Gear Break: Tifosi Smirk sunglasses, KASK Nirvana aero helmet, now on sale – Wahoo Fitness groundbreaking KICKR RUN smart treadmill – Redefining and transforming indoor running, TrainingPeaks acquires indieVelo and launches TrainingPeaks Virtual, new Alpitude Navene carbon saddle and Michael Blann new prints – Alto de Velefique and Pico del Veleta, Sierra Nevada.
Tifosi Smirk Sunglasses – $29.95
According to Tifosi Optics:
Smirk sport sunglasses, get ready to elevate your active lifestyle! Smirk’s polycarbonate, teardrop-shaped lenses are not just stylish but built for the toughest challenges. They offer shatterproof protection and UV defense, ensuring your eyes stay safe while you conquer the day.
- Frame: Light and durable Grilamid TR-90
- Lens: Shatterproof polycarbonate lenses with 100% UVA / UVB protection from UV Rays
- Features: Integrated hinge never pulls hair, hydrophilic nose pads for increased gripping, and Tifosi Glide technology allows the frame to slide on comfortably and provide a no-slip fit
- Fit: Small-Large
- Weight: 24 grams
- Included: Microfiber cleaning bag
Tifosi says 24 grams and that’s what they weighed on my scale
PEZ sez: The Tifosi Smirk sunglasses are not cycling-specific sunglasses, but I know more than a few riders who would be perfectly comfortable/happy wearing them on a bike ride — but don’t worry … you won’t see them in the pro peloton. What they are are a “basic” pair of everyday/all-around sunglasses for being out and about or just lounging around.
The soft case doubles as a microfiber cleaning bag … or is it the other way around?
The Smirk comes in 10 different colorways. PEZ got the Aqua Shimmer Frame – Smoke Tint with Rose Mirror. Or to be more specific, it’s what I got for my wife because she wanted a new pair of sunglasses.
If you’re wondering … the Smirk measures 135 mm across and each lens is 43.2 mm tall x 49 mm wide
The nose and ear pieces aren’t adjustable. The nose piece is hydrophilic rubber for no slip grip. And the ear pieces have Tifosi Glide textured coating to slide on easily and provide grip.
I said at the top that I got these for my wife. She loves the color (green is her favorite color). They’ve become her go-to pair of sunglasses for walking, kayaking, driving, and just about everything else (except cycling). Her eyes are very light sensitive and the Smirk provides more than enough tint for bright sunny days in the Lowcountry. She also appreciates the integrated hinge that doesn’t pull her hair. For her, the Smirk is a great pair of sport/lifestyle sunglasses.
Finally, a great thing about all Tifosi sunglasses is that they’re more than affordable — especially when compared to many of the name brands (nothing in the Tifosi range costs more than $100, even those that come with multiple lenses). So if you ever damage or lose a pair (not that I know anyone who would do that, mind you), it won’t cost you a fortune to replace.
Hanging out in the our Carolina room … our dog, Cooper, wanted to get in on the actionKASK Nirvana Aero Helmet
The KASK Nirvana helmet is claimed to save Watts and give you lots of ventilation. A classy looking helmet… but at a price.
Comfortable and super aero
PEZ sez: The KASK Nirvana is at the cutting edge of aero bike helmets. Acording to KASK “you cut through the air with unparalleled efficiency”. Yes, I’m sure it saves you Watts (a claimed 10.4 watts at 60kph), but how it feels, looks, ventilation and the safety involved are points that are more important to me – Okay if it makes riding easier then that’s a bonus.
Looks good
The first thing you notice about the KASK Nirvana is that the helmet covers the top part of your ears, I would think this would help with aerodynamics, but can you still hear cars coming up behind you? Yes, your hearing is just the same. Does the wind cause any noise in the helmet? No, even into a headwind, there was no air turbulence, noise or discomfort. The way the helmet covers your whole head does give a feeling of full protection, this could be just my feeling, but it is certainly reassuring.
