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26 years, two packs, 50 kilometres a day. While new "urban packs" are constantly appearing on the market, I still carry the same rucksack. Not out of nostalgia. But because it's simply better. A declaration of love to the Deuter Superbike
Two rucksacks in 26 years
The first one was egg yolk yellow. The second was white-black, now grey-black - because of all the dirt I've been chasing it through for years. Two rucksacks in 26 years. Both: Deuter Superbike 18 EXP. That says quite a lot.
I got my first Deuter Superbike at the turn of the millennium, fresh from BIKE magazine. Back then, accessories tester Michi Seitz explained to me how to recognise rubbish and sense quality. He didn't have to explain anything about the Superbike's back system. My back understood that immediately.
A back system that is not up for discussion
Two taut foam strips to the left and right of the spine, enclosed in nylon netting: simple, ingenious. The rucksack sits firmly, doesn't rock, doesn't stick and hardly sweats. Wide hip fins pull it to where it belongs: in the centre of the back.
That is crucial. On technical alpine trails, you want to think about line choice - not about luggage.
Freeride, gravel, commuting
I ride the Superbike everywhere. On ridge rides in the high mountains. On gravel rides, because I despise handlebar bags. And 50 kilometres through the forest to work every day.
I maintain that you can't test a rucksack much more thoroughly than this. Perhaps I am one of the most experienced superbike testers in the world. At least that's how I feel.
The extender - my favourite feature
My personal highlight is the extender: a second zip that suddenly opens up more volume. Shopping too big? Too much rain gear? Spontaneously brought a bath towel? No problem.
I was all the more shocked when I saw that the current 18-litre version comes without an extender. Seriously?
Regarding the EXP: In order to be able to continue to offer the model at a competitive price, we have decided in consultation with our sales team to remove the EXP function. However, this does not mean that we are doing away with EXP everywhere - it is present in the Compact 14+3, for example, and will also be installed in other models in the future. During the development process, it's always a balancing act to strike the right balance between price and feature set. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to make such decisions.
( BENEDIKT SCHÖPS, Product Manager DEUTER)
Quality that lasts
Of course, this rucksack also ages. White turns grey. Elasticated straps lose tension. The zip of the main compartment broke at some point - albeit after years of consistent overloading on my part. Deuter repaired it without any problems. This repair service is great! Repairing instead of buying new - I like! Especially in our throwaway society! Thank you Deuter!
By the way: My first Superbike didn't break. I had had enough of the egg yolk yellow colour and gave it to my sister as a present.
What remains is well thought-out pocket management: lid compartment with key clip, removable seat mat, compartment for hydration system (or back protector), rain cover in the bottom compartment, mesh pockets in the hip fins, helmet holder, light loop. Everything where you need it. And has been for decades.
Approximate prices for Deuter repairs:
- Zip fastener: 32 € (main compartment)
- Buckle: 16 € with sewing in (otherwise we also send buckles or have some spare parts to order in the online shop or from dealers for self-repair: https://www.deuter.com/de-de/shop/zubehor/c28006-rucksack-ersatzteile)
- Belt: € 28 (e.g. replace waist belt)
>> Again earlier today: Take a look at the original interpreter!
>> Deuter Superbike in gravel use from Munich to Freiburg. The proof!
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
