straight away with great value and sweet style.

Price: Vorbau 69.90 EUR / Lenker 64.90 EUR

Weight: stem (50 mm) 150 g / handlebars (740 mm) 285 g

Further information: Spank

Protector Rucksack – EVOC FR LITE

The FR LITE is EVOCs smallest rucksack featuring an integrated back protector. It has room for the most important ride necessities and boasts great build quality and clever pocket design. Weighing just 950 g and with a wide waist belt, it sits perfectly and thanks to the TÜV-tested protector could protect your spine in a worst-case scenario.

Price: 110 EUR

Größen: S; M/L

Weight: 950 g (Gr. M/L)

Further information: Evoc Sports

Pump – Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HV

With great pump airflow, the finest build quality, and top ergonomics, the Micro Floor Drive pump enthuses everyone. The folding footstand makes filling high-volume tires much easier. It’s no surprise the jury of our exclusive 2014 Design & Innovation Award 2014 was convinced too.

Price: 39.90 EUR

Weight: 150 g

Further information: Lezyne

Bottle cage & tools – Specialized SWAT

Storage, Water, Air, and Tools, that’s what the Specialized SWAT set is about. Just like the on-board tools in your car, the rider always has the absolute minimum toolset while riding. The mini-tool lives under the bottle cage, and the chaintool is integrated with an A-Headset cap in the steerer tube. There are different, combinable sets available, but our set equips you for anything:

Price: Top Cap Chain Tool 29,90 EUR / Zee Cage II + Tool 55,00 EUR

Weight: Top Cap Chain Tool 37 g / Zee Cage II + Tool 127 g

Further information: Specialized

Grips – Easton Lock-On Grips

The Easton Lock-On Grips offer plenty of grip and sit solidly on your bars with no risk of rotating thanks to the load-spreading clamp mechanism. With two different diameters and six colours there should be one for every rider.

Price: approx. 24 EUR

Weight: 115 g (30 mm)

Further information: Eastoncycling

Knee protectors – BLISS ARG Knee Pads

Knee protectors should be an integral part of your protective gear on the trails. The BLISS ARG knee pads offer a high level of protection, low weight, and outstanding ventilation. No wonder it convinced us during the big laboratory and trail group test in issue #009 of Enduro Mountainbike Magazine.

Price: 89.90 EUR

Größen: XS-XL

Further information: Blisscamp

Tire lever– Crankbrothers Speedier lever

The Crankbrothers Speedier lever saves you energy and saves your nerves. One tire lever is enough to remove and re-install the tire. Its form protects your fingers and prevents the well-known problem of broken tyre levers.

Price: 6.99 EUR

Weight: 26 g

Further information: Crankbrothers

Text: Christoph Bayer Foto: Fabian Rapp

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