Gear Break: Smith ChromaPop-Photochromic Shift Split MAG, Q36.5 presents the new fall/winter 2024 collection – The Tools of the Trade, Ribble launches the Allroad Ti – Crafted for More, ride fast, go far: fizik Powerstrap Aeroweave shoes, affordable carbon road wheelset – Mavic new COSMIC S 42 disc wheelset and SockGuy releases new designs for fall 2024.
Smith ChromaPop-Photochromic Shift Split MAG – $305.00
SMITH evolves its best selling Clear to Grey performance lenses to now incorporate the unmatched color and contrast enhancement of ChromaPop to create a lens hyper-tuned for changing light conditions that amplifies details with optical clarity. The PhotoChromic adaptability suits any light condition – from sunrise to sunset, dark skies to radiating sunshine – and is available in 5 performance frames designed to tackle any terrain on two wheels with greater visual confidence.
Chuck Peña PEZ sez: Both Al and I got a pair of the Smith Shift Split MAG sunglasses so we’ll give you each of our opinions. For the record, we didn’t talk to each other or otherwise coordinate our elegant prose.
Inside the very sturdy had case you’ll find a pair of Smith Shift Split MAG sunglasses with ChromoPop Photochromatic lens, a second clear lens, and soft case that doubles as a lens cleaner
As is the case with pretty much all cycling sunglasses these days, the Smith Shift Split MAG is a BIG shield style. The lens width is 139mm and height is 60mm. Style/fashion is in the eye of the beholder, but definitely a lot of lens real estate for sun and wind protection. Smith calls the Shift Split MAG a “medium” size frame. I have to wonder how big “large” is. Just remember what our PEZ compardre, Ed Hood, said: “be careful of sizing, if you have a small head and wear huge shades you could stray into ‘Dame Edna’ or ‘Fearless Fly’ territory – neither is icy.”
You can decide if this is medium or large
Speaking of Ed …
As many PEZ readers probably know, Ed suffered a serious stroke some 18 months ago. We miss him a lot. Unfortunately, Ed probably won’t make it back into our bunch, so we started a GoFundMe page to help Ed with his future. Read the full post here – and please consider donating.
** Click this link to donate to the GoFundMe page to help Ed **
The nose pad has two positions for fit, but the Shift Split MAG was comfortable for me right out of the box.
NOTE: The Shift Split MAG comes in seven color combinations with mirrored ChromoPop lens. The Photochromatic lens version that Al and I got can only be had with a glossy black frame. And the lens isn’t mirrored.
27 grams is pretty svelte
Of course, what sets the Smith Shift Split Mag ChromoPop Photochromatic apart from most other cycling sunglasses is the lens. Smith claims their ChromoPop lenses “enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop.” I have no way to measure this but can say that to my eye the view looked a little bit sharper. YMMV.
The Photochromatic tech means that as light conditions change, the lens tint changes — Smith claims “from clear to gray.” However, to my eye, the lightest tint isn’t clear, but a very light gray.
The difference between the Photochromatic lens at its lightest tint (left) and the clear lens (right) is apparent
I can’t say exactly how much tint is provided and Smith doesn’t make any claims. What I can say is that my eyes were comfortable riding in full, bright sunlight conditions as well as cloudy, overcast conditions.
You’ll have to decide for yourself if the Shift Split MAG can do double-duty as a pair of “regular” sunglasses
If your fashion sense can live without mirrored lenses, the Smith Shift Split MAG ChromaPop Photochromatic (yes, that’s a mouthful!) are a pair of “do it all” sunglasses. If you know you’re going to be riding in bright sunlight all day, you might prefer a pair of sunglasses with a single, dark tint (like the Smith Shift Split MAG with mirrored ChromaPop lenses). But if you’re go to be riding in changing light conditions, e.g., sun and clouds, the Smith Shift Split MAG ChromaPop Photochromatic should provide enough tint in full sun but be light enough (with contrast) when clouds roll in. Ditto for if you’re riding in and out of shaded, e.g., tree lined/forested, areas. I also found I could ride with the Photochromatic lens at night with a good headlight (mine is 1000 lumens) with ambient street lighting, but not if it was completely dark.
