The tested products in the overview:
Uvex React Mips helmet
Alpina Flow knee protector
Ion Bike Vest Thermolite Hybrid
Tifosi Vogel SL sports glasses
Hutchinson Wyrm tires

Uvex React Mips helmet

First impression
The fact that some surfaces of the helmet are in matt and others in glossy plastic, can only be seen up close. This gives the otherwise relatively normal bike helmet a certain something. The edges are edged all around with plastic and are therefore well protected against damage during transportation. The padding is standard, but skillfully prevents pressure points. As the product name suggests, a classic Mips system is integrated. The biggest advantage of the React is certainly the numerous openings at the top, where heat can escape easily. Thanks to the chin strap with ratchet closure, the strap width can be quickly adjusted at any time. A swivel system in the neck adjusts the fit to the shape of the head. The helmet is available in five colors and three sizes.

In use
The React offers good ventilation on fast rides and allows heat to escape optimally on sweaty climbs. The Vizor, which is positioned at the top and cannot be adjusted, offers little protection from the sun. The Uvex helmet does not have an actual goggle storage space, but the area above the Vizor is quite suitable for this. Simply insert the temple ends into the side openings and place the nose bridge on the edge of the Vizor and don't wriggle around too much, then it will hold.

Conclusion
The Uvex React Mips is a classic all-mountain trail helmet in a unisex version. Ventilation is its strong point, everything else is good, but nothing special.

Price: CHF 149.00 / EUR 129.00

Manufacturer
www.uvex-sports.com

Alpina Flow knee protectors

First impression
Alpina's protectors are so-called light protectors, which means they only have a thin Sas-Tec pad. The main pad is held in place by a tightly woven and abrasion-resistant aramid upper material. An additional TPU layer reinforces the construction and should enable better sliding in the event of a fall. Two small EVA foam pads are placed on each side. The rubber cuffs are fitted with silicone strips for a secure hold. The flows are cut long, providing optimum protection and preventing the "protector gap".

In use
The protectors are cut tight, almost too tight on the first few rides. However, after wearing them a few times, the material widened slightly and the fit was perfect, even after six months of continuous use. Even on long climbs, they stay in place and don't interfere with pedaling at all. We recommend putting the protectors on at the start of the tour and only taking them off at the end. As soon as the skin gets a little sticky due to sweat or dirt, it is almost impossible to get the tight knee pads back into position. As there were no falls during the test period, no statement can (fortunately) be made about the protective effect.

Conclusion
The Flow knee protectors are Alpina's first products and score points with their good fit and corresponding wearing comfort. It is to be hoped that the main pad extends a little more over the knee at the top, where the protection is somewhat inadequate.

Price: CHF 119.00 / EUR 99.95

Manufacturer
www.alpina-sports.com

Ion Bike Vest Thermolite Hybrid

First impression
The vest is equipped with a filling called "Thermolite Ecomade T-Down". It is a down-like, synthetic material that leaves plenty of space to store heated air in the chambers of the vest. It is said to be particularly quick-drying. Thanks to the 4-way stretch fabric on the sides, the vest fits the body well. The slim-fit cut is very tight, so you will need to choose a larger clothing size. The outer material is made from fully recycled, windproof polyester and quilted in a chamber construction. The vest has two zippered pockets on the outside and two open compartments on the inside. With a little patience, it can be stuffed into one of these compartments. The pack size is still rather large. The bike vest is available in five sizes, two colors and one cut for women and men.

In use
The heavily insulated vest has proven itself for two purposes. Firstly, in winter at temperatures around freezing point and when it is even colder on long climbs. Combined with a thin long-sleeved jersey, the vest regulated body heat well without soaking up too much sweat. The "Thermolite Hybrid" is also suitable in spring and fall when the wind is cold on the downhill. An insulated jacket is often too warm. The PFC-free DWR coating efficiently keeps splash water away from the jacket.

Conclusion
Ion's insulation vest comes from sustainable production and has Bluesign and Oeko-Tex certification. It provides excellent warmth, that's all it has to offer, but that's enough! Thanks to its simple look, it is also suitable for other sports or for everyday wear.

Price: CHF 199.90 / EUR 189.99

Manufacturer
Men's version: www.ion-products.com
Women's version: www.ion-products.com

Tifosi Vogel SL sports glasses

First impression
The frameless sports glasses weigh 25 grams and have a medium-sized mirrored category 3 polyamide lens, making them ideal for sunny days. Thanks to the very elastic temples, they fit both narrow and wide faces. They are produced in eight different lens/frame combinations. The workmanship also fits the theme, it is average, but more than lives up to the purchase price.

In use
The Vogel SL provides good protection from the wind, it darkens pleasantly and offers a neutral color scheme. The contrasts are okay in sunny weather. If it is cloudy, the details appear somewhat dark. They fit comfortably on a narrow female head, as well as on a normal male head.

Conclusion
The "Tifosi Vogel SL" is a normal pair of sports glasses, no more and no less. But they have a very attractive price. In addition, the combination of pink lenses and transparent frame offers a cool look.

Price: CHF 69.00 / EUR 60.00

Manufacturer
www.tifosioptics.com

Hutchinson Wyrm tire

First impression
The Wyrm is positioned as a down-country tire and comes in 29 x 2.4 inch with a brown or black sidewall. It has a reinforced 66 tpi carcass and is made from three different rubber compounds. The aggressive fishing gear pattern of the lugs is high. It weighs 925 grams, a respectable weight for this width.

In use
The tubeless setup is done in no time and the tire sits firmly on the rim without any effort. Despite the coarse tread, it rolls very well on asphalt and transmits very little vibration.

In dry conditions, the tire grips optimally uphill over roots and rocks. Climbs with loose ground and a certain steepness have to be mastered sitting down; if you pedal standing up, the traction tends to break off. The same happens on really wet ground, which the Wyrm doesn't like. Dew or slight moisture are no problem. The massive side lugs not only look like they have bite, they really claw into the ground when cornering and offer plenty of grip. The braking behavior on the front wheel is easy to control. At the rear, depending on the surface, it starts to wobble, but always in such a way that the rear wheel does not break away completely.

Conclusion
The reinforced sidewalls hardly roll even at low air pressure in banked corners and provide good puncture protection.

The Wyrm performs well in dry conditions, but slips too quickly in the wet. Thanks to its robust design, you can also put it on a trail bike and don't have to worry about a puncture.

Price: CHF 80.00 / EUR 69.99

Manufacturer
www.cycling.hutchinson.com