Gear Break: Santini Ombra unisex jersey and Karma Delta bib shorts, both made with Polartec fabrics, Pinarello Dogma F – Design the exceptional, the myCols app shows when climbs are open for cyclist, Time: I ride rim brakes! Muc-Off launches precision tubeless repair capsule and introducing Builders for Builders 2024: Win a custom bike and support Dirt Magic.
Santini Ombra Unisex Jersey and Karma Delta Bib Shorts, Both Made with Polartec Fabrics
Santini Ombra Unisex Jersey Made with Polartec Fabric
Bright colours for a sunny day
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: I must admit, I do like Santini clothing, I think my first pair of lycra bib shorts were from the Italian brand. Maybe they are my shape, but their kit always fits and feels nice. Since that first pair of bibs, when I was a 60kg racing snake, to now and I weigh… a bit more, Santini still feels right.
Unisex jersey, but men’s (in my case) bibs
Santini claim the Ombra jersey is unisex, for men or/and women, and I can say I’ve tested the stretchiness and I would say it would fit any body shape and still be comfortable, body-hugging and aero. Santini use Polartec fabric which is soft and light, plus it keeps you cool in hot conditions and you won’t feel cold on an early start.
Unique designs
The different designs are quite unique, if you want to stand out in the peloton, there will be one for you. Full length zip (of course) with a flap on the inside so you don’t snag anything. Nice touch with a little Italian flag on the inside of the zipper.
All Italian
There also is a small Italian flag at the back of the collar. As is the style these days, it has a low cut collar, not too low, but there are a couple of centimetres.
Three rear pockets made from a thinner material, with extra strong stitching The side panels are made usung the same material for extra breathability. There are two small reflective strips stitched into the outer sides of the pockets for extra safety. Around the base there is a rubberised band to hold the jersey in place.
No riding up with the silicon strip
The sleeves are not made from that ribbed material everyone seems to be using, they are made from the same material as the front and back. There is no cuff on the sleeves for a smooth transition from material to skin.
Very comfortable, great fit and I guess for women too. Italian made perfection, you can see the expertise gone into the manufacture of the jersey and it isn’t as expensive as many on the market at the moment.
Ombra – Unisex Jersey
Santini’s description of the Ombra Unisex Jersey:
Such a cool jersey we decided to make it available for everyone in multiple colours! This unisex jersey has a great fit and it is so comfortable and stretchy that you will never want to take it off! Made of performance-fit Polartec®’s Power Stretch® fabric on front and back for durable shape recovery and Polartec®’s Delta on the sides for a fast transmission of sweat away from the body, this jersey guarantees incredible comfort, rapid drying and great breathability. Featuring a slim fit with elongated raw cut sleeves and internal silicon gripper at the waistband to keep the jersey always in position. Triple back pocket to store all you need for your bike ride.
Santini Karma Delta Bib Shorts Made with Polartec Fabric
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: As I’ve said before; the most important part of the bib shorts is the pad. The pad is made up of different sections with more where it’s needed and less, where it’s not. The legs are a good length with a silicone gripper to hold them in place.
Enough padding in the correct points
The same reflective strips that are on the jersey are also on the back of the legs. The straps are wide and made of the breathable material that they use on the side panels of the jersey. The material of the straps also comes round the front at the stomach. The ‘Santini’ logos are small, one on the back and one on the right leg, very subtle. These bibs are comfortable, and so far, hard wearing with no chaffing or discomfort. Top class Italian style and manufacture.
Santini’s description of the Karma Delta Bib Shorts:
Unbeatable comfort medium compression bib shorts with extra breathable braces. Perfect match to all your Santini jerseys for riding all summer long.
Perfect Fit
Made with high elasticity, compact Italian fabric with power compression technology. It provides medium compression without being restrictive. Incredibly durable it retains its features through time. Elasticated tone-on-tone leg gripper to keep the bib shorts always in place.
Extreme Comfort and Breathability
Bibs made with Polartec®’s Delta fabric for a fast transmission of sweat away from the body, guaranteeing rapid drying and great breathability.
Anti-Shock Protection
GITevo chamois with gel core that absorbs shock steadily and gradually for comfort on medium to long rides.
Pinarello Dogma F – Design the Exceptional
Pinarello launches the latest incarnation of its iconic, flagship road bike
Prepare to be Stared At
It’s a challenge to combine incredible performance and cutting-edge technology with aesthetic beauty, but that’s something Pinarello has repeatedly mastered since launching the very first DOGMA 22 years ago. We’ve always stood out from the crowd and created bikes that are totally unique, both in terms of how they look, but more importantly, how they perform. Form over function is a constant source of discussion between our head designers and we believe the DOGMA F achieves the perfect blend of the two.
