An overview of the products tested:

Fox Transfer Factory dropper post
Race Face Turbine R 35 wheelset
Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evo Super Trail 29 x 2.6
Crankbrothers Mallet E pedals & Mallet E Boa shoes
Ergon GFR1 Black grips

Fox Transfer Factory dropper post

First impression
The current generation of Fox posts is 8.6 to 25.2 millimetres shorter than its predecessor, depending on the length. The Transfer has been given a new "head", which makes mounting the saddle easier than ever before. As usual, the quality of workmanship is very high. The Factory series model comes with a Kashima coating. It weighs 614 grams in the version with 175 millimeter stroke and 31.6 millimeter diameter, without lever and cable. There are hardly any seatposts that are as compact as the new Fox with the same stroke. This makes it a hot candidate for all those who want a little more travel on their dropper post, which ultimately provides additional legroom and therefore more safety on the descent.

In use
If you have a bit of skill, you can fit it in under ten minutes thanks to the good instructions. When correctly adjusted, the Transfer Factory runs without any noticeable resistance. A loud "Wotsch" announces that it is fully extended. The post was ridden with a Shimano lever, allowing it to be finely adjusted and operated with little force. If the temperatures are in the single digits, the transfer still works perfectly. It was not used in sub-zero temperatures.

Conclusion
After eight months of testing, it has a slight lateral play like so many telescopic supports. Otherwise, the Fox Transfer Factory runs like it did on the first day despite considerable mud baths. The extra travel that it offers compared to other manufacturers with a similar installation length is an advantage, especially on short-travel bikes where more legwork is required.

Manufacturer/distributor
www.foxracingshox.de / www.fuchs-movesa.ch

Race Face Turbine R 35 wheelset

First impression
According to the Canadian manufacturer, the wheels are designed for enduro use. That's how they look: high spoke tension, fat hubs and a 35 millimeter wide aluminium rim. The "straight pull" spokes are spoked with an offset and if one should break, five are included in the delivery as a spare. Also included in the set: valves and rim tape for the tubeless setup. The freehub has 120 engagement points and is available for all common standards. The stickers appear to be of inferior quality, but are easy to remove. The weight of the 27.5-inch version is 1796 grams.

In use
Setting up the wheelset tubeless is no problem. The Vittoria tires used seal perfectly. Those who like loud freewheels will enjoy the Turbines, the sound is rather garish. The handling is pleasant and unobtrusive, the mix of stiffness and flex is well chosen. The wheels' good running properties stand out very positively. The Turbines roll with noticeably less resistance than others. This is particularly noticeable when you let the bike roll out after a shot: It's as if you glide on endlessly.

Conclusion
With the "Turbine R 35" wheelset from Race Face, you get a visual treat, the asymmetrical Vault hubs are in a class of their own. During the six-month test period, the wheels suffered only a few punctures and suffered neither dents nor an eight. They still "stand" as well as they did at the beginning. Thanks to the freewheel sound, you no longer need a bell on the bike and passers-by are warned early on. In addition to the good-natured handling, the above-average rolling characteristics are also pleasing.

Manufacturer/distributor

www.raceface.com / www.chrissports.ch

Schwalbe Nobby Nic Super Trail Addix Speedgrip 29 x 2.6

First impression
Schwalbe's Nobby Nic is now a classic with many fans. It has been redesigned again for 2021. Compared to the previous model, the tread design has been geared towards a more aggressive riding style. The shoulder lugs should have more guidance right up to the limit and be significantly more stable. Overall, the new tread promises more dynamics both when accelerating and braking. The "Addix Speedgrip" rubber compound looks grippy and the "Super Trail" carcass construction looks very robust. The weight is just over 1100 grams.

