Nat Bromhead
Let’s face it, the next best thing to being out there and riding is popping into the local bike shop or searching online for new gear. Here we showcase some of the latest items to hit the world of cycling.
Pure Sports Nutrition
Pure Sports Nutrition are premium natural products that fuel clean performance, and contain no artificial ingredients or colours. The Pure range covers Energy Gels, Electrolyte Hydration, Recovery & Protein powders, Endurance products and more.
The team here at Bicycling Australia have sampled (and ridden using) a range of Pure products and we strongly endorse them. Their Fluid Energy Gels are particularly good; they are far more ‘drinkable’ due to their liquid nature and have noticeably natural flavouring.
Pure Sports Nutrition have been developed and manufactured in-house at Pure in New Zealand by qualified sports and exercise nutritionists. The brand has proven very popular – both in testing and training. Pure products have undergone rigorous testing by athletes who have assessed all aspects of performance and taste before the products go to market.
Pure products are available at local bicycle shops. For further info visit www.bikecorp.com.au
BMC Roadmachine X
BMC’s new Roadmachine X extends the reach and range of the revered model – BMC say the X model doesn’t just get from from A to B, but also to C, D and E as well.
First to tyre size, and the frameset caters for up to 33mm of rubber – plenty for today’s “all road” cyclist. Standard equipment includes: 35mm deep tubeless ready carbon wheels, and the bike comes fitted with WTB Expanse 32mm tyres.
With a full carbon frame and fork, internal cable routing, a carbon D-shape seatpost and innovative integrated suspension stem, this is a slick looking offering that’s ready for a wide range of riding.
That integrated stem? It’s also known as a Redshift ShockStop technology, and includes up to 20mm of elastomer travel at the bar.
A 1x build, the Roadmachine X comes factory fitted with the SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed groupset. The front chainring is a 44T while on the back the X model features a 10-44T cassette. And to keep you comfortable while putting the power down the bike comes fitted with Fizik’s Terra Argo X3 power style saddle – we’ve tested this saddle and it’s highly recommended!
Overall the Roadmachine X is a slick, versatile and welcome addition to the BMC range … we think it’s the perfect N+1 candidate. And the bottom line? The RRP is $8,499.
More at your local BMC dealer.
Earn A Limited Edition BlackSheep Jersey
Gran Fondo cycling events – for more and more riders, they are the key milestones, major training targets, and the cycling highlights of each year.
For 2023 Bicycling Australia and the Classics organisers are offering riders the opportunity to earn a Black Sheep Classics Jersey, plus a complimentary annual subscription to Bicycling Australia Magazine, by participating in each of the Classics Events of the year. That’s a total of $250 of value for doing what we all love – cycling.
The four events are –
Jindabyne’s Snowy Classic – 1 April, 2023 www.snowyclassic.com.au
The Mudgee Classic – 30 April, 2023 www.mudgeeclassic.com.au
The Noosa Classic – 20 August, 2023 www.noosaclassic.com.au
The Bowral Classic – 21-22 October, 2023 www.bowralclassic.com.au
SunGod Renegades
Looking for some off-bike eyewear that offer a subtle hint about your cycling passion? The Renegade sunglasses from SunGod combine sensational looking frames with a tough build and some of the best lenses in the business.
Designed for outdoor and adventure lovers, and those tough on their gear, the Renegades are in fact SunGod’s most popular product.
They feature triple layer scratch resistance and perfect optical lenses along with 100 per cent UV and impact protection. The glasses are ultra light at 29g, feature screwless pop in hinges, the ability to change lenses, and come with a lifetime guarantee.
We have been field testing a pair of the Renegades and can report they fit phenomenally comfortably. The polarised 4KO lenses are super sharp and have provided perfect relief during recent sunny weather – and hooray for that!
The Renegades also come in a variety of frame and lens colours and can be custom created via the SunGod site. Summing up, we love them.
RRP from $125
More at www.SunGod.co
New Sidi Shoes
The Shot 2 Abyss is a new limited edition shoe which has already won forty-five races on the feet of the professionals who wore them.
This intense colour, something between blue and green, is reminiscent of the depths of the oceans. One of the Treviso company’s best sellers, the Shot 2 is considered one of the world’s premium cycle shoes.
They are known for their stiff carbon soles, and a microfibre upper gives you a pair of shoes that offer immediate comfort.
The shoes feature Sidi’s Tecno-3 Push Flex closure system with two dials helping tension the shoe for optimum fit. This helps spread the tension to reduce pressure points across the top of the foot. In addition to this is the adjustable Heel Retention Device on the back of the shoes to allow the rider to tighten the top half of the heel around the foot.
