Gear Break: Ekoï Outlast® jersey and Supersoft bib shorts – Riding in NASA technology, new DT Swiss GRC 30 and 50 gravel wheels, JonnyMole unveils the future of gravel cycling: Presenting the DREAM MACHINE 2.5 concept bike, EF Pro Cycling to expand use of Nix Biosensor to create custom hydration strategies, test your legs with Watopia’s newest climb – The Grade and The Art of Suffering by pro-cycling photographer Kristof Roman.
Ekoï Outlast® Jersey and Supersoft Bib Shorts – Riding in NASA Technology
Like opening your first iPhone
Al Hamilton PEZ sez: I couldn’t understand how a jersey can keep you warm and cool you down, it must be a clever jersey. After I read the description, I guessed that you wouldn’t wear an undervest, which ekoï confirmed, which for someone of the ‘old school’ is alien. Anyway, I took this on and went without my vest, what would my mother say? We are not having the high temperatures (yet) here in this part of Spain, so the morning had a slight chill, but apart from the first 500 metres to the main road, which is in the shade, I felt comfortable and not cold, even though I felt naked without my under garment. My Wahoo told me it was 16ºC at that point. This wasn’t going to be a long ride, but after two hours it was 25ºC and I still felt comfortable and had got used to the feeling of the jersey directly against my skin. No over heating and not cold – NASA was right, maybe they did go to the moon after all.
Aero sleeves
That’s the science stuff behind the jersey, but how does it feel? I would say most clothing of this high quality fits most everyone, modern materials are quite forgiving, for a man who is not quite ‘beach ready’ it’s a godsend. The fit is very good, I could have gone for large, the medium was a little tight, but of course more aero. Once I’ve shed those 5 kilos….
The aero sleeves fit well on the shoulders and are Raglan cut, so shoulder width isn’t a problem. There is no grip at the cuff, but you don’t need it.
A very clean look
The plain front looks crisp and uncluttered, full length zip of course and a low collar. I am used to a higher collar, so sun block will have to be remembered on sunny days.
Ride like a pro? Feel like one
There is more going on, on the back: ‘Ride Like a Pro’ printed down the spine. Nice thought, but I would say (personally) that the experience is more: ‘Feel Like a Pro’, which I did. On the three back pockets there is the ekoï logo in the centre and a stripped section on the outside (for those who ride on the right side of the road), I guess for visibility for car drivers behind, but it makes a nice relief to all that white.
All neat at the back
I would say there is extra strong stitching at the pockets and you can see strengthening at the joint at the top of the pockets. There is also a rubberised grip at the bottom, so no riding up at the back. Talking of stitching, there are two extra panels on either side, for better fitting and they use a thread-less seam system. They also finish the tops of the pockets the same way and it look really neat. Maybe all the seams could be done that way in the future?
The pocket area is made particularly well
The ekoï Outlast jersey is very nice to wear, comfortable and has a classy look. The temperature control seems to work in the 10º difference I put it through, where you live that could be different. I’m looking forward to wearing it in over 30ºC conditions to see how that feels, but so far I’m very pleased.
Ekoï Outlast® Jersey
What about Outlast® technologies?
By using Outlast® technology, Ekoï has designed the first generation of jerseys capable of actively and continuously participating in the regulation of your body temperature.
Developed for NASA to cope with extreme temperature variations in space, the Outlast® concept, applied for the first time by Ekoï to cycling, extends the thermal amplitude of use: cold starts, heat peaks, exposed climbs, passages in the shade, descents of passes, etc. You will go from a cool atmosphere to (very) hot (and vice versa) without feeling the effects (chills, hot flashes). Thanks to its thermo-regulating properties, this jersey is the secret weapon for riding whatever temperature changes during training!
Outlast® technology leads to a massive reduction in perspiration by 30 to 50% on average*.
Tested, proven, and approved by the Israel Premier-Tech team, the jerseys designed with this new technology combine unrivalled comfort and performance.
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- Available in 3 colors: Black/Yellow – Black/Coral – White/Black
- Price: $151.24
*studies carried out by Outlast®
Very happy with the comfort and the look
Al Hamilton PEZ sez: Reviewing shorts is not easy, a bit like saddles, they are a very personal thing. EkoÏ call these bib-shorts ‘Supersoft’ and they are very soft to the touch. They fit well and the material does have a very soft feel against the body, you forget you have them on.
