There was a stretch where every aero helmet launch felt like an arms race. Every manufacturer’s was “the best“. The most space-age, the most vents shaped by CFD, the most wind tunnel data. Proposed Space Balls – The Helmet designs reminiscent of “Darth Helmet” pummel from the PowerPoint pitch. Because, “It doesn’t matter what you look like, as long as it’s fast, right?

Well, yes and no.

For most cyclists, the trade-offs start to lean towards the comfort side, the hotter the race is. For me, not looking like a total space cadet is a mega-bonus. Given that the bulk of the cycling season takes place in hot weather, heat management and head cooling are big deals for many of us riders. All the aero advantages start to fade away when your head’s too hot to process incoming race stimuli.

That’s where Specialized landed with its all-new Evade 4. It’s nearly the same silhouette, slightly heavier (v3 at 272g vs. v4 at 329g, in size Medium), but with some additional vents that make it a claimed 2.6% cooler overall. 

Most racers would trade those 57g for better airflow any day. And after spending a lot of time in the new Evade 4, I’m 100% fine with it, too.

Specialized S-Works Evade 4: a cooler aero helmet

To me, “the new Evade 4 looks more like a Specialized helmet than the very recognizable Evade 3.”

Why? The forehead ‘MouthPort’ vents. It’s something I’ve come to associate with Specialized since the early days of the Prevail. And it’s stuck with me. 

But the Evade 4 feels different. Not because it’s radically reshaped or dramatically faster. But because Specialized seems more interested in refining the experience than in just chasing another microscopic aero gain. It’s much like what we’re seeing on the road bike engineering side. Bikes aren’t radically changing. They are getting incrementally better and more comfortable. Less wasted ‘fast looking‘ aerofoil material and performative aero gains – more comfort.

The headline update this time around is improved cooling, better fit, and overall comfort. Yeah, it keeps the same swoopy fast silhouette that’s made the Evade one of the more recognizable helmets in the peloton for the better part of a decade. But it’s making that helmet (one that I’ve worn for years) slightly more tolerable on the days you want the aero benefit but hate the heat penalty. Essentially, making the Evade a much better all-rounder. 

If It Ain’t Broke

Since its launch back in 2013, the Evade has become one of those helmets that quietly became the default choice for a huge chunk of fast riders (and riders looking to be fast). WorldTour sprinters, local crit kings & queens, gravel pros, and even mountain bike racers. I see Evades everywhere. They’ve historically managed to strike a pretty rare balance between aerodynamics, ventilation, and actually looking fairly normal on a human head.

If you go too far with aero shaping, the helmet becomes hot, awkward, or visually ridiculous.

Open up the ventilation too much, and you lose the speed advantage people are buying it for in the first place.

So instead of blowing the whole thing up, Specialized simply refined the Evade 4.

More Airflow

The biggest focus for the Evade 4 is airflow.

Specialized says the new helmet runs cooler than the previous version, largely thanks to revised vent shaping, a more open rear exhaust area, and the return of the front “MouthPort” vent that Specialized helmet riders will recognize immediately.

The shell shape also looks a bit more compact than the Evade 3’s. Slightly shorter overall, and closer to the head, and designed to sit more naturally on the head instead of towering over it like some aero lids. 

More importantly, Specialized also widened the internal shape.

That matters because the Evade 3 (while really fast) could feel pretty cramped around the temples for certain riders. Our Editor-in-Chief Zach had a very hard time getting the Evade 3 to work for his head shape, as did many other riders. 

The new fit appears noticeably more forgiving without losing the close, race-oriented feel that makes the Evade what it is.

In other words: still aero, just less likely to make your forehead feel like it’s in a vise halfway through a July climb.

Evade 4 Aero Gains?

What’s interesting about the Evade 4 is what Specialized isn’t saying.

There’s no dramatic “fastest helmet ever made” messaging (they love that phrase, btw). No huge watt savings claim. No revolutionary new shape. It was already a solid design. 

But Yes, Cooling Gains!

That’s probably because modern aero helmets are reaching the same point aero road bikes hit a few years ago: the easy gains are gone, now it’s making the system more comfortable while supplying those same free Watts. 

Especially with updated UCI regulations limiting some of the more extreme helmet designs, manufacturers are increasingly working within smaller margins. Once you have a genuinely fast helmet, there’s only so much left to squeeze out before usability starts to suffer.

So, that’s why Specialized was able to put so much focus on keeping racers’ heads cooler.

BOA, MIPS, and the Little Stuff

The Evade 4 also gets a handful of quieter updates that collectively make the helmet feel more polished.

Specialized moved to Boa’s FS2 fit system, which gives the rear retention setup a slightly cleaner and lower-profile feel. Inside, the updated MIPS Air Node Pro system is designed to improve airflow and reduce hot spots while still keeping the helmet light and compact, and still safe in a non-linear crash.

None of those changes is individually groundbreaking. But together they point toward something pretty clear:

The goal here was making the helmet disappear once it’s on your head.

More on that in the ride impressions. 

Slightly Heavier, Probably Doesn’t Matter

The Evade 4 does gain quite a bit of weight compared to the outgoing version, though not enough for most riders to notice outside a spec sheet. And realistically, nobody buys an Evade because it’s the lightest helmet on the wall.

They buy it because it’s one of the few aero helmets that works well across almost every kind of riding. Fast road rides, racing, gravel events, long summer training days, the Evade has always been versatile in a category that often isn’t.

The new one looks like it continues that trend.