The ear covering is not a problem
KASK also claim that there is more ventilation than other ‘aero’ helmets. There are only four vents at the front of the Nirvana, but they are big, allowing a lot of air to enter the helmet and your head. There is a large rear vent for the air to flow through. I’ve ridden wearing the helmet just under 20ºC and just over 30ºC and on both occasions there was overheating, although I did feel hotter when riding slowly.
Large rear vent
Inside the helmet there is a lot of space between your skull and the top, which seems to let the air pass through, plus the honeycomb 3D printed padding helps with this too. Ventilation has been well thought through with this design and it works well. There is also a reflective strip under the rear vent for night riding.
3D padding
Those 3D printed pads also help with safety. Kask says they improve the performance of the helmet in rotational impacts, they are main cause of diffuse brain injuries. This is what the MIPS system also does, so top marks for safety. The straps at the ears are well placed, although there isn’t any adjustment of the pacing of the straps. The part of the strap under the chin feels like leather and doesn’t chaff and is adjustable.
Leather feel chin strap
The retainer at the back of the head is fully adjustable up and down, similar to most helmets and there is a twist knob to tighten/loosen the grip. There is no padding on the plastic retainer, unlike may other helmets, but I didn’t notice any problems.
Fully adjustable rear retainer
The front padding is very soft, which feels nice on your forehead, but did soak up the sweat. This did stop it running into your eyes, but needed drying out when you got home. The shape of the front of the Nirvana fitted my head shape well, but if you have a narrow head, I would try it first before buying. I weighed the Nirvana and it was slightly bellow the 270grm that KASK claims, but my scales are not the best. The helmet feels light, sign of a good helmet is that you forget you are wearing it after a short time.
Light enough to forget about
The Nirvana fits me well and I tried a few different sunglasses and they didn’t bump against the helmet, even on rough roads. You can put your glasses in the vents, but I found they didn’t all fit. It was also a little tricky to get the glasses inside the helmet and over the straps while riding. It also comes with a protective carrying bag. I tried hard to find something I didn’t like about the Nirvana, but my only criticism would be that it felt a little loose, it wasn’t and it didn’t move about on my head. Maybe it’s just more comfortable than my other helmets.
Look good from the back too
To sum the KASK Nirvana up: It is very well designed and made, but the price is high, as you would expect from a helmet that is made for someone looking for every ‘Minimal Gain’ possible. At first I thought it looked a bit too android like, but it has grown on me, no strange looks going into the cafe. Comfortable and light and we have to believe KASK’s claims of aerodynamics. If you have the money and want an aero helmet, then it could be the one.
I can feel those extra Watts!
As with all helmets, we always advise that you try it on with your glasses for the perfect fit.
What KASK says:
Elevate your training and racing as you cut through the air with unparalleled efficiency. Engineered for the elite Roadie, Triathlete, and Pistard, the Nirvana stands as the pinnacle of racing performance. Every contour is meticulously crafted to cut through the air with minimal resistance. Say goodbye to the trade-off between speed and breathability – the Nirvana delivers both. The strategically placed vents channel air efficiently, keeping you cool and comfortable even during the most intense moments in the saddle. Experience groundbreaking innovation that redefines the standards of aerodynamic excellence, ventilation, and safety.
Engineered for superior aerodynamics and exceptional ventilation, Nirvana offers a remarkable 35% reduction in aerodynamic drag and 19% increase in ventilation compared to the best aero helmets in its class. While setting a new standard for aerodynamic efficiency, Nirvana also ensures optimal thermoregulation and enhanced endurance. The thoughtfully designed eyewear port seamlessly integrates form and function. The proprietary Multipod, KASK’s 3D-printed internal padding, strengthens the helmet against linear and rotational impacts. The Nirvana’s OCTOFIT+ helmet retention system provides a finely tuned fit for enhanced safety and stability, while a reflective graphic at the back boosts rider visibility for added safety on the road. Experience the perfect blend of innovation and performance with Nirvana.