Very soft
The green colour I wasn’t sure about at first, but apart from feeling I should be on a gravel bike, I like the colour contrast now. Also ekoÏ don’t go overboard with the logos, just one on the left leg. Much like the Outlast jersey, uncluttered.
Strong and wide straps
The straps are wide and are double thickness at the back. Due to the width there is no cutting in and they are of a mesh material, so not a problem in the heat. The top of the shorts has been finished without stitching for added comfort and ekoï have cut the amount of seams down to two which looks good and is for extra comfort.
The very important pad
The most important part of all shorts/bib-shorts is the pad (chamois if you are of a certain age). first impression is of a lot of gel, but in the right place. On the sit bone area and between the thighs, with less in the other parts where it is needed less. Looking at the pad, it is a reverse of how your saddle looks, which makes a lot of sense. At the front of the pad is the ‘comfort zone’ of thinner material for the ‘family jewels’. There is no need for a lot of padding in this area, but there is enough to stop any chaffing. A very well designed and manufactured pad, it should be good on the longer rides. I tried the bibs out on the home trainer on the first ride, as you do ride on the saddle more and the pad felt very comfortable. Out on the road was the same, the extra gel was well placed, no rubbing or chaffing. The gripper is made up of small dots and quite a large area, so it works very well, no riding up, everything is held in place.
The large gripper area
Very nice bibs, classy and stylish with a lot of comfort. You can go for the black ones, but it’s nice to try something different, go for the green.
Ekoï Supersoft Bibshorts
What about the bib shorts?
Inspired by the bib shorts designed for the pro riders in the Israel Premier Tech and Arkéa B&B Hôtels teams, our EKOÏ Supersoft bib shorts are for demanding cyclists looking for ultra-comfortable bib shorts for both racing and ultra-distance riding.
Composed of 38% elastane, it boasts a suppleness superior to most bib shorts on the market as it literally hugs the shape of your thighs, and doesn’t wrinkle and curve to your silhouette. Concerning the design, we have reduced the number of flatlock or heat-bonded seams used to the strictest minimum to contribute to the short’s minimalist design.
- Available in 2 colors: Black & Green
- Price: $252.07
- Check out your local ekoï website for bargains at: www.ekoi.com.
NEW DT Swiss GRC 30 and 50 gravel wheels
These are now hooked. (previous GRC wheels featured hookless rims) having hookless has its benefits such as, significant weight savings, wider tire stance and, improved rim strength. However, with the introduction of these new rims comes a new manufacturing process, and improved rims shapes that allow DT to retain most of these benefits, all while having the added safety and, ease of use of hooked rims.
The internal rim width remains unchanged at 24mm, however the new GRC wheels are available in 30mm & 50mm rim profiles each offering specific riding benefits.
The GRC 1400 Dicut 30 are the perfect adventure-oriented wheels. Thanks to its lower 30mm rim height, the light weight (1421g per set) gives added agility, comfort, as well as added puncture protection thanks to its wide flanges.
The GRC 1400 DICUT 50 are the ultimate gravel racing wheels. Taking the whole wheel/tire system into consideration, led to the development of this unique rim shape. The GRC 50 offers the lowest aerodynamic drag, setting a new benchmark when tested against other brands. This new rim shape strikes a good balance between aerodynamic performance and robustness.
Please note that the Canadian market will only have the GRC 1400 in stock.
Stock will begin to arrive in November, therefore making it a product for Spring 2025.
MSRP GRC 1400
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- Rear Wheel $2089.99
- Front Wheel $1489.99
- Wheelset $3599.98
*prices are subject to change without notice between now and Spring 2025.
JonnyMole unveils the future of gravel cycling: Presenting the DREAM MACHINE 2.5 concept bike
JonnyMole, the iconic international design studio in the cycling industry, celebrates its 25th anniversary with a remarkable glimpse into the future: the Dream Machine 2.5.
This concept bike is the result of JonnyMole’s bold vision for the next chapter in gravel bike evolution. The Dream Machine 2.5 merges advanced technologies with a captivating design, featuring a unique dual-frame that not only gives the bike a distinctive presence on the road but also delivers superior performance and the ability to integrate a wide range of accessories.
