Workshop

- The author (1.60 m) tests 155 mm cranks, as standard lengths of 165-175 mm are often too long for short riders.  
- Shorter cranks reduce toe overlap, open up the hip angle, reduce knee flexion and thus improve stability and movement.  
- Initial rides and interval training show that the bike quickly feels "normal"; the 450-km endurance test is still pending.

Short cranks on a gravel bike: My first impression - I like it!

- Mid-range floor pump with solid pumping performance, precise 0.1 bar pressure gauge and comfortable Schwalbe Clik-Valve pump head.  
- Weaknesses: twistable plastic base, cracking pressure gauge cover, inflexible hose, simple material appearance.  
- Valve head impresses with its compact design, one-handed operation, easy removal without a clamping lever and secure, airtight fit.

Bike pump with clever pump head: SKS Airkompressor Clik Tec

- Trek AirRush is the slowest model in the comparison test of seven mini compressors, but works reliably and ergonomically.
- The biggest advantage is the low temperature rise: 29 °C at 4 bar and 35 °C at 7 bar, making it the coolest pump in the test field.
- The AirRush manages 4.6 tyres (700x30) per battery charge, costs 89.99 euros, weighs 145 g and receives an overall TOUR rating of 2.6.

Trek AirRush test: The mini pump with a cool head

- At the Bike Festival Riva, awards will be presented in the categories Innovation, Sustainability and Gravel; the winners will be announced on 1 May.  
- The festival includes numerous mountain bike manufacturers with test bikes, an MTB marathon, an e-MTB challenge and other challenges.  
- Mountain bikes, accessories and the growing gravel trend will be presented in the exhibition areas; all award contenders can be seen in a picture gallery.

Bike Festival Awards 2026: These products are in the final of Riva

- Tunap Sports offers a PFAS- and fluorine-free surface protection spray with a hydrophobic layer for frames and components.  
- The spray is suitable for matt and glossy surfaces, protects against water, dirt and UV radiation and lasts for several washes.  
- Temperature-resistant formula, application after washing on dry surfaces, 300 ml can costs 13.95 euros and is available from specialist and online retailers.

Perfect frame protection: Tunap brings surface protection spray

- Regularly pull the seat post out of the seat tube, lubricate it and thus prevent seizure and possible total damage.  
- Check safety-relevant screw connections on the cockpit and seat clamp for correct tightening torque using a torque spanner.  
- Replace the handlebar tape and seal the paintwork after washing to improve the look, reduce dirt adhesion and make cleaning easier.

Safely into the cycling season: keep your bike looking like new with these tips

CARE | LUBRICANTS

- Torque spanner with 2-24 Nm, ISO-6789-certified, finely adjustable in 0.1 Nm increments via handle with locking ring.
- Scope of delivery: Hexagon bits H3, H4, H5, H6, H8, H10, Torx T10, T20, T25, T30, extension and long H4 bit.
- 1/4-inch connection, special long 4-mm bit for brake callipers that are difficult to access, price 69.95 euros (RRP), steel material.

Zéfal Z Torque Wrench: New torque spanner for the bike workshop

- SKS Germany is launching the Tom (8-22 functions) and Mia (8/12 functions) multitool series, which are manufactured in Germany.  
- Tom is flat, robust and tour-orientated; depending on the version with hexagon socket, Torx, screwdrivers and chain riveters on the 22.  
- Mia is slimmer, lighter and focussed on essential bits; the 12-function version offers a chain tool and is aimed at sporty riders.

SKS Multitools Tom & Mia: Practical tools for travelling - made in Germany

- Seven essential tools enable independent MTB maintenance: assembly stand, torque spanner, Allen/Torx key, Bowden cable cutter, cassette tools.
- Also important: chain riveters, wear gauges and centring stands for drive and wheel maintenance as well as precise repairs at home.
- Quality instead of cheap tools prevents damage; most tasks can be carried out with basic tools and the specialist shop can help with any problems.

Screwdriver bliss: 7 tools that belong in your home workshop

TOOLS

- Since 2013, Wolf Tooth has grown from a basement project to a manufacturer with 3500 m² headquarters, over 60 employees and a broad component portfolio.  
- The brand develops practical, detail-focussed solutions "by bikers for bikers" and manufactures the majority of its products using CNC in Minnesota.  
- Wolf Tooth focuses on tight tolerances, repairability, long service life and local production, but struggles with high material costs and customs duties.

