Gear Break: NorthWave Extreme Evo jersey and Extreme Pro 2 bibshorts collection, Wahoo Fitness unveils all-new rechargeable TRACKR Heart Rate – Where precision meets performance, MCipollini ITACA: Where speed meets comfort, Nimbl Ultimate Exceed “Fleur de Lis”, fizik gets personal: Introducing One-to-One and Michael Blann exploring the Swiss mountains.
NorthWave Extreme Evo Jersey and Extreme Pro 2 Bibshorts Collection
NorthWave Extreme Evo Jersey
Comfortable and looks good
Alastair Hamilton – PEZ sez: ‘I don’t like black cycling jerseys’, there i said it. But the NorthWave Extreme Evo jersey is more classy than a plain black jersey. The most obvious difference is the lilac sleeves and the gold coloured pockets. NorthWave is also written down the front and back and the colours coordinate with the lilac sleeves with the writing on the back and the writing on the front with the rear pockets. There is also a ‘sunburst’ logo front and back that brings the whole design together. Definitely the classiest black jersey I’ve ever seen.
The colours on the front tie in with the back
Certainly not all black
The lilac sleeves are made of a textured material and have silicone gripper dots on the edge to keep everything in place. There is a full length quality zip with a flap running from top to bottom. The collar is low, but looks and feels okay.
Grippers on the sleeves
Easy access
The pockets have easy access as the two outer ones are angled and the bottom of the pockets are pleated to take more items and hold their shape. There is a gripper strip of silicone just at the back, bellow the pockets to stop the jersey riding down.
Rear gripper strip
A good look
The NorthWave Extreme Evo jersey is ‘slim fit’. I usually order ‘M’ but went for a ‘L’ and it fits well. The jersey has been designed and made well, you can feel the quality in the material. There are no ends of material on the inside, as it has been finished off nicely. A classic bit of clothing.
A fine collection
Riding is a challenge, is conquering a climb and feeling pure energy bursting in your veins. It’s not just a matter of success… cycling means enjoying every meter achieved on the bike with strength and passion, it’s the route more than the finish line that tells who you are.
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NorthWave Extreme Pro 2 Bibshorts
Alastair Hamilton – PEZ sez: The NorthWave Extreme Pro 2 bibshorts are black, but I don’t have a problem with that as black shorts do go with just about every jersey. There is an ‘NW’ logo on the left leg, that you can hardly see and a small red label at the back, but otherwise no one will know what you are wearing. Personally I don’t mind a more obvious makers mark, but subtlety is also okay.
The leg is quite long, as is the style, and there are gripper lines on the inside to hold them down and in place.
The most important pad has more padding where it should and less in other places. They feel like they could handle a long ride, more than I can manage! The straps are wide and there is a ventilated section at the back. They fit well. I ordered ‘M’ as usual, but maybe should have asked for ‘L’, but they are fine. Like the jersey, the bibs are well made with top class materials. Comfortable and very wearable.
A very nice collection from NorthWave
Riding is testing your limits. Speed, resistance, bravery are your elements on and off the road. You look for a second skin as cycling apparel. Technicity and breathability cannot be compromised as every experience on the saddle should be a rewarding moment of cheerfulness.
The main material is Sitip’s COBRA 40 Power, strong and opaque, breathable and easy-care fabric that, thanks to its ‘Microsense Soft Performance’ & ‘Eclipse Sun Protection’ technologies, provides UV protection and improves performance.
The high-compression Cobra 40 Power gives exceptional muscle support and compression thanks to its single-panel, single-seam construction at the crotch End leg in raw cut panel with non-slip silicone print inside
Top back body in Sensitive perforated fabrics by Eurojersey, breathable and extremely light: the unique ultra-thin fabric with 27% LYCRA® and soft microfibre
Pad “PARIS HP” by Elastic interface for road and off-road over 7 hours featuring 3 densities, central channel specific for male anatomy and multidirectional curvature. Perforations on the surface and on central insert maximize the breathability.
- The high-density insert (120kg/m3)
- ECO Carbonium Flash top fabric
NorthWave Switch Socks
Alastair Hamilton – PEZ sez: This is my second pair of NorthWave socks, the first pair came with the Northwave Veloce Extreme shoes, on that occasion they were the NorthWave Extreme Air socks, this time they are the Switch socks. The material is different and they feel a bit tighter, maybe more aero, but as comfortable. The ‘PEZ Sock Guru’, Chuck Peña, would be pleased to see them, as they come a bit higher than I would normally wear. I’ve never had matching sleeves and socks before.
The Switch socks are made from different textured materials with ribs at the back, smooth sections at the front and under the sole and what feels like a thin padding area on the top of the foot. Very comfortable and they come in some great colours.
- Qskin yarn provides bacteriostatic natural balance and odour-free
- Super-breathable openwork knit on the entire surface grants amazing airflow
- Double elastic hem
- Height: 17cm
Wahoo Fitness unveils all-new, rechargeable TRACKR Heart Rate – Where precision meets performance.
