Ergonomic and practical, freshly introduced

News from Ergon and Topeak: The ergonomics and components expert RTI Sports came to the Eurobike with the brands Ergon and Topeak with a whole range of innovations and revisions of classics. We took a closer look at some exciting products.

Step on it and feel good? No pedal is not a pedal, and if you also have certain ergonomic requirements, it is not easy to find something suitable, especially in the urban and touring sectors. That's why the ergo specialists from RTI Sports, more precisely the developers of the RTI brand Ergon, have set about creating a new, widely applicable pedal. The PT is already different at first glance: It is very thin. Means: The sole of the foot comes very close to the pedal axle, which improves the ergonomics. The "internal stops" are striking: Softly shaped edges prevent the shoe from rubbing against the crank. In addition, the enormous pedal surface is very slightly dented, which also guides the ball of the foot. The pedal has a significantly larger area than conventional pedals. Here one has probably oriented to practice and seen that many urban bikers are out and about with sneakers and soft-soled shoes - therefore the PT helps to distribute the applied force ergonomically over a large area. It is covered with griptape so that slipping is almost impossible. Two sizes ensure that the pedal fits every foot. Passive safety: Reflectors are incorporated on the front and rear, as required by the StVZO, and are even visible from the side. Material: glass fiber reinforced nylon. Rarely seen a pedal so clearly tailored to the needs of urban, commuting and touring riders. Cost: almost 50 euros.

Ergon News – grip more dynamically

The new GS1 Evo doesn't just bring color into play: Ergon has developed a completely new, sporty grip that "is intended to close the gap between the comfort grip and the purely sporty grip," says Nicole Nastal, Team Lead Offline Marketing at RTI Sports. The new handle is also the first to be made in RTI's new, in-house production facility in Germany. According to the definition, the grip wing of the GS1 Evo is slightly smaller than that of the popular GP grip in its various variants, but significantly larger than that of the GA3 MTB grip, which is mainly used for all-mountain and marathon. On the one hand, support for the ball of the thumb and thus the wrists, but on the other hand also freedom of movement, which is needed for a dynamic driving style on a sports tourer or SUV bikes used hard. The three different textures for the three gripping zones of thumb, fingers and metacarpus together with the special compound should create the perfect grip for the respective zone. The focus is of course on relieving the wrist and preventing hands from falling asleep. And so that it really works for everyone, the grips are available in two sizes, S and L. The handlebars are also colored. In addition to the classic black-grey, the GS1 is available in chilli red and nightride blue. For just under 35 euros.

Topeak is playing hide and seek

There's always room, thought the Topeak developers, and considered what else could be stored in the hollow crank axle or handlebars. Tools, of course! So, the RTI brand Topeak now offers mini tool sets for Shimano XT or SRAM XX1 cranks and bar-end tools. The BB Hide 'N Tool, housed in the crank's hidden compartment, is a classic mini-tool with a chain tool and holder, all within a special adapter that's inserted into the crank axle. It's mounted in rubber at both ends to prevent rattling. The Plug 'N Tool, available in MTB and roadie versions, is similarly designed. However, it doesn't include a chain tool, but instead features the most essential tool bits. Each also includes a plug insertion tool for tubeless repairs on the other side of the handlebars. The roadie version will be available for €54,95, and the other tools for €59,95 each.