Review: Fit & Ride Impressions

The biggest thing I noticed immediately with the Evade 4 wasn’t aero, it was comfort. Specialized clearly opened this helmet up compared to the Evade 3, and the difference is noticeable the second you get moving. 

The addition of the MouthPort really works. You can feel air being pulled through the helmet once speeds pick up, especially on longer road climbs or hot gravel sections, where aero helmets usually start to feel a little stuffy.

Overall, ventilation feels significantly improved without losing that “fast helmet” sensation the Evade has always had.

It still feels sleek and efficient in the wind, but less claustrophobic than previous versions. The styling also stays pretty subdued, which I appreciate. The colorways offered don’t go too overboard branding-wise. Specialized didn’t try to make it look futuristic or overly aggressive. It still looks like an Evade, just cleaned up and slightly more refined.

The new MIPS Air Node pads are a nice addition, too. Honestly, the fit of the helmet itself is dialed enough that I didn’t notice them much while riding, which is probably the point. Nothing moved around, nothing created pressure points. And after a while, the helmet just sort of disappeared on my head.

Additionally, the sunglasses retention actually works. This seemingly trivial piece of convenience seems to have been designed out of most aero helmets. Recently, it’s making a resurgence, and I love to see it.

Evade 4 – In The Races

I’ve raced the Evade 4 across pretty much everything at this point: road, gravel, and mountain bike.

(Ed.’s note: That’s not Jordan, above.)

The same goes for the Specialized road and off-road teams.

You can see riders in the Giro d’Italia sporting them. The same goes for the Specialized Factory Off-Road team at Nove Mesto for the MTB World Cup over the weekend. Plus, I’m gonna bet Keegan and crew will be wearing them at Unbound in another week.

My own experience has stayed surprisingly consistent regardless of discipline.

Yeah, when it gets super rainy (especially if you’re on gravel), the top vent can be an “insert gravel here” port. But, in the end, it’s not that bad; you just might have to itch some gravel out of your mop after the ride. 

But all in all, the Evade 4 offers excellent cooling performance, a comfortable fit, and that unmistakable “fast” feel that aero helmets tend to deliver once speeds rise.

Overall, the Specialized Evade 4 helmet feels like an excellent successor to the Evade 3. It’s more comfortable, cooler, and a little easier to live with day-to-day without losing what made the Evade popular in the first place.

The only real downside is the slight price bump, which feels a bit annoying given how expensive premium helmets already are.

Refinement Over Reinvention

That might actually be the bigger story here.

For the second generation in a row, Specialized isn’t trying to reinvent what an aero road helmet is supposed to be. Instead, they’re refining an already successful design and focusing on the parts riders actually notice after many hours in the saddle.

At this point, most riders probably benefit more from a helmet that stays cool, fits properly, and disappears on long rides than one that claims another fractional watt advantage in perfect wind tunnel conditions.

Specialized S-Works Evade 4 – Pricing & Availability

• Price: $350 / €330 /£275
• Weight: 329g Medium (actual)

That’s almost a 15% bump over the outgoing $299 Evade 3 (which is actually on sale for $229 right now, too), creating an interesting situation where the older helmet remains a very strong option, especially once sale pricing kicks in.

Still, for riders wanting the latest version of one of the defining aero helmets of the modern era, the new Specialized S-Works Evade 4 looks less like a reinvention, and more like a very polished evolution of an already proven formula.

Specialized.com

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Last summer at Crankworx Whistler, Leatt was showing off a new line of cycling eyewear, including the RideViz Pro sunglasses. I got my hands on a pair for testing, which featured an optional photochromic lens. With a full-frame design and a large-coverage lens, these shades are made for mountain biking, but can easily work for any genre of cycling.

I rode with the Leatt RideViz Pro sunglasses from mid-summer to early winter, then again this spring. Between the fantastic performance from the photochromic lens, their excellent resistance to condensation, and their comfortable and secure fit, I’ve found the RideViz Pro to be a top-notch pair of sunglasses that perform well in any conditions. I was particularly happy to find the lens lived up to its claims, offering a wide visible light transmission (VLT) range with reasonably fast transitions.

Leatt RideViz Pro

Check Price at Backcountry

Specifications

• MSRP: $153 – 186 (depending on the lens)
• Frame Style: Full frame
• Lens Dimensions (W x H): Small: 135 x 60mm, Large: 145 x 60mm
• Lens Tested: Clear Photochromic (25 – 90% VLT)
• Lenses Included: 2 (photochromic only comes with 1)
• Weight: 34 grams

Pros

• Stable fit
• Good ventilation
• Large coverage
• Photochromic lens works very well
• Available in two frame sizes

Cons

• Minor conflict with some but not all helmets used for testing
• The tiniest bit of distortion at extreme top and bottom of lens

Steve Fisher

RideViz Pro Sunglasses – Construction Features

The RideViz Pro frames are built with a Biopolymer material with soft anti-slip rubber temple inserts and adjustable nose pieces. The frame of these lightweight sunglasses is essentially built around their lens. The upper frame, lower frame, and arms are all separate pieces that clip onto the lens.

The RideViz Pro features a cylindrical lens, which is designed to minimize visual distortion. Cylindrical lenses are flatter (vs. the dual-curved Toric lenses found on other Leatt sunglasses), so they don’t sit quite as close to your face and allow for plenty of airflow.

The RideViz Pro’s lenses are 60mm tall. They offer an expansive vertical field of view, which is meant to work well for aggressive riding positions, with a pronounced wraparound shape that helps ensure good peripheral visibility.

