Who hasn’t dreamt of being at the summit by sunrise? Just 100 more meters to go. How do we picture the moment of arrival? First, stretch out on the alpine meadow, soak in the view. And then? Coffee! But not just any coffee—one that truly lives up to its name and makes us happy. Back home, we’ve got our fancy espresso machine, so we’re definitely not Team Nescafé. Even up here, we want the finest coffee experience and that cozy hygge moment. Because great taste knows no limits.

At the same time, space on our bikes or in our hiking backpacks is limited, and we don’t want to lug around too much gear. So, what does it take to brew the perfect summit coffee? The best portable coffee maker? The finest beans? Or maybe the perfect grinder? We’ll show you what we packed for bikepacking in the Dolomites.

You can find the full test at our sister magazine DOWNTOWN.

Der Beitrag The perfect summit coffee for bikepacking and hiking tours erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

Do you know that feeling? Rather than suffering your way through a sad cup of flat white from your colleague’s cheap coffee maker, you smile politely and say, “Uh, today’s tea day for me” just to avoid regretting every sip later? If you can relate, you’re probably already deep into the coffee game. Whether you’ve been at it for ages or just started, the questions on your journey to the perfect brew at home are always the same: Which method suits me best – espresso machine, Bialetti, or filter coffee? Which beans are right for me – Fairtrade, organic, or from your local roaster? Why does my espresso taste so sour, as if someone poured vinegar into the water tank? And seriously, how do I nail that wonderfully creamy milk froth that baristas whip up in no time at my favourite café?

After countless brewing sessions, espressos, frothing attempts, and a pile of cash spent on a solid setup, some of us are ready to dive even deeper into the wonderful world of caffeine, and the questions get more refined: which high-end workshop can take my La Marzocco espresso machine to the next level, visually speaking? Does a € 3,000 grinder extract even more from my favorite beans from the local boutique roastery? Or is it all bollocks? Well, design is a matter of taste – literally. And dreams don’t always have to remain dreams.

As passionate coffee lovers – and you’re probably too, if you’re still reading – you’ve likely asked yourself one or two of these questions already. Is that right? Then it’s time to get excited: we’ve been on a quest for answers, hunting down the best coffee and the most intriguing products in the world of black gold. And we’ve discovered: not all coffee tastes the same, and latte art is far from the only artistic creation in this magical world. Most importantly, we’re eager to share our growing knowledge with you. Our big DOWNTOWN Coffee Special is packed with strong tips for beginners and enthusiasts alike, helping you get the most out of your coffee. No matter what level you’re at, we’re squeezing out a little more for you and diving in together. Even if your favourite café gets a bit jealous, we’ll give you inspiration for your “daily dose of caffeine,” sharing insights and secrets that are usually well kept behind closed café doors. Ready for your best coffee yet? Our collection of coffee stories, reviews, and tips & tricks is growing alongside our knowledge, so it’s definitely worth checking back in regularly. Let’s go…

You can find the full test at our sister magazine DOWNTOWN.

Der Beitrag Of dreams and fluffy creams – What to expect in DOWNTOWN’s Coffee Special erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

The Test Field: All 12 ½ Models in the Rooftop Tent Test

There are more than 100 rooftop tent brands and variants on the market, and it was impossible to take them all on our road trip. Therefore, we selected the most relevant brands for our rooftop tent test while covering a wide range of concepts. Each concept has its pros and cons, which we will discuss in detail later.

Beforehand, you should ask yourself questions like: Which vehicle will the tent go on? How many people need a sleeping place? Do you need additional space on the roof for equipment? Does the bedding need to stay in the tent while driving? Do you need a lot of additional equipment, or do you want to travel as minimally as possible? Do you want to travel flexibly and camp in different places each night, or set up a more permanent camp? How important is quick setup and takedown?

You can find the full test at our sister magazine DOWNTOWN.

