Nat Bromhead
One of the world’s most fluid and active industries, there’s never a dull moment in cycling. With product news hitting our inbox daily, here are some of the latest releases.
Orbea / Lotto Dstny Replica Team Bikes
Belgian pro team Lotto Dstny recently announced a partnership with the Spanish bike brand Orbea for the 2024 season.
Described as a “new era in the pursuit of excellence,” the deal marks the team’s departure from a 12-year collaboration with Ridley.
Full replicas of the pro bikes (pictured above) will soon be available for enthusiasts, with the Orca and Orca Aero given the eye-catching team livery.
“Like Lotto Dstny, we are a brand with a strong global presence. Through this collaboration, we aspire to broaden our impact and strengthen our recognition worldwide,” Ander Olariaga, Orbea’s Brand and Communications Director, said.
A popular and fast-growing brand here in Australia, Orbea offer wonderful ongoing service and are constantly widening their dealer network.
For your nearest store visit www.bikebox.com.au/dealer-locator
New Lightweight Fulcrum Wheels
Fulcrum recently released the new Speed 25+ wheelset.
Following in the footsteps of the Red Zone Carbon+, the Speed 25 now takes on the ‘plus’ moniker, indicating the pinnacle of Fulcrum’s range and becoming the lightest low profile option for disc brakes ever produced.
Compared to the Speed 25 the weight has been dropped down to 1270 grams and they integrate the best Fulcrum technologies. The company says it is “an astounding set of wheels in terms of lightness and handling, without compromising reliability”.
“The construction of the rim uses our proprietary FF100 mix of resins with a Direct In-mold Matte Finish (DIMF),” said a Fulcrum rep. “The graphics have been overhauled with the new Form Function Fulcrum design, in gun metal grey which, combined with the laser etched finish, reflect the technical research and impeccable design at the heart of all Fulcrum’s products.”
The rim is 26mm high, with a hooked inner rim channel of 21mm. The wheels are tubeless native thanks to the non-drilled bridge, which guarantees maximum levels of resistance due to the continuity of the carbon fibres.
As far as the hubs are concerned, they feature ‘CULT’ (Ceramic Ultimate Level Technology) ceramic bearings, with Cup & Cone system, that ensure greater smoothness and long term efficiency of the components thanks to the fact that the forces from the spokes are perfectly aligned with those affecting the bearings. The smoothness is further improved by the ceramic treatment found on all the surfaces that come into contact during the spinning.
The 1270g wheelset has a system weight limit – that’s rider & bike – of 120kg.
Pricing and availability times are to be confirmed.
More at www.fulcrumwheels.com
New Brooklyn Kit From Ventou
With more and more of their apparel manufactured in their fully solar powered Melbourne headquarters, Ventou have been in the cycling kit game for more than 25 years.
‘Brooklyn’ is some of their best known and most recognisable kit, the ‘Brooklyn Project’ showcasing some of the brand’s most elite and top end options.
We’ve recently been riding their Elite Bibs plus the sky blue Pro Jersey in ‘Blocks / Early Dawn’ pattern. First to the jersey, and the lightweight Italian fabric has exceeded expectations during recent warm weather / high summer rides. One absoloute summer stinker involved a ride to the notorious Akuna Bay offshoot road of Cottage Point … not only is this one of Sydney’s steepest climbs, but in high summer the temperature often feels around 10 degrees warmer there!
The lightweight jersey felt great on and made light work of the warm afternoon. Talking the heat and the sun, an irony is that the jersey is made in the company’s solar powered production facility here in Australia.
Ventou design their pro jerseys to suit ‘the everyday rider who wants to look the part without feeling restricted by ‘Pro cut’ sizing.’ After several summer rides in the bright blue top this certainly seems like an accurate description to us. The jersey feels great on, fits true to size, features a quality zip, and has three practical and deep rear pockets.
To the bibshorts, and Ventou use an Italian warped fabric with a four-way stretch to increasing the compression, aide fit and provide superior breathability and sweat wicking. ‘Bluesign’ certified, the fabric is produced using the most environmentally friendly practices to leave the smallest impact on the environment as possible.
Super comfy on, the bibs feature an Italian ‘TMF Skyve 15mm chamois that helps provide maximum shock absorption for all day rides of 8+ hours.
Other features include –
Laser cut Italian leg bands keep the bibs in place without digging into your legs like traditional grippers.
Reflective logos included for extra visibility during early and late rides.
The use of a ‘Comfort tech’ strap with enhanced stretch retention properties to adjust and mould to different body heights.
A double layered back panel for additional comfort and coverage.
UPF50+ sun protection certification.
The Bibshorts retail for $249
More info at www.ventou.com.au
Pure Sports Nutrition
PURE Performance + Race Fuel is a high carb, high electrolyte drink mix to incorporate into your everyday training and race day strategy. It can be used as a sole source of fuel and is unflavoured to minimise flavour fatigue. Race Fuel has been designed specifically for the endurance athlete using the latest research around an emerging power ingredient called Cluster Dextrin.