Two sizes of the RideViz Pro sunglasses are available. Small frames, intended for small or medium faces, measure 135mm wide with a 20mm bridge width and 130mm temple length. For medium and large faces, the large RideViz Pro frames and lenses are 145mm wide, with the same bridge width and temple length as the small size.

The two sizes even get unique lenses with different curvatures. The large size uses a Base 6 lens, while the small has a Base 7 curvature.

The small RideViz Pro sunglasses weighed in at 34g on my scale. Interestingly, Jeremy has a pair in size large, and they weigh 34 grams, too.

Lenses

All available lenses for the RideViz Pro sunglasses are interchangeable, polycarbonate lenses. Following Leatt’s ethos of keeping riders as safe as possible, the lenses are impact-tested to ANSI Z87.1 standards. There are four lens options offered with the RideViz Pros:

• Iriz lenses feature a mirror coating to reduce glare and protect your eyes from bright light.
• Cryztal lenses enhance contrast to sharpen details and separate colors.
• Cryztal Iriz lenses offer both contrast enhancement and an anti-glare mirrored coating.
• Photochromic lenses automatically tint according to light conditions. Leatt’s lens offers an impressive range of 25% to 90% VLT (90% achieves nearly clear status — Leatt’s clear lens is listed at 91% VLT). These photochromic lenses also respond very quickly to changing light conditions.

All RideViz Pro sunglasses come with your choice of lens and a spare Cryztal Rose lens (except the photochromic models). Leatt says their timeline for availability of spare lenses is TBD, so buyers will have to choose from the stock frame/lens combos for now.

The RideViz Pro sunglasses come in seven frame color options: Clear, Black, Grey, White, Neon Yellow, White/Black, and Satin Black. Prices range from $153 to $186, depending on lens choice, and each pair comes with a soft bag.  

Ride Impressions – Fit and Helmet Compatibility

I have a smaller head, so I am wearing the small RideViz Pro sunglasses. The width of the small is perfect for me; the arms are snug but comfortable, and the frames aren’t excessively wide, which can be a problem with many of today’s large coverage riding shades.  

The RideViz Pros’ field of view is very good all around. The tall lenses do offer excellent top and bottom visibility, and the glasses’ wraparound shape puts the sides of the frames almost completely out of view. Even pushed right up my nose, the RideViz Pros’ frames don’t sit too close to my cheeks or forehead, leaving room for airflow all around.

The RideViz Pros fit with some of my open-faced MTB helmets, but not all. I have a shallow head, and while the top of the frame is only slightly curved on these glasses, it sits high enough on my forehead to interfere with my deeper-fitting helmets.

My Oakley DRT5, Abus MoDrop, and new POC Cularis Pure helmets all fit fine with these sunglasses. My POC Tectal and Kortal lids were both too deep at the forehead, and my Endura MT500 fits too narrow at the sides for the sunglasses’ arms. Helmet interference will vary from person to person and helmet to helmet. Jeremy says he has worn these sunglasses with all of his half-shell helmets (six different models) without issue.

Photochromic Lens

The RideViz Pros I have been testing came with Leatt’s photochromic lens, which I would be my recommendation. The lens meets Leatt’s claims of offering a vast transmission range and transitioning quickly from clear to fully tinted and back again.

When there’s no sunlight, the photochromic lens stays totally clear. Riding these sunglasses in rainy, dim conditions, there’s no noticeable difference between the photochromic lens and any other clear lens. It doesn’t take much light to activate the tint, though. As conditions get brighter, they automatically get darker in response.

Even in full sunshine, I found the darkest tint of the photochromic lens to be adequate. With the photochromic lens, I’d say the RideViz Pro sunglasses could work for any ride, regardless of light or weather conditions. These glasses were always the appropriate tint, and while the lens does transition relatively quickly for photochromic, 20-30 seconds, it’s not noticeable or distracting.

I noticed a hint of visual distortion when looking through the very top and bottom sections of the cylindrical lens. Thankfully, this was never a problem while riding, as the fairly flat mid-section of the lens (where you’re mostly looking) does not produce any obvious effect.  

Condensation

In addition to the lens’s photochromic performance, I was very happy with the RideViz Pros’ ability to resist condensation. During many rides in damp fall conditions, plus warmer rides in the spring, the RideViz Pros have reliably kept their lenses clear.

I wore these glasses throughout many climbs, and the only fogging I ever experienced was a bit at the top of the lens — but only when I stopped moving. Even on a rainy climb that left me soaked with sweat, the lenses stayed perfectly clear until I took a break. As soon as I started moving (even at climbing speeds), the lenses cleared up within seconds, and they always stayed clear during descents.

Comfort and Protection

From the first ride, I never had any comfort-related issues with the RideViz Pro sunglasses. The rubber nose piece and padded arms always remained perfectly comfortable throughout my rides. Even better, these sunglasses stay put. I never managed to make them budge out of position on my face or slide down my nose at all, despite several wet and sweaty rides and countless rough descents.

Finally, the tall, wraparound lenses do offer good eye protection. While some wind can be noticeable from the sides, the lenses block the breeze from the front very effectively. I never once found my eyes watering on descents, and in sloppy conditions, the RideViz Pros kept all the water and mud splatter safely away from my eyes.  

Needless to say, I’m a big fan of the fit, stability, coverage, and lens performance of these shades. Check out Leatt’s website for all the details on the RideViz Pro sunglasses.

leatt.com

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I’m not a fan of riding with bare knees, but thanks to Chromag, I now happily ride with bear knees, get it? In late January, Chromag Bikes announced the new Shift knee and elbow pads. The Shift knee pads are made for trail riding, offering Level 2 protection, and are designed to remain comfortable enough to wear all day long. The Shift elbow pads provide Level 1 protection, and they feature a slightly simplified design compared to the knee pads.

