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Now a little flex on our own behalf. Hardly anyone in Germany tests as many and as diverse MTB products as the BIKE editors. This means that we know what is good and where there are weaknesses - because we have a direct comparison.
And now the big BUT: Tastes differ, as do riding styles and preferences. It is precisely these personal factors that we try to ignore as much as possible in the test and evaluate the products as objectively as possible. Of course, there is always a certain subjective touch - but this is openly included in our judgements.
For the feet: Fox Union Allweather
Weight: 1174 grams (size 46) | Price: 229.99 euros | Tester: Laurin Lehner
I'm reluctant to reach for the Fox Union Allweather shoes. Why? I can hardly get in. And it's even harder to get out again. One after the other: I'm a fan of the classic Fox Union with double boa - it's robust, has a lot of grip and is comfortable to wear. Fox recently introduced this all-weather version. Ideal for people like me. I commute just under 30 kilometres a day and am happy to have dry feet - and that's exactly what I had. Even when my feet were completely submerged in water, everything stayed dry. Top! Also good: the high neoprene shaft and the proven, grippy sole >> now available here at a reduced price.
They pinch a little at the top of the foot when worn, but that's manageable. What's really annoying is putting them on and taking them off. The strap, which is supposed to help, is in danger of tearing off. In short: A dense rain shoe with a grippy sole and solid comfort - but it lacks a zip to help you slip it on. Please improve it! Available as a flat and click shoe. My rain shoe tip: Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex. Click here for the Practical impression.
Conclusion on the Fox Union Allweather MTB shoe
A highly functional weather shoe with a grippy sole and protective neoprene shaft. BUT: It takes too much effort and strength to put on and take off. Please improve, dear Fox shoemakers. - Laurin Lehner, BIKE tester
For the body: Rose M Adventure Merino LS
Weight: 230 grams (size M) | Price: 69.95 euros | Tester: Laurin Lehner
Attention! This is a self-proclaimed merino expert. I have already worn numerous merino jerseys. For a long time, I was convinced that only 100 per cent merino was the true lucky charm. I was wrong: the shirts are usually too heavy, too warm and dry too slowly.
The better solution is a merino mix. This is lighter, more robust and dries faster - and is therefore more versatile. The Rose M Adventure consists of a 50-50 mix of merino and polyester. At first I thought that wasn't enough merino, but I was soon pleasantly surprised.
The shirt fits comfortably and airily, feels soft against the skin and can be easily combined with a waistcoat or a thermal jersey. Top: It hardly smells at all, even after several days of use. Size M was a perfect fit for my height of 1.78 metres.
Conclusion on the Rose M Adventure Merino LS
Is it the best merino shirt I've ever worn? No. But it is a very solid piece with an excellent price-performance ratio - and currently reduced here*. Available in pink, black and mustard. Recommendation goes out! - Laurin Lehner, BIKE tester
For the bulb: Sweet Protection Fixer Composite 2Vi Mips
Weight: 1293 grams (L) | Price: 449 euros | Tester: Laurin Lehner
Sweet Protection launched three new helmets last spring - all based on the company's own 2Vi technology platform: the Fixer Carbon 2Vi Mips (high-end!), the Fixer Composite 2Vi Mips (my tested model, slightly heavier) and the Strayer 2Vi Mips (light enduro full-face version).
The Top version costs 699 euros, so I went for the slightly heavier model for 449 euros >> available here. Otherwise, it offers the same safety features as the top model, including the 2-layer mips system, multi-density EPS impact shields and EPP chin protection. Composite material was used for the outer shell instead of carbon - hence the higher weight and lower price.
Enough theory: of course the helmet has the usual CE certificates. I can't boast my own laboratory test - and I haven't had a real crash with the helmet yet.
On points one and two: at almost 1300 grams in size L, the helmet is one of the heavier models I have tested so far. A lighter helmet is simply more comfortable to wear. In addition, the weight can act like a lever in the event of a fall: The heavier the helmet, the greater the forces acting on the neck and cervical spine. A lighter helmet can therefore also be safer - it can, because fall scenarios are known to be variable.
Lighter helmets in this price range include the Abus Hidrop MTB full-face helmet with 1070 grams in size M (Click here for the test article: Abus Hidrop).
Back to the Fixer: I liked the fit very much, the size is typical for a L. Also positive: the tried and tested double D-ring fastener - secure, functional and tried and tested for years. There is nothing to criticise about the ventilation. The visor can be adjusted in two positions and the cheek pads can be removed and washed (I should definitely do this). The helmet is available in the colours Bronco White, Matte Black and Envy Green. Too bad: Sweet Protection does not supply a bag with the helmet.
Conclusion on the Sweet Protection Fixer Composite 2Vi Mips
Good fit, good ventilation, chic style. However, the weight remains a point of criticism. Once you've ridden a lightweight full-face helmet, you don't usually want to go back - but you often have to dig deeper into your pockets to do so. - Laurin Lehner, BIKE tester
Sweet Protection Fixer Composite 2Vi Mips:
- Price (RRP): 449 euros >> available here at a reduced price
- Outer shell: Prepreg composite
- Inner shell: Multi-density EPS with impact shields
- Chin guard: EPP
- Weight: 1293 grams (L)
- Ventilation openings: 11
- Sizes: XS (53-54 cm), S (55-56 cm), M (57-58 cm), L (59-60 cm), XL (61-62 cm)
- Colours: Bronco White, Matte Black, Envy Green
Laurin Lehner
Editor