A look behind the scenes at Wolf Tooth: bike parts made in the USA

- Shorter 155 mm cranks improve stance, control, centre of gravity and braking traction, especially downhill on E-MTBs and gravity bikes.  
- The more compact position facilitates low heels, more stable handling in high-speed and shock moments as well as controlled pedalling in technical terrain.  
- The disadvantage is less leverage when pedalling, which can be partially compensated for by a smaller chainring (32 to 28 teeth in the test), for example.

155 mm vs. 170 mm: Short cranks in the test - what they bring to mountain biking

- Shifting performance depends heavily on the condition and routing of the shift cables and outer cables; continuous routing increases protection and durability.
- Outer cables usually wear out more quickly than inner cables; it is recommended to replace them about once a season or every 5,000 kilometres.
- Brand sets such as Jagwire, Shimano and SRAM offer better, more durable shifting performance in the test; Teflon coatings do not offer any measurable advantages.

MTB drivetrain check: Everything you need to know about shift cables & outer casings

CIRCUIT | DRIVE

- SRAM is slimming down its MTB line-up to three 12-speed groupsets: S100 (entry-level), S200 (mechanical) and S500 (wireless AXS).
- S100 brings UDH Half Mount, PG-1210 cassette with interchangeable sprockets and short cranks; S200/S500 offer XD cassettes and new Stealth levers.
- All S-series parts are compatible with previous Eagle components, but not with Eagle Transmission; market launch is April 2026.

SRAM Eagle S-Series: Three new groupsets from cheap to expensive without full mount!

- Microshift Advent MX is a robust 10- or 11-speed groupset with up to 11-50T for E-MTBs, focussed on durability and low price.
- SpeedRamps and 64 climbing aids enable smooth shifting under load; heavy-duty 11-28 chromoly steel sprockets are individually replaceable.
- Advantages are shifting performance, sustainability and value for money; disadvantages are higher weight, no 12-speed and limited image factor.

Microshift Advent MX: MTB shifting can be this affordable!

- TRP Evo Pro scores top marks for usability and modulation, offers strong braking power and wins the test.
- Lever feel is sensitive, intuitive and easy to adjust; constant pressure points and robust lever geometry are convincing in practical use.
- In the laboratory, the braking force of 80 N is on a par with the best, reaches a maximum of 963 N and passes all heat and wet tests.

Must-have: The TRP Evo Pro wins the disc brake comparison test

- Piccola HD combines extremely low weight (213 g, test best value) with high braking power, but does without comfort features such as tool-free adjustment.  
- In the laboratory, it performs well with practical hand forces, but loses out with higher lever input and does not achieve top marks.  
- In the practical test, it impressed with vehement braking power, but a soft pressure point and an irritatingly springy lever feel under full load.

Trickstuff Piccola HD on test: This lightweight brake bites mercilessly!

- Air bubbles in the hydraulic system make the pressure point spongy, increase the lever travel and reduce braking performance to a safety-critical level.  
- Air penetrates when the system is opened, through leaks, temperature fluctuations and brake fading and gradually collects in the system.  
- Professional bleeding with suitable tools, original oil, correct caliper alignment and regular checks ensures reliable braking performance.

Air in the brake line: Bleeding the disc brake - why it's so important

BRAKES

- New Salsa Spearfish C DLX carbon frameset 2026 with Split Pivot suspension, 100-120 mm rear suspension travel, flip chip and 2.55 kg weight (size M).
- Endurance XC geometry with 66.3/66.0° head angle, 77.3/77.0° seat angle, 430-431.2 mm chainstays and adjustable bottom bracket height by 5 mm.
- Equipment: Fox Float SL Factory shock, FSA Orbit headset, BB92, SRAM UDH, 29" wheels up to 2.4", internal dropper cables, price 3499 US dollars.

With Split Pivot suspension: Salsa Spearfish gets frameset upgrade & 3 new colours

- Specialized has grown from Mike Sinyard's hippie one-man business to a globally significant bike manufacturer with cult status and a pioneering role in MTB.
- At the Morgan Hill site, prototypes are created using CNC, 3D printing and the Ride Dynamics department, which are developed for professional riders such as Loic Bruni.
- An in-house, solar-powered wind tunnel laboratory optimises the aerodynamics and ventilation of athletes' positions and all Specialized helmets.

