Test: Five "friends" for small car owners
The tested products in the overview:
Fix Manufacturing The Eflator Pump
Fix Manufacturing MTB Field Kit
Scott Sleeve Bike-Transport bag
Evoc Gear Bag 20 l
Dymanic Quick 'n Dirty Putz-Set
Fix Manufacturing The Eflator Pumpe
First impression
The battery-powered digital pump is very small. It comes with a USB charging cable and attachments for other sports equipment as well as a plastic bag for transportation. The housing looks robust and so does the pump head. The pump hose is just long enough. Practical: The hose can be unscrewed for space-saving transportation. The device weighs 430 grams. It has a very large and illuminated LCD display, which makes it easy to read the air pressure. This is often tedious with analog pumps.
In use
A small one, very loud. You can't pump your tires in secret with this, the Eflator makes a lot of noise. It takes at least four minutes to bring a flat tire up to operating pressure. The preset air pressure deviates by 0.2 bar when measured. The handling itself is simple and the enclosed instructions are easy to understand. When switched on, the pump switches to power-saving mode after around two minutes of inactivity.
Conclusion
The big advantage of the battery-powered pump is that it requires no effort at all. If you want an accurate air pressure, you have to readjust it with a hand pump and air pressure gauge. Unfortunately, the pump is very loud and it takes a long time to inflate a tire. The Eflator scores with a very low self-discharge of the battery, which lasts for months, and with its small footprint in your luggage.
Price: CHF 99.90 / EUR 90.00
Manufacturer
fixmfg.com
Fix Manufacturing MTB Field Kit
First impression
The robust Cordura bag contains lots of useful items and offers sufficient equipment for repairs and bike maintenance on the go. And with a very compact pack size. The set includes a small roll-up bag for individual spare parts such as brake pads or a derailleur hanger. Fix-MFG (its own abbreviation) uses a cardboard placeholder to indicate what still needs to be packed. Additional tools or accessories can be stored in the many free "daisy chains" inside.
The "Mountain Bike Field Guide" is an entertaining read, notebook and service booklet all in one. A ballpoint pen is included to keep track of the latter. The tools are not workshop quality, but are well made and more than sufficient for emergency repairs. The chain rivet pusher and the mini-tool can also be easily taken on tour without the rest of the set.
The test set included two products from the range of the Swiss Fix MFG distributor Trail Supply instead of the original chain oil and degreaser. Only the original equipment is available in stores.
In use
The quality of the individual tools is more than sufficient for occasional use. Thanks to the many free compartments, the kit can be supplemented individually. The hand pump is of good quality and does a reasonable job. Unfortunately, the pressure display does not allow a precise reading and only shows PSI and not bar. The measuring tape is practical for adjusting the SAG of the suspension elements or for finding the right seat height.
Conclusion
If you're going on vacation with your bike or want to carry a minimal tool set for your bike trips, the "MTB Field Kit" has everything you need in a very small pack size. It is too comprehensive and, at almost one kilogram, too heavy to take with you on a day trip.
Price: CHF 95.90 / EUR 84.95
Manufacturer
fixmfg.com
Scott Sleeve bike transport bag
First impression
The transport bag is made from a robust polyester material. The generously dimensioned zipper can be opened from both sides. It rides over half of the bag to make packing the bike easier. The inner, reversible bag has a dual function. Pedals and tools or anything else can be stowed in it during bike transport. To store the bag, this bag is turned inside out and the actual bag is simply stuffed inside without first being folded. A handle is attached to the outside of each cover. A removable shoulder strap makes it easier to carry over longer distances.
In use
Depending on the size of the bike, it is sufficient to remove just the front wheel. Models with a very long wheelbase and wide handlebars will only fit if both wheels are removed. The easiest way to do this is to open the zipper completely. Then fold one side of the bag down as far as possible, place the bike inside and close the bag. With a little practice, this can be done in no time at all.
Conclusion
Thanks to the sleeve bag from Scott, your beloved small car stays clean when transporting dirty bikes. It also makes loading easier in tight spaces. Packed in the sleeve, the fork doesn't wobble around and the pedals can't get jammed in the interior.
Price: CHF 80.00 / EUR 79.95
Manufacturer
scott-sports.com
Evoc Gear Bag 20 l
First impression
If you only need to pack the essentials for your bike tour, the "Gear Bag" is more than enough. A pair of bike shoes, a helmet, gloves and a pair of goggles will fit easily. However, if you're packing an XL full-face helmet, you may have trouble fitting in a larger pair of shoes. The inside is dirt and water-repellent and the cover is lightly padded. The large opening allows the bag to be loaded quickly and easily. Inside, a mesh pocket with Velcro fastener holds small items that should not get lost.
In use
The capacity of 20 liters is sufficient for the essentials. It's great that even dirty equipment can be packed away after the tour. The inside of the bag can then be cleaned with a damp cloth. This is super easy as it can be opened wide and the inner material does not absorb moisture.
Conclusion
The equipment bag is a practical companion for "light" luggage and is very easy to clean if necessary. If you want to carry more, Evoc has a large selection of other gear bags in the same design, ranging from 15 to 60 liters in volume.
Price: CHF 69.00 / EUR 65.00
Manufacturer
evocsports.com
Dynamic Quick 'n Dirty cleaning set
First impression
The set contains almost everything you need to clean your bike on vacation or during a bike weekend. The only thing missing is a microfiber cloth for post-cleaning and drying and a cleaning cloth to wipe off excess chain oil. According to the manufacturer, all three products are biodegradable.
In use
The degreaser works best if it is sprayed onto the dry drivetrain and left to work for around three minutes. The bike is then sprayed with water to soften dirt and dust - the drivetrain should be left out if possible. Then spray on the "Dirt Destroyer" and wait until the thick foam slowly liquefies. Any stubborn dirt is removed with a brush. The next step is to spray the bike thoroughly with water again and it will shine like new. Finally, oil the chain to displace any residual water and the bike is sparkling clean and ready for the next day. Before the next tour, wipe off the remaining chain oil and off you go on the trails.
Conclusion
Dynamic only packs the essentials into this kit. The cleaners are effective, the lubricating power of the oil is sufficient and the whole thing is stored in a leak-proof bucket. This still offers enough space for rags, a sponge and other care products.
Price: CHF 48.90 / EUR 43.62
Manufacturer
dynamicbikecare.com
Suitable Ride Brandguides
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Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.