Alastair Hamilton – PEZ sez: I’ve only had my Wahoo TRACKR Heart Rate for less than a week and only managed two rides, one on Zwift and one in the real world. So there will be a longer review in a few weeks. The most obvious things you notice are that the new Wahoo TRACKER Heart Rate is smaller and there are the small charging points at the bottom. The strap is also slightly different in that it has a hook buckle at the side and not held together by the HRM at the front. Front fastening is maybe easier, but it wasn’t a problem.
The new HRM is smaller
The charging points
It does seem more comfortable and the sensor area is bigger, so it should read your pulse even when moving about, changing position etc. Connecting with the phone, Wahoo ROAM and Zwift via Apple TV was easy. The code of your TRACKR is printed on the back, so no problem in the gym.
Much bigger sensor area
Well packaged with all the info
Personally I would say the big thing is the change from the coin battery to rechargeable. Previously you didn’t know when the battery needed replacing and it would always happen at the wrong time, just when there are no batteries in the house. The magnetised connector is great, but you do need to stick a label to it so it doesn’t get mixed up with all your other cables… which seems to becoming a bigger problem these days. The TRACKR Heart Rate is sealed, and not having to open it up to change the battery must keep it water/sweat tight.
Hook strap clip
OK, only two short rides, but the TRACKR worked perfectly. No dropouts, no loss of pulse reading and comparing to my Apple watch, they read much the same, so all was good. A follow-up review will need to be done in a month or so.
Very easy to charge
Wahoo Fitness, the leading endurance athlete fitness technology company, has unveiled an exciting new addition to its innovative product lineup, the TRACKR HEART RATE. With new and improved processing technology, TRACKR HEART RATE delivers highly accurate heart rate monitor (HRM) metrics that give athletes the confidence that every training session is another step toward their goals, taking their performance to the next level.
In a FIRST from the leading smart fitness and training brands, TRACKR HEART RATE is equipped with a high-capacity, rechargeable battery with over 100 hours of active battery life in most conditions. This solves long-standing consumer, environmental, performance, and safety pain points associated with HRMs – by eradicating the use of coin cell batteries.
Accurate, comfortable, and rechargeable, TRACKR HEART RATE delivers a number of high-value key features:
- Accuracy: Featuring an advanced detection algorithm, TRACKR HEART RATE provides accurate real-time heart rate data to enhance training efficiency and support optimal performance.
- Comfort: The chest strap is a totally new design with comfort in mind, including a non-invasive side closure that allows athletes to move freely in any workout.
- Ecosystem compatibility: With ANT+ and multi-Bluetooth connectivity, the TRACKR HEART RATE connects seamlessly with both indoor training systems and outdoors with ELEMNT computers, GPS smartwatches, and smartphones, and with apps including Apple Watch, Zwift, STRAVA, adidas Running, Nike Run Club, Peloton and the Wahoo ecosystem of apps and training products.
- Rechargeable Battery: TRACKR HEART RATE is equipped with a high-capacity, rechargeable battery with over 100 hours of active battery life in most conditions, ensuring you’re always ready to train. Whether it’s a marathon training session or an epic cycling tour, TRACKR HEART RATE stays powered for the long haul.
- Reliability: Through rugged testing, athletes have the confidence that TRACKR HEART RATE can withstand daily use and the toughest workouts. TRACKR HEART RATE is the perfect companion for rainy rides or sweaty runs. Rated IPX7, you can push your limits without worrying about the elements.
Gareth Joyce, CEO of Wahoo said “We are thrilled to launch the TRACKR HEART RATE monitor. Our goal was to create a device that athletes can rely on for accurate data, unmatched comfort, and seamless integration with their training ecosystems. TRACKR HEART RATE is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding athletes, providing them with the tools to optimise their training and achieve their performance goals.”
TRACKR HEART RATE is the first in the newly branded TRACKR line up of accessories from Wahoo, that will see a range of newly designed sensors for endurance athletes coming later this year and into 2025. The TRACKR accessory line will enable endurance athletes to build their personalised ecosystem for indoor and outdoor training to precisely measure their unique performance goals.
MCipollini ITACA: Where Speed Meets Comfort
Craftsmanship, method, technology, and continuous innovation. MCipollini continues to evolve, striving for perfection and excellence in every product while maintaining its signature feature: the monocoque frame that epitomizes the greatness of its bicycles.
The latest creation, born in 2024, is ITACA, which is developed based on the “Frame of a Genius,” MCipollini’s TCM frame. ITACA is crafted from a single mold through a lengthy and complex process. The true monocoque TCM frame eliminates many weaknesses found in other monocoque frames on the market, which often join the rear triangle to the front part of the frame using adhesives. This method can lead to structural degradation over time, reducing performance.
In contrast, the TCM monocoque structure absorbs pressures more evenly and less impactfully, enhancing durability over the years.
