Deuter

Superbike 18 EXP

When the Deuter Superbike originally washed up on US soil, it rocked the world of packs by offering one of the first off-the-back ventilation systems. That was during the height of Y2K -- a time when hydration packs were crude, flat-backed packs with tight quarters. Fast forward to today, and other then small tweaks and updated technologies, that original pack's innovative soul lives on in the Superbike 18 EXP.

Based on the positive reaction to the Superbike's ventilation system, Deuter dived headfirst into developing one of the most effective ways to comfortably support weight while proving glorious, cooling airflow. This evolved into the Airstripes system found here on the Superbike 18 EXP.

Comprehensively this includes; 3D Airmesh lined shoulder straps, breathable Mesh wings, contoured and shaped pads, and flexible aluminum stays. The shoulder straps are anatomically formed for unrestrictive movement on the bike, but more importantly its to avoid undo pressure points. To help mitigate pack motion, the shoulder straps are tied together by a chest strap.

To further stabilize loads and prevent the pack from swinging side to side during aggressive riding, the Superbike 18 EXP has a wide hip belt with highly breathable mesh wings. This hugs your waist rather than squeezes, so the pack won't irritate on longer rides. The most important feature, however, is the back padding.

This is much more than just curvy pads, the contoured foam has a waffle pattern to allow adequate airflow. Where other packs trap moisture under the pads, Deuter permits perspiration to be evaporated. An AirMesh lining gives the pads minimal surface contact to further enhanced air circulation.

But, that's not the extent of attention to detail Deuter gives this essential component. The foam pads also have an aluminum core. This aluminum allows you to bend the packs profile to perfectly match the curvature of your vertebrae for excellent fit and comfort.

While ventilation was one of the biggest features of the original Superbike, it actually -- for lack of a better term -- packed much more than the competition. This included not only a neon yellow rain cover, but a wind/water resistant safety vest. Both of these features can be found in the 18 EXP as well.

The rain cover neatly stows in a zipped compartment underneath the 18 EXP, and it has highly reflective elements along with a light loop for low-light safety. Likewise, the integrated vest, complete with a fitted collar, draw cord, and 1/4-lenght zip, also stows in a compartment located at the top of the pack. When you take into consideration that this pack is also expandable from 1100 cubic inches to 1340ci, has a wet laundry compartment, and helmet holder, it's clear that Deuter took into consideration all the needs of core cyclist.

This amount of thoroughness would be redundant, however, if the pack was constructed from inferior materials. Rightfully, the engineers at Deuter use both Ripstop 210 and Hexlite 210 fabrics to give the Superbike 18 EXP the durability lifetime cyclist require. Ripstop 210 is a 210 denier nylon that's recognizable by its shiny surface.

It's a lightweight and ultra-tight weave that incorporates tough Ripstop threads which is treated with a PU coating for excellent weather resistance and durability. Hexlite 210 is a lightweight 210-denier Ripstop Polyamide fabric that, like the Ripstop 210, is treated to a PU coating. This fabric, however, is placed where the pack experiences the most abrasion, so it uses thicker reinforcement threads and gives it that striking honeycomb structure.

The Deuter Superbike 18 EXP does not come with a bladder, but it is fully compatible with Deuter's hydration system, as well as multiple other bladders. It comes in one color; Black/White, while its wide range of adjustability permits one size.