Tech Specs:
Materials
- Inner padding material: Merino wool
- Chinstrap material: Faux Leather
- Shell finish: Matt
If it’s good enough for Tom…
Standard Detail
- Standard: CE / UKCA – EN 1078
Weight
- Weight: 270 GRAM
- Price: €360 EU, $400 US, $570 Australia & £320 GB.
- More info at: www.kask.com
Now On Sale – Wahoo Fitness Groundbreaking KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill – Redefining and Transforming Indoor Running
Wahoo Fitness, the leading fitness technology company for endurance athletes, announces the official on-sale date of the groundbreaking KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill in the USA, from Thursday 10th October 2024.
Since KICKR RUN was first unveiled in January 2024, demand and excitement has been building fast. Wahoo opened early registration, allowing runners to place a fully refundable deposit to secure the first editions, which are now being delivered to Wahooligans across the USA.
There will also be opportunities across the US for runners and Wahooligans to try out the new KICKR RUN at a selection of events.
Upcoming Events:
- NYC Marathon Expo, New York, NY: October 31st-Nov 2nd
- The Running Event, Austin, TX: November 19th-21st
Key features of KICKR RUN include:
- RunFree Mode: Harnessing advanced position sensing technology, the treadmill dynamically adjusts the belt speed to match your stride in near real-time, allowing you to run hands-free and maintain a natural running form as your pace changes.
- Automatic Grade Control: Experience up to a 15% incline and a 3% decline, automatically adjusting when connected to compatible apps, mirroring the rolling hills of your favourite routes.
- Target Pace Control: Train at the exact pace your workout prescribes with the quick touch of the speed control paddle, to acknowledge the change in pace.
- Responsive Surface and Lateral Tilt: Mimics the feel of running outdoors with a responsive surface for natural energy return and lateral tilting up to 1.5 degrees, challenging your running muscles as if on outdoor terrain.
- Elite Speed Capabilities: Achieve your personal best with a maximum pace of a 4 minute-mile pace, enabling even the fastest runners to train at competitive paces.
- Exceptionally Quiet: even at a 4 minute-mile pace, KICKR RUN is exceptionally quiet to use.
- Smart Connectivity: Integrates seamlessly with the Wahoo App and Zwift Run plus Final Surge, Kinomap, Humango and Training Peaks with many more to follow for a dynamic and interactive training session, with full connectivity including WiFi, Bluetooth, and DirectConnect.
KICKR RUN is professionally delivered, assembled and installed by a premium service provider at the customer’s preferred location.
Chip Hawkins, Founder of Wahoo Fitness, commented: “I am delighted that KICKR RUN will soon be landing in customers homes and training spaces over the coming weeks. I’ve been a runner for many years and have used a treadmill as a tool when required, but I never really enjoyed it or achieved the training gains I required. So I have been working behind the scenes with a very talented group of Wahooligans developing KICKR RUN for over 7 years to transform indoor running. As passionate runners we wanted to create the most realistic experience and create a tool that helps our customers improve, become better athletes and achieve their goals”.
Gareth Joyce, CEO of Wahoo Fitness, commented: “The launch of KICKR RUN represents an exciting new chapter for Wahoo Fitness, as we expand into the running category. KICKR RUN diversifies our product offering, reaching a new audience and we are developing new relationships with partners in the running community. We’re excited to continue innovating to help all athletes reach their full potential.”
Discover the true potential of your run with the KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill, where every run is a true reflection of you.
KICKR RUN is planned to launch in 2025 in Germany and the UK.
- Visit the website for more information: www.wahoofitness.com.
