Gear Break: Up to hurry – Castelli Women’s Travel Collection, AKASO 360, KOM Cycling CM06 Bundle, Garmin Rally Pedals PRICE DROP, Spurcycle Pro Mirror

Mid-May is right here, and Gear Break is certainly in control as we roll by way of Spring towards Summer. Chuck is flying to Italy with an AKASO 360 motion digital camera and KOM Cycling CM06 rig prepared for motion, and gearing as much as convey you some full-spherical footage from the roads round Riccione within the coming weeks. In the meantime, we’re highlighting Spurcycle’s glossy new mirrors and a few vital worth cuts on Garmin’s Rally pedals which can be lastly bringing energy to the individuals. We additionally function Fizik’s newest off-road kicks and a brand new journey assortment from Castelli designed particularly for the women who need high-performance gear with out the aggressive, pro-team aesthetic of the lads’s vary.

---

Castelli Women’s Travel Collection

Bridge the hole between life-style and efficiency

Castelli has launched its first-ever Women’s Summer Travel assortment, designed for cyclists who worth consolation and magnificence, and like to trip with intention relatively than depth.

The vary is engineered to disappear in movement, permitting riders to transition seamlessly from two-wheeled adventures to spontaneous weekend detours with out the complete Lycra look. Key items embrace:

Comfort Travel Short – $160.00

Built for freedom on two wheels or two ft, these shorts make the most of a lightweight seat pad and Espresso Doppio material for confirmed ease and suppleness, each on and off the bike.

Movement Travel Short – $210.00

Blending biking performance with on a regular basis type, the Movement Travel Short takes the Comfort Travel Short and layers it with a light-weight taffeta overshort, delivering low-key efficiency and a laid-back really feel.

Comfort Travel Crop Top – $70.00

The high’s seamless development eliminates chafing, whereas its breathable knit and engineered stretch zones present help and a pure vary of movement.

Comfort Travel Mesh Top – $70.00

This ultralight high is quick-drying, breathable and provides a relaxed match for all-day well-being. Ideal for warm days out and in of the saddle.

Travel Cap – $40.00

An ideal on a regular basis companion constituted of 100% moisture-wicking polyester and that includes an adjustable match and designed to accommodate lively life.

Subtle Performance: The W Summer Travel Seat Pad

At the center of the vary’s versatility is the newly developed W Summer Travel seat pad. This minimalist chamois was engineered to supply simply sufficient saddle consolation with out the added bulk of conventional padding. This innovation ensures a pure really feel and a assured, off-the-bike look, permitting the wearer to maneuver freely all through their day.

Andrew Montgomery, Castelli Product Line Manager, sez: “The introduction of the Summer Travel collection represents an exciting new era for Castelli. While many brands are narrowing their offerings, we’ve created a range for a rapidly growing community of younger, athletic women who enjoy the ride but don’t necessarily want to look like they’re in a pro peloton. It’s a collection that delivers in terms of comfort, breathability and performance, but also looks stylish and casual at the same time.”

Availability & Pricing

The Women’s Summer Travel assortment is obtainable in a complicated palette, together with Deep Bordeaux, Belgian Blue, Faded Rose and Silver Moon.

For extra info and full regional pricing, go to castelli-cycling.com.

---

AKASO 360 & KOM Cycling CM06

Pro-quality on-bike 360° video seize

What’s a 360 motion digital camera?

Chuck Sez: Before we get into the AKASO 360, let’s speak about this rising motion digital camera phase. Up entrance: these cameras are the most recent rage for motion sports activities video. Instead of a single lens that you just place within the route you wish to seize photos, 360 motion cameras seize a whole spherical view of the atmosphere–i.e., 360 levels round, therefore the title. They do that by concurrently utilizing two or extra wide-angle lenses (usually fisheye) positioned on reverse sides of the system. Then, the digital camera’s inside processor stitches these overlapping video streams collectively in real-time to create a seamless 360-degree spherical picture. No extra worrying about you probably have your digital camera pointed in the correct route. The ensuing footage permits for post-capture reframing, which means customers can select the route of the shot, zoom, and pan after recording relatively than throughout it.