Its key innovations include:
- Revolutionary dual-frame structure: The custom frame with two top tubes and two down tubes allows unprecedented customization, enabling cyclists to seamlessly integrate bags and luggage to tackle any adventure with style and convenience.
- Innovative integrated saddle: With a rear opening for smoother and more flexible riding, it follows the cyclist’s movement on any terrain.
- Cantilever Generative Design seatpost: Ensures a smooth and comfortable ride even on the most irregular paths.
- Integrated lights and brakes: Not only do they improve overall aerodynamics, but they also offer a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution.
- Steering group with integrated extensions: Provides an ideal position for optimal comfort and maximum performance, even during the longest rides.
The Dream Machine 2.5 not only marks a significant milestone for JonnyMole but also embodies its boundless creativity and offers an exciting preview of what the future holds in the cycling world, redefining the concept of adventure on two wheels.
EF Pro Cycling to Expand Use of Nix Biosensor to Create Custom Hydration Strategies
After initial athlete success with the Nix Hydration Biosensor, EF Pro Cycling will provide sensors to all 46 athletes, starting with Spain Training Camp attendees.
Nix Biosensors, the leading provider of cutting-edge hydration monitoring technology, is thrilled to announce its relationship with EF Pro Cycling, one of the world’s most prestigious professional cycling teams. EF Pro Cycling athletes will integrate the Nix Hydration Biosensor further into their training routines for the full season, starting with this week’s Team Camp in Sierra Nevada, Spain. With Nix’s revolutionary biosensor, EF Pro Cycling intends to customize hydration strategies for athletes on both the men’s and women’s teams, and thereby optimize performance.
The partnership highlights EF Pro Cycling’s commitment to leveraging innovative technologies to gain a competitive edge in the sport. The Nix Hydration Biosensor, designed to provide real-time hydration data, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the team’s understanding of their athletes’ individual and unique hydration needs, enabling them to make data-driven decisions to achieve peak performance.
Dr. Kevin Sprouse, Director of Sports Science at EF Pro Cycling, expressed the team’s excitement about the expanded collaboration, saying, “EF Pro Cycling places great importance on hydration to ensure peak performance. We have tested several hydration sensors in recent years, and have found Nix’s platform to be very accurate and easy to use. Our excitement about the technology has led us to now roll it out for all athletes across both the men’s and women’s teams in our continual effort to gain every edge we can for EF Pro Cycling.”
The Nix Hydration Biosensor is a groundbreaking device that provides real-time hydration data, empowering athletes to optimize their performance by accurately monitoring their hydration levels. The device uses advanced sensors to quantify both fluid and electrolyte losses, providing athletes with critical decision-support data on their fluid intake needs during training and competition. Research shows that at just 2% dehydration, athletes can incur an endurance performance impairment up to 20%. By analyzing athlete data, EF Pro Cycling’s medical and coaching staff can tailor hydration plans to each athlete’s specific needs, ensuring they stay within their own optimal levels.
“We were delighted to hear that EF Pro Cycling learned of Nix from Dr. Sprouse,” said Meridith Cass, Nix Biosensors CEO and Founder. “Because of EF’s dedication to human performance innovation, they will be the first full team in the pro-peloton to change the way hydration strategies are crafted in professional cycling. We look forward to our technology contributing to their success.”
Tomorrow’s start of the Spain training camp will mark the first group implementation of the Nix Hydration Biosensor with EF Pro Cycling. Athletes such as Alberto Bettiol, Stefan Bissegger, Rui Costa, Ben Healy, Richard Carapaz, James Shaw, Harry Sweeny, and Marijn van den Berg are among those eagerly anticipating the integration of this cutting-edge technology into their training routines. After the camp, these athletes, along with the rest of EF Pro Cycling’s roster, will utilize the Nix Hydration Biosensor during their training sessions at home, evaluating how their personal sweat metrics vary between different training intensities, locations and climates.
This collaboration between Nix Biosensors and EF Pro Cycling sets the stage for further advancements in performance optimization. As the team prepares for major competitions, including the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, the partnership promises to yield invaluable data and insights that will shape EF Pro Cycling’s hydration strategies and contribute to their overall success.
