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We test a wide variety of products, sometimes because they are brand new on the bike market, sometimes because they have been given an update, sometimes because we simply find them exciting. Two of the following gift ideas are primarily aimed at XC and gravel bikers, but the sunglasses in particular are a hot tip for practically everyone. Let's start with the fast rucksack from Sweden.
USWE Race 2.0 hydration pack
USWE has been designing hydration packs for mountain biking for some time nowmost of them are large and primarily designed for downhill and freeride. With the Race 2.0, the Swedes are taking it to the next level. Like all USWE backpacks, it offers the patented 4-point "No Dancing Monkey" (NDM) retention system: No matter what happens on the trail, the rucksack no longer bounces like a wild monkey. The USWE Race 2.0 hydration backpack is the perfect little companion for those who don't want or need to carry a lot and are going fast/racy, as it holds a large 2-litre hydration bladder. The mesh material in the straps and the back section keeps you cool.
- Price: 119 Euro (RRP) >> available here
- Chest circumference: 84 - 110 cm
- Dimension: 32 cm x 16 cm x 9 cm
- Volume: 2 litres
- Weight: 420 g (incl. bladder, tube and insulated bag, self-weighed)
- Drinking system: Elite Hydration bladder with Plug-n-Play coupling; 2 litre capacity
Sunglasses Naked Optics The Blade
With "The Blade", Naked Optic has developed sunglasses with a half-frame and interchangeable lenses especially for cyclists. The sports glasses offer impressive value for money: 75 euros.
When you put them on for the first time, you immediately notice the stable fit, which is achieved by the rubber coating on the temples and a rubberised nose bridge. The nose bridge can be individually adjusted. The Blade also scores points for its good ventilation, which minimises fogging of the lenses while offering protection against wind and dirt.
The tint of the lenses on the version we tested (red, protection category 2) seems ideal for road trips in particular, as it offers high contrast on grey-black surfaces. Naked Optics generally offers different lenses for The Blade 7.
- Price: 79.99 euros (RRP) >> available here
- Dimensions: 145 x 59 mm
- Weight: 33.8 g
- Many replacement lenses available: 19.99 euros (clear / orange lenses) // 24.99 euros (other 5 colours)
Leatt Bib MTB 6.0 Endurance cycling shorts
The MTB Endurance 6.0 cycling trousers from Leatt feel like a second skin. The bibs are made of mesh fabric and have an extremely airy design. The leg cuffs are equipped with silicone and are 100% stable. The cycling trousers even have 50+ sun protection.
Leatt themselves claim that the Endurance 6.0 Bib is suitable for cross-country rides of up to 7 hours - but you can definitely go longer with ice-cream parlour breaks without any problems. The Elastic Interface seat pad is firm and you sit very firmly, which is a clear advantage for my taste on long distances. A little gimmick at the end: there is a small transponder pocket on the back.
- Price: 159 Euro (RRP) >> available here
- Premium seat cushion from Elastic Interface with 4 densities
- Ventilated straps with ultra-thin profile and mesh fabric
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Size: XS-3XL
Marc Strucken
Editor