Disclaimer: A rooftop tent is not for the faint-hearted! But if you go for it and simply set off on a road trip – with or without a destination – you’ll discover amazing new places and maybe even find out some new things about yourself. So: definitely give it a try!

* Tent weight with attached ladder
** Adults + child up to approx. 120 cm

Der Beitrag Roof top tent test – 12 ½ roof tents in direct comparison erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

Whether it’s 100 kilometres to the next bike park or 1,000 kilometres to Finale, transporting your bikes should be as secure and effortless as possible. So, what’s the problem? Just slap on a bike rack and go, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple, because the different clamping mechanisms and frame shapes aren’t all compatible. As such, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to play tetris to find out which models work best so you don’t have to.

With the right rear-mounted bike rack, transporting your bikes will be significantly more effortless and stress free. Meanwhile, you’ll find huge differences between the various models, with some of them boasting cool features like parking assists, trolley wheels for easy handling, or integrated ABUS bike locks. Moreover, expensive racks aren’t necessarily good, and the more affordable options aren’t all bad. The bulky models aren’t unwieldy as a rule, and small isn’t better in all cases. So what makes a good bike rack? And which one is perfect for you?

Step one in finding the most suitable bike rack for you is knowing what you need. But don’t worry, we’ll help you figure this out, because buying the wrong model isn’t just annoying – especially if you’re forking out up to € 1,300 – but can also ruin your vacation.

You can find the full test at our sister magazine DOWNTOWN.

7 rear-mounted bike racks in comparison – The test field

Der Beitrag The best rear-mounted bike carrier – 7 models head to head in our big rear carrier group test erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

For our dog, only the best will do: fancy collars, gourmet treats, and even trips to the groomer when necessary. As a beloved member of the family, we spare no expense, but when it comes to car travel, we often become a bit too relaxed about their and our own safety. Transporting dogs is actually regulated by law. According to Section 23 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), dogs are considered cargo. Yes, you read that correctly. As such, dogs must be properly secured. While there’s no seatbelt requirement, failing to properly secure your dog puts both your pet and yourself at risk. In an accident, there’s also danger to other road users. If you’re caught by the police, there’s a fine in Germany. If the dog isn’t secured, it costs €35, and if other road users are endangered, it’s €60 and one point on your licence. But the consequences for the dog can be far more serious.

Many of us at the team are dog owners and love taking our pets everywhere, whether as a trail dog, in a dog trailer (check out our dog trailer test here), or in the car. We’ve gathered plenty of experience on how to transport four-legged companions safely and comfortably in a car or electric vehicle.

You can find the full article in our sister magazine DOWNTOWN.

Der Beitrag Do dogs need a car seat? erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

Ever had an original Porsche 959 Dakar from the museum mess up your Persian rug? We hadn’t either. At least until last weekend. And then it happened…

If you know us, you know that we like to take new paths. And do exactly what we feel like – by the way, that’s the motto of our sister magazine DOWNTOWN. Honestly, what’s better than bikes, roof tents, espresso machines, and classic cars? Well, all that together mixed up with a bunch of cool people and some good vibes and sounds.

1,500 enthusiasts and around 600 fine classic cars came to this year’s HEIZR Club Dusty Rides Festival. We went all in and had our own booth. Our goal at the HEIZR Dusty Rides Festival was clear: target new audiences, inspire them for biking and excite them about our magazines, and of course celebrate our DOWNTOWN lifestyle.

And what can we say? We were blown away by the rush and interest of the visitors, including many bike enthusiasts and many readers. And those who weren’t interested in bikes were then fascinated by the roof tents or the La Marzocco, which we are currently testing. If you want to check it out directly: Our roof tent comparison test with 12 ½ roof tents is online – check it out! However, we recommend you keep reading – Pablo Escobär, the German enduro celebrities, and fast bikes on even faster cars should not be missed.

So, enough words, now we’ll let the pictures do the talking – enjoy!

