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Yes, yes, science has discovered that giving makes you happy. But wait a minute! Dopamine doesn't get going quite that easily. Giving is not = giving. Giving superfluous stuff may make you happy, but the recipient will moan about the sofa cushion with "Carpe Diem" printed on it, the hip-swinging Hawaiian hula figure or the Himalayan photo book. WE HELP. Here are some tried-and-tested Christmas gift tips. That we can vouch for. DIE. AWESOME. ARE. To keep the vibe cool under the Christmas tree, the BIKE editors have put together their favourite items. Here are the tips from BIKE reporter Dimi Lehner.
As a bike journalist, you have to constantly test NEW parts and advise readers in magazines and online. That's not always easy for me. I'd much rather ride the things that I like, that are good, that have proven themselves. And then I have to listen to my colleagues, for example: "Dude, how long have you been using that Deuter rucksack? Try something new!" - I know! Here are three items you can rely on.
Top of the class: Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28
At Deuter Trans Alpine Pro, actually with all Deuter rucksacks in the "Trans Alpine" series, whether standard or Pro version, I don't have to worry about my hand if I want to put it in the fire. I've been carrying the rucksack for many years and have seen all the evolutionary stages: It's great and has won many tests over the years. The backpack pioneer from Bavaria built the first real bike backpack in 1991. That also creates trust.
I use the latest version in the Pro version. The Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28 is detailed, robust, comfortable to wear and looks stylish. It could hardly be better. It's ideal for overnight stays on summits or epic rides lasting several days. Top: If something does break, Deuter offers a repair service and will fit a new zip, for example. But don't worry, this won't be necessary for another 20 years, if ever.
Facts, figures and price Deuter Trans Alpine Pro 28
- Weight: 1550 grammes
- Volume: 28 litres
- Payload: 4-8 kilos
- Round profile frame made of permanently elastic spring steel
- Padded hip belt
- Smartphone pocket on the side
- Device for hydration bladder (up to 3.0 litres)
- Separate bottom compartment with zip-on intermediate shelf
- Infinitely adjustable chest strap
- Glasses holder on the shoulder strap
- Carrying Guard: to carry the bike firmly on the rucksack in carrying passages
- SOS label with emergency numbers
- Elasticated side pockets
- Stretch inner compartment for stowing wet clothing or the hydration bladder
- Rain cover
- Front pocket with large organisation section and zipped mesh pocket for tube
- Tool and pump holder
- Front pocket with organisation
- Price: 200 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Hello doctor! First Degree Flite XT
I've been riding these shoes for three seasons now. Every day. They are my favourite shoes. I wear them when I'm surfing trails, climbing Alpine peaks for epic rides, and I even wear these stylish shoes on my gravel bike. I only choose other, stiffer shoes for hard downhill boarding in the park. The Flite XT has a sole soft enough for comfort when walking, stiff enough for comfort when riding - great! The synthetic leather is easy to clean, so they're still nice and white. First Degree are from Austria and have their roots in snowboarding, which I also like.
The sole of the Flite XT is quite soft. This creates a lot of comfort and grip in most situations. However, when the going gets really tough, such as on bike park missions, you'll want a stiffer sole. The sole also reaches its limits when climbing in demanding alpine terrain. You need to know that!
Data and price First Degree Flite XT
- Material: 64 % suede, 15 % mesh, 12 % rubber, 8 % EVA, 1 % metal
- Colour: white
- Weight: approx. 800 g (US 9/EU 42)
- Price: 144,95 Euro
Great rubber: SQlab Grip 7OX 2.0 Pro Black
"Good grip = good bike." Okay, I'm exaggerating. But there is some truth in the statement. The grip is an important point of contact between bike and rider - and I'm particularly picky about it. I like the clamp grip from SQ-Lab. I've been riding it for a year. It has a great grip thanks to its oval shape and pistol grip, relieves the pressure on the ball of the hand thanks to an enlarged support at the end of the grip and offers excellent grip in wet conditions. Available in three diameters. I prefer to ride the very thin one. For the Record (new German for "good to know"): Until now, the Ergon GE1 Evo Slim was my favourite grip. But who would have thought it: the SQ-Lab is almost even better because it grips better in the wet. In short: a great Christmas present for yourself or others at a reasonable price.
Data and price of the SQlab Grip 7OX 2.0 Pro Black
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Weight: 102/116/138 g
- Circumference: 98/103/110 mm
- Length: 139 mm
- Price: 34,95 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