Always a good idea to try on cycling sunglasses with your helmet to make sure they fit well together
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: Chuck wrote his review before me, and to be honest he has said it all. I would agree the best thing about the Smith Shift Split Mag ChromoPop Photochromatic glasses are the lens. They do seem to make everything clearer and sharper. The fact that they are photochromatic is also a bonus, it means you don’t have to think about the light before you go out. If it goes dull or the sun comes out, you still have the right glasses.
Dark when you need them
You always have the option of the clear lens, good for evening training. Swapping the lenses is easy, there is great clip system on the legs that allows you to swap lenses in a matter of seconds. The clear lens also seems sharpen the vision.
The clear lens for very dull days or evening rides
The legs and nose pice are easy to adjust to your head and nose. You can get the fit just right and they stay in place. I lent them to a runner friend who likes a bit of mountain and trail running. He was impressed by how they handled the rough stuff. I was lucky to get them back.
Not too big for casual wear
The Smith Shift Split Mag’s are big, but when you have them on you don’t notice much of a difference on your face, this is probably helped by not having a frame at the bottom of the lens. Also no chance of steaming up as there are gaps at the top of the lens for ventilation.
Overall I like the Smith glasses, they are comfortable, fairly light and fit well and the best thing is the Photochromatic lens. Glasses for all light conditions.
The Smith description:
Put it into high gear with the Smith Shift Split MAG sunglasses. Their split-frame design provides an obstruction-free view of the road and trail with a lightweight feel that stays put through technical trails and full-gas descents. With ChromaPop lens tech, they ensure crisp visuals to keep you on track and charging. Interchangeable lenses let you choose the right tint, and the Smith MAG system makes for quick, fingerprint-free lens changes thanks to its simple magnetic-clip design.
Fine tune your kit with additional or replacement lenses for sunny conditions, variable conditions, and cloudy conditions. Expand your view here.
Product Details
Vision
ChromaPop lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop
Light-sensitive, photochromic lenses adapt to changing light conditions
Smith MAG lets you change lenses quickly
Smudge and moisture-resistant coatings for easy cleaning and clear optics
Fit / Integration
Medium to large fit, large coverage
5-base cylindrical shield lens curvature
Slight wraparound fit
Megol temples and nose pads provide non-slip grip so glasses stay put
Two-position, adjustable Megol nose pads
Frame
High impact resistant TR90 nylon frame
AutoLock hinges hold frames open for easy one-hand on and off
More info at: www.smithoptics.com.
Q36.5 Presents the New Fall/Winter 2024 Collection – The Tools of the Trade
Highly innovative proprietary fabrics, cuts that follow body mapping and new colors.
Q36.5, a leader in technical cycling apparel, presents the new fall/winter 2024 collection, The Tools of the Trade.
Engineered in the Dolomites and manufactured locally in Italy, Q36.5 represents the ultimate performance upgrade for the rider looking to be prepared across all conditions and terrain. Feel the difference from the very first pedal stroke.
All Q36.5 technology works towards the principal goal of maintaining the optimal body temperature of 36.5°C at all times. Optimal body temperature guarantees the possibility to perform at your highest level whilst protecting your health. Since 2012 we have been using pioneering testing methods to objectively test, improve and refine the thermoregulatory characteristics of our proprietary fabrics, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the relationship between body temperature and performance, unlocking marginal gains for elite athletes and protecting the health of amateurs across the world.
Below are the technical characteristics of the flagship garments in the collection:
Dottore Hybrid Que Long Sleeve Jersey
The 3.0 version of a quintessential Q36.5 icon. The new Dottore Hybrid Que Long Sleeve is the ultimate hybrid winter jersey/jacket, designed to offer maximum versatility across body temperatures and weather conditions meaning you’ll end up wearing it more than any other item in your winter wardrobe.
The new Hybrid Que employs an even more nuanced body mapping with the use of three fabrics, pinstripe material on the back panel for ventilation, the signature UF Hybrid fabric for the chest and outer arms for wind control, and a softer insulating fleece fabric for the inner arms and stomach. This newly tuned body mapped mix of materials results in extending the jersey’s overall temperature range deeper into winter.