Pretty cool, eh? Well, I assumed it could be cool to take a 360 digital camera with me to on my bike journey to Italy (as this goes to print, I’ll be on an airplane to Bologna with my remaining vacation spot being Hotel Dory in Riccione) and use it to movie throughout my rides.

Why the AKASO 360?

I made a decision on the AKASO 360 (my daughter has an AKASO motion digital camera so a model I used to be acquainted with), which is a high-value price range choice that includes 5.7K video, 72MP photographs, and AI topic monitoring, ideally suited for customers looking for affordability with out sacrificing core 360 options. I bought what’s known as their Creator Combo which incorporates:

• AKASO 360 digital camera
• Invisible selfie stick
• Protective delicate pouch
• USB-C charging cable
• Battery charging case
• 3 (three) batteries

NOTE: Stay tuned for a assessment of the AKASO 360 by Alastair.

Not a part of the Creator Combo, however I additionally individually bought AKASO screen protectors and a lens cap/protector.

Not included is a microSD card (NOTE: Amazon sells AKASO combos that embrace totally different measurement microSD playing cards which can be a cheap choice). I purchased my very own 256GB microSD card primarily based on AI telling me that 256GB is ideal for a full day of taking pictures or combined 4K/8K use.

360 digital camera mount choices

If you’ve seen individuals using with a 360 digital camera, they possible both have it on a pole, i.e., invisible selfie stick, mounted to their handlebars and prolonged ahead of the handlebars (possibly even ahead of the entrance wheel)  for a entrance POV or connected to their seat/seat put up with a pole prolonged above them for a rear drone-like view. The footage seems to be cool, however each mounting choices are just a little too geeky for me (that is the place you possibly can accuse me of being a roadie snob/elitist and cue up You’re So Vain). NOTE: AKASO makes a biking combo that features the above choices which you can purchase instantly from AKASO or on Amazon.

By far and away, probably the most “elegant” resolution IMHO is the Insta360 Bike Computer Mount that integrates a motorcycle pc mount with an attachment level for a 360 digital camera ahead of the bike pc. They make a model that mounts by way of the stem faceplate bolts for a daily handlebar/stem and one which mounts by way of two bolts on the underside of an built-in handlebar/stem. If you solely have one bike, it’s what I might advocate. But I’ve a couple of bike and it’s not a sensible resolution for my bike journey the place I’m renting a Scott Addict.

KOM Cycling CM06 Quick Release GoPro Computer Mount

Knowing I would want to convey each my very own bike pc and mount for my rental bike in Italy (I’m bringing my iGPSPORT BSC200S because the rides are guided and I gained’t really want the complete navigation options of my BiNavi), I made a decision on a KOM Cycling CM06 bike pc mount ($34.99 retail) that has a quick-release (twist-and-turn) GoPro mounting level underneath the bike pc mount (they embrace bike pc pucks for both Garmin or Wahoo).

Twist-and-turn mount with GoPro mounting level on the underside

KOM additionally despatched me their GoPro Extender Link that enables me to increase the GoPro mounting level ~1 inch extra ahead (ideally, you desire a 360 digital camera as far ahead as virtually potential).

Extender hyperlink on the correct

My resolution for mounting the AKASO 360 to the KOM GoPro (with extender):

• I purchased a thingie (sure, that’s a technical time period … OK, it’s a Niewalda adaptor that attaches to the GoPro mounting level with a 1/4″-20 male threaded screw — commonplace digital camera tripod — on the opposite finish) from Amazon.

• After attaching the adaptor to the GoPro mounting level on the twist-and-turn quick-release, I screwed the adaptor into the AKASO 360.

• There’s some finagling concerned with the “turntable” to get the AKASO 360 tight on the adaptor (in order that it’s in the correct place mounted on the bike) with the locking screws uncovered to have the ability to tighten them down.