At home with Specialized: A home visit to the Californian headquarters

- Zéfal Z Cage Adapter moves bottle cage on the bike by up to 40 mm and makes better use of narrow frame space.
- 132 mm long bar made of glass fibre reinforced technopolymer, black, weight 22 g, dimensions 17 × 10 × 132 mm.
- Supplied with screws (2× M5×10, 2× M5×16), RRP 9.95 euros, suitable for everyday use, touring and bikepacking.

Flexible bottle cage: Adjustable Zéfal Z Cage adapter saves space in the frame

FRAME

- Rotlicht Pro BT: 120 lumens, 22 Synios LEDs with 360° beam, homogeneous light cone, StVZO-compliant without flashing modes, price €139.  
- Sensors: Brake light sensor increases brightness during deceleration, brightness sensor switches light on automatically in the dark.  
- Technology: 840 mAh battery for 2-10 h light duration, USB-C charging in 2 h, Bluetooth 5.2 control, 55 g aluminium housing, IPX6 and IK09.

Lupine Rotlicht Pro BT: Rear light with Bluetooth and 120 lumens

- SL Grano F: StVZO front light with 1100 lm high beam, 900 lm glare-free low beam, 130 lux, 230 m range, 170 g, price 269 euros.  
- Integrated 17 Wh LiPo battery, 1.5 h light duration at maximum level, up to 12 h daytime running light, charging via USB-C, designed for long-lasting quality cells.  
- Functions: automatic daytime running light with sensor, two-stage dipped beam, Bluetooth remote control, GoPro mount, IPX6 waterproof, IK09 impact-resistant.

Lupine SL Grano F: 1100 lumen StVZO front light with high beam function

- Discount sets from Aldi, Lidl and Tchibo offer solid luminosity, operation and battery life, but are only suitable for round handlebars/handlebar supports.  
- Aldi: approx. 10 euros, 100 lux, display, sensor, brake light, very good price-performance ratio, but only available during special offer weeks.  
- Lidl: technically the most powerful, well-balanced set with brake light and good runtime; Tchibo: suitable for everyday use, but too weak for real night riding.

Bike lights at a low price: bike lights from Aldi, Lidl and Tchibo are impressive

BIKE LIGHT

- With the free "Live Data Interface", Bosch is opening up the e-bike data interface for third-party devices via Bluetooth Low Energy.
- Initially, selected Garmin Edge bike computers are compatible, with other devices such as watches, glasses and helmets to follow later.
- Data transmitted includes speed, rider performance, cadence, battery charge level, total distance and eBike lock status; data usage remains optional.

Bosch Live Data Interface: Bosch CX finally Garmin-compatible

- Hammerhead Karoo 2 fully integrates RockShox Flight Attendant, suspension setup is done directly on the device without the AXS app.
- Important suspension data and settings such as mode, bias, LSC and battery status can be viewed and adjusted live, including analysis in the Hammerhead dashboard.
- Karoo serves as a control centre for the SRAM AXS ecosystem, links the rear derailleur, dropper, controller and displays battery status, but the target group remains small due to the high prices.

Hammerhead Karoo 2 Update: The first bike computer with suspension control

GoPro Mission 1: 1-inch revolution in action cams?

BIKE COMPUTER

- Lightweight, affordable floor pump with very smooth pumping action and well-positioned but small-scale pressure gauge for everyday users.  
- Significant weaknesses: extremely wobbly, narrow base, short and angular valve head, air loss when pulling off both valve types.  
- Pressure gauge with coarse scale and significant measurement deviation; only suitable to a limited extent for precise, frequent use or sporty set-ups.

Test bike pump: Rose Druckmacher GF 56 - light, cheap, good?

- Cycplus AS2 Pro achieved 4th place in the test: solid middle class in terms of pumping power, battery performance, size and weight, overall score 2.5.
- For 4 bar on 30 mm tyres it needs 59 s, for 7 bar 160-161 s; the battery lasts for around 4.25 tyres, charging takes around 40 minutes.  
- Housing heats up to 62 °C, noise level is within the usual range; good equipment with hose, cover, adapters and spare seals.

Mini air pump test: The Cycplus AS2 Pro is powerful, but hot

- Crivit XL floor pump offers a large stroke volume, stable metal base, ergonomic handle and multifunctional valve head for €11.99.  
- Weaknesses: wobbly piston and handle, high effort required even at low pressures, air loss at the valve head, inaccurate pressure gauge.  
- Suitable for everyday and occasional users; not recommended for ambitious riders due to precision and power deficits.

