Nat Bromhead
The sport of cycling is more than just bikes, it’s a gear junkie’s paradise! Here we take a look at some of the standout new products of the past couple of months.
Campagnolo Ekar GT
Italian manufacturer Campagnolo has added to its 13-speed gravel specific Ekar groupset range with the ‘GT’ inclusion, and also added Zonda GT alloy wheels to the lineup.
Ekar GT is the widest-range 1x groupset that Campagnolo has ever released, with cassette options ranging from 9-36 up to 10-48 and plenty of chainring options to suit anyone’s preferred terrain. With a RRP of around $2000 (to be confirmed) it is also one of the most affordable complete groupsets the legacy Italian brand offers.
Campagnolo’s new Zonda GT wheels tout an impressive array of features that one expects from the brand, without the blistering price tag.
Campagnolo say the wheels have been “designed to excel both on and off-road, the Zonda GT is the modern alloy wheelset that is right at home wherever you take it.”
Ekar GT Details:
Crankset: 170, 172.5, 175 Lengths, with 151mm Q-Factor
104mm BCD, 44, 42, 40, 38, and 36 Chainring options
Cassette Options: 9-36*, 9-42, 10-44, 10-48
New Improved Hood Ergonomics
Groupset Weight: 2,700g
The new Zonda GT wheels bring gravel and road together as a highly versatile product that seamlessly integrates with Ekar GT. The distinctive G3 spoke pattern sets this wheel apart from the masses. The 8×3 G3 lacing geometry revolutionises traditional wheel spoke setups. The Zonda GT wheels feature groups of three parallel straight-head spokes in a 2:1 ratio. This design enhances tension, balance increases stiffness, and amps up power transfer.
Zonda GT Details
Weight: 1690g
23mm internal rim width
29mm deep rim profile
Available with N3W, HG, and XDR Freehub Bodies
Cup and Cone Bearing Internals
RRP – Around $2000
More at www.campagnolo.com
Tineli Shoe Covers
Tineli are well known for their cycling kit offerings, and have now added to the range with long Aero Shoe Covers.
Tineli say the new mid-shin length covers have been “engineered to elevate your performance when every second counts.”
We’ve not ridden or seen the covers but the company say they have been “crafted with advanced aerodynamic materials – long ribbed calf section to minimise drag, maximising your speed and efficiency.”
Available now in sizes S – XXL, either branded or plain, and the RRP is $69.95
More at www.tineli.com.au
Vittoria Corsa Speed Tyres
Slick as you’ve seen, and definitely not designed as a training tyre, Vittoria have launched a specialist time trial and triathlon tyre, the Corsa PRO Speed.
The company say the high performance tyre has been designed “to revolutionise the racing experience of pro riders and performance-oriented amateur riders.”
The Corsa Speeds feature an advanced Graphene + Silica compound specifically designed for efficiency, speed and grip. Using lightweight and supple cotton, and spun in a 320 TPI casing Vittoria say “smaller bumps are smoothed, road noise is muted, rolling resistance is reduced, and more of the tyre maintains contact with the road.”
The tubeless ready tyres are currently available in 24 and 26mm widths with a retail price of around $150 each.
New ‘Sand’ Chapter 2 KAHA
CHAPTER 2 have updated the colours of their top level gravel offering, the ‘KAHA ONEPŪ’ being a gravel race bike inspired by the core of Maori culture.
‘KAHA ONEPŪ,’ originating from the Maori term for sand, goes beyond a mere name; it weaves a narrative into the very soul of this exceptional bike. ‘ONEPŪ’ encapsulates the rugged strength and enduring resilience found in sand grains, symbolising the essence of this remarkable ride.
Traditionally a frameset only company, Chapter 2 now offer fully built bikes and this KAHA is available is a SRAM Red build with Zipp wheels. The bike features fully integrated cabling via the MANA-GRVL handlebar, an internal downtube storage compartment as well as a race ready and well balanced performance geometry.
Specs:
FRAME: Chapter2 KAHA Carbon made in Japan by Toray
FORK: Chapter2 Carbon
HANDLEBAR/STEM: Chapter2 MANA GRVL Integrated
TAPE: Chapter2 Black Bar Tape
SADDLE: Fizik Terra Argo X1 Carbon Rail
SEATPOST: Chapter2 TUMU Carbon
FRONT BRAKE: SRAM Red
REAR BRAKE: SRAM Red
SHIFT LEVERS: SRAM Red Etap AXS
REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM Red Etap AXS XPLR, 12-speed
CHAIN: SRAM Red
CASSETTE: SRAM XG-1271, 10-44
CRANKSET: SRAM Red 40t
BOTTOM BRACKET: Wheels Manufacturing T47
FRONT WHEEL: Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheel
REAR WHEEL: Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheel
ROTORS: SRAM Centreline XR 160mm
TYRES: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H – 700 x 40c
INNER TUBES: Presta, 60mm valve
RRP” $11,900
More at www.chapter2bikes.com.au
Top End Trek Shoes
In the Test Lab section of this edition we ride and review the latest Velocis shoes from Trek. At a mid-level price point these are surprisingly good shoes, but for those who want to ride the same kicks as Trek-Lidl’s WorldTour professionals, the RSL Knit road shoes may be for you.