A cheers to HEIZR club founder Felix as well as the other exhibitors and sponsors Porsche, La Marzocco, BMW Classic, Recaro, Yeti/Tofino Store, Big Green Egg, Homecation, DLS Automobile, and Boxengasse.

Der Beitrag Dust, speed, and espresso machines: 41 Publishing at the HEIZR Club Dusty Rides Festival! erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

An overview of the cargo bikes on test

So you think cargo bikes are big, bulky, and unwieldy? Or reserved for helicopter parents and painfully hip millennials? Think again! Cargo bikes are all the rage, but many myths, prejudices, and misunderstandings persist. Note: not all cargo bikes are equal.

“Cargo bike” is a collective term for a wide variety of cargo carrying concepts. And there are huge differences, even if the goal of every cargo bike is the same: to transport people and goods from A to B as conveniently and safely as possible. And of course, they should look good doing so! Meanwhile, there is a huge variety of different models that are shaking up and changing the cargo bike market, introducing numerous innovations, new motor systems, clever features, a wide variety of dimensions, cargo carrying capacities, and catering to a wide range of budgets. Small cargo runabout with a folding basket and an integrated gearbox in the motor, stylish mom-van, affordable workhorse, or full-suspension adventure mobile? There’s something for everyone. The beauty of it is that most cargo bikes are an enrichment to your daily routine and a wide range of use cases – but not all that glitters is gold.

For the full group test, follow the link to our sister magazine DOWNTOWN

Der Beitrag The best cargo bike – 12 models head to head erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

Why on earth would I want to keep a bike in my flat? Sounds rather messy, and it will probably lead to arguments with my partner. Besides, I’ve got a spacious garage that could easily hold ten bike stands.
You either hear something like that, or the complete opposite: Oh no, I’ve run out of space in the basement! Where am I going to store my beloved bikes if not on a bike stand in the flat?

When cycling is your passion, you tend to dabble in different aspects of the sport: you rarely stick to just one bike or one discipline. And inevitably, your flat ends up being the only storage solution. Whichever category you fall into, there’s one compelling argument: what could be better than spending all day on your bike, except admiring it all evening at home as well? It’s all the rage in the world of urban, trendy lifestyles – what influencer’s home story would be complete without a retro road bike stylishly adorning the living room wall?

We’ve discovered a range of solutions for storing bikes, helmets and other gear in the living room, bedroom, hallway and even the kitchen. And it’s not necessarily because there’s a lack of storage outside our own four walls. A bike is to us what an altar is to others. Idolatry is a fundamental aspect of human nature, and the revered bike belongs in designer lofts, three-bedroom flats or even offices. Need some inspiration? Look no further – here’s some thoughts and ideas on how to turn your prized possession into both a lifestyle statement and an eye-catching centrepiece.

What we discovered was remarkable: Bikes are extraordinary pieces of furniture – after being ridden on roads, trails or gravel paths, of course. Many bikes have designs that are too exceptional to be confined to the basement or garage. Displayed on bike wall mounts in our living rooms or offices, they tell the stories of our adventures and triumphs, spark engaging conversations, and inspire dreams. In fact, bikes not only shine on the road, they are the perfect complement to design classics. Barbara Benz, owner and managing director of architare, was so impressed by one of our installations that she promptly integrated an exhibition space featuring our arrangement. And of course you’ll find Barbara’s top tips for interior design with bikes right here!

Bikes in the home?

Some bikes and accessories are true designer pieces and too beautiful to be left in the cellar. That’s why you should take a look at the article on bikes in the home in our sister magazine DOWNTOWN. We show you how you can beautifully display your favorite bike/accessory in your home.

Der Beitrag Eames Chair or eMTB in a bike stand or bike wall mount? Our guide to bikes in the home erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

Do rooftop tents tickle your fancy? Or perhaps you have one already? Are you into road trips, cool cars and outdoor adventures? Then here’s your chance: apply for our DOWNTOWN road trip adventure and test the most exciting rooftop tents with our editorial team.