I’ve been riding the Shift knee pads since late February, and they quickly became a new favorite. They are one of the best sets of pads I’ve ever tried in terms of comfort; they stay in place reliably on my legs while providing a high level of protection. To top it off, their slim profile means they fit under riding pants easily.

Chromag Shift Knee Pads

Providing protection for the Shift kneepads is a 3D-shaped, energy-absorbing super polymer RHEON insert. RHEON’s padding stiffens up upon impact but remains soft and flexible otherwise. The RHEON pads are very flexible and lightweight, with an open structure to facilitate airflow.

The RHEON insert’s contoured shape wraps around the knee. The pad itself is about 5-6mm thick in the middle, and tapers off at the outer edges. With this insert, the Shift knee pads exceed Level 2 impact protection standards.

Despite their Level 2 protection rating, the Shift knee pads are surprisingly slim and low-profile. In that regard, they look more like lighter-duty pads that offer Level 1 protection. The sleeve is made from a breathable, durable, stretchy fabric. Like most knee pads, they also feature an abrasion-resistant outer material covering the pad-insert, which, of course, includes those eye-catching Chromag bear logos.

Chromag included a few features to ensure the Shift pads stay securely in position. Inside the pads is an internal bracing layer, and on the backsides, there’s a calf wrap to help them stay put. Most notably, the pads’ upper cuff is a broad elastic band with lots of vertical lines of silicone printed all around the inside. These segmented silicone lines still allow the cuff to stretch freely, whereas continuous silicone bands can constrict at a point. The vertical lines also allow sweat to move downwards through the pads.

The Shift knee (and elbow) pads are machine-washable, with the RHEON insert in them, but they should not go in your dryer! They are unisex and come in sizes XS-XL, in black only. MSRP is $140 USD.

Shift Elbow Pads

Chromag also makes Shift elbow pads, but unfortunately, I realized I can’t test them. Not long ago, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and now I wear a glucose monitor on my arm. The pad’s upper cuff would sit right on top of my monitor, which could cause faulty blood sugar readings. Seems like elbow pads are no longer an option for me.

The Shift elbow pads’ construction is very similar to the knee pads. They use the same materials and basic design as the knees, but the elbow pads don’t include an outer wrap or an internal bracing layer. However, the wide upper cuff features the same silicone print as the knee pads to keep them in place while riding.

The other notable difference is that the Shift elbows offer Level 1 protection. Chromag opted for the lower protection level in favor of comfort and mobility. So, as you might guess, the RHEON insert in the elbow pads is thinner than the one in the knee pads.

The unisex Shift elbow pads are available in XS-XL sizes, in black only. They retail for $110 USD.

Shift Knee Pad Ride Impressions: FIT

I have a slim build, and I’ve been riding in the size medium Shift knee pads. I’ve found them to be a perfect fit. They’re not overly tight, but they are snug on my legs. I also tried on a pair in size small, which were very tight. I’m happy to report that the more comfortable medium pads have stayed in place.

The Shift knee pads cover a decent amount of the leg, but I wouldn’t call them excessively long on the top or bottom. I thought the pads’ lower cuff might conflict with longer socks, but as you can see in the photo above, even my long socks weren’t an issue. That said, one of the things I appreciate about these pads is that the protection extends well below the kneecap. On my leg, about 5” of my upper shin is covered by the RHEON insert. It’s worth noting that the Shift pads do not feature any additional padding on the inside or outside of the knees, but the insert wraps around a good bit on both sides.

While the RHEON inserts are symmetrical in shape, they feel like they’re left and right specific when they’re in the pads. After several rides, I pulled one insert out, and it had clearly molded itself into the shape of my right leg. The flexible RHEON padding does a fine job of conforming to your legs, and it seems to maintain some memory.

Comfort and Security

In my experience, the wide upper cuff does its job very well. After two months of riding up to three-hour loops, the cuff has never slipped down more than about half an inch, where it settles in place and stays put. With the bending of the knees, the sleeve fabric gets slightly bunchy just above the RHEON insert, but never enough to create a comfort issue on the trail.

Despite having no silicone or grippy material in them, the lower cuff on these pads has also never budged at all. The Shift knee pads definitely earn top marks for reliably staying in place on my legs.

On my first ride, the backing fabric inside the knee was somewhat noticeable at first, but not a comfort issue. As I wore them more, it appeared the backing fabric was stretching out a bit, and I hoped it wouldn’t start bunching up behind my knees. Thankfully, the fabric hasn’t stretched out much, and so far it hasn’t become uncomfortable or chafed my skin.

The light and flexible RHEON insert allows for comfortable, non-restrictive pedaling. I’ve never even thought about sliding these knee pads down on my shins for the climbs. I just keep them up all the time and have been wearing them for every pedal stroke of every ride so far. The insert is soft enough that it doesn’t have any harsh edges to irritate your leg in any position. Throughout all my testing, I have had zero issues with uncomfortable seams, stitching, or friction from the Shift knee pads.

My last ride before finishing my review was a hot one, so I hit the trails with the Shift knee pads’ ventilation and breathability in mind. This ride confirmed these pads are reasonably cool on your legs. While you won’t feel air blowing through them at low speeds, I did notice wind cutting through both the insert and the sleeve material just above it when riding at higher speeds. They seem to breathe pretty well and dry quickly, too, as my legs were only a bit sweaty after that two-hour ride.   