New M40X Carbon Fibre – Elevating the Dogma to a Whole New Plain
The DOGMA F’s brand new M40X carbon fiber is the result of countless hours of testing on our X-Light models, and on INEOS Grenadiers’ bikes. This groundbreaking lay-up has an exceptional tensile module that has enabled us to take lateral stiffness to the next level.
Designed to Excel in Any Situation
Pinarello has never followed the trends of other manufacturers by trying to convince cyclists they need specialist bikes for both climbing, and on the flat. Instead, with the DOGMA, we have produced a single frame capable of delivering exceptional performance on any terrain, for both amateur riders and world-class professionals alike. Whilst many of our competitors are now reverting back to that model, we never deviated in the first place; the DOGMA is the original all-rounder – and the bike that has been ridden to more Grand Tour successes than any other.
Aerodynamic vs Weight: Finding the Perfect Equilibrium
Over the course of a Grand Tour, a 0.2% improvement in the coefficient of aerodynamic drag (CdA) equates to a 175g saving on the bike
To validate that theory, INEOS Grenadiers’ performance team measured Geraint Thomas’s performance data from the 2022 Tour de France. They studied the average energy he was expending and balanced that with the potential savings he could make in different riding situations i.e. on the flat, climbing, descending. They found minor improvements in CdA and rolling resistance were in fact more valuable than saving weight.
In Grand Tours, just like with our daily rides, it’s not always an uphill time trial. We’re constantly riding on varied terrain. Examined objectively, aerodynamic gains are worth more than weight savings, and that’s why, with the new DOGMA F, we didn’t focus solely on saving weight. Yes, the new model is 108g lighter than the previous edition but our primary concern was to reduce the bike’s CdA by 0.2%.
Marginal Gains – Every Detail Matters
Every shape, every detail, every new line on the DOGMA F has been designed to reduce the CdA by 0.2%. We achieved that by making a series of minor yet important improvements, all developed using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and countless hours in the wind tunnel.
Down Tube – Improved Aero Penetration
The down tube has been completely redesigned to reduce its thickness, improving the frontal aerodynamic performance of the frame and reducing overall drag.
New Aero-Keel Bottom Bracket
The down tube has also been rotated by 3.5° to create a keel shape that improves the aerodynamic performance of the bottom bracket area by 1.2%.
Head Tube – A Slimmer, Faster Nose
Our unique head tube nose shape – which was first introduced on the DOGMA F8 in 2014 and wildly copied by our competitors – has evolved again. We have reduced the volume and width of the nose area by 8mm courtesy of a more streamlined design which improves frontal aero penetration.
Headset – Now Lighter with Improved Cable Routing
To reduce the width of the head tube, we designed an innovative elliptical steering tube and completely new headset using bearings of a different diameter, wider on the bottom and narrower at the top. We also moved the internal cable routing from the sides to the front of the steering tube.
Thru Axles – More Aero
New, shorter thru axles. The bolt on the right side of the fork has been integrated into the carbon, eliminating the previous version’s external hole. The same has been done on the frame with the integration of the rear derailleur dropout. This solution improves both the aerodynamic performance of the frame, and its’ aesthetics.
New Onda Fork – Slimmer, Faster, Even Better Performance
The new slimmer fork design – tested by professional riders – also improves aerodynamics and features a 47mm rake to improve handling and speed on descents.
Integrated Seatpost Clamp – Lighter and Cleaner
Our seatpost clamp has reduced in size and is now fully integrated inside the seat tube. This new solution reduces the weight, improves the design and increases the cleanliness of the system by limiting the amount of dust and sweat that can get inside.
New Talon Fast – Lighter, Faster, More Aero
The new Talon Fast integrated cockpit is lighter and more aerodynamic than ever before. It features a natural twisted lever position which allows riders to find aero positions in a safer way.
Think Asymmetric – No Compromises on this Approach
All our frames are asymmetric so we can balance the higher forces being exerted on the chain side while pedaling. An asymmetric frame creates a more balanced response while pedaling.