Dottore Hybrid Bib Shorts
Specially requested by our Pro Team for Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders in 2024, the Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Bib Shorts are for riders looking to maintain that same “race feel” of their summer bib shorts well into winter and avoid the dreaded ritual of pulling on tights for as long as possible. The Dottore Hybrid Bibs use our signature proprietary woven fabrics across the seat and lumbar area while a brushed knitted fabric is used for the legs. Sensitive riders will in fact notice that the overall feeling of the bibs is closest to our Gregarius Pro Bib Shorts (also favored by our professional team) with its unrestricted and “not-even-there” feeling. Riders living in the Mediterranean or other areas with moderate winters will be able to wear these bibs throughout winter.
Gregarius Winter Jacket
The Q36.5 Gregarius Winter Jacket is our cutting-edge reinterpretation of the classic “soft shell” winter cycling jacket. Our innovative update is driven by the use of an advanced fabric solution for the most exposed parts of the body. The outer arms and body are all constructed from a 2L fabric with a membrane that is lined (not bonded!) using our proprietary 3D Air Insulation. The result is a jacket that remains extremely light (both in terms of grams and on-the-body feel) and features a level of moisture management and warmth-to-weight ratio that was previously unimaginable.
Base Layer 4 Long Sleeves
The long sleeve Q36.5 Base Layer 4 uses a unique seamless construction and intelligent materials to ensure you stay warm and dry while training in cold conditions. By introducing Emana® yarn and Hollow Fiber to the weave of the base layer, it is possible not only to keep your torso dry, but to help you generate body heat to keep you warm.
Termico Winter Gloves
The Termico Winter Gloves are specially designed to provide essential warmth on seriously cold rides without compromising control or dexterity. By using a multi-layer system, the Termico Winter Gloves provide both water protection thanks to a special laminated membrane, and insulation through the UF Air In sulation Plus material.
The garments are available online, at q36.5.com, and in top cycling stores.
Ribble launches the Allroad Ti – Crafted for More
Ribble unveils the new Allroad Ti. Crafted for more. Cutting-edge titanium construction, seamlessly sculpted lines, optimised for performance. Marrying state-of-the-art 3D printing with traditional construction techniques, this is the future of titanium bikes.
Ribble, the UK’s largest titanium bike brand synonymous with a longstanding heritage in hand-built bikes and innovative British design, showcases the future of titanium bikes with the Allroad Ti. Designed to maximise and enhance the unique ride qualities of Titanium with an endurance focussed geometry to deliver uncompromising performance, speed and versatility.
The Allroad Ti frame blends performance and comfort with compliance and resilience.
Made from corrosion-resistant 3AL-2.5V Titanium, the headtube and seattube clusters are formed via additive manufacturing (3D printing) to create unique profiles, optimised for aerodynamic efficiencies.
An over-sized threaded T47 bottom bracket increases stiffness and enhances power transfer.
The D-shaped carbon seatpost allows for flex giving additional comfort and features an integrated seat clamp.
The additive manufacturing process also allows for full internal cable routing as the key sections of the frame are formed from scratch, creating clean lines to show off the brushed, hand finished titanium frame in its full glory.
Individually crafted, each frame is unique and retains subtle traces of the maker’s mark.
Desirable design features include a modern sleek form, smooth hand polished welds with seamless integration alongside laser etched logos and a debossed head badge (generated as part of the additive manufacturing process). Combined with a wider profile carbon fork, finished in metallic black gloss and brushed metal logos to further enhance the design.
“The Allroad Ti project has been an opportunity to push the boundaries of what is possible with titanium beyond basic round tube profiles. The additive manufacturing process has allowed us to take aerodynamic features from our Ultra range and apply them to this bike to create a high-performance titanium road bike with distinctive ride properties. From the initial prototype showcased at a leading industry show last year and launch today the bike has been through thousands of miles testing and multiple iterations to hone the design, ride and performance.” Jamie Burrow, Head of Product, Ribble.
The Allroad Ti has been specifically designed for those who want the ride characteristics of titanium – strength, durability and resilience – combined with a more relaxed endurance style geometry for all-day riding on all road surfaces. The inclusion of the carbon UB-2 bars with their direct lever mounts and wake generators blends aerodynamics and ergonomics enhancing the overall performance of the bike. The increased tyre clearance (up to 35mm) offers versatility across riding surfaces with concealed mudguard mounts offering year-round riding capabilities.
