Our Equipment: Bike Accessories
Score: 10/10
CLS EVO Touringkit
Price: 469 €
Keeping your chain clean and lubricated was always an annoyance to us, we decided to try out a chain oiler by CLS. The main advantage of the kit is, that it has chain oiler and heated grips integrated in one control unit.
Mounting everything was easy and can easily be done by yourself. You should take your time while installing it, so that all the cables and hoses are safely tucked away and not fall off at the first pothole you hit.
So far we have ridden about 5000 km and are very satisfied with the results. We will give you a longer more detailed report about the function, usability and service life once we have switched chains.
Update after 11.000 km:
Since we ride a lot off road and on dusty territories, the chain ring was quickly full of dirt so the oil could not flow to the chain links anymore. That is why we changed the position of the nozzle just behind the teeth of the chain - pictures are on the left side. This place is always clean due to the constant contact with the chain.
So far we had to adjust the chain just once after 10,000 km.
Update after 38.200 km:
We never had a chain set that lasted for that long! We are completely convinced by the CLS Chain Lube System now!
After more than 38.000 kilometers under rough circumstances such as river crossings, dusty, muddy and sandy roads and of course on tarmac, all the time heavy loaded, has the chain reached it's end of life. The sprockets in the front looked really bad! All teeth were burst off on Basti's and Denis' sprocket was just slightly better with a few left.
We are curious how long the new DID chain set will hold up especially because we don't expect that hard terrain for the next 30.000 kilometers.
Update after 78.000 km:
This time the sprockets looked much better and would have lasted for a bit longer. The same goes for the chain which could do roughly 2.000 kilometers more but we wanted to change in the US before we crossed to central America.
CLS oil consumption:
In our experience 0.5 liter last for approximately 60.000 kilometers.
Mounting everything was easy and can easily be done by yourself. You should take your time while installing it, so that all the cables and hoses are safely tucked away and not fall off at the first pothole you hit.
So far we have ridden about 5000 km and are very satisfied with the results. We will give you a longer more detailed report about the function, usability and service life once we have switched chains.
Update after 11.000 km:
Since we ride a lot off road and on dusty territories, the chain ring was quickly full of dirt so the oil could not flow to the chain links anymore. That is why we changed the position of the nozzle just behind the teeth of the chain - pictures are on the left side. This place is always clean due to the constant contact with the chain.
So far we had to adjust the chain just once after 10,000 km.
Update after 38.200 km:
We never had a chain set that lasted for that long! We are completely convinced by the CLS Chain Lube System now!
After more than 38.000 kilometers under rough circumstances such as river crossings, dusty, muddy and sandy roads and of course on tarmac, all the time heavy loaded, has the chain reached it's end of life. The sprockets in the front looked really bad! All teeth were burst off on Basti's and Denis' sprocket was just slightly better with a few left.
We are curious how long the new DID chain set will hold up especially because we don't expect that hard terrain for the next 30.000 kilometers.
Update after 78.000 km:
This time the sprockets looked much better and would have lasted for a bit longer. The same goes for the chain which could do roughly 2.000 kilometers more but we wanted to change in the US before we crossed to central America.
CLS oil consumption:
In our experience 0.5 liter last for approximately 60.000 kilometers.
Score: 8/10
Cruise Control
Price: 40 €
Especially on long trips it comes in handy to be able to relax the right hand or arm. So far we tried holding the throttle with the left hand, which can only be described as a very temporary relaxation of the right side.
After searching for a while, we decided on a small and robust solution from ebay. It can be adjusted on different throttle sizes and therefore should be usable on almost any bike.
It is very easy to use. Once you have reached the desired speed, you simply push down the cruise control with your index finger until it touches the brake lever. It effectively locks the throttle and in turn you can relax your right hand. To release the throttle you simply turn the throttle against the weight of the lever and it returns to its normal position. Luckily because of its compact size and position it is not in the way for on- or off-road riding.
It is important to note, that you can not compare it with a electronic cruise control. Any influences on the bike, like wind, street inclination, vibrations or potholes can change your speed. When going up- or downhill you still have to adjust the throttle lock since the speed does change quite a bit. Strong vibrations or potholes can lead to the slow release of the throttle lock.
All in all: An ingenious solution to a big annoyance on long transfer routes or on days that we have to ride a lot of kilometers. We can recommend it and are very glad that we have it.
After searching for a while, we decided on a small and robust solution from ebay. It can be adjusted on different throttle sizes and therefore should be usable on almost any bike.
It is very easy to use. Once you have reached the desired speed, you simply push down the cruise control with your index finger until it touches the brake lever. It effectively locks the throttle and in turn you can relax your right hand. To release the throttle you simply turn the throttle against the weight of the lever and it returns to its normal position. Luckily because of its compact size and position it is not in the way for on- or off-road riding.
It is important to note, that you can not compare it with a electronic cruise control. Any influences on the bike, like wind, street inclination, vibrations or potholes can change your speed. When going up- or downhill you still have to adjust the throttle lock since the speed does change quite a bit. Strong vibrations or potholes can lead to the slow release of the throttle lock.
All in all: An ingenious solution to a big annoyance on long transfer routes or on days that we have to ride a lot of kilometers. We can recommend it and are very glad that we have it.