Bike Specifications
Bike weight (size 53, no pedals, no bottles)
- 6.63kg – SRAM RED Etap AXS Princeton Peak 4550 wheels
- 6.77kg – Shimano Dura Ace Princeton Peak 4550 wheels
- 6.88kg – Campagnolo Wireless, Bora WTO 45 wheels
Pricing
Complete bikes (with top end specifications) start at 14,500 EUR, 14,500 USD and 12,600 GBP
Framesets (including fork and seat post) start at 6,700 EUR, 6,950 USD and 5,500 GBP
The myCols App Shows When Climbs are Open for Cyclist
The biggest challenge for cyclists is conquering mountains, especially the highest and longest climbs. With the myCols app, you can track all your uphill achievements, from the hills in the Netherlands to the Alpine cols far above the tree line. Constantly evolving, the app now has a unique new feature: it’s the first to show whether the highest climbs are open to cyclists. Most cols are cleared of snow and accessible to traffic from mid-May to mid-June. Whether it’s the Stelvio, Mont Ventoux, Croix de Fer, or Galibier, myCols provides real-time information on whether these climbs are open. The app uses continuous analysis of rides from over 35,000 registered users to determine the status of both major and minor passes. Free to download, myCols lets you see your personal climb times and history when you register and connect with Strava, Garmin, or Wahoo.
Time: I Ride Rim Brakes!
Muc-Off Launches Precision Tubeless Repair Capsule
Muc-Off, the Global leaders in bicycle care is excited to announce the launch the latest addition to its industry-leading Puncture Protection range: The Precision Tubeless Repair Capsule – designed for repairing punctures in tubeless tyres that are too big or gnarly to seal with sealant alone.
Constructed from durable CNC machined 6061 aluminium with a sleek anodised finish, the capsule features a robust 304 stainless steel 2-in-1 puncture plug and reamer tool. With a silicone-wrapped handle for easy gripping in any weather conditions and a knurled screw-in design with a weatherproof O-ring, this tool is where functionality meets durability.
Perfect for any tubeless tyre setup including road, gravel, and MTB, the capsule which comes in two colourways – black and pink, includes fifteen repair plugs across three sizes: Small, medium, and large to cover any eventuality. Everything is neatly stowed in a durable Cordura® pouch which riders can stash in any one of Muc-Off’s new bike bag options, which include the Saddle Pack, Explorer Bar Bag, and Ride Pack.
“Every tubeless rider knows the frustration of a puncture that just won’t seal, especially when you’re miles from anywhere. The Precision Tubeless Repair Capsule is a super-convenient tool for when the worst happens. It couldn’t be easier to use, and it’s super compact, so it’s always on-hand for emergency trail or roadside repairs.” Alex Trimnell, CEO at Muc-Off.
Using the capsule is straightforward: Riders simply need to remove any debris from the puncture, select the appropriate size worm and ream the hole to prepare it for the plug. It’s then a case of inserting the worm through the tool (The tool can also be pre-loaded for speed) and inserting the tool into the hole, before twisting to secure the plug. Finally, the tyre just needs to be inflated and the excess rubber trimmed off – then it’s straight back to the action.
Priced at £25 / €30 / $30 the Precision Tubeless Repair Capsule is available now from the Muc-Off global dealer network, selected e-retailers, and direct from www.muc-off.com.
Introducing Builders for Builders 2024
Win a Custom Bike and Support Dirt Magic
The Builders for Builders Program returns for 2024, a fundraising effort benefiting the Sierra Butte Trail Stewardship (SBTS). The Builders for Builders program has raised over $100,000 to date. All proceeds raised through this campaign go back to the Stewardship to support more trails in the Lost Sierra.
Each donation of at least $10 made between now and July 2 is a chance to win a custom frame handcrafted by Caletti Cycles, SyCip Bicycles, Mosaic Cycles, NeuHaus Metal Works, or Meriwether Cycles. The winner will select the fabricator of their choice from the list above to build the frame, which will then get a custom paint job outfitted with high-end components from Paul Components, White Industries, and WTB.
The funds will specifically support Connected Communities, SBTS’ plan to connect 15 mountain towns via a 564-mile multi-use singletrack trail. We recently released the 68-page Trails Master Plan for the project, which outlines the proposed trail, dubbed The Lost Sierra Route, as well as plans to incorporate building techniques to create Fire Hardened Trails to manage vegetation for wildfire mitigation. Many of the Connected Communities trail projects are already in the works, but completing the entire project will require a heavy financial lift. Dollars raised through fundraisers such as Builders for Builders are vital, as they bring in unrestricted funds, or funds that don’t require a costly match or significant staff resources to manage, as is customary with government grants.
Together, we can make more Dirt Magic in the Lost Sierra. The SBTS and ECHOS Communications power builders for Builders with gracious support from Paul Components, White Industries, WTB, and the frame builder community.
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PezCycling News and the author ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper/safe use, handling, maintenance, and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.
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