The Allroad Ti forms part of the new Allroad platform designed by Ribble to redefine what is possible on a road bike and sits alongside the carbon Allroad SL R, SL and SL R e models.
All Ribble bikes are made to order and the specification can be customised using their configurator tool. The Allroad Ti featured is based on the ‘Hero’ pre-build specification, with additional upgrades via Ribble’s configurator and comes in at £9,799.
Additional recommended specs in the range include Allroad Ti Hero @ £7,999, Allroad Ti Pro @ £5,499, Allroad Ti Enthusiast @ £4,099 and Allroad Ti Sport @ £3,499.
Specifications:
Allroad Ti Sport, rrp £3,499
Frame: 3AL-2.5V brushed Titanium, 3D printed headtube and seat-cluster
Fork: Allroad Ti Carbon, gloss black
Seatpost: Allroad Carbon, D-shaped, gloss black
Groupset: Shimano 105 12 Speed
Wheelset: Mavic Aksium 1 with Pirelli P7 Sport 32mm tyres
Handlebar: Level Alloy bar
Stem: RS-2 stem
Saddle: Selle Italia Model X Superflow
Weight: 9.91kg (medium).
Allroad Ti Enthusiast, rrp £4,099
Frame: 3AL-2.5V brushed Titanium, 3D printed headtube and seat-cluster
Fork: Allroad Ti Carbon, gloss black
Seatpost: Allroad Carbon, D-shaped, gloss black
Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2 12 Speed
Wheelset: Mavic Aksium 1 with Pirelli P7 Sport 32mm tyres
Handlebar: Level Alloy bar
Stem: RS-2 stem
Saddle: Selle Italia Model X Superflow
Weight: 9.85kg (medium).
Allroad Ti Pro, rrp £5,499
Frame: 3AL-2.5V brushed Titanium, 3D printed headtube and seat-cluster
Fork: Allroad Ti Carbon, gloss black
Seatpost: Allroad Carbon, D-shaped, gloss black
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 12 Speed
Wheelset: Mavic Cosmic S with Pirelli P Zero Road 32mm tyres
Handlebar: Ribble UB-2 carbon bar, gloss black
Stem: RS-2 stem
Saddle: Selle Italia SL R Boost Saddle
Weight: 9.35kg (medium).
Allroad Ti Hero, rrp £7,999
Frame: 3AL-2.5V brushed Titanium, 3D printed headtube and seat-cluster
Fork: Allroad Ti Carbon, gloss black
Seatpost: Allroad Carbon, D-shaped, gloss black
Groupset: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 12 Speed
Wheelset: Zipp 303 Firecrest with Pirelli P Zero Race 32mm tyres
Handlebar: Ribble UB-2 carbon bar, gloss black
Stem: RS-2 stem
Saddle: Selle Italia SL R Boost 3D Kit Carbonio Superflow
Weight: 8.7kg (medium).
Allroad Ti Hero (shown, upgraded via configurator), rrp £9,799
Frame: 3AL-2.5V brushed Titanium, 3D printed headtube and seat-cluster
Fork: Allroad Ti Carbon, gloss black
Seatpost: Allroad Carbon, D-shaped, gloss black
Groupset: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 12 Speed
Wheelset: Zipp 353 NSW with Pirelli P Zero Race 32mm tyres
Handlebar: Ribble UB-2 carbon bar, gloss black
Stem: RS-2 stem
Saddle: Selle Italia SL R Boost 3D Kit Carbonio Superflow
Weight: 8.5kg.
Weights (based on Medium):
Frame: 1720g
Painted fork: 470g
Painted Allroad seatpost: 250g.
All Allroad Ti specifications can be upgraded / personalised via the Configurator, including Wheel options, Bar options, Saddle options…
Between showing the prototype at Rouleur last year and launching now the bike has been through thousands of miles testing and multiple iterations to hone the design, ride and performance.
Ribble is the UK’s largest titanium bike brand, as well as one of the leading European ones.
This expertise and experience in titanium, combined with selling direct to our customers, mean the Allroad Ti is a groundbreaking bike which is, pound-for-pound, incredible value.
The aim for the Allroad Ti was to combine the technological know-how and precision engineering seen in our carbon bikes, with traditional craftsmanship and manufacturing techniques to create something both high-performance and aesthetically really quite special.