Years in development, Trek say these shoes have been engineered to provide “maximum power transfer and all-day comfort, allowing you to elevate your performance during every ride or race.”
“The engineered performance knit provides a supportive, sock-like fit,” say Trek. “And all-new METNET relief zones flex in all the right places, while METNET power straps lock in the foot for maximum efficiency. Coupled with a 100 per cent OCLV Carbon plate and two Li2 BOA dials, these shoes are fast, comfortable and light.”
The shoes feature a sock-like fit and excellent breathability. There are dual Li2 BOA dials for low-profile, on-the-fly micro-adjustability for a precision fit. And the RSL shoes have a 100 per cent carbon base plate for optimum efficiency.
To top it off there’s an internal heel cup and no-slip heel lining prevent slippage and improve efficiency plus the Insoles are made with a bio-based EVA foam replacement.
But they come with a WorldTour price tag! These shoes have been launched with a RRP of around $750!
More at www.trekbikes.com.au
New M3 AIR Shoes From QUOC
M3 Air is UK brand QUOC’s latest lightweight road shoe, and it’s the product of over a decade of research and discovery in performance and innovation.
Designed from the feedback and wishlists of some of the world’s leading riders, it matches the comfort and natural fit of the Mono II while adding increased support at the ball of the foot and space in the toe box to eliminate pressure.
The two-piece upper is built from a featherlight, foot-moulding PU. Constructed in multiple layers, it provides natural movement where needed, and is equipped with generous mesh panels for maximum aeration in high-intensity conditions.
Parallel, dual-dial closure lace guides and an upgraded wrap design ensures secure enveloping of the foot for increased stability and an even fit, with none of the obstructions created by a tongue.
The shoe has a stiff, 100 per cent carbon fibre sole that maximises power transfer; the shoes come with innovative insoles and varying arch supports for comfort.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Weight: 232g (in size 42)
• Size range: EU38-47 (whole sizes)
• Sole: 100 per cent handlaid unidirectional carbon fibre
• Upper: Scratch-resistant two-piece PU
• Sizeable mesh panels for aeration
• Dual dial closure with fast-adjusting, parallel lace guides
• Innovative, tongueless wrap design
• Vibration-absorbing insole with ball-of-foot pressure point release
• Three customisable arch inserts
• 3-bolt road cleat compatible
The shoes are expected to be priced at around $660
More at www.quoc.cc
New Giant TCR
Giant have released the 10th iteration of the TCR a bike they say is some 75 grams lighter than its predecessor with a claimed frame weight of 690g.
One of the main features of the new TCR is its fully integrated cable routing, a first for the model, made possible by Giant’s OverDrive Aero system, initially introduced on the 2023 Giant Propel.
Alongside tweaks to the tube shapes, these updates contribute to the Advanced SL model’s claimed aerodynamic efficiency gain of 4.19 watts at 40kph, with both the frame and fork being stiffer than before.
Key details include:
Three frameset tiers as per previous models: Advanced, Advanced Pro, and Advanced SL
The Advanced SL features an integrated seatpost while the two other models have a standard post and clamp.
The Advanced SL frame weighs a claimed 690g in size medium, while the fully built Advanced SL 0 model weighs 6.4kg in the same size.
The new TCR is claimed to be 4.19 watts more aerodynamically efficient at 40kph compared to the previous Advanced SL model.
The model now boasts full cable integration, with a redesigned front end featuring a D-shaped steerer similar to the Propel, allowing brake hoses to route through the bar, stem, and head tube.
The fork and down tube have been redesigned to reduce weight and enhance aerodynamic efficiency, and tyre clearance has been increased to 33mm.
Giant has reduced the frame’s surface area by 2 percent, particularly at the junction between the top and seat tubes, to improve aerodynamics.
Other notable details include: the new Contact SLR handlebar weighing 160g, 270 precision-cut carbon pieces in each frame, and a claimed weight of 1249g for the Advanced SL 0’s new Cadex Max 40 wheelset.
Pricing and Availability
TCR Advanced SL 0 DA (Black Lava) – $13,799
TCR Advanced SL 1 (Blue Dragonfly) – $9,499
TCR Advanced SL Frameset (Opal & Raw Carbon) – $5,299 RRP.
