The Latest Gear

There’s always something new in cycling. Here are some of the latest spotted by BA.

Silca Tubeless Sealant

Silca, a company known for innovation, has launched its Ultimate Tubeless Sealant. Silca says its new sealant is effective on holes 6mm or larger and lasts up to six months, making it one of the longest-lasting sealants on the market.

It is easily injected through the valve and is a blend of natural and synthetic latex that Silca says has superior durability. It includes optimised carbon fibre strands for enhanced clotting and faster, more reliable sealing. The advanced foaming agents ensure even distribution and carry carbon fibres directly to the puncture site.

Available in three sizes – 1 Litre $69.95, 500ml $43.95, and 65ml $12.00.

More info echelonsports.com.au

New kids’ road bikes from Giant and Liv

Giant and Liv have launched the all-new Seek youth road bike range. Designed to bring high-performance road riding to the next generation of cyclists, the Seek range combines premium lightweight materials, youth-optimised components, and advanced drivetrain and braking technology in a platform that’s purpose-built for riders 130-150cm tall.

The new Seek was created to transform the road riding experience for kids and give them the same feeling of speed, efficiency and control that adult road riders enjoy.

The two Seek models have a lightweight aluminium frame and composite fork – both purpose-built and optimised for smaller diameter 650b composite wheels. The Giant and Liv Seek 1 models weigh 7.4kg, and the drivetrain features shorter 130mm cranks and smaller gears to help young riders climb, accelerate, and spin with a higher cadence for smooth efficiency.

Retail prices start at $2,499 for the Liv and Giant Seek 2.

More info giant-bicycles.com/au/

Shimano’s GRX 1 x 12-speed wireless

Shimano recently launched its GRX 1×12-speed wireless offering, described as its debut in the fully wireless drop bar segment with the new 1 x 12-speed GRX Di2 gravel-specific components.

By leveraging the wireless cockpit introduced with Shimano’s 2 x 12-speed road and gravel groups and incorporating the completely wireless technology debuted on the M9200-series XTR rear derailleur, the GRX RX827 features a fully wireless drivetrain that Shimano says is designed for performance, durability, and versatility.

With RX827, the GRX lineup now offers a comprehensive range of mechanical and electronic shifting options in both 1×12-speed and 2×12-speed configurations, enabling riders to tailor their drivetrains to their unique gravel riding needs.

Rather cleverly, Shimano can create a new groupset by releasing only two new components: a new rear derailleur and a new left-hand shifter. Combined with current components, these two components create a fully wireless, 1x gravel groupset.

More info bike.shimano.com

Shokz OPENDOTS open earbuds

While here at BA, we’re not fans of headphones or earbuds for cycling, Shokz’s new OpenDots ONE open earbuds are a better option for cyclists because they can still hear ambient noise. Though we wouldn’t recommend them for your local bunch ride, they can be a good companion for commuters or lone riders.

Unlike traditional in-ear or noise-cancelling headphones, open-ear designs, including bone conduction and air conduction models, don’t block out external sounds. This is crucial when cycling in traffic or near pedestrians, as it allows cyclists to hear important sounds like car horns, traffic signals, and other cyclists, which is vital for safe navigation.

The part connecting the speaker and battery compartment is crafted from a super-thin and flexible titanium alloy that fits comfortably on small and large ears, keeping the earbuds securely in place without wobbling.

The Shokz OpenDots One are available in black or grey for a retail price of $339.

More info fesports.com.au

Bicycle Centre launches new consumer website

The Bicycle Centre network has launched its brand-new website: bicycle-centre.com.au. With a clean new look and smoother navigation, the site has been built for riders of all levels to explore bikes, connect with expert stores, and make their cycling journey simpler and more enjoyable.

The new site aims to help Australians learn more about their options and confidently visit their local Bicycle Centre.

With 15 independently owned stores nationwide, Bicycle Centre is one of Australia’s leading independent retail networks in cycling. The new website aims to strengthen the link between stores and riders, helping more Australians discover the joy and freedom of riding.

More info bicycle-centre.com.au

Cervélo’s new S5 is lighter and faster

The new Cervélo S5 road bike is over six watts faster than its predecessor, 124 grams lighter, and retains the handling, poise, and stability that riders everywhere love. The most significant changes are at the front, where the key aerodynamic performance comes from.