With 90 grams of carbs and 650mg of sodium per serve, this sports drink mix aims to deliver in helping increase performance whilst minimising gastro-intestinal distress. Race Fuel is also a HASTA Certified Product meaning every batch is tested for prohibited substances.
More details at www.puresportsnutrition.com
New SRAM Red Leaked
What’s believed to be the next generation SRAM Red groupset has been leaked online and looks to be on its way.
Sleeker, slimmer and no doubt lighter, the updated rear derailleur, chain, brake calipers and rotors appear to have had a significant amount of material removed to streamline each component.
The images were loaded to social site X (formerly Twitter) by @MoBaohua.
More to come.
Koo Alibi Sunglasses
Complimenting their popular Demos, Supernova and Spectro sunglasses, Koo have added the Alibi to the range.
Ultralight at well under 30 grams, and incredibly comfortable on the face, the latest model comes in a wide range of on trend colours including Black Matte/Gold, Grey Matte/Turquoise, Harbor Blue Matte/Copper, Orange Matte/Green, Persian Green Matte/Orange, and Sand Matte/Gold.
Designed for a secure fit, the Koo Alibi features rounded arms that blend safety with style. What sets these sunglasses apart is their compatibility with an optical clip, allowing you to personalise the frame with your prescription lenses.
Experience exceptional clarity, UV protection, and durability with high-performance cylindrical polycarbonate lenses by ZEISS. The strong Grilamid frame ensures resilience and longevity, making the Koo Alibi a reliable companion for your cycling adventures.
Tailored for everyone, these sunglasses offer a unisex fit that complements any face shape or style. The half-frame design maximizes your field of vision, making the Koo Alibi ideal for cycling. We’re currently trying out a pair and they’re sensational!
Koo Alabi’s have an RRP of $279.95.
New Trek Urban Commuters
Trek have recently launched all-new Allant+ e-bikes they say are “smarter, sleeker and stronger than ever”.
The new Allant+ 7 and 7S feature integrated lights, mudguards and a rear rack, updated aesthetics and a high-powered, commute-crushing boost.
The latest Allant+ models are also equipped with a Bosch Smart System, so riders can easily connect to their phone and customise their assist, and a Shimano CUES drivetrain for added durability.
A Bluetooth-capable Bosch Smart System provides a natural feeling boost up to 25 km/h, the e-bike speed limit in Australia.
The bikes feature integrated lights, a front suspension fork, mudguards and a rear rack to make your car-free commutes a breeze.
Power wise, there’s a 500 Wh battery and up to 85 Nm of torque through the CUES drivetrain.
Australian pricing is available on the Trek website – www.trekbikes.com
New fizik Omna wide
fizik has broadened its wide fit road cycling shoe range with the launch of the Omna Wide.
As the name suggests, the Omna Wide is a new incarnation of fizik’s popular Omna model – a responsive, pure road cycling shoe developed for competitive riders seeking race-ready features and performance.
The Omna Wide, which completes the Omna range, has been designed to provide an optimal fit for riders with wider feet, with a higher volume forefoot area being introduced around the ball of the foot and metatarsals.
With Omna Wide, fizik has created an advanced road shoe which provides performance akin to its top-tier models. Whether you’re training for your first race or tackling an epic climb, this shoe has the right features for your ride.
Specifications:
• Perforated high-density PU upper
• Li2 BOA Dial C Fit System
• R5 nylon outsole: Stiffness index 6
• Weight: 240g*
• Sizes: 36-48 (37 to 47 also in half sizes)
Color options:
White / black
Black / black
Prices: TBA
New Handlebar From Curve
Since its 2019 release, the super-wide alloy Walmer Bar has been Curve Cycling’s best-selling product. Originally thought of as an April-fools gag, the adventure cycling community now firmly understands the benefits of wide, flared drop bars. After years of requests Curve has now released the carbon Walmer Bar. This new ultra-wide and flared carbon drop bar retains the beloved features of its alloy predecessor while introducing an array of improvements that only carbon can offer.
The Walmer Bar was designed to address the requirements of off-road endurance cycling and bikepacking by offering the stability and control of a mountain bike bar, while also offering different hand positions thanks to its comfortable flared drop. A wide bar opens the chest, and reduces upper back strain, which is important on long missions but tremendously inconvenient on narrow bridges with pedestrian traffic, like the Walmer Street bridge* after which the bar was named. Additionally, a wide spacing between the drops allows the mounting of a wide variety of handlebar bags, many of which will not fit on a conventional drop bar.
Since the Walmer Bar has become a popular choice for gravel and off-road cyclists, it was only natural for Curve to create an enhanced carbon version. The first carbon Walmer Bar release is available in the three most popular sizes: 43, 46 and 50 cm, with the sizes measured from hood to hood. The drop-to-drop measurement for the widest option is 65 cm, which is amongst the widest carbon drop bars available. A wide, reinforced oversized 31.8mm central section allows plenty of room for mounting accessories including clip-on aero bars.
Full details at www.curvecycling.com/products