Sidi says the Shot 2 is a durable shoe and suitable for regular training through to racing.
Pricing ranges from $409 through to $560.
For further details visit www.Sidi.com
Updated Wahoo Elemnt Roam
Wahoo have upgraded + updated their premium GPS Computer, the ELEMNT ROAM. The technology company’s most powerful and accurate GPS cycling computer now features advanced position detection and powerful, on-device smart navigation.
The Roam also now features dual-band GPS technology – this means the unit is constantly receiving two GPS signals then an internal processor ‘dead reckons’ (similar to old-school marine navigation) those signals for optimum performance and accuracy.
To the screen and there’s a crystal clear 2.7” (6.9cm) 64 colour display and a long lasting battery (17 hours) with a USB C charging port.
Overall it’s an impressive upgrade and the Roam is right up there as one of the world’s top GPS bike computers.
Key Points:
Dimensions: 9.05cm x 5.95cm x 2.05cm
Display Size: 2.7” (6.9cm)
Screen Resolution: 240×400
Weight: 93g
Battery: USB rechargeable via USB-C
Battery Life: 17 hours
Waterproof Rating: IPX7 (waterproof to 2m)
Supported Satellites: GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU, Galileo, QZSS, SBAS, NavIC
Operating Temperature: -20 to +70 deg C
RRP: $599.95
New Diverge – Full Suspension Gravel Bike
Specialized has launched a new gravel bike with a major difference – front and rear suspension systems.
The model has included front ‘Futureshock’ for a number of years and now Specialized have revealed their rear suspension system to complement this. Apparently in development for eight years, the Specialized Diverge STR features a small shock absorber between the top tube and seat tube. There’s a small lever that allows the rider to select one of three positions – from fully active to almost no rear suspension movement.
The Diverge STR features up to 20mm of front ‘compliance’ and 30mm on the rear via forward /aft seat tube movement through a semi-isolated rubber block.
There is clearance for 50mm tyres plus the company’s downtube ‘SWAT’ box storage.
Overall weight has been kept relatively low with a size 56 bike weighing in at 8.5kg.
More at www.specialized.com
Ciovita Cycling Wear
South African based Ciovita is making major inroads into the Aussie cycling wear scene, and we’re not surprised after reviewing some of their knicks, a long-sleeved jersey and a unique vest in our November/December edition.
Today we are taking a look at two of their female specific items, the Women’s Supremo Bibs and a beautiful and comfortable Merino wool jersey.
The bibs feature a new propriety multi-panel design, the main body is made entirely from race-tested Italian Lycra and has been ergonomically designed to stay in place while still offering scope for movement.
A broad gripper elastic extends the bib lower towards the knee, and up top the crossed straps are designed for comfort and prevent the straps from sliding off the shoulders, while the front strap has a useful sunglasses holder.
There’s a four layer chamois pad for the Supremo Bib to help ensure comfort and durability as well as a softer feel.
Made with Merino wool-based fabric, the Pecora Long Sleeve Jersey uses the natural properties of this time-tested fabric to add comfort, breathability and style to your cycling. Merino offers natural temperature regulation, anti-bacterial properties, impressive sun protection and more.
But the standout property is the amazing temperature regulating characteristics which keep you cool when it is hot and warm when it is cold. This makes the jersey ideal for a wide variety of conditions, including summer.
The jersey is available in a number of colours, and a short sleeve version is also featured on Ciovita’s Australian website. Size wise, the jersey is designed as slim and fitted so Ciovita recommend you select one size up from normal.
Women’s Jersey $169
Women’s Supremo Bib Shorts $239
More at https://ciovita.com.au/pages/merino
MonkeySee Reflective Gear
MONKEYSEE is a small Aussie based company that delivers stylish hi-visability and reflective gear for men, women and kids who like to be active in low light conditions.
The MONKEYSEE website offers a range of cycling specific safety items from bike lights to jackets, waterproof backpack covers to bags, reflective harness range to kids vests.
Their Reflective Rainbow Jacket certainly caught our attention! And it would be hard not to. The jacket is wind and waterproof and perfect for cyclists in the cooler evenings and early mornings.
This jacket has it all! Shine bright like a rainbow under lights once the night skies set in. Both wind and waterresistant this is great for riders on cooler evenings and early mornings. Quick-drying and breathable with under-arm mesh, the jacket also features a chest-pocket and back pocket with zip to keep valuables dry. The grey/purple tones seen by day shine bright like a rainbow in sunlight or when car headlights reflect. One for those who want to be seen! It is available online for $155.
The top-selling Moneksyee harness is the simplest way to add reflective detail to any cycling outfit. Adjustable and available in 3 sizes and multiple colours, the harness slips over the head and buckles at each side for a comfortable fit.