• Once every thing was tight and lined up, I then used a hex wrench to lock the turntable in place. (NOTE: If you’re paranoid like me, you possibly can put some Blue Loctite on the threads of the screw. I additionally used Blue Loctite on all of the screws for the GoPro mounting factors.)
• Just connect every thing utilizing the twist-and-turn quick-release!

For my bike journey to Italy, that is about as near functionally good as good will get (I readily admit it’s not essentially probably the most elegant when it comes to aesthetics). I notably like that it permits me to simply take away the AKASO 360 for once I’m not on the bike. Plus there’s this bonus: my bikes (Colnago V3 and LOOK 795 Blade RS) have stem plate bolt pc mounts which have GoPro mounting factors on the underside. So I can connect my above rig (sans the quick-release) comparatively simply on both bike by way of the Go Pro mounting level.

Another choice

If you’re searching for a 360 camera-only mounting resolution that’s just a little extra “utilitarian” and might be extra simply moved from one bike to a different, I additionally purchased a unique thingie I discovered on Amazon:  the SmallRIG Crab-Shaped Clamp with Ballhead Magic Arm. Essentially an adjustable clamp (which you can connect to the spherical part of your handlebar — NOTE: this may increasingly not work with some aero bars if the spherical part for the stem isn’t vast sufficient) with an arm that has a 1/4″-20 tripod mount screw to connect a 360 digital camera about 5″ ahead of the handlebars. The double ballheads assist you to place a 360 digital camera on the actual angle you need. It’s a very nifty resolution you probably have different functions for a 360 digital camera that require clamping onto one thing.

Stay tuned!

I’ll be writing a PEZ travelogue article about my journey to Italy after I return and can embrace movies from rides. In the meantime, right here’s a video I made (about 2:29 lengthy) from my first check trip with the AKASO 360. I’m nonetheless studying the way to use AKASO 360 Studio and CapLower to create and edit movies, however — if I don’t say so myself — my first effort isn’t too shabby!

---

Garmin Rally Pedals Pricedrop

Same efficiency, higher worth!

You could recall that simply over 6 months in the past we highlighted the brand new Garmin Rally 110 and 210 energy meter pedals in these actual electrons (or pages, in case you like newsprint). Well, immediately, we’re right here to inform you that Garmin has decreased the value on these incredible models.

Why Rally?

Riding with Garmin Rally energy meter pedals offers cyclists with extra than simply correct watts, they ship a dependable system riders can belief earlier than, throughout, and after each trip.

Garmin Rally 110 and 210 energy meter pedals are designed to provide cyclists correct energy knowledge and efficiency monitoring, regardless of the terrain. The single- and dual-sensing energy meters might be simply swapped between highway and off-road pedal our bodies and from bike to bike.

They pair with the broader Garmin ecosystem of Edge computer systems, smartwatches, and Garmin Connect, the place energy knowledge turns into actionable coaching perception. With Garmin, cyclists get the whole expertise of robust accuracy, sturdiness, reliable efficiency knowledge, superior biking dynamics, and a seamless connection between the pedal, head unit, and the athlete’s coaching workflow.

New Pricing

Check out the full range and order direct from Garmin.

---

Fizik Ergolace 2

The shoe for your dream trip

The newest evolution of Fizik’s most versatile off-road shoe is right here. Fizik designed this shoe for riders who wish to go additional, keep out longer, and stay out their dream adventures on the bike. Built round low-weight sturdiness, consolation and adaptableness, Ergolace 2 is formed by the varied wants of contemporary gravel riders, path community explorers, and bikepackers.

Ergolace is a longtime favourite of these using past the boundaries of tarmac. The second version builds on that legacy with a refined form, lighter supplies, and a extra succesful outsole. Providing a shoe that’s snug over any distance, safe on tough terrain, and excellent for when a set route is just the beginning.

Built to take you anyplace

In a market awash with ‘faster and stiffer’ sneakers, Ergolace 2 displays a using mindset that focuses on prolonged time on the bike, altering situations, and the liberty to maintain using so long as you wish to.