More information about the Ribble Allroad Ti can be found here at: www.ribblecycles.co.uk.
Ride Fast, Go Far: fizik Powerstrap Aeroweave Shoes
A lightweight, ultra-breathable road cycling shoe built from an innovative, net-like material paired with a full-carbon outsole for unrivalled ventilation and race-ready responsiveness. With its innovative second-generation Aeroweave upper, Powerstrap Aeroweave is a straight up racing shoe: the lightest and most breathable in the range, built with a high-tenacity net-like structure coupled with our stiffest carbon outsole.
Aeroweave
The pursuit of reducing weight and increasing ventilation while maintaining support and protection led our designers and engineers to develop an entirely new material: Aeroweave. Now in its second generation, Aeroweave woven fabric interlaces nylon fibers with filaments of thermoplastic polymers for an even lighter shoe that doesn’t lose its original tenacity, providing the strength and support required in competition.
Powerstrap
While most traditional Velcro closures simply pull together both sides of the shoe’s upper, in the Vento Powerstrap configuration, a ribbon wraps around the foot, providing secure containment using just two straps. The instep and the midfoot are separately adjustable for customized fit and compression, and now, these straps have been streamlined to make them even lighter and stronger.
R3 Outsole
Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave also features an entirely new outsole, the R3, engineered with an updated carbon fiber layup and new design to save weight without compromising stiffness. With an index of 10, the R3 is a stiff outsole providing optimal power transfer. Two wide vent inlets and deep internal channelling enable a cooling airflow, contributing to temperature management. Aligned with latest bike fitting trends, the R3 outsole offers a recessed cleat positioning, the same as all of the most recent fizik models, to optimize pedalling efficiency and reduce knee compression, especially well suited to very aggressive, forward aero positions.
Technologies / Specifications
Aeroweave upper: extremely breathable, high-tenacity net-like structure
Powerstrap: foot-wrapping Velcro closure designed for an enveloping fit
R3 outsole: full carbon outsole, stiffness index 10
Weight: 184 g
Sizes: 36-48 (37 to 47 also in half sizes)
RRP: €350EU, $379,99USA, £334.99UK
More info at: www.fizik.com.
Affordable Carbon Road Wheelset – Mavic New COSMIC S 42 Disc Wheelset
Mavic introduces the Cosmic S carbon wheels, combining performance, versatility, and durability at a revolutionary price of less than 1000€.
Here are their three main strengths:
1. *Acceleration and control* due to the carbon rim’s lightness, for exceptional responsiveness and handling.
2. *Optimized stability and aerodynamic performance* with a 42 mm rim profile and flat spokes, suitable for all type of slope.
3. *Durability and simplified maintenance*, with high-quality hubs, classic spokes and a 2+1 years warranty and Care program, for long-term use.
These innovations position the Cosmic S wheels as the benchmark for cyclists seeking excellence at an accessible price.
More info at www.mavic.com.
SockGuy Releases New Designs for Fall 2024
SockGuy has new designs engineered to inspire athletes everywhere, from roadies, to mountain bikers, runners, hikers, and gym freaks. As usual, we’re keeping it weird and fun!
With 28 years as sock experts, SockGuy has provided athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and pretty much everyone else with a high-performance fit and cool designs for hard-working/hard-playing feet. SockGuy socks are manufactured right here in the USA – no outsourcing, no cutting corners – just great-fitting, no blistering, moisture-wicking, high-styling socks.
Here are some of our new designs:
Top row, left to right:
MMMM
Cyclepath
Enchanted
Solitude
Bottom row, left to right:
Burnt Out
Pot Head
Easy Tiger
Good Idea
Bee Kind
SockGuy socks are available in fine athletic retailers worldwide and online at SockGuy.com
MSRP is $11.95-$22.95
See all of our new designs here
Note: If you have other experiences with gear or something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything (we just imply it at times). Give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews or a slap in the head if you feel the need!
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.
The post Gear Break: Smith ChromaPop-Photochromic Glasses, Q36.5 Fall/Winter Collection, Ribble Allroad Ti, fizik Powerstrap Aeroweave Shoes, Mavic COSMIC Disc Wheelset & SockGuy Fall Designs appeared first on PezCycling News.