The high brilliance reflective film offers exceptional visibility in low light conditions. Lightweight at only 52g the harness is durable, washable and will not add heat in the warmer months. Worn by commuters, road riders, and tourers-alike this is a must-have accessory for all cyclists. The harness retails for $37.
The full range can be seen (no pun) at www.monkeysee.com.net.au
Bianchi Oltre RC
Italian bike company Bianchi recently launched its latest premium road offering, the Oltre range, taking up where the XR4 left off.
The Oltre RC, Oltre Pro and Oltre have been dubbed by Bianchi as a ‘Hyperbikes’; the new Oltre range feature a split handlebar system similar to the Cervelo S5 system, and Formula 1 style vents known as ‘Air Deflectors’ on the head tube.
“We designed and integrated Air Deflectors into the sides of the head tube, thus channelling airflow and creating a low-pressure zone at the rear of the tube,” said a Bianchi representative.
“The action of the deflectors complements the performance of the new aero cockpit, which generates low-pressure air vortices directed towards the legs of the moving athlete through a centrally located hole.”
Bianchi say that compared to the previous Oltre XR4 the new RC saves 17 watts at 50km/h. It is said to gain 45 seconds over a distance of 40km with a power output of 250 watts/h.
The Bianchi Oltre RC frame is claimed to weigh 915g in a size 55cm, with a 420g fork. The overall weight of the top model in size 55 is 6.85kg.
But the new model comes with a hefty price tag – the Oltre RC retails for $24,599 with various model derivatives ranging down to $8,749.
More at www.bianchi.com
BZ Optics Crit Sunglasses
Available in Graphite or White frames and equipped with High-Definition lenses, Crit sunglasses from BZ Optics are a top-quality eyewear option from the Australian-based company.
They feature a super sharp single wrap around lens with non-slip temples and an adjustable nose piece. And we can vouch for the lightweight and comfortable fit! We’ve been riding a pair of demo Crit glasses from BZ and find them to feel light on the face, have an incredibly sharp lens, and, all round, an impressive pair of cycling glasses.
The Crit sunglasses are available in Gloss Graphite with light grey detachable inserts and black non-slip nose piece and temple tips. Alternatively, you can order them in Gloss White with light grey detachable inserts and the non-slip black adjustable nose piece.
Lens options include Orange revo mirror coating with a Crisp Rose coloured lens, or HD Green with a purple Revo mirror coating that provides a Violet coloured lens to look through.
The RRP is $179 and full details are at www.BZOptics.com
Santini’s New Mirage Range
Santini has launched several new jerseys under the ‘Mirage’ name, the stylish short sleeved tops featuring eye catching, mirage inspired graphics.
Described as a high performance, high breathability jersey, they are rated for 18 to 35 degree days and designed to offer comfort during the hottest days of the season.
Key features include:
PERFECT FIT Slim fit with silicone-lined waistband gripper to keep the jersey always in position and raw cut sleeves for aero effect and comfort feel.
BREATHABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT Made of a combination of supremely breathable fabrics and light micromesh, perfect in the hottest days of the season.
EXTRA STORAGE Triple rear pocket to store everything you need with an extra zippered pocket for your valuables.
NIGHT TIME VISIBILITY Reflective details on the back pockets for great visibility and safety on the road.
More at www.santinisms.com.au
CASTELLI COMPETIZIONE BIB SHORTS
Italian cycling gear specialists Castelli made this short to incorporate as much technology as possible from their top-of-the-line pro-level race shorts, but kept it at a more accessible price.
And although it’s certainly capable of weekend racing, it’s also a great comfort performance short even if you never pin on a number.
The main Vortex textured fabric and the Giro4 leg gripper come straight from the top-level Free Aero Race 4 Bibshort, while the KISS Air2 seat pad has most of the comfort of their top seat pad but represents maximum value. This is the short that brings the best of Castelli’s know-how in building comfort performance shorts into an accessible product in your cycling wardrobe.
RRP $175
CASTELLI VELOCISSIMA 3 BIB SHORTS
This is Castelli’s midrange performance short and is ideal for a long ride or a quick workout, indoors or out.
The Velocissima features the company’s Endurance Evolution fabric which is a high-modulus, matte Lycra fabric. It feels extremely dry while providing just the right amount of compression.
The bib straps are stretchy enough that you can pull the short down for a pee break without removing your jersey and bibs, while the floating construction allows you to cross the straps on the front or the back, whichever works better for you.
A great short needs a great seat pad, and the womens-specific KISS Air2 Donna pad will keep you comfortable without being too bulky.
RRP $175
