In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
There are a few things that everyone needs - from commuters to amateur athletes or touring cyclists to professionals. These include air pumps, pedal lights and chain lubrication. Surprise! We have identified a trend for all three essentials in 2025.
Electronic pumps
We didn't realise we needed them, but then they were there. And then we needed them: Electronic air pumps. These electronic mini pumps are compact, rechargeable and surprisingly precise. At first there were only a few, but over the course of the year one model after another was introduced. When we tested rechargeable air pumps for bikes last year, our conclusion was that these small pressurisers were mainly available from Chinese manufacturers, which can be purchased via Amazon and the like. Cycplus, for example, is perhaps the best known of these. Pump manufacturers such as Lezyne or SKS were not represented. At the time, Topeak had announced a pump. The E-Booster is now available and we have tested it. SKS also seems to have something in the pipeline; at least there is an electric pump category on the website. Small battery pumps are now available from many well-known brands of bicycle accessories in this country.
- Dynamic Bike Care Turblo and Turblo+
- Silca Elettrico Ultimate Inflator and Micro Inflator
- Trek Air Rush (practical test)
Radar tail lights
The Garmin Varia radar rear light has been available on the market for a long time and was extended this spring to include a version with a dash cam. In the last few weeks, we have received one announcement after another; one radar rear light after another. These parts can be connected to the sat nav via Bluetooth. Sensors recognise cars and other road users approaching. The connected navigation devices can issue audio warnings or visually indicate that something is approaching. We in the editorial team disagree about the usefulness of the warning of approaching cars; Matthias Borchers, long-time test editor, hears the cars the same way and doesn't need these warnings. TOUR editor Sandra Schuberth, on the other hand, finds it a pleasant addition to the sound of the car. When the wind and airstream are blowing around her ears, she sometimes ignores them. Especially when overtaking with too little distance, the shock is great when a car suddenly appears next to her. Tearing the handlebars: life-threatening.
- Garmin Varia Radar (199 euros, available here) and Varia Radar with Dash-Cam (399 euros, available here at a reduced price)
- Lezyne Radar Drive - also available as a set with front light
- Sigma Reco 80 Link
Two new pedal systems
2025 brought movement to the pedal market. Our practical test of the Ekoï PW8 pedal system was entitled "Revolution of the road bike pedal?". The system is lighter than comparable competitor products and the foot is closer to the pedal axle with this pedal than with any other. Shortcoming: The system requires special shoes. A pedal system rarely comes alone. One would probably not even begin to be described as a trend. Then came Q36.5 and SRM, who presented a newly developed shoe-pedal system at the beginning of December. Here too, the stack height, i.e. the distance between the foot and the pedal axle, has been reduced. It remains to be seen how the new systems will be accepted and whether there will be more suitable shoes.
Chain wax
Admittedly, chain wax didn't just become big in 2025, but in the last few years. Nevertheless, interest has remained huge this year and Our big wax test, with 16 liquid and hot waxes and interesting facts about chain wax is one of the top interests of readers in 2025.