Fit With Pants

I was very pleased to find how well the Shift knee pads work with riding pants. Level 2 knee pads are often a bit bulky, which can conflict with some of the slimmer-fitting riding pants that I typically wear. Not an issue with the slim, low-profile Chromag Shifts. As the above photo shows, they fit under my 7mesh Flightpath and Patagonia Dirt Craft pants with ease. I had no issues with the pads fitting too tightly or hanging up on the leg fabric with either pair of pants.

Wear and Tear

After a couple of months of use, my Shift knee pads appear to be holding up very well. I haven’t dragged them across any rocks, but there’s no notable damage to report or signs of unwarranted wear and tear. I noticed some fuzzy loose ends coming off a few seams on the backs of the pads, but all of the stitching is still intact. As mentioned above, I noticed a little stretching on the back of the sleeves, but so far it has remained perfectly comfortable. Assuming that doesn’t get notably worse, I expect to be wearing these knee pads happily and comfortably for quite a while.

As a final note, I’m a big fan of the subtle Chromag bear logos on the Shift pads. I think they look awesome on your knees or elbows.

chromagbikes.com

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Do you like the Ares 2 road shoe? Do you wish they made an off-road version? Well, I have some news for you. The new Specialized S-Works Recon EVO takes the Ares 2 tech, fit, and Body Geometry Natural last and scales them to the demands of off-road. 

What is it? Specialized S-Works Recon EVO 

The Specialized S-Works Recon EVO is the new top dog in Specialized’s off-road footwear lineup. But for those worried about the S-Works Recon, don’t worry – it’s sticking around (much like the Torch is for the Specialized roadside). The Recon EVO is an option for those who want a locked-and-loaded fit with massive foot retention and a slightly roomier fit.

We could end this whole story with “it’s the Ares 2…but for dirt” and boom, done and dusted. But there’s more to say than that, especially on the fit. Sometimes what works well on the road might not translate one-to-one to the off-road world.  

Give Me A PowerHug

The new Recon EVO borrows heavily from the Ares 2 playbook; it basically copied it. The new Recon EVO used the Specialized PowerHug closure system and structure. The unique retention system uses wraparound hold through the midfoot and heel. For those unfamiliar with this tech, Specialized created it to keep the foot planted, reduce wasted movement, and make every hard effort feel a little more direct.

How is the Recon EVO different from the S-Works Recon? 

The Specialized S-Works Recon EVO and the S-Works Recon have carbon-fiber soles at first glance, but the new EVO uses the Body Geometry Natural last. It’s the same as what you’ll see on the S-Works Ares 2 and the S-Works Remco shoes.

Instead of a boxy cone-ish shape, the new last fades away as the toes descend from the largest to the pinky. Most, if not all, of the updates come applied from the midsole forward. The result is a roomier toe box with less pressure on any digits (we’ll go over it in detail below). The S-Works Recon uses the previous last, still roomier than the years before, but narrower than the updated version.

They both use the same pontoon-style adjustable tread and the same rubber. But the main difference is that the new S-Works Recon EVO uses the Ares 2-style wrap-around fit and the roomier Body Geometry Natural last.

The updated fit construction changes the shoe’s personality (and price) slightly but keeps the overall experience the same. It’s an XC, marathon, or gravel race shoe, no questions about it. 

It’s About The Shape 

Specialized announced a new last called the “Body Geometry Natural Last”, with the launch of the Ares 2. Specialized claims the updated last reduces forefoot pressure by 44 percent while maintaining alignment benefits. That includes the Specialized Varus Wedge, Longitudinal Arch Support, and Metatarsal Button setup. All these bits are meant to keep the foot better aligned, reduce hot spots, and avoid that numb-foot feeling that likes to show up right when a ride starts getting good.

That’s the sort of feature set Specialized has made a real identity out of over the years. For plenty of riders, it’s the difference between a shoe that feels fast for 40 minutes and one that still feels good deep into a race or all-day gravel ride. 

Specialized says the adaptive fit zones in the Recon EVO are also there to soften the ride and reduce pressure across the upper, which should help the shoe feel more usable in off-road unique conditions.

Off-Road Touches 

The Recon EVO features all the same sole experience as the S-Works Recon. That includes three rubber toe knobs and heel lugs for traction and protection. It comes with the same carbon sole construction and adjustable TPU pontoons to improve pedal stability. 

These pontoons are interchangeable, which gives riders a little more ability to tune how the shoe interfaces with the pedal and cleat setup. I’m a big fan, and believe more shoes will be snagging this feature in future models. Plus, the S-Works Recon EVO gets the Dual-Dial BOA Li2 setup.

Wins Already 

Specialized is also backing the launch with a pretty stacked roster of riders, which is not exactly shocking for an S-Works product.

Matt Beers won the 2026 Cape Epic in the Recon EVO, while Victor Koretzky, Chris Blevins, Haley Batten, and Sofia Villafañe all helped shape the shoe through feedback. That list tells you exactly where Specialized sees this shoe landing: right at the intersection of modern XC, marathon, and fast gravel racing.

That’s also probably the right call. Shoes like this are no longer designed for a single discipline. The overlap between XC race fit, gravel race efficiency, and long-haul comfort is big enough now that the best off-road shoes need to handle all of it, even if that means walking.

S-Works Recon EVO – Price and Availability

The new S-Works Recon EVO is priced at $550. Yes, that is serious-money shoe territory. But that is also exactly where the top-end S-Works stuff lives, and Specialized is clearly positioning the Recon EVO as the off-road equivalent of a no-compromise race weapon.

First Impressions – How Do They Ride? 