We’re currently testing 11 of the most interesting rooftop tents for our DOWNTOWN magazine. As a grand finale to our big rooftop comparison test, from the 8th to the 11th of May 2024 we’ll be going on an exciting road trip, which will include bikes, kayaks, BBQ and some questionable dancing. Apply now to be part of the most exciting road trip of the year! We’ll start the trip in Stuttgart, but we’re not going to tell you where we’ll be heading! One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be awesome!

Just in case you don’t know DOWNTOWN yet: Whether you’re a mountain biker or roadie, a gravel hero or eMTB enthusiast, DOWNTOWN is THE magazine for everyday life. Whether you live in the suburbs or the big city, it’s the perfect read if you’re looking for something special in everyday life, if you love diversity and want some inspiration to lead a modern, outdoor-loving lifestyle.

DOWNTOWN offers the best buying advice for the nicer things in life, regardless of whether you’re looking for a rooftop tent, an espresso machine, a cargo bike, an electric car or a fancy Japanese knife. The magazine is also filled with inspiration and new perspectives: we’ve been to the sex club for you, listened to an AI-generated band and held the first bike fashion photo shoot in Paris – and we’ll also explore some ways to see more of the world, without travelling. There’s so much to discover in everyday life and that’s exactly what we’re doing, so if you already enjoy our other magazines GRAN FONDO, ENDURO or E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you might like to come along for the ride with DOWNTOWN too.

Jump in, fasten your seatbelt and sign up for our DT newsletter – because we’re really going to take off in 2024!

Sounds awesome – what are the requirements for taking part in our road trip?

Who can come along? Anyone! Whether you’re a total newbie, a weekend overlander or a seasoned vanlife veteran, everyone is welcome, and guaranteed to get their money’s worth! We have rooftop tents that can accommodate up to 6 (!) people, so you can come alone, or you can bring your family and friends. Crucially: “take it easy” is our motto – we want to have the time of our lives together.

Limelight hog or shy little frog? During our road trip, we’ll be accompanied by a media team that will be taking photos and videos. In a nutshell, you’ll appear in the magazine and shouldn’t be photo-shy, but rather keen to act in front of the cameras! Of course, we’ll also give you some photos for your private album, Insta and co. once the trip is over!

What type of vehicle do I need for the road trip? Whether it’s a Range Rover Classic, Fiat Panda 4X4 or Porsche Taycan, we just love unique, good-looking cars. It’s no coincidence that part of our crew will be made up of our good friends at the HEIZR Club. The route options ensure that both off-road and on-road drivers get their money’s worth.

What outdoor equipment do I need to bring? No matter which car you use, there’s a few things you’ll need to bring: camping equipment and functioning outdoor equipment. The latter really depends on which activities you want to engage in: a bike (in good working order), kayak, hiking boots, trail running shoes or simply a hammock and sun screen for a relaxing nap in the warm afternoon sun All outdoor activities are optional and we’ll split up according to the current mood, so it’s not necessary to bring all your outdoor toys.

Can you survive in the great outdoors? Another important detail: you should be self-sufficient, although we’re already planning to have a few cheeky BBQs and stops for fine barista coffee. And it’s entirely up to you whether you prefer to pack your precious silverware, champagne glasses and silk bed-linen, or travel light with a set of outdoor kitchenware with ultra-light cutlery, alloy mugs, carbon plates and NASA sleeping bags. Of course, it should all fit in your own boot!

And that’s about it for the initial info! One thing’s for sure: get ready for some rad secret spots, a fabulously laid-back group, and maybe a few surprises along the way! Sounds good, right? Then apply now!

Apply here
The application deadline is at 2 pm on 17.04.2024.

