Through wind and weather: rain jackets in the test
There are also uncomfortable days in summer.Wailing does not help: Imest has tested five breathable rain jackets.
von Horst SchröderIf you don't pay attention to the right e-bike clothing when cycling, you sweat in summer and freeze more than necessary in winter.That doesn't have to be.The textile industry has long been prepared for the needs of cyclists and, in addition to functional outdoor clothing, offers a large selection of special biker wardrobe for all seasons.True to the motto: there is no bad weather, just the wrong clothes.
The providers of bicycle clothing, or.E-bike clothing such as Brügelmann, Bob Shop or Globetrotter does not distinguish between e-bike and conventional bicycle.So there is no special e-bike clothing yet.But there is an important difference between conventional bicycle and e-bike with regard to the ideal clothing: the relation of physical exertion that sweats the body, and the cooling wind is different on the e-bike than on a muscle power onlybicycle.
If you like to cycle with strong motor support, you don't have to make an effort and are still relatively quick on the move.At low outside temperatures, the permanent cold draft quickly becomes uncomfortable from the front.Therefore, the rule of thumb applies to e-bikers: a layer of clothes too much than one too little.Especially newcomers who switch from the conventional bike to an electric bike are often not aware of this fact.
There are also uncomfortable days in summer.Wailing does not help: Imest has tested five breathable rain jackets.
von Horst SchröderRight - the classic, tight -fitting, short cyclist with its sewn -in gel pillows on the butt, possibly still in a screaming neon color, has such a deterrent effect on many contemporaries that they do not want to deal with the topic of bicycle clothing even.
But they are wrong with this to the cycling pants.In this classic form it is only announced by racing cyclists today.For the other variants of the biking, there have long been more elegant solutions.For example, the combination of long or short bicycle pants and bicycle underpants with more or less thick gel pillows.Sometimes these two pants are sewn so that they can only be collected.Often, however, the underpants are only connected to the outer bicycle pants by loop and push button, so that you can also carry both wheel pants individually, to match the opportunity.
Special bicycle pants are available for every purpose.Often they cannot be distinguished in the appearance of everyday clothing.For example, jeans that are made of special functional materials are available for the daily trip to work.E-mountain bikers prefer casual shorts that are not so tight.Ideal for longer bike tours with the e-bike are easy-care pants that dry again after washing.Among them are many so-called Zipp-off models, the trouser legs of which can be separated by zipper.
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von Horst SchröderTwo things have all of these bicycle pants in common: both the cut and the functional, robust material are perfectly adapted to the movement -intensive use on the saddle.There are no seams here, the waistband does not press-and on hours of day tours, the invisible bicycle underpants with gel pillows significantly reduce the inevitable pain at the rear part.
If you do not let yourself be put off by e-biking in the pouring rain, you should look around for a special bicycle rain pants.Compared to conventional rain overpants, it offers the following advantages: its waistband at the back is usually a bit higher, matching the seating position on a bike.The buttocks are reinforced, otherwise the material could be wandering on the saddle and leaking would.And the cut of the knee area is tailored to the constant movement when cycling.Most bike rain pants are also equipped with reflective design elements.This increases visibility in road traffic.For the winter, the rain pants are recommended as windproof overpants.
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von IMTEST"Out on the top" is enough for a bicycle jersey or bicycle t-shirt in summer.And for the ladies underneath a sports bra made of skin-friendly material.Conventional t-shirts made of cotton are less suitable for biking.They do not transport the moisture quickly enough and then stick to the back after a sweaty passage - this is uncomfortable.Instead, bicycle jerseys are made of functional fabrics that quickly absorb the moisture from the body and pass it on out, where the moisture is then evaporated or passed on to the next layer.
Typical bicycle jerseys and T-shirts consist of synthetic fibers or merino wool.Art fibers perform the moisture better and are therefore the first choice for sweaty tours.Merino wool is less sensitive to odors and is well suited for everyday use or a bike tour.