Ergolace 2 makes use of a brand new final with a wider forefoot, giving the foot extra room to maneuver naturally underneath load. That added house reduces stress on longer rides, bettering general consolation, whether or not pedalling or climbing up steep trails. The ensuing match is extra forgiving with out dropping the help wanted for environment friendly using throughout combined terrain. It additionally promotes better management when descending.

These comfort-focused tweaks are according to different latest shoe launches from Fizik, like Ferox 2 and Lyra. The clipped-in model of Ergolace 2 has a stiffness ranking of 5/10, and the flat shoe has a ranking of two/10.

George Huzford, Fizik Senior Marketing Manager, sez: “Ergolace has at all times been the shoe individuals attain for when the trip may not have a set agenda, when there’s a bit extra curiosity within the plan. We need Ergolace to be the shoe you attain for when you’re heading out to see the place the path takes you, or possibly even tick off that bucket record dream journey. To obtain this, we’ve got made Ergolace 2 mild, snug and succesful. The designed use case is concentrated on longer, open-ended rides that may begin with a plan however flip into one thing else totally.

Light and purposeful 

Ergolace 2’s higher has been reworked to cut back weight and enhance sturdiness. A light-weight GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane types the bottom, chosen for its sturdiness and fast-drying properties, whereas wider PU-laminated areas add safety within the high-wear areas. Ergolace’s development type is rather more according to outside and trainers than with typical biking sneakers, and it’s the first time this membrane has been used exterior of efficiency working and climbing footwear.

A foot-wrapping bootie development, constituted of perforated Airprene, replaces the standard tongue. This reduces layering throughout the highest of the foot, making a extra even, pressure-free match whereas nonetheless retaining breathability. The result’s a shoe that feels lighter and extra versatile, however nonetheless holds as much as repeated use in demanding situations.

This distinctive development methodology makes Ergolace a finely balanced, light-weight instrument that takes the very best of the outside shoe world and combines it with all of Fizik’s finest tech, to make an ideal shoe for ticking off dream rides. Not to say its powerful the place it must be to carry as much as the calls for of off-road racing, however with out compromising on weight or cumbersome materials.

Simple , safe, dependable

The Ergolace system stays on the core of the shoe’s design. The uneven lace closure is positioned to keep away from interference with the drivetrain, whereas the speedlace system permits for fast, sensible changes on the transfer.

The use of speedlace takes cues from path working and outside footwear, the place fast, dependable adjustment issues in altering terrain. Using a light-weight wire and locking system, it permits riders to tighten or launch the slot in seconds on the transfer. With Ergolace, this method brings an adaptable match but additionally offers an outside aesthetic not usually present in biking sneakers.

Alex Locatelli, Brand Director Fizik, sez: “With Ergolace 2, we focused on making a shoe that feels better the longer you use it. That meant rethinking the shape to give the foot more space, simplifying the upper to remove anything unnecessary and keep weight as low as possible. We really set out to improve how the shoe performs across the board and ultimately looks both on and off the bike. It’s a product built around real riding conditions, where comfort, grip, and durability all matter equally.”

A grippy, succesful platform

Ergolace has particular outsoles for the clipped or flat model of the shoe. Flat variations use the Vibram XS trip and the clipped Ergolace makes use of Vibram Megagrip, each providing an unparalleled mixture of grip and put on resistance. Developed instantly with Vibram, the outsole has a zonal tread sample that separates pedal contact from strolling grip.

The midfoot space options lower-profile lugs for higher interface with pedals, bettering stability and energy switch. At the heel and toe, deeper, extra aggressive tread offers traction on free floor, making hike-a-bike sections extra manageable.

Clipped Ergolace makes use of a revised nylon shank that improves pedalling effectivity whereas sustaining the pliability wanted for strolling, reinforcing Ergolace 2’s position as a real all-terrain shoe.

