Germany’s Fahrer Berlin use recycled materials to make cycle commuting accessories such as iPhone holders, trouser bands and key fobs. as part of their commitment to protecting the environment, they take old boat covers or tarpaulins and “give them second lives”. each of their products is unique; the colour and feel of the material depends on what they get in on any particular day.
as with all of their gear, Fahrer Berlin’s Spitzel iPhone holder (€39) is designed and hand-made in the German capital. it fits handlebars between 22 and 27mm in diameter, and different versions are available depending on whether you have an iPhone 3GS or 4. The silicone case isn’t waterproof, and a transparent plastic screen cover would probably be advisable.
The Fahrer Band (€15) is a Velcro strap that’s designed to stop your trousers flapping in the wind or catching in your chain on your ride to work. each one has a tag detailing the former use of the material it’s made from. The Dietrich key holder (€9.50) is produced in a similar manner, and had a former life as a tent, advertising banner or flag.
The Fahrer Band is an alternative to the traditional trouser clip
Cycling accessory specialists Louis Garneau – founded in Canada 28 years ago – make the helmets used by current Tour de France yellow jersey holder Thomas Voeckler, so it’s an ideal time to take a look at their latest road lid, the X-Lite (£124.99/$169.99).
Garneau claim it’s the “lightest helmet on the market” but at 254g (on our scales; 220g claimed) it’s significantly heavier than rivals like the Limar Pro104 (201g, size large) and Giro Prolight (181g, medium). it uses the Spiderlock SL fit adjustment system found on most Garneau road helmets and has 37 vents for airflow on warmer rides.
The X-Lite isn’t actually particularly light, but it’s comfy and well vented
Quill stems had become largely the preserve of old bikes rusting in sheds until the emergence of the fixie craze; now they’re suddenly in demand again. The Nitto Craft, available from Tokyo Fixed, is a particularly nice example. made from fillet-brazed chromoly steel, with a chrome finish, it features a 1in (150mm) quill, 26in bar clamp and 19° drop. Quality like this doesn’t come cheap, though – it’s £155.
The Nitto Craft stem will add the perfect finishing touch to any retro track bike
A couple of jerseys round off today’s gear round-up. The first, currently being worn by Alberto Contador and his Saxo Bank-Sungard team in the Tour de France, is made by Italian brand Sportful. It’s as tight-fitting as you’d expect from an Italian clothing manufacturer and, as it’s a race jersey, even more so. RRP £79.99.
Want to look like Alberto Contador? You’re in luck
The second, from Telegraph Road, is part of a series designed to evoke the heritage of road racing. The yellow band represents the Maillot Jaune while the red and blue stripes contain the name of every Tour winner. Other jerseys in the series pay tribute to Alpe d’Huez and Le Tourmalet. all have an athletic cut and are made from sweat-wicking material. Features include a useful bite tab on the collar for unzipping, a tiny compass in the zip itself and a waterproof zipped pocket on the rear. RRP £49.
Telegraph Road Le Tour jersey
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