KICKR RUN spec:
- Maximum Speed: 4 minute-mile pace/ 2.28 minute-KM pace
- Maximum Incline: 15%
- Minimum Decline: -3%
- Lateral Tilt – Up to 1.5%
- Display: Grade, Pace, Bluetooth, and WiFi Connectivity
- Belt: 60″L x 22″W
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth and DirectConnect
- Power: 120V
- Product Weight: 275 lb / 125 kg
- Maximum Runner Weight: 250 lb / 113 kg
- Supported Devices: iPhone / iPad/ Android/ MacOS/ Windows PC/ AppleTV
- Laptop Shelf
- USB-C Charging Port
- Two Water Bottle Holders
- Automatic Levelling
Delivery: $300 (each order will be delivered by a premium service provider who will assemble and install KICKR RUN in the customer’s preferred location and get runners set up and ready to run).
TrainingPeaks Acquires indieVelo, Launches TrainingPeaks Virtual
Now known as TrainingPeaks Virtual, the indoor training platform adds to the growing suite of solutions that coaches can leverage to ensure a seamless experience for their athletes. Athletes will have free access to the beta version through March 2025.
TrainingPeaks, the industry-leading training app for endurance coaches and athletes, today announced the acquisition of virtual cycling platform indieVelo, now known as TrainingPeaks Virtual.
The introduction of this solution into the TrainingPeaks ecosystem reinforces the brand’s commitment to providing endurance coaches with the most complete and integrated suite of tools that allow their athletes to train on their terms — indoor or outdoor, year-round.
The beta version of TrainingPeaks Virtual is now available for free through a single-sign-on experience with a new or existing TrainingPeaks athlete account. After March 2025, TrainingPeaks Virtual will be part of TrainingPeaks Premium.
TrainingPeaks Virtual beta features a custom physics engine for better power accuracy, credible racing and more realistic riding, including drafting, cornering, braking and line choice. Athlete schedules and structured workouts from coaches and training plans seamlessly sync to the virtual cycling platform, and ride data automatically uploads back into TrainingPeaks. The seamless syncing of TrainingPeaks zones, FTP, workout compliance and other integrated experiences will be developed in the future.
The announcement of TrainingPeaks Virtual comes on the heels of the recently launched Strength Workout Builder, which allows coaches to save time, look pro, and gain valuable insights into how their athletes are performing strength training alongside their endurance workouts.
“We want to ensure that coaches have a seamless onboarding experience for their athletes into the world of training,” said TrainingPeaks President Lee Gerakos. “There’s a lot of friction today that creates barriers and challenges for our coaches, and this acquisition helps introduce athletes to that world more easily.”
“indieVelo was created to serve the needs of athletes, coaches and event organizers — a community of people who share a vision of what online cycling and esports could be if their priorities were put first,” said indieVelo founder Dr. George Gilbert. “With its community-friendly features, realistic racing physics, and a focus on credibility, it rapidly became the number one choice for those committed to training and racing.”
The newly acquired assets of IndieVelo now enable TrainingPeaks coaches to strengthen their communities with increased athlete engagement through virtually hosted group rides, events and races. With robust customization features, TrainingPeaks Virtual can look however the coach wants — with custom avatars, bikes, team kits and branded events.
“TrainingPeaks Virtual will provide coaches with a platform to engage athletes year-round, with a reliable and customizable indoor training experience within the same ecosystem of tools that they and their athletes trust,” said Gerakos. “We will continue to develop and integrate these solutions with the coach in mind as we strive to provide the best coaching tools on the market.”
“The core values of trust and authentic achievement are something that both indieVelo and TrainingPeaks share, and as TrainingPeaks Virtual, we are doubling down on that focus in the future,” said Gilbert. “This acquisition brings both the investment and the expertise needed to take it to the next level — creating a fully integrated, seamless training and racing platform, both indoors and out.”
Built on the trusted indieVelo platform, TrainingPeaks Virtual combines realistic physics with seamless data integration, creating an immersive, strategic experience that empowers athletes to train with precision and purpose, no matter the season.
The introduction of TrainingPeaks Virtual is a part of the brand’s commitment to providing endurance coaches with a complete and integrated suite of tools that allow their athletes to train on their terms.