Test Your Legs with Watopia’s Newest Climb – The Grade
The new climb will give Zwifters an alternative to the dreaded FTP test
Zwifters can soon enjoy the newest roads in Watopia following Watopia’s latest expansion as The Grade is scheduled to roll out to Zwifters between June 11th and June 13th. Located on the west side of Watopia’s Southern Coast, this new expansion will allow Zwifters to climb the colourful streets of Ciudad de La Cumbre via The Grade to the backside of the Epic KOM.
The Grade has been designed to offer a true climbing challenge and this is soon evidenced as you approach the base of the climb. The first section heads straight up with no bend or respite until the mid-way point. This is the steepest segment of the climb and it’s just rider versus gravity with some roaming wildlife to encourage you to the top and a tram to chase if you’re feeling good. Made it to the top of the first segment? Congratulations, the hardest part is done! From here, you have a choice, turn at the crossing and head back down to the coast, or keep on climbing to the top. From this point, the road begins to twist and turn as the road makes its way to the backside of the Epic KOM.
The Grade is a true test in more ways than one. Zwifters completing The Grade will in fact be graded at the top of the climb with their calculated FTP (Functional Threshold Power) displayed as they cross the line.
Traditionally FTP tests have daunting workouts and therefore dreaded by many cyclists. The Grade aims to provide an easier and more accessible way to calculate this number by building a test into the natural terrain of Watopia’s Southern Coast. To aid pacing, Zwifters will see their average watts displayed on screen as they make their way up the climb. In addition, the climb is broken into 10 segments, with each segment time visible on a unique HUD – similar to that on Alpe du Zwift.
The new test has been created using data collected from over 700,000 FTP tests conducted on Zwift. Analysing this data alongside the matching critical power curve has allowed Zwift to create a system capable of calculating FTP on any completion time over 8 minutes. If a new PR is set, Zwifters will see their new FTP pop up in digital signage on the road, confetti appear and an FTP notification at the end of the activity. Zwifters will always see their score at the top of the climb but only new PR’s will set a new FTP.
With this new expansion, Zwifters will have 8 new free-ride routes to start collecting as well as two new ZRacing Routes, available in events. Zwifters aiming to collect all the new route badges can add them to My List, ready for the next time they log in to ride.
The 8 New Free Ride routes:
- Oh Hill No, 7.8km with 306m elevation – the most direct pathway to The Grade
- Coastal Crown Loop, 15km with 185m
- Glyph Heights, 25km with 537m
- Mayan Mash, 34km with 755m
- Tide and Temples, 36km with 459m
- Peak Performance, 45km with 725m
- Snowman, 44km with 577m
- Elevation Evaluation, 44km with 1493m
The event-only ZRacing Routes are:
- Mayan San Remo, 21km with 217m
- Itza Climb Finish, 30km with 290m
Zwifters will be able to explore the new roads as soon as their game is updated to version 1.64 which begins to roll out from June 11. There will be no restrictions during the events scheduled on the Watopia Climb Expansion including the Monthly Mission or during club events. In order to utilise Freeride or Meetups, the Watopia Climb Expansion routes will be level-locked for users over level 10.
The Art of Suffering by pro-cycling photographer Kristof Roman
What does it take to become a road racing legend and compete in the toughest sport in the world? Go behind the scenes with the teams and riders at all the major tours and classics through the lens of world-class pro-cycling photographer, Kristof Ramon.
The Art of Suffering (July 2, 2024; Laurence King Publishing) is about the human story of road racing, about what it takes to go deep and be the best, and the awe-inspiring feats of endurance that make road cycling one of the most challenging, most legendary, most inspirational sports in the world.
From battling the elements and the terrain to epic climbs, crashes, injuries and recovery; personal sacrifices, pushing the body to the limit, training, winning, losing and long seasons on the road; featuring the domestiques, the star riders, the new talent and the legends – this book captures all the reasons why cycling fans passionately love their sport, taking them closer to the action and their favorite riders than any other book.
Carefully curated with 250+ photographs, thoughtfully designed and beautifully produced – The Art of Suffering is the ultimate gift for cycling and photography fans alike.
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The Art of Suffering: Capturing the Brutal Beauty of Road Cycling
by Kristof Ramon
on sale July 2, 2024
$50.00 USD | ISBN: 9781399606905 | Hardcover | 288 Pages
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