I’ve been riding/racing the S-Works EVOs since mid-April. I didn’t exactly go kicking and screaming, but I had a pair of off-road shoes that were dialed for my feet. However, on the road, I ride the Ares 2, so I figured these should translate nicely. 

Plus, while in Morgan Hill, I opted for some custom Specialized insoles. These are insoles that are heat-molded to your foot shape, and a service that Specialized shops offer, depending on the shop’s Retul Fit level. 

Custom Insoles

Side Bar: I don’t want the insoles to steal the show, but I have a high arch, had a few broken ankles (skateboarding rules), and a rod in my femur, so off-the-shelf doesn’t always work. 

Previously, I used SoleStar insoles successfully, but they can be heavy and expensive, and they can significantly raise the stack height.

The process for the MasterFit insole was simple and non-invasive. Place your foot in a customized “bath” of glass beads covered by a thin plastic layer. The fitter will build up a platform and ensure a proper sole transfer. Then the machine vacuums out the remaining air, and you’re left with a rock-solid impression of your foot.

Then the fitter takes the heated insole from the heating unit (like a tortilla warmer), you place your foot on it, and the magic happens. After a bit of slight massaging to get everything in place, the soles are placed in an ice bath to firm up. All that’s left is to cut to the shoe spec and ride. Side Bar over.

First Rides

My first rides on the S-Works Recon EVOs were my road/gravel commute to the Sea Otter Classic show. I wanted a short ride, just in case things went hot and spotty, but nothing of the sort transpired. 

The fit is nearly Identical to the Ares 2; the custom insole only makes that fit better. The wraparound fit, when paired with an off-road shoe, is excellent for heel retention and ride feel. I did most of my testing on my gravel bike paired with the Look X-One-G gravel pedals. The two made a killer pair for racing and pedal feel. I didn’t have to adjust the pontoons for the Look interface, but there was a slight bit of extra sturdiness when I clipped in, like a mix of road and MTB shoe feeling – right on for gravel. 

Race Impressions 

I wore my Recon EVOs to a local gravel race a few weeks ago, and the conditions were perfect for gear testing: hours of rain and mud. I spent 100km at the Coal County Roubaix, racing in the muddy gravel roads and logging paths with the EVOs, and had no issues. The fit was dialed, the power transfer is excellent, and retention on the foot is tight without being overbearing. Another bonus, they wash up pretty well, and don’t have one of those fabrics that dirt clings to. I don’t exactly know how many miles I have on them, but I’ve ridden them nearly every day since the Sea Otter Classic (check my Strava if you wanna see the small notes).

One thing I didn’t expect (or feel during race efforts) was a slight scrape on the crankarm from the plastic BOA wire cradle. After washing my trusty steed, I noticed the cuts in the crank arm. It was kind of a perfect storm with the gravel acting as sandpaper on the carbon finish, but I wasn’t stoked. 

The fit is supportive but allows the foot to move naturally while retaining it through the Powerhug. Letting some of the shoe expand slightly under effort when you’re really cracking on. This is a good thing, as the shoe doesn’t limit you, but the plastic cradle can cause some damage if you’re not careful.  

Weight-wise, the shoes are fairly light (290g per shoe, size 42.5), but there are always some lighter ones. The main selling point here is the fit. Since touch points are among the most important factors in bike comfort, I’d say they’re super important. But that leads me to my next point: would you put a price on that? If so, how much? 

S-Works Price

Specialized S-Works Recon EVO comes in at $550. Oddly enough, that’s not the most expensive shoe in the Speicalized line up. The Remco is $700, and the S-Works Ares 2 is $600. That said, these are the race shoes, the top-of-the-line kit; those pieces are usually priced for performance.

But I feel like Specialized has another (expensive) winner on its hands. These shoes feel like they are already broken in when you put them on, and the wider fit is excellent. However, the jury is out on whether the material will stand up to the demands of cross-country and gravel. The Recon had some issues with the outer being supple and less cut-resistant than most would like. But only time will tell. 

Look for a long-term review after a full summer of racing and training.

Specialized.com

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Bluegrass, the MTB protection side of MET, unveils three new lightweight chest & back protectors, and one is my new all-around favorite. First, there are two new Arto protector baselayers – the 3/4 sleeve Arto Armour with chest, back, shoulder & elbow coverage; and the Arto Vest with simpler chest & back coverage. But the all-new mesh Venture Vest is the one that’s my new go-to for all-mountain, enduro, and even casual bikepark protection.

3 new Bluegrass chest and back protectors for trail riding to downhill racing

Each of the three new Bluegrass protectors looks like a solid option for mountain bikers seeking top-level chest & back protection, while maintaining a comfortable fit and unrestricted movement. All three feature flexible, viscoelastic (hardens when impacted) SAS-TEC protection inserts, with perforated face fabrics for adequate airflow and separate trefoil padding facing your body that allows for unrestricted movement. They all feature Level 2 Type B back protectors and Level 1 Type B chest protection.

Arto Armour & Arto Vest MTB chest and back protectors

The new Arto Armour & Vest are essentially refined versions of their baselayer protectors, offering two extents of protection depending on how hard you ride. Both are close-fitting, so wear them under a jersey. They each get an asymmetric off-center zip to make them easy to get on and off, an adjustable wrap-around chest strap with a quick-release buckle to keep the protectors in place as you pedal, and a small rear zip pocket outside of the protector for essentials storage.

The simpler 230€ Arto Vest is just a simple mesh vest, with chest & back protectors that can be removed for washing. Pick this for all-day pedaling rides – trail to enduro or eMTBing.