Ready for any route

Ergolace 2 is constructed for versatility throughout using kinds and situations. Available in each flat and clip-in variations, in addition to a water-proof GTX variant, the vary is designed to adapt to totally different setups with out altering the core really feel of the shoe.

From day by day gravel loops to multi-day bikepacking journeys or including some backcountry exploration to your common path using, Ergolace 2 is a classy, reliable choice for riders who worth consolation, sturdiness, and the liberty to maintain going.

Tech specs

• Ripstop material higher with PU-laminated safety zones

• Foot-wrapping Airprene bootie development for breathable, pressure-free match

• Speedlace closure system with uneven design

• X2 outsole with Vibram Megagrip compound and zonal tread sample

• Nylon shank (clip-in model), stiffness index 5

• Available in flat, clip-in, and GORE-TEX Invisible Fit waterproof variations

Pricing & Availability

MODEL	COLOR DESCRIPTION	MSRP €	MSRP $	MSRP £
Ergolace 2	Off-White	149.00 €	$149.99	£149.99
	Dark Blue-Black	149.00 €	$149.99	£149.99
	Forest Green-Caramel	149.00 €	$149.99	£149.99
Ergolace Flat 2	Off-White	149.00 €	$149.99	£149.99
	Dark Blue-Black	149.00 €	$149.99	£149.99
	Forest Green-Caramel	149.00 €	$149.99	£149.99
Ergolace GTX 2	Black-Black	189.00 €	$189.99	£189.99
	Desert-Grey	189.00 €	$189.99	£189.99
Ergolace Flat GTX 2	Black-Black	189.00 €	$189.99	£189.99
	Desert-Grey	189.00 €	$189.99	£189.99

For full particulars and ordering, go direct to Fizik.

---

Spurcyle Pro Mirror

UNDORKED!

Spurcycle’s Pro Aluminum Mirror lastly solves the “dork factor” of rearview visibility. After all, there are guidelines about to be damaged right here: see Rule #66. Offering a glossy 6061 machined design and a tool-free, 60-second set up, this piece of security equipment gained’t smash your bike’s silhouette. Available in two sizes, you’ve bought choices that may allow you to break the foundations and add security to you trip.

The “Undorked” Aesthetic

Most bar-end mirrors seem like they belong on a commuter hybrid relatively than a correct race rig. Spurcycle has “undorked” the class by machining the R50 Pro from 6061 aluminum, creating a bit of equipment that looks like a factory-spec extension of your cockpit. It provides the important security of rearview visibility with out the standard aesthetic penalty, sustaining a clear, skilled silhouette for high-end highway and gravel builds.

Optical Clarity and Choice

Visibility is just helpful if it’s clear, so Spurcycle makes use of tempered, optical-grade glass to make sure a vibration-free view of the highway behind you. The mirror is obtainable in two distinct sizes: the minimalist R35 (35mm) for individuals who desire a “covert” setup, and the R50 (50mm) for riders prioritizing a large field of regard. Whether you’re looking ahead to a spot within the paceline or monitoring a automobile on a lonely backroad, the picture stays crisp and steady.

Tool-Free Utility

The engineering focus right here is on mechanical simplicity, that includes a brand new nylon expander that enables for a very tool-free set up. You can set the pivot stress by hand and modify the angle on the fly, making it straightforward to tweak your area of view or tuck the mirror away mid-ride with out fumbling for a hex key. While digital radars present the warning, the R50 offers the visible context, making it the right accomplice for complete situational consciousness.

Pricing & Availability

MSRP: $69.00
More data: Spurcycle.com

---

Note: If you could have different experiences with gear or one thing so as to add, drop us a line. We don’t declare to know every thing (we simply suggest it at instances). Give us a pat on the again in case you just like the opinions or name us out in case you really feel the necessity!

PezCycling News and the writer ask that you just seek the advice of the producers you probably have any questions concerning the merchandise you see right here. Only the producer can present correct and full info on correct/protected use, dealing with, upkeep, and or set up of merchandise in addition to any conditional info or product limitations.