Floor pump from Lidl: Crivit XL - lots of power for little money?

PUMPS

- Larger brake discs increase the braking force via a longer lever arm and improve thermal management and fading resistance thanks to a larger friction surface.  
- 140 mm and 160 mm are only suitable for light riders, short or flat terrain; they are undersized for touring, long descents and heavier weights.  
- 180 mm is the trail standard as a compromise, while 203 mm offers maximum braking power and heat stability for >85 kg, E-MTB and long descents.

Small, large or huge: Which brake disc do I need?

- Before riding, thoroughly check tyres, inner tubes, sealant, valves, bearing play, concentricity and spoke tension and remove any wear.
- Tubeless requires clean tyres, fresh, unmixed sealant and free valves; old sealant and residues must be completely removed.
- Tubeless offers less rolling resistance, more comfort and puncture protection, but is more complex; tube systems are simpler and more puncture-friendly.

Checklist for the start of the bike season: tyres and wheels on MTB, road & gravel bikes

- In einem fünftägigen Kurs baut der Reporter mit Rahmenbauer Leo einen maßgefertigten 32-Zoll-Stahlrahmen, einen der ersten dieser Größe weltweit.  
- Der Rahmen entsteht in intensiver Handarbeit: präzises Schleifen, Biegen, Löten bei bis zu 1200 Grad und mehrfaches Neuansetzen bei Fehlern.  
- Der Kurs vermittelt tiefe Einblicke in traditionellen Stahlrahmenbau, schafft körperliche Grenzerfahrungen und eine starke emotionale Bindung zum fertigen Rahmen.

Frame building craftsmanship: build a 32" frame yourself in the course

TUNING

Workshop tips, tricks and instructions for screwing on the bike ✅ Tools for repairs in the home workshop ✅ Test reports

MTB workshop: Tips, tricks, instructions & test reports | BIKE 

workshop:frame

components:bike computer

workshop:tuning

workshop

workshop:brakes

workshop:care-lubricant

workshop:pumps

workshop:tools

equipment:bicycle light

workshop:gearshift-drive

workshop:engines

player.target-video.com

target-video.com

protegear.io

predictwind.com

vimeo.com

doo.net

team-malizia.geovoile.com

www.ndr.de

YB Tracking mit Google Maps

https://awin.comagno.com

Windfinder Widget

X.com

racemap.com

touren.bike-magazin.de

Spotify

New York Vendée

www.outdooractive.com

www.br.de 

Tickaroo

Google

Instagram

thetransat.geovoile.com 

www.br.de

www.facebook.com

www.youtube.com

player.podigee-cdn.net

trackleaders.com

www.ardmediathek.de

www.tagesschau.de

www.podcaster.de

tracker.theoceanrace.com

kuula.co

arkeaultimchallengebrest.geovoile.com

retouralabase.geovoile.com

minitransat.geovoile.com

transat-jacques-vabre.geovoile.com

theoceanrace.geovoile.com


        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 <icon></icon>. <link>Learn more</link>.
    


        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 <icon></icon>.
    

Most read articles

Most read in category {categoryTitle}

This summary was generated automatically.

Summary

Save filter

The Big Bike Search

Note: This text is a service for our readers and was automatically generated from the data in our bike database.

Verdict on the {brandName} {modelName} test

Verdict on the {modelName} test

Topics on this page

Measurements

Data and facts about the {brandName} {modelName}

I agree to display external content. This may involve the transmission of personal data to third-party platforms. Learn more in our

At this point, you will find external content that complements the article. You can display and hide it with a click.

Filter

Login required

 | BIKE

My Premium Guides

My Account

Pro cycling calendar {year}

{title} - Live updates on the race status

{liveticker} {stageName} - {raceName} {year}

To rank the riders, we use results from World Tour races from last year and the current year. The score is updated once a week and is calculated from the sum of wins in one-day races, time trials, stage wins and overall victories.

Saved articles

Search

Just discovered at {portalName}: {articleTitle} {shareUrl}

MTB workshop: Tips, tricks, instructions & test reports | BIKE

Short cranks on a gravel bikeMy first impression - I like it!