The more complex 300€ Arto Armour has the same body, chest & back protectors, but adds flexible protection at the shoulders and elbows in stretchy mesh 3/4-length sleeves. This one is better suited for long days in the bikepark, DH racing, or back-to-back shuttle runs.

Both are available now from MET/Bluegrass in 4 unisex sizes (S-XL).

Bluegrass Venture Vest chest and back protector with snack & hydration storage

This one is all-new, but also quite simple in concept. Much like the Art Vest, it’s just a combined chest and back protector in a sleeveless mesh vest. But Bluegrass designed this one to go over your jersey (or over or under a shell) and combines everyday ride storage, too. Essentially, Bluegrass saw how many riders were wearing separate back protectors and backpacks – or baselayer protectors and gravel/running hydration vests together. So they decided to combine the two into one.

The result is a well-vented, adjustable hydration vest with high-level certified protection inside, and lots of smart storage outside of the protectors so they won’t interfere when you crash.

The 250€ Bluegrass Venture Vest is available now in 3 sizes (S-L). It features elastic cord side adjustment that adapts well to many body shapes and sizes, or even to varying layers of clothing underneath.

There are two deep mesh chest pockets (like many hydration vests) with a single secure zippered chest pocket to keep a wallet or keys safe. Out back, there’s a bigger thin zipped mesh pocket at the base of the protector, and a big pass-through stuff pocket where you can push a jacket in, open to both sides. Lastly, there’s a loop to hang a max 1.5L hydration bladder (not included) inside the pouch that holds the back protector, and routing over either shoulder for your hydration hose.

Review: Bluegrass Venture Vest protection for every ride

I don’t want to shortchange the Arto protectors, because they seem pretty great for anyone looking to add all-day protection in a next-to-skin baselayer type solution. But, that’s generally not my vibe. I run hot, sweat tons, and prefer the ability to pop a back protector off – or at least loosen it for more airflow on the uphills. So, strapping on a vest sounded like a much better for me personally. And it turns out, I was right.

The Bluegrass Venture Vest is excellent. It is secure, comfortable, and offers adjustable levels of protection and hauling capacity that I can adapt for every ride. It’s essentially a lightweight hydration vest – like those Jeremy & I surveyed, mostly for gravel riding – but here, Bluegrass adds top-tier flexible chest & back protectors on top of the snack, hydration & spare clothes storage.

Did I mention that it’s my favorite back protector now?

Riding protected, with snacks & cool water

Of course, I like that it fits well, carries snacks, doesn’t move around while riding, and protects me for sure. But what really sold it for me was how it easily kept my hydration bladder secure on the outside of my back protector.

I pretty much had abandoned the Camelbak-style backpack about a decade ago, because I got fed up with a bunch of hot water sitting against my back, blocking any hope at airflow or evaporation, on a day I was already super hot and sweaty. And sucking down tepid water at the same elevated temperature as my overheated body simply wasn’t very refreshing.

But since the articulated Bluegrass SAS-TEC protector against my back allows for a bit of airflow, some heat can escape out the back & sides. And the protector itself acts as an insulator, so my body heat does not significantly heat up the water in the hydration bladder. So far, on warm spring and early summer rides, I can actually refresh myself by drinking cool water off my back. A proper game-changer for this hot & sweaty guy!

Low-profile over your jersey, and under or over a shell

It is still quite low-profile when you are just carrying the essentials, so I have no problem wearing it under a jacket or rain suit for super wet or muddy riding. But I can still pop it over a rain shell, too, thanks to the easy elastic cord adjustment.

When I pack 1.5L of water, all day’s worth of snacks, a mini electric inflator, and a rain/wind shell it does get a bit bulkier. But since it’s easy to adjust the fit, I just throw it over a jacket if the vest is super loaded down.

The only real downside is that the waterproof-style side zips are a little tough to manage. But frankly, that also means the zips don’t move unexpectedly, and are easy enough to operate with practice. Plus in the end, I only detach one to take the vest on & off, so it’s really a non-issue in practice.

Light, breathable, and adaptable – from trail to enduro

My size L Bluegrass Venture Vest weighs 855g with both protector inserts inside. But I’ve also seen that for really hot weather on less demanding trail riding, I can drop that down to just 640g by removing the 215g chest protector for extra ventilation without sacrificing back protection or vest stability.

Overall, the Venture Vest does a good job of not overheating me too much, while offering a lot of protection. And the fact that I can strap 1.5L of cool water on the back easily offsets the extra sweating that comes from wearing any back protector. I used to only wear any chest & back protection when I was heading to the bikepark, racing enduro, or when I planned to ride out gnarliest all-mountain trails.

But that last bit is pretty subjective. I had an unexpected crash last summer on a trail ride that wasn’t so extreme, but ended up breaking my helmet and give me a few scrapes. I wasn’t wearing any chest/back protection then. But when I ride those same rocky trails now, it’s a no-brainer to wear this Bluegrass Venture Vest, and get to carry more snacks and cool water, too.

BluegrassEagle.com

The post Bluegrass Venture Vest is New Fav Protector, Plus Arto Protection Baselayers, Too: Review appeared first on Bikerumor.

Bumbinos is the answer to the question of how you were going to put an Ass Savers fender on your kid’s bike without having to worry with the little ones picking up on your foul language. All the classic simplicity of their Win Wing fender, now scaled down for 14-20″ kids’ bikes, and ready to grow with your kids. And paired with a strap-on downtube mudguard, and cool sticker packs, as well. Plus, the Bumbinos fenders have much cooler designs, so much so that now I want lunar craters on my adult bike!