TrainingPeaks Virtual Features
- Realistic Riding: In TrainingPeaks Virtual, tactics matter. With proprietary real-world physics, including drafting, cornering, braking and line choice, you get a more realistic indoor experience.
- Seamless Integration: All your workouts where you want them, when you want them. With TrainingPeaks Virtual as part of the TrainingPeaks ecosystem, you’ll never waste time finding or transferring your data.
- Credible Racing: TrainingPeaks Virtual offers a wide selection of event types including team racing, keirin, elimination and more. DS Mode helps your team strategize, and unparalleled sub-millimeter accuracy guarantees results everyone can trust.
- Community Features: Join or create realistic group rides with dynamic features to keep your team riding together. Don’t have a crew to ride with? Choose your goal and join a group of Racebots to keep you motivated.
- Access: All new and existing TrainingPeaks athlete accounts will have free access to the beta version through at least March 2025. After March 2025, TrainingPeaks Virtual will be a Premium feature.
- More info at: TrainingPeaks Virtual.
New Alpitude Navene Carbon Saddle
Alpitude is excited to unveil its new Navene saddle. After more than three years of testing in competitive settings alongside Lorena Zocca, Mirko Tabacchi, and others, the Navene saddle is crafted for the off-road world (XC, gravel) while also being suitable for long rides on tarmac. The design diverges from our well-regarded Gardena model, although the initial inspiration was drawn from the geometry of the road version.
Maintaining a length of 245 mm for a short fit, the nose has been subtly widened to enhance comfort during intense efforts. One standout feature, the large central hole with exhaust at the front, has been retained from the Gardena model.
So, what sets it apart from the road version? Firstly, the edges have been reinforced significantly, approximately 2.5 times more robust than before. The rear of the saddle is now closed to prevent snagging of bib-short when riding out of the saddle on descent, an issue that could arise with the Gardena saddle. Additionally, the rails have been redesigned and strengthened in the front area, extending the flat section to enhance overall rigidity.
The Navene saddle comes in two widths: 130 mm and 142 mm, with no wider version available as with the Gardena. It offers several finish options including 3K twill, UD, and 1K plain for a personalized touch. Weighing in at just 73 grams for the 130 mm version and 77 grams for the 142 mm version, it balances lightweight with performance. In comparison to the road version, the Navene features more meticulous detailing at the rails, with more precision gluing for a better finish.
Every saddle is handmade with pride in our laboratory. Given the rarity of products being both designed and produced under the same roof, Alpitude emphasizes that our production is 100% carried out in-house.
- More info at: alpitude.cc.
Michael Blann New Prints – Alto de Velefique and Pico del Veleta, Sierra Nevada
Alto de Velefique Cycling Climb, Andalusia, Spain
It’s been a busy Autumn so far, making the best of the weather and end-of-season light, with several trips to the Mountains. Last week, I visited Andalusia in Southern Spain to photograph the climbs of Alto de Velefique and Pico del Veleta high above the Sierra Nevada. It’s an area often frequented by professional cycling teams and athletes looking to train on the quiet roads away from the busy coastal resorts and also benefit from altitude training high up in the mountains.
Alto de Velefique
Both ascents were stunning in their own unique ways. The Alto de Velefique is set in the heart of ‘cowboy country’ (they used to film some of the Spagetti Westerns in this part of Spain) and has the craziest set of switchbacks leading all the way up.
The Pico del Veleta is the highest paved road in Europe, topping out at a whopping 3400m. If you climb from the city of Granda it’s a 43km climb to the top and you can expect views across the whole of the Sierra Nevada.
A collection of new prints from both climbs are now available on the shop – click the images below to find out more.
Pico del Veleta, Cycling Climb, Sierra Nevada, Spain
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The post Gear Break: Tifosi Smirk Sunglasses, KASK Nirvana Aero Helmet, Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill, TrainingPeaks Virtual, Alpitude Navene Carbon Saddle & Michael Blann New Prints appeared first on PezCycling News.
