Intend Grace Trail stem

First impression
50 millimetres long, for handlebars with 31.8 millimetres and weighing 87 grams. So much for the technical data. The last value is impressive. What is really impressive, however, is the
milling work that has gone into this stem: simple and aesthetic. Behind "Intend Bicycle Components" is Cornelius Kapfinger, who has been attracting attention with innovative products for several years now.

In use
German products are known for their high precision and the Grace Trail stem is also accurately manufactured. For this reason, a wooden groove is supplied for mounting, which can be used to push the clamp apart so that the handlebars can be threaded in without scratching. Despite the rather narrow design, the part holds the handlebars as usual and without additional flex. Even after twelve months of use, all the screws are tight, nothing creaks or cracks. The blue anodization shines like on the first day.

Conclusion
Stems are one of the few bike components that differ primarily in terms of their mass. In the end, they all just hold the handlebars. However, the Intend Grace Trail saves a lot of weight compared to the competition and provides a very appealing look with the highest quality workmanship.

Price: EUR 159.00

Manufacturer/distributor
www.intend-bc.com

Trickstuff Power brake pads

First impression
The organic brake pads from Trickstuff look like brake pads, but the devil is in the detail. The pads are available for all common disc brakes

.

In use
After a short break-in period, the pads reveal their true qualities and the "devil" shows its claws - not because the base plate is bright red. They grip the brake disk much more powerfully than most original products, and with better modulation. The wear is kept within limits.

Conclusion
Brake pads are subject to wear and tear and retrofitting with Trickstuff products is recommended, but only for frequent riders. If the bike is left in the cellar for a long time, the surface of the pad will oxidize and it will take a few descents before the full braking power is restored and the pads no longer make any noise. A brief treatment with sandpaper also provides a remedy.

Price: from EUR 19.90

Manufacturer/distributor
www.trickstuff.de

Trickstuff Piccola HD brake

First impression
Trickstuff launched the world's lightest disc brake in 2016, the "Piccola". Just 158 grams light. At the request of its customers, the manufacturer from southern Germany has now combined the brake lever of the Piccola with the 4-piston brake caliper of its bigger brother, the "Direttissima", and is offering it as the "Piccola HD" (for Heavy Duty). The result is a marvel of German CNC milling art with plenty of braking power. 408 grams for the set without rotors is quite something. The brake is of the highest manufacturing quality and has low tolerances.

In use
Installation is not for the faint-hearted, it requires a little finesse. Bleeding after shortening the brake line is not necessary. After a few descents, the full braking force unfolds and it is tremendous. The dosage requires some sensitivity. Once you get used to it, you won't want to be without this brake. It passed the endurance test with flying colors. After several hundred Elevation losses in the steepest South Tyrolean terrain - 30 minutes of continuous braking - it didn't let up a bit.

Conclusion
With the Trickstuff Piccola HD, the comfortable brake lever is pleasing and it convinces with high braking qualities, which still exist after several months.

Price: EUR 790.00

Manufacturer/distributor
www.trickstuff.de

Supernova M99 Mini Pro-25 headlight

First impression
For rides at dusk or after sunset, light is a must. Supernova has an idea-le solution for e-bikes. Some of their lamp heads can be connected to various e-bike motors and eliminate the need for a battery, including the M99 Mini Pro-25 from Supernova. The lamp head is ro-bust and looks like it would survive an unintentional drop off the trail. It is mounted using a handlebar adapter that positions the headlight centrally above the stem.

In use
The light was mounted on a Norco Sight VLT with Shimano motor. The motor and battery had to be removed for this and this can only be done by a specialist dealer. The lamp is switched on and off via the control element and the display. The external switch can be used to switch between low beam (450 lumens) and high beam (1150 lumens). The switch is compatible with Magura brake levers and an additional brake is not required for this combination.

Conclusion
The illumination is just enough for trail riding. Not because of the brightness, but because of the somewhat limited light diffusion. The ideal combination is with a powerful helmet lamp. Without this, it will be difficult off-road anyway, as the cone of light is usually not in your line of vision. As with cars, the difference between low beam and high beam is the increased brightness and the larger cone of light.

Price: CHF 350.00

Manufacturer/distributor
www.supernova-lights.com / www.komenda.ch

Dirtlej Bike Protector Extended Package

First impression
Some bike racks for cars are narrow, meaning that bikes with the Boost standard in particular cannot be mounted without contact. If you want to prevent scuff marks, you are well advised to protect your bike. This can be done with cloths or some kind of foam, but is usually a lot of fiddling and tinkering. Dirtlej - known for its dirtsuits - has the solution. Incidentally, this was her first product ever.

The Extended Package includes the following protectors:

2x Fork Protector
2x Rear Protector
2x Frame Protector
2x Pedal Protector
4x Rim Protector

In use
Initially, the parts are a little stiff, but with use they become softer and easier to attach. The use of the individual protectors is self-explanatory. The Frame Protector can not only be used to protect against the clamp of the bike carrier, but can also be fitted to all other possible contact points. The protectors can be attached in a few simple steps and then stowed away in the mesh bag supplied so that nothing gets lost.

Conclusion
After more than two seasons of use, some of the Velcro fasteners are slightly stretched, but still work perfectly. The bike protectors have withstood several machine washes at 30 degrees without any problems. A top product to optimally protect expensive bikes during transport.Price: CHF 89.00

Manufacturer/distributor
www.dirtlej.de / www.trailsupply.ch