Seatpost Designed for Comfort
ITACA, while retaining the essential stiffness and speed characteristic of the MCipollini road range, is geared more towards comfort. A significant improvement comes from the redesigned seatpost, which incorporates flax fiber in its lamination. This natural fiber helps dampen vibrations from the ground, making the ride smoother for the cyclist. The in-house production by the Zecchetto group allowed the builders to experiment with various laminations and materials, selecting the best ones after thorough testing.
The seatpost design also improves the absorption of road imperfections, making long rides significantly more comfortable.
The Frame
As mentioned, the frame is MCipollini’s TCM with a 3K carbon finish, achieved through meticulous handcrafted lamination. Carbon sheets are laid and overlapped within an aluminum mold to achieve the best results. This lamination process produces a single piece that requires no additional structural processing or subsequent curing that could alter the frame’s integrity.
The choice of fibers used in the lamination, their certification, and the autoclave construction technology ensure that ITACA, like all MCipollini frames, boasts unique mechanical properties.
Technical Specifications and Accessories
ITACA features endurance geometries aimed at optimizing long distances without sacrificing the typical MCipollini handling. The keyword remains “comfort,” and to this end, the frame and fork accommodate tires up to 40 mm (actual measured width), providing more comfort, better traction, and increased safety on descents. The design is optimized for 32 mm tires, which come standard on ITACA bicycles.
Direct mount 160 mm disc brakes have been included, eliminating the need for adapters and resulting in cleaner lines. ITACA is also compatible with new full-mount derailleurs and standard derailleurs via UDH dropout.
In terms of accessories, ITACA comes with a magnetically-sealed storage compartment for easy access during mechanical interventions, and a standard MCipollini case suitable for holding multitools, tire levers, and CO2 cartridges.
Nimbl: Ultimate Exceed “Fleur de Lis”
With a tribute to Renaissance, Nimbl presents a new Limited Edition of the renowned Ultimate Exceed
The shoes designed in collaboration with Team Visma-Lease a Bike, combine excellence and innovation, at the intersection of two worlds.
Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, is the backdrop for the launch of a Limited Edition created by Nimbl and Team Visma-Lease a Bike. Just as Caterina de’ Medici strengthened the bridge of culture and charm between France and Florence by marrying Henry of Valois, who later became king in 1547, nearly five hundred years later it is cycling that reconnects the historic link between Florence and France. The unparalleled event is the Grand Départ of the Tour de France. In fact, on June 29 in Florence, Team Visma-Lease a Bike will be at the start with a look completely dedicated to the Renaissance.
It is a limited edition resulting from the collaboration between the Italian brand and the Dutch team. A design that recalls the bold elegance of that magnificent century. The Ultimate Exceed Fleur de Lis feature distinctive traits such as the iconic “fleur-de-lis” on the upper and subtle decorations to recall the era and to mark the exchanges between the two worlds.
Reminiscent of classic atmospheres, the details are essential suited to a clean style that has always been peculiar to this shoes’ philosophy.
The technological pedigree of the Ultimate Exceed is developed on the quality standards of authentic Italian craftsmanship. Made to revolutionize the concept of power transmission, it adapts perfectly to the foot and is designed to ensure the optimal position while pedaling. Lightweight and fast, they are distinguished by the unmistakable monocoque sole for an unprecedented fit.
Team Visma-Lease a Bike will wear the new Limited Edition for all three weeks of the Grande Boucle, finding in this product the key virtues that make it excellent: impeccable fit and outstanding power transfer. The Ultimate Exceed is preparing to write a new chapter in sports history again.
fizik Gets Personal: Introducing One-to-One
There’s no comfort like custom
Introducing an entirely new take on individually tailored support: fizik One-to-One.
We understand. Finding the perfect saddle fit is a personal choice—one determined by a number of factors like riding style, bike set-up, and body type. Fortunately, with our new One-to-One program, fizik gets personal. Through One-to-One, we’re introducing a shift in the paradigm of individually tailored comfort and support.
Fizik One to one program
Working together with a global network of select fizik dealers as well as the bike-fit experts at GebioMized® and our partners at Carbon®, we use real-time pressure-mapping data to design and deliver a one-of-a-kind bespoke saddle directly to your doorstep—because there’s no comfort like custom.
Michael Blann Exploring the Swiss Mountains
When it comes to cycling in the mountains, the French Alps and Pyrenees, as well as the Italian Dolomites often get most airtime. However, despite its size, Switzerland offers up an enticing number of stunning mountain ascents to climb by bike.
I’ve captured many of the biggest and best climbs in the Mountains Project, including iconic names such as the Furka Pass, the Grimsel Pass, the Gotthard Pass and several others too.
Having been inspired by the recent Tour de Suisse, a classic build up to the Tour de France which rolls out this weekend, I wanted to spotlight some of my favourite shots from the Swiss mountains.
Click on any of the prints below to discover on the shop.
Note: PEZCyclingNews 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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