TCR Advanced Pro 0 Di2 (Ocean Twilight) – $8,199
TCR Advanced Pro 1 Di2 (Carbon) – $6,799
TCR Advanced 1 PC* (Asphalt Green) – $4,999
TCR Advanced 2 PC* (Carbon) – $3,799 RRP.
Bicycling Australia are yet to ride or review the bike but hope to do so in coming months.
Vittoria ‘RideArmour’ Tyres
Vittoria are describing it as their toughest road tyre available, a tyre for the harshest road conditions.
The Italian company’s ‘RideArmor’ is a heavy duty all-season road tyre that, yes, weighs quite a lot more than their top-tier race tyres, but delivers dependable durability and long wear-life.
There’s also a strong focus on comfort and grip across all asphalt and weather conditions, say Vittoria.
“RideArmor has been developed to be an all-season tyre suitable for year-round training and commuting on any road surface and in any weather condition,” say the release notes. “The outcome is a genuine armor designed to protect you from your most hateful enemy: punctures.”
The tyres feature Vittoria’s proprietary ArmorSkin sidewall layer for cut and abrasion protection. The reinforced, multi-layer, 100 TPI nylon casing is upgraded with a bead-to-bead anti-puncture layer to provide robustness and durability. The Graphene + Silica compound provides longer mileage, puncture resistance, high grip and speed in all conditions.
Sizes and weights:
* 700x26c – 355g
* 700x28c – 375g
* 700x30c – 400g
* 700x32c – 435g
Local pricing will be available soon.
Wheelscience Nano TPU Tubes
Thinking about tubeless, but not entirely convinced? Nano TPU tubes from Australian brand Wheelscience could be your answer.
At around 40 grams per tube, the ultra-thin thermoplastic polyurethane construction makes the Nano TPU at least 50 per cent lighter than standard butyl or latex tubes. In fact, depending on what you’re currently using, it could be as much as 75 per cent. However, despite the reduced weight, the Nano TPU is also significantly more durable, resulting in enhanced puncture protection and, catastrophic impacts aside, longer life – an important consideration given they certainly have a higher price-tag than conventional butyl and latex tubes.
Having used them ourselves for several months now, we can vouch that Nano TPU tubes are considerably easier to install and maintain than even the simplest tubeless set-ups, with no need for high-pressure pumps/compressors, sealant or the removing of valve cores. Yet, they still offer the benefits of reduced rolling resistance and a ‘tubeless-like’ suppleness.
It’s worth mentioning Nano TPU tubes are also significantly more compact than standard tubes, making them a great option for carrying as spares, something that’s relevant even if you’re running tubeless. You can patch them too, but you will need a TPU specific patch kit.
Wheelscience Nano TPU tubes are available in six sizes ranging from 18-25mm to 54-63mm with three valve lengths to suit virtually all rim depths. Every tube is covered by a global lifetime warranty against manufacturing faults. If you ever have a problem, Wheelscience will replace your tube at no cost.
700c Nano TPU tubes
RRP: $38.99 (discounts for 3+)
Sizes: 18-25mm, 26-32mm, 33-37mm, 38-47mm, 48-53mm, 54mm-63mm
Valve lengths: 45mm, 65mm, 85mm
More at www.wheelscience.com
Scicon’s Lens Guarantee
Italian brand Scicon Sports have launched a scratched lens replacement program for their range of sunglasses.
Scicon have advised the original purchaser of their cycling eyewear will be entitled to up to two new lenses per year for accidental damage.
“Scicon Sports designs premium eyewear that is made to last, we can offer a truly exceptional service for your sunglasses that is unmatched in the eyewear industry,” they say.
“The guarantee extends to original buyers of Scicon Sports performance sunglasses with proof of purchase from Sciconsports.com or from an authorised Scicon Sports retailer.”
For more visit www.sciconsports.com
Rawvelo Nutrition
Rawvelo, the London-based all-natural, plant-based endurance & adventure nutrition brand, has made significant strides in expanding its global reach. With a recent partnership with Aid Station, Australia’s leading sports nutrition store, Rawvelo has successfully opened new distribution channels Down Under.
This move comes on the heels of Rawvelo’s successful entry into the US market in 2023.
At the core of Rawvelo’s philosophy is a no-compromise approach to endurance & adventure nutrition. Their range of energy, hydration, and recovery products are crafted from ingredients sourced from nature, ensuring a nourishing choice for both athletes and the planet. By eschewing maltodextrin, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and chemical additives, Rawvelo delivers real food that fuels performance without compromising on taste or quality.
Rawvelo’s packaging materials are easily recyclable, reflecting the brand’s commitment to minimising environmental impact. As a registered member of 1% For The Planet, Rawvelo donates to environmental causes. More at www.rawvelo.com