The fork legs and head tube are deeper, and the all-new, one-piece handlebar/stem builds on the original V-stem concept. Cervélo and Reserve co-developed the new Reserve 57|64 Turbulent Aero wheels for use in the S5 frame. The offset of the wheels matches the asymmetry of the S5 seat tube and ensures that air flows smoothly over the entire bike.

To make it aero, the dimension at the hoods is 4cm narrower than in the drops. This helps riders maintain a more aero body position while their hands are on the hoods and provides stability in the drops for descending and sprinting. Cervélo says that all the bar sizes are UCI-legal, even in light of the recent regulation changes.

The Cervélo S5 is available in five specifications, all featuring dual-sided power meters, starting from the Ultegra Di2 or SRAM AXS models for $13,800.

More info cervelo.com/en-AU

NRG Power Stem

This bike stem lets cyclists charge devices on the go using a weather-resistant USB port and custom-sealing cables. Made from machined aluminium, it features a fast-charging power source with a temperature cut-out mechanism. It keeps devices powered during rides, so cyclists stay connected and focused on the road.

Designed to replace the existing stem on a wide range of bicycles, the NRG Stem is ideal for cyclists who rely on multiple electronic devices. Riders can charge their phones, lights, or GPS units while riding. With a clean, minimalist design and USB-C output, it blends seamlessly into most setups. Ideal for long-distance rides or commuters, the NRG Stem adds convenience without compromising aesthetics or performance.

The NRG Power Stem has a retail price of $195.

More info nrgstems.com

SRAM groupsets

SRAM recently launched all-new Force and Rival AXS groupsets as well as gravel-specific Force and Rival XPLR gravel groupset variants. These new groupsets have been overhauled and benefit from the tech in the Red AXS and the 13-speed gravel-specific XPLR groupsets launched last year.

One of the great benefits of the new gruppos is backwards compatibility, as well as many other features. These include the updated brake lever shape, bonus shift buttons, and a change in brake piston configuration.

SRAM says of the new groupsets, “Our most effortless braking, shifting, and wireless integration is now expanded to Force and Rival AXS, in both 2x and XPLR configurations.

One-finger braking, refined ergonomics, faster shifting, and lighter weight add up to an effortless ride. Force AXS wins with fully wireless technology, refined ergonomics, and further AXS integration”.

More info sram.com

Pure Sport Performance + Race Fuel

Pure’s new Performance + Race Fuel is a high-carb, high-sodium drink for incorporating into an athlete’s training and race strategy. It can be used as a sole source of fuel, but Pure Sports Nutrition has also found it beneficial to take with an Energy Gel at times of high intensity when quick energy is needed.

It is unflavoured to minimise flavour fatigue. The benefit of the race fuel is that it increases the amount of carbohydrate that can be consumed through fluid compared to a traditional sports drink (2-3x the amount). This is also an option to support ‘carbohydrate gut training’ and maximise your capacity to fuel during competition.

Pure’s new Performance + Race Fuel has been developed using the latest research on an emerging power ingredient called Cluster Dextrin. This high-performance complex carbohydrate is more readily digested, allowing rapid absorption and providing a quick source of energy during workouts. It helps maintain stable blood sugar levels for sustained energy, making it the ideal fuel for endurance athletes.

PURE Performance + Race Fuel has a retail price of $79.99 for a 700g pouch.

More info puresportsnutrition.com

Bianchi bespoke paint jobs

One of the world’s oldest bicycle manufacturers, the iconic Italian brand Bianchi, turned 140 this year, and to celebrate, the brand has recently announced several new directions. One of the most exciting is Bianchi’s brave new world, opening a brand new service in customisation: ‘Officina Edoardo Bianchi’.

Divided into three different departments: a restoration workshop for the recovery and certification of vintage Bianchi bikes; a workshop for custom “Special Series” based on current products with bespoke paint, limited editions, and commemorative model builds, this is Bianchi’s response to the market’s continued demand for customisation.

From drip marble pink to crusty crater prints, Bianchi is showing that a giant in the industry can also offer boutique services for made-to-measure bicycles. The colour schemes on offer are drastically beyond its iconic celeste.

This announcement includes the new Reparto Corse, Bianchi’s brand within a brand dedicated to racing and high-performance models. The historic 999 code will return to identify this series of ultimate bicycles built for elite athletes.

More info bianchi.com/officina-bianchi/