A few weeks ago the first revision of parts of the ISO standard 4210 in force since January 2015 and binding since August 2015 was published. At first sight, the latest edition of the ISO 4210 deviates only in details from the EN standards which have been valid for bicycles so far. However, as it is so often the case, the devil is in the details and therefore there is the need for some modifications compared to the previous test procedure, i.e. to the order.
The assessments regarding the classification of cracks and breakages have changed a little and hence improved allowing extended test scenarios with the same component. We took this as an opportunity to question our previous test criteria including Advanced+ which had (already) been extended beyond the standard and to improve them once again.
As we have been performing the tests for you in accordance with the ISO standard for a rather long period of time in our laboratory, these extended, type-specific requirements have already been tried out sufficiently. This benchmarking carried out internally provides you with certainty about the validity of the results. Now it is time to publish the respective price lists. The good news is that the prices for some test procedures for components have decreased, e.g. the Advanced and Advanced+ tests of mountain bike frames.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for all components. For this reason a plea from my side: We typically perform complete, i.e. fully standard-compliant tests. Therefore, take a closer look when comparing prices and check whether the big number of complementary requirements per component are actually tested by other providers. Otherwise you’ll compare apples with oranges.
I wish you a pleasant Advent season in the name of the entire team,
Dirk Zedler