In use
The tires were mounted tubeless for the test, which was no trouble at all. As the sidewalls are very stiff, you can ride with low air pressure. 0.87 bar at the front and 0.92 proved to be ideal with a body weight of 70 kilos. On the approach to the trail, the Nobby Nic surprises with very low rolling resistance on asphalt. Uphill, you need noticeably less power to make progress. If you switch to unpaved paths, the feeling of fast progress remains, whether on gravel or single trails. The new tread pattern provides plenty of grip and traction in most situations. Even on sandy surfaces or loose gravel, the cornering grip is impressive - as is the steering behavior, which is always controlled. At the rear, the wheel can sometimes break away when leaning hard, but this is easily and quickly recovered. The tire has more trouble in rugged, alpine terrain. The side lugs tend to tip over on rocks. You can counteract this with a little more air pressure, but this quickly comes at the expense of comfort. As mentioned, the carcass is very stiff and, with the right air pressure, offers little damping and a lot of rebound. If you pump a little more, the bike becomes more difficult to control at high speeds and the grip and braking power diminish.

The Super Trail carcass construction is a real guardian angel thanks to its Apex insert. You have to choose very unreasonable lines to get a puncture or ride with far too little air. If it does go "clonk", the tire and the rim are unaffected. There was not a single puncture in six months. In wet conditions, the tire leaves a mixed picture. The performance is basically good, but it doesn't like certain stones or roots and smears away. Self-cleaning is acceptable for the rather dense tread pattern.

Price: CHF 75.00

Manufacturer/distributor
www.schwalbe.com

Crankbrothers Mallet E pedals and shoes

First impression
The shoe is designed in simple black with golden elements and looks almost elegant for an enduro model. It is robustly made and has a reinforced toe cap and anti-slip rubber on the inside of the heel. It is adjusted with a Boa closure system and a Velcro strap for fine adjustment. The flat pedal-style sole is stiff and has a soft rubber compound. Although the shoe was created for the in-house click system, it also works with SPD pedals thanks to an additional pad. The Crankbrothers cleats are already pre-assembled and only need to be adjusted according to individual requirements.

In use
The Mallet shoe fits snugly and very comfortably, the toe box offers sufficient space. Getting in and out is easy, as the shoe opens wide enough. It is not advertised as waterproof, but can withstand a short rain shower. On hot days, the robust construction "takes its revenge" and keeps your feet very warm. The Mallet is comfortable on longer runs thanks to its grippy sole. It has a low profile but a good rubber compound. The shoes ensure a high level of power transfer to the pedals. They sit firmly on the large pedal. Almost too firmly, as the first few rides were difficult to release. This got better with every ride, as if the shoe and pedal had to get used to each other first. Although the pedals had to endure hard contact with the ground a few times, the consequences were only visual defects. The functionality is still flawless after seven months.

Conclusion
The Mallet-E shoe and the pedals of the same name are a well-coordinated team after just a few rides. Those who have only used SPD so far will need a little time to get used to them. Especially if you have fitted all the pins; the grip is very high and there is less lateral play. The Crankbrothers system has always been known for its good suitability for bad weather, and this is no different here. The same applies to the rather high wear of the cleats, which has not changed. The footwear shows only minimal signs of wear. The pedal release mechanism is still flawless, but one of the axles has received minimal play.

Manufacturer/distributor

Shoes: www.crankbrothers.com / www.intercycle.com

Pedals: www.crankbrothers.com / www.intercycle.com

Ergon GFR1 Black - Bargain tip

First impression
To be honest, 43 francs for a pair of handlebar grips is no bargain, but it's not a huge amount if you get better control in rough terrain and less discomfort in your hands. The GFR1 was developed together with Tahnée Seagrave and her teammates from the "Canyon [CLLCTV] FMD Racing" team. The aim was to increase comfort and reduce gripping forces in order to provide maximum relief for the arms and hands. For this reason, different zones were created: slats at the top are designed to offer maximum damping, while "knobs" at the bottom provide more grip with less effort. The grips are each clamped with an Alubride and have open ends; the end plugs are included.

In use
The GFR1s feel good in the hand, the promised strong damping is clearly noticeable in rough terrain and also on gravel. The texture of the surface is a matter of taste, the Ergon rubber feels pleasant and does not cause tingling like some other products. It also offers a non-slip grip with all gloves used, even in the rain.

Conclusion
Grips are like shoes or helmets, they never fit everyone and are strongly subordinate to body proportions and individual preferences. Ergon's GFR1 provided relaxed hands on long tours and demanded less hand force on rough descents and in the bike park.

Price: CHF 42.90

Manufacturer/distributor

www.ergonbike.com / www.fuchs-movesa.ch