Der Beitrag Fancy an epic road trip? Come with us for our unique roof-top tent comparison test! erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

Nobody refuses an invitation to Specialized’s hallowed halls, the Turbo development centre in Cham, Switzerland. After each meeting, you’re a fair bit more knowledgeable and you get a sneak preview of the upcoming products. Last year, our E-MOUNTAINBIKE crew visited the centre to see what was cooking in the sports sector. This time Specialized’s Product and Category Managers – Dominik, Mattia, Vincent, Christoph and Stephan – took the time to show the DOWNTOWN team every angle of the new Porto cargo ebike.

From a commercial point of view, the cargo bike segment is of secondary importance to Specialized. The expected sales figures are not particularly promising compared to models such as the Turbo Levo. From a strategic point of view, however, the cargo bike market is crucial for the Turbo Unit in Switzerland: Specialized want to be the brand of choice for all bikers.

After a long period of development, the Specialized Porto finally sees the light of day. It is the missing piece in the Specialized mosaic, the final element to fulfil the last remaining dream of die-hard bike fans.

Read the full review on DOWNTOWN-Mag.com

Der Beitrag First ride review of the new Specialized Porto cargo bike – A cargo bike for all bikers? erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

With the Multipath, Ultima Mobility claim to have created the ultimate ebike, suitable for both urban commuting and trekking. And, according to Ultima, it is a unique mobility solution. As a young French start-up, Ultima Mobility are still a one-hit wonder, with only the Multipath in various guises in their portfolio. But who cares if the Multipath satisfies all the requirements you could possibly want in an ebike?

Powered by a Valeo Cyclee (yep, the double “e” is correct) motor with 130 Nm torque and equipped with an internal 7-speed automatic gearbox from Effigear, the Multipath is designed to meet all the needs of the ebike enthusiast

To read the full article and find out if the Valeo Cyclee motor could also perform well in an E-MTB, visit our sister magazine DOWNTOWN.

Der Beitrag Rethinking mobility – The Ultima Mobility Multipath Trekking Allroad ebike with Valeo motor and Effigear automatic gearbox in review erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

VanMoof, Cowboy, Angell Bikes – there are countless bike companies vying to revolutionise the future of urban mobility on two wheels, and make the world just a little bit better in the process. Their smart ebikes are packed with connectivity features, to the point that they have more in common with consumer electronics than with bicycles. Others, like Riese & Müller, focus on the hardware: on the quality of their products, and their robust functionality. Digital features are implemented a lot more subtly and only where they offer tangible added value. Advanced bikes from Frankfurt, on the other hand, have committed themselves to innovative manufacturing processes, aiming to play a pioneering role in the circular ebike frame economy. As you can see, there are many different approaches – but which one will save the future?

You can find the complete article in our sister magazine, DOWNTOWN.

Der Beitrag Frankfurt’s mobility pioneers: Advanced Bikes – Innovative, urban, ambitious erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

Your dog is happiest when they’re with you – at work, on holiday, in the car, and when riding. And because this isn’t always possible on their own four paws – for a variety of reasons – it’s best to tow them along in a dog trailer. Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, it isn’t quite as simple as it sounds. Choosing the best trailer for your dog is almost as complicated as configuring your bike. Size, interior upholstery, accessories, with or without suspension – these are just some of the aspects to consider. It continues with questions like: is the trailer foldable, does it have brakes, and will your dog feel comfortable? It can all get more complicated than planning a bikepacking tour through northern Sweden. To complicate matters, there are huge differences in price and performance.

If you’re more interested in a cargo bike, you should check out the cargo bike comparison test from our sister magazine DOWNTOWN.

We want to help you make the right decision and tested 9 models from 5 different brands, including Croozer, Hamax, Burley, TAXXI and TRIXIE, with prices ranging from € 349 to € 1,299. We gained a few surprising insights along the way.

You can find the complete test in our sister magazine, DOWNTOWN.

Der Beitrag The best dog bike trailers – A head-to-head comparison of 9 models erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.