The models are usually cut to the body and do not flutter in the wind.In addition, the tight cut guarantees the most effective moisture transport with the corresponding material.Many bicycle jerseys and t -shirts are longer than front, which completely cover the back even with a slightly inclined position.Often, the federal government's anti-slip equipment from silic Sunday or strips ensures that the jersey does not slip so easily.A rather narrow neckline keeps the wind and insects away.
Bags with zipper are incorporated into many models on the lower part of the back, in which mobile phone, windbreaker, drinking bottle or other little things can be stowed away.
If the bicycle jersey alone is no longer sufficient on cool summer days, in autumn or spring, it is time for a suitable jacket.Or two.Some e-bikers prefer so-called Midlayer as an intermediate layer, which are rather thin jackets or sweaters made of stretch fleece that are cut body-emphasized and consist of elastic, functional material.But normal, preferably high -quality fleece jackets and fleece sweaters or those made of merino wool are also suitable for biking.
It comes over it when the temperatures have dropped even further, either a windbreaker, a warm and cozy softshell jacket-or a rain jacket.In contrast to fleece jackets and windbreakers, which are not (yet) available in special designs for cycling, the outdoor industry has already dedicated itself to the rain jackets for cycling.They are specially cut and equipped with bike -specific details.
Depending on the personal preference.The further the jacket, the more it flutters in the wind.The back of a bicycle rain jacket is usually cut longer, just like with bicycle jerseys, and thus protects the entire back even with a seat position inclined forward.Instead, some bicycle jackets have a fold -out extension on the back.The sleeves are often longer than with conventional rain jackets, so that the wrists are reliably covered with the constantly stretched arms on the bike.
The shoulder area also leaves enough space for the usual bicycle posture and the arms stretched forward.Numerous bicycle jackets come without a hood, which many bikers bothers because it limits the field of vision and insulates noise.Instead, waterproof coatings for the bicycle helmet are available as rain protection for the head.
It is important to ventilate in the form of a grid under the armpits, which means that most bicycle rain jackets are equipped.And like most rain pants for cyclists, the jackets are almost always reflected in the jackets that serve traffic safety.A windproof rain jacket also serves well as winter clothing if you are dressed warm enough underneath.
The longer an e-bike tour lasts, the more important the right socks become.Two points are decisive here: firstly, a functional material, for example a mixture of synthetic fibers and merino wool, which ensures good moisture management and thus prevents sticky socks cold and wet on the foot.Second, a perfect fit that excludes that the socks slide or rub uncomfortably in the shoes.
Disposal rain cyclists can use waterproof socks that offer themselves as an alternative to waterproof overhead shoes.
Speaking of shoes: Of course there are also special bicycle shoes for all seasons.But they are mainly intended for amateur and professional cyclists.E-bikers who take it more comfortably do not necessarily need special shoes to ride a bike.Sneakers or sneakers work perfectly here, many e-bikers prefer to cycle with sandals in summer and in cool weather with comfortable hiking boots.It is only important to have a firm hold in the shoe.The sole should also be non -slip so that the foot does not slip off the pedal.
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von IMTESTBicycle gloves are also a good choice in summer.They ensure better grip on the handlebar and reduce the pressure on the palms, which means a noticeable relief on longer tours and e-mountain biking.The incorporated silicone pads also reduce vibrations and bumps and thus relieve the joints.In the event of a fall, protect your hands.
The selection is large, bicycle gloves are available in various versions for all seasons, from thin, holed models for summer to padded, windproof winter gloves.This also includes completely waterproof models.
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von IMTESTWhether with 30 degrees and sunshine or 5 degrees and cold wind: special bicycle clothing makes the tour and everyday life with the e-bike more pleasant and more convenient.The products are well thought out, but the gigantic offer is rather confusing.Who, for example, at Globetrotter.de or mountain time.DE, two large outdoor dealers with numerous brands, entering the term “bicycle clothing”, receives several hundred results each.If you prefer to search for quality brands such as Vaude, Schöffel or Patagonia.