An overview of the products tested:

Veloplus Helmut helmet under cap
Uvex MTN Perform glasses
Sqlab SQ-Glove One10
Veloplus Kaltfront 3 unisex thermal trousers
Leatt Hydra-Dri 7.0 shoes

Veloplus Helmut helmet base cap

First impression
The reflective sections make Helmut perfect for urban cycling. The reflectors are of secondary importance for use on a mountain bike. First place goes to the good fit and the pleasantly fluffy interior. There are two slits on the side of the cap where everyday or sports glasses can be inserted without causing pressure points or letting in draughts. The front has a windstopper membrane and the neck and ear sections are cut extra low.

In use
The Helmut will quickly become your best companion on cold days. Thanks to the flat seams, the hat is barely noticeable under the helmet. The generous cut covers the head perfectly. The thermal performance is excellent and you won't get too hot even when pedaling hard.

Conclusion
The look is debatable and the reflectors certainly don't suit everyone's taste. However, the underwear cap is otherwise almost perfect. The goggle slits are a highlight and fulfill their function perfectly. The product is manufactured in Austria, which results in a short transportation route, another plus point.

Price: CHF 49.90

Distribution
www.veloplus.ch
 

Uvex MTN Perform glasses

First impression
The "MTN Perform" is very much in line with the current bike eyewear trend. A large lens is paired with a casual purple tint that shimmers in a different color depending on the incidence of light. The category 3 lens has a medium darkening effect and is designed for sunny conditions. The lenses also have a slight green tint, which enhances contrast. The unisex model is available in three colors and from 2024 also in a smaller version, ideal for women and anyone with smaller heads. In addition to the cool look, the glasses score points with cold-formable temples. This makes them easy to adjust to the head and helmet. There are ventilation slits in the corners of the lens. The nose pieces can be individually adjusted by bending them.

In use
The large lens offers the best protection against draughts in nasty weather and at high speeds. It sits close to the head, which can lead to water vapor collecting on the upper edge of the goggles, condensing and running down the inside of the lens in cold, damp weather and during high physical exertion. To avoid this, it is advisable to wear the "MTN Perform" slightly lower on the nose when climbing. This allows body heat to escape upwards better.

Conclusion
The Uvex goggles shine with contemporary aesthetics without dominating the face and provide very good protection against wind and draughts. Although the glasses are designed for good weather conditions, they are also suitable for rainy days, provided there is sufficient daylight.

Manufacturer
www.uvex-sports.com
 

Sqlab SQ-Gloves One10

First impression
Sqlab gloves are available in five sizes and in two different widths. At the wrists, the One10 reach far back and overlap well with jacket cuffs. The waterproof inner surface has no seams and therefore causes no pressure points. The neoprene cuffs are very elastic and can be easily adjusted with Velcro. There is a compartment on the top, which conceals a rain cover. This is in two parts, the index finger has its own compartment, the rest share the second. There are reflective elements on the top and on the rain cover.

In use
The fabric on the inside is pleasantly soft against the skin. And thanks to the long cuffs, no draughts get in. The rather thin material provides a good grip and offers great freedom of movement. The gloves defy light rain and wind with ease. In heavy precipitation and strong winds - especially in very cold temperatures - the rain cover is a blessing. The hands cool down less quickly and stay dry for longer. After five washes, the reflective logo on one of the rain covers came off. Unfortunately, the touchscreen fingertips are not compatible with Iphone glass.

Conclusion
The ideal application range for the "SQ-Gloves One10" is between 3 and 10 degrees. On mild winter days, the rain cover has proven its worth as additional wind protection when riding downhill. They are not suitable for riding for hours in the rain. They can withstand an after-work ride of 90 minutes in the rain without letting water through.

Price: CHF 74.90

Manufacturer
www.sq-lab.com
 

Veloplus cold front 3 unisex thermal trousers

First impression
The Kaltfront trousers are an in-house development from Veloplus. They are not specifically designed for MTB use; they are winter cycling trousers for all disciplines. A water-repellent fabric on the outside protects against wind and splashing water. The inside is made of warming thermal Lycra. An "air cushion" forms in between to provide insulation. The close-fitting cut is designed to ensure optimum freedom of movement. The long elasticated cuffs are fitted with foot loops to provide optimum protection from the wind. There are press studs on the lower legs which, combined with a Velcro fastener, adjust the width. There is also a zipper at the back to make it easier to get in and out. That's a bit of a double whammy. The waistband can be adjusted at the hips with external Velcro fasteners. The cold front has no pockets, just a small fabric pocket in credit card format on the inside of the pants. To ensure good visibility in the dark, the trousers are generously equipped with reflective elements.

In use
Whether it's 10 degrees plus or minus, the cold front defies the temperatures and the wind. Even light rain leaves it unimpressed. The cut is well chosen and gives you plenty of freedom of movement. The foot straps fit snugly without getting in the way. They do a great job of keeping the wind out, but be careful when taking the trousers off - it's not that easy. If you don't want to hobble around on one leg, it's better to sit down and open the zipper or press studs at your leisure.

Conclusion
The cold front impresses with a very good fit and really excellent protection against the cold. The choice of material, the numerous reflectors and the many different elements unfortunately result in a somewhat old-fashioned look. But here, quality is more important than style and freezing is not really cool.

Price: CHF 219.00

Manufacturer
www.veloplus.ch
 

Leatt Hydra-Dri 7.0 shoes

First impression
The flat pedal shoe has a 10,000 water column and looks more like a modern outdoor shoe. The raised neoprene shaft extends well over the ankles. It can be closed with a waterproof zipper and additionally secured with a press stud. The wide opening makes it easy to get into the boot. Speed laces on the inner boot ensure a good fit.

In use
The high shaft overlaps well with the trousers and keeps body heat inside the boot. The robust upper material is reinforced with additional friction-resistant rubber. The Hydra-Dri 7.0 can withstand tough off-road use and falls. The rubber sole anchors itself well to the pedals, even in very wet conditions the grip does not break off. The sole offers a good compromise between power transmission when pedaling and a comfortable ride. As you would expect from a bad weather shoe, running on wet stones and slippery surfaces is no problem. When used in the rain, it has effectively defied the elements.

Conclusion
The Leatt Hydra-Dri 7.0 is ideal in single-digit plus temperatures. It keeps you pleasantly warm without getting sweaty. Even at sub-zero temperatures, it does its job, at least if you are not very sensitive to the cold. The fit is as comfortable as a sneaker, allowing plenty of freedom of movement despite the high shaft. After muddy baths, it can be cleaned quickly and easily with a brush.

Price: CHF 229.90

Manufacturer
www.leatt.com