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Torque spanner - from 46 euros
Do you also have that one mate who treats his parts like raw eggs? Is his seat post constantly slipping off and his grips twist just by looking at them? Then the torque spanner is definitely the right gift. For bikers who are not yet equipped, a simple solution for the workshop will do. It doesn't have to be the most expensive model either. A simple spanner like that of Rose (also sold with other brandings) also protects against gross errors.
If you have just a little more budget, you will get more precision and better handling with higher-quality solutions. Our price-performance tip from the last test: The torque spanner from 3min 19 secwhich is currently available for less than 50 euros. Important: Pay attention to the correct torque range! Bikers need small values of four to a maximum of 30 Newton metres and can do little with large spanners from car accessories. Torque spanners are also available in pocket size for travelling. This is also the price-performance tip from the last test, Topeak's Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+.
- Rose torque spanner >> available here
- Torque spanner from 3min 19 sec >> available here
- For travelling: Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ >> available here
Goes with: Meticulous mechanics and material fetishists. Rather nothing for: Screwdriver grouches who are travelling on simpler bikes with few lightweight parts anyway.
Bike fitting - around 30 or 200 to 300 euros
Knees, back, wrists: almost everyone who has been on a bike for a long time has a niggle somewhere. If it lasts longer, it can really spoil your enjoyment of cycling. And of course, sometimes it's simply the wrong grip or a badly fitting saddle. But even the best equipment can cause problems if it's not adjusted correctly. This is where a bike fitting can help. An expert analyses the needs and problem areas of the individual biker and optimally adjusts everything in two to three hours from a biodynamic and medical point of view. Clearly the best solution for tricky cases. Here is a field report.
The quick fix for a lower budget: a fitting box, such as the one from Ergon. It contains the most important fitting tools and expert knowledge, but you have to do the fitting yourself. Disadvantage: Less customised and therefore less precise, but a good solution for a first attempt.
- Ergon Fitting Box Expert Mountain Bike >> available here
Goes with: Sporty bikers who often feel a pinch when out and about. Rather nothing for: Occasional riders or young shredders.
MTB shoes Shimano GE9 - approx. 165 euros
Admittedly: I was a little sceptical at first. Whether the new GE9 really be able to inherit the legendary predecessors? ME7 and AM9 had a great fit, good support and the foot wasn't wet after every puddle. For me, the perfect enduro click shoe, even if the spacey look was certainly not everyone's cup of tea.
But this concern is unfounded. The GE9 is slightly firmer than its predecessors, but also offers a little more protection as a result. The toe box is rather wide and the shoe is quite wide on the inside at the Velcro fastening. The flap on the upper keeps the warmth inside the shoe a little better and stones out a little better. The shoe is also easily adjustable thanks to the Boa and Velcro fastening and still fits like a glove, the workmanship is robust. In short: a new favourite. And as we are often too stingy even with shoes, the elegant version with Boa is also an ideal gift.
- Shimano GE9 MTB shoes >> available here
Goes with: Mixed weather and clickie riders who like to go fast downhill. Rather nothing for: Hot weather, cross-country athletes or flat-pedal riders
Adrian Kaether
Editor
