TOUR test centre: Practical gadgets - fitness wristband, cycling glasses, handlebar tape, mini compressor & mini bell

Slim - Glasses from Julbo

Weighing less than 20 grams, the new Julbo intensity Groupama-FDJ with Spectron HD filter is one of the lightest goggles - the competition weighs a good ten grams more on average. The goggles with their large visor sit correspondingly lightly on the nose, which should ideally be very slim so that the nose bridge can lie comfortably flat. This is because the cut-out is relatively narrow and does not fit large noses. Otherwise, the goggles sit firmly on the head thanks to the rubberised temples and offer good protection from the wind. The tint of our test goggles has a light pink tint with good contrast. The glasses are available in eight colour and filter variants, and the price of 160 euros includes a soft case and cleaning cloth.

• Price: 160 Euro
• Weight: 19 grammes

+ Lightweight, good protection
- no all-round fit

More from the TOUR test centre:

>> Espresso tamper, box, pump, goggles & gravel wheels

Compact - Wearable from Whoop

Whoop brings the Whoop 5.0 and the medically certified MG (pictured). Both models are more compact than their predecessors and, according to the manufacturer, offer a significantly longer battery life of up to 14 days - a big leap compared to their predecessor with a maximum of five days. A new processor enables ten times greater energy efficiency, while improved sensors capture data 26 times per second. An optional wireless power pack charges the tracker inductively, enabling up to four weeks of continuous tracking (only included in the most expensive subscription). A new feature is the "Healthspan" function, which calculates biological age and the rate of ageing. The Whoop MG also offers ECG measurement via two sensor wells for the thumb and index finger. The "Heart Screener" function recognises signs of atrial fibrillation and is approved by the US FDA. The blood pressure measurement is also new, but is still in the beta stage and only provides estimated values. The app also shows cycle-related changes in performance in women and offers a more precise sleep analysis. Fitness tracking covers over 145 activities, including VO₂ max, muscular load and daily steps. AI-based coaching remains available in beta mode. The trackers are still display-free and rely on smartphone connectivity. The new subscription models are called One, Peak and Life and cost between 199 and 399 euros per year. The wristbands of the previous models are not compatible.

• Price: from 199 euros per year >> Membership e.g. available here
• Weight: 27 grammes

+ More sensor data, battery life
- Bracelets not compatible

Extra long - Ergon handlebar tape

The Handlebar tape BT OrthoCell Pad Set from Ergon The use of a special foam with a high level of comfort and good cushioning is intended to impress; hands and wrists should be relieved in every grip position and discomfort significantly reduced. These properties can only be verified with prolonged use. But what is already noticeable during installation is that the three millimetre thick and 2.5 metre long strap on each side of the handlebars is extremely flexible and can be wrapped around any curve without creasing. Its length reliably covers even the widest gravel bike handlebars; the three centimetre long end plugs also clamp the tape securely and sit firmly in the handlebar end. The smooth surface of the tape offers surprisingly good grip, even in wet conditions.

• Price: 30 Euro
• Weight: 88 grams (with stopper and sealing tape)

+ long strap and long stopper, good grip

Precise - mini compressor from Trek

The Trek Air Rush battery mini pump is a compact, digital magic cube for your jersey pocket - powerful enough to inflate two road or gravel tyres. Weighing 83 grams and measuring 80 × 45 × 32 millimetres, it fits in any jersey pocket. Three buttons control on/off, pressure selection and unit (psi, bar, kPa), the bright, small colour display is razor sharp. When the target pressure is reached, the pump switches off automatically. An integrated lamp illuminates the valve area - handy for breakdowns at dawn. Presta or Sclaverand adapters can be screwed directly into the housing or onto an eleven centimetre long hose, ideal for valves that are difficult to access. In the test, the Air Rush brought a 32-millimetre tyre up to 5.5 bar in just under two minutes and became lukewarm in the process. The second tyre immediately afterwards showed the limit: after two and a half minutes and at just under five bar, the pump switched off due to overheating. The housing also became uncomfortably hot and needed a few minutes to cool down. Nevertheless, the pump fulfilled its promise and reliably inflated two tyres. The lithium-polymer battery charges via USB-C in about an hour. Maximum pressure according to Trek: 8.27 bar. The noise when pumping is loud, the buzzing is bright - rather unsuitable for use in the stairwell in the early morning. Conclusion: A convenient helper that will make you forget your previous pumping agonies.

• Price: 90 Euro
• Weight: 131 grammes

+ Display, quick, accessories, valve lighting
- relatively loud

Tonangebend - Bell from Knog

The Oi Prima Bike Bell from Knog impresses with its elegant design and clear sound. At just 28 grams, it is a real lightweight and fits handlebars with a round diameter of 23.8 to 31.8 millimetres. The top-quality bell is available in silver and black. It blends discreetly and almost invisibly into the cockpit. Its bright, clear "ping", on the other hand, is easy to hear in road traffic - without being obtrusive.

• Price: 30 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 28.3 grammes

+ Design, sound image