Bike pump with clever pump headSKS Airkompressor Clik Tec

Trek AirRush testThe mini pump with a cool head

CARE | LUBRICANTS

Bike Festival Awards 2026These products are in the final of Riva

Perfect frame protectionTunap brings surface protection spray

Safely into the cycling seasonKeep your bike looking like new with these tips

TOOLS

Zéfal Z Torque WrenchNew torque spanner for the bike workshop

SKS Multitools Tom & MiaPractical tools for travelling - made in Germany

Screwdriver bliss7 tools that belong in your home workshop

CIRCUIT | DRIVE

A look behind the scenes at Wolf ToothBike parts made in the USA

155 mm vs. 170 mmShort cranks in the test - what they bring to mountain biking

MTB drivetrain checkEverything you need to know about shift cables & outer casings

SRAM Eagle S-SeriesThree new groupsets from cheap to expensive without full mount!

Microshift Advent MXMTB shifting can be this affordable!

BRAKES

Must-haveThe TRP Evo Pro wins the disc brake comparison test

Trickstuff Piccola HD on testThis lightweight brake bites mercilessly!

Air in the brake lineBleeding the disc brake - why it's so important

FRAME

With Split Pivot suspensionSalsa Spearfish gets frameset upgrade & 3 new colours

At home with SpecializedA home visit to the Californian headquarters

Flexible bottle cageAdjustable Zéfal Z Cage adapter saves space in the frame

BIKE LIGHT

Lupine Rotlicht Pro BTRear light with Bluetooth and 120 lumens

Lupine SL Grano F1100 lumen StVZO front light with high beam function

Bike lights at a low priceBike lights from Aldi, Lidl and Tchibo are impressive

BIKE COMPUTER

Bosch Live Data InterfaceBosch CX finally Garmin-compatible

Hammerhead Karoo 2 UpdateThe first bike computer with suspension control

GoPro Mission 11-inch revolution in action cams?

PUMPS

Test bike pumpRose Druckmacher GF 56 - light, cheap, good?

Mini air pump testThe Cycplus AS2 Pro is powerful, but hot

Floor pump from LidlCrivit XL - lots of power for little money?

TUNING

Small, large or hugeWhich brake disc do I need?

Checklist for the start of the bike seasonTyres and wheels on MTB, road & gravel bikes

Frame building craftsmanshipBuild a 32" frame yourself in the course

Short cranks on a gravel bike
My first impression - I like it!

Bike pump with clever pump head
SKS Airkompressor Clik Tec

Trek AirRush test
The mini pump with a cool head

Bike Festival Awards 2026
These products are in the final of Riva

Perfect frame protection
Tunap brings surface protection spray

Safely into the cycling season
Keep your bike looking like new with these tips

Zéfal Z Torque Wrench
New torque spanner for the bike workshop

SKS Multitools Tom & Mia
Practical tools for travelling - made in Germany

Screwdriver bliss
7 tools that belong in your home workshop

A look behind the scenes at Wolf Tooth
Bike parts made in the USA

155 mm vs. 170 mm
Short cranks in the test - what they bring to mountain biking

MTB drivetrain check
Everything you need to know about shift cables & outer casings

SRAM Eagle S-Series
Three new groupsets from cheap to expensive without full mount!

Microshift Advent MX
MTB shifting can be this affordable!

Must-have
The TRP Evo Pro wins the disc brake comparison test

Trickstuff Piccola HD on test
This lightweight brake bites mercilessly!

Air in the brake line
Bleeding the disc brake - why it's so important

With Split Pivot suspension
Salsa Spearfish gets frameset upgrade & 3 new colours

At home with Specialized
A home visit to the Californian headquarters

Flexible bottle cage
Adjustable Zéfal Z Cage adapter saves space in the frame

Lupine Rotlicht Pro BT
Rear light with Bluetooth and 120 lumens

Lupine SL Grano F
1100 lumen StVZO front light with high beam function

Bike lights at a low price
Bike lights from Aldi, Lidl and Tchibo are impressive

Bosch Live Data Interface
Bosch CX finally Garmin-compatible

Hammerhead Karoo 2 Update
The first bike computer with suspension control

GoPro Mission 1
1-inch revolution in action cams?

Test bike pump
Rose Druckmacher GF 56 - light, cheap, good?

Mini air pump test
The Cycplus AS2 Pro is powerful, but hot

Floor pump from Lidl
Crivit XL - lots of power for little money?

Small, large or huge
Which brake disc do I need?

Checklist for the start of the bike season
Tyres and wheels on MTB, road & gravel bikes

Frame building craftsmanship
Build a 32" frame yourself in the course