Folding bike: compact and comfortable to ride
With folding bikes, you usually have to choose between a compact pack size or good riding comfort. The BYB P10 from Tern is said to be a particularly good compromise. It has comparatively large wheels with a diameter of 20 inches, but thanks to the special frame shape and double joints, it can be folded around 30 per cent smaller than other 20-inch bikes. The pack size is just 33 x 80 x 50 centimetres. To save weight, you have to do without some everyday features such as mudguards, pannier rack, chain guard and lighting system, but there is a ten-speed derailleur from Shimano and the bike weighs just 11.8 kilograms. If you don't have to pay attention to every gram, you can retrofit front and rear pannier racks. Tern's BYB P10 costs 1,599 euros.Further information: www.ternbicycle.com
Lithium battery at a competitive price
There is hardly a cheaper way to modernise your energy supply than with the lithium-iron-phosphate batteries from the Spanish-French supplier Ultimatron. Depending on the version, 100 ampere-hour batteries from the Olalitio and Ecowatt series cost between 426 and 527 euros. This corresponds to the price of high-quality AGM batteries with a comparable usable capacity. The lithium batteries have an integrated BMS and, depending on the version, a Bluetooth interface. No information is provided on the charging current limit, so a B2B charger should be planned for the alternator.Further information: www.ultimatron-france.fr
Bluetooth for Philippi's P-Bus: everything in view
Anyone who has equipped their yacht with the P-Bus system from Philippi can now also access the data via smartphone. This requires the black box known as the CBW interface. It is simply connected to the P-Bus and the power supply and enables access to the data available in the system from batteries, tanks, temperatures or inverters. The interface costs 99 euros, the associated app is available for the iOS and Android operating systems and can be downloaded free of charge from the respective app stores. Further information: www.philippi-online.de
Winch from Ronstan
The aluminium winches come in three sizes - 20, 30 and 40 - and are all self-tailing. The two large models have a function called Quicktrim, which allows the sheet or halyard to be fished without removing the line from the winch. To activate the Quicktrim, the upper winch cover is turned slightly in the opposite direction to the winding direction, which disengages the selftailer and the sheet can be fished by hand. When the winch head is released, the clutch snaps back into place and the winch operates normally. Ronstan utilises the experience of Andersen in the design of the drum, the gearbox and the bearings. The Danish manufacturer is known for its extremely efficient and durable stainless steel winches and has been part of Ronstan since 2010. In contrast to the Andersen models, the base and drum are milled from aluminium, making the winches very light. The 40 version is said to weigh just 3.1 kilograms, which is 700 grams less than a Harken Performa 40.
To ensure that the drum turns easily even under load, the winches are not only equipped with roller bearings, but also have additional ball bearings that absorb the axial forces caused by ropes running in from below. The surface of the drum is similar to Andersen's Power-Rips and is said to be very gentle on the ropes. The Orbit winches can be opened without tools for maintenance. Electric drives are available ex works or for retrofitting. The 20 mm size costs 709 euros, while the 40 mm winch costs 1,325 euros. Further information: www.kohlhoff-online.de