Bumbinos simple, modular bike mudguards for kids’ bikes

If you ever thought your kids’ bikes needed the same simple road & trail spray protection that your own gravel and mountain bikes get with Ass Savers, Bumbinos has got your kids’ asses covered.

I’ve used Ass Savers fenders on and off for almost the entire 15 years they’ve been around. But since Ass Savers debuted the wishbone-mounted Win Wing fender 3.5 years ago, I’ve been hooked. It’s such a simple product that works so well at keeping you drier and cleaner than without. And it works well on almost every road, gravel & mountain bike I’ve tried, often where proper full coverage fenders are simply not possible.

So when Ass Savers co-founder Staffan Widell told me maybe 2 years ago that they were working on a kids’ version, I figured it couldn’t happen soon enough. In fact, it couldn’t happen soon enough for my kids. They’ve both since outgrown their 20″ then 24″ bikes, and now can fit adult-sized Ass Savers to their small adult-sized mountain bikes.

And yet, my lanky 12-year-old still quickly snatched this Cosmic Boulder downtube fender to put on his alloy 29er.

So, why did Ass Savers create a separate Bumbinos brand?

Of course, wanting to sell fenders to put on kids’ bikes without the word ‘Ass’ written on them was a key driver. And the universal fit and easy installation are maybe even bigger bonuses for kids’ bikes.

But Bumbinos have another not-so-secret ulterior motive of “making cycling a more engaging experience” to “lay the foundation for a lifelong interest in riding“. As Bumbinos puts it: “If a bike becomes part of a child’s play, it is used more often. If it is used more often, riding becomes second nature. And if riding becomes second nature, some of those children will keep riding.”

“As parents ourselves, we understand the importance of play. And we also understand just how much time gets lost to doing the laundry, so we set out to address both: fun fenders that kids will actually want to use—and work as intended”, describes Staffan.

Review: Putting fenders on kids’ bikes

My kids may have outgrown their 20″ bikes, but luckily good bikes last for more than just one or two kids. So the trust IslaBikes Beinn 20 that kicked off my 16-year-old daughter’s riding career a decade ago, is still riding around the hood.

So the neighborhood kid lent me the bike back to strap some fresh fenders on. She opted for Lucky Leaves to complement the red bike.

Like many kids’ bikes, this one still has V-brakes and external cable routing. I could have mounted the downtube fender below the cable stop and it would have been fine. But instead, I opted for a small cutout in the plastic fender blade that let it sit higher up the frame to catch more spray off the front tire. And since replacement blades are readily available, I wasn’t too concerned about some creative box cutter work. No conflict with the brakes, though.

small & large Bumbinos vs. adult Win Wing MTB comparison

The small rear fender blade 24cm long, the larger one is 30cm, compared to 42cm long for the 29er-capable adult Win Wind MTB. More than 70mm between the wishbone, Bumbinos rates the fenders for up to 65mm / 2.55″ tires. I mounted the longer 30cm one to a 24″ Bombtrack kids’ gravel bike, and there was plenty of coverage. But it looked too small on a 24″ Commencal mountain bike, which would be best to size up to adult Ass Savers.

Interestingly, these kids’ Bumbinos share the same modular feet and lower leg that make the Win Wing MTB adjustable for different wheelsizes and frame designs, too – just with a kid-specific upper wishbone.

The small Bumbinos rear fender weighs just 80g, or 107g together with its front fender. The bigger one is just 85g for the rear, or 117g for the pair. Compare that to 116g for the adult-size Win Wing MTB.

Bumbinos kids’ fenders – Pricing, options & availability

The new Bumbinos feeders come in two sizes – for 14-16″ wheels (~3-6-year-old kids) & for 18-20″ wheels (ages ~6-9). But don’t worry, they can grow with your kid, too.

Splash Packs sell for 35€. That includes a set of front & rear fenders in the playful design of your choice (or simple black if you are a spoil sport), plus the adjustable rear wishbone bracket that works for either size, and a set of design-specific stickers to decorate your child’s bike. If your kiddo decides they need some new riz or they just size up to a bigger bike, you can buy a new set of blades for 19€ more, and reuse the wishbone & strap you already have.

Like their Ass Savers big siblings, Bumbinos makes their smaller kids’ fenders entirely in Sweden. 100% powered by renewable energy. And the blades are made of a minimum 30% post-consumer recycled plastic. Get your direct from the new Bumbinos website, or through worldwide dealer shops, likely the same bike shops that already sold Ass Savers.

Bumbinos.com

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For me, the winter months are typically cold and dry. While snow falls, it usually melts within a few days where I live–on the east side, at least. This keeps the otherwise dry, sandy soil particularly moist throughout the winter months.

And it means phenomenal mountain biking throughout the winter months. However, it also means riding in some pretty cold temperatures. For those 20° January morning rides, I’m often reaching for something like the Velocio Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie.

But, if I’m completely honest, this was one of the mildest winters in the Pacific Northwest that I can remember. Temperatures were nearly warm, and I had very few morning rides that dipped below 30°. So while I didn’t get to test the Velocio jacket on many of my normal rides, I found that it is also a solid option for everyday wear and commuting.

Paired with the Velocio Recon backpack, I was winter-commute-, winter-ride-, and winter-travel-ready.

Velocio Recon Backpack Details

Velocio designed their Recon Backpack to be simple and practical. The bag is pretty straightforward–a roll-top design, a single exterior pocket, and mesh bottle holders/pockets on each side. Since the roll top varies, Velocio claims the Recon holds between 25L and 35L, with the very top secured by a strap and buckle.

Pretty standard backpack straps on the back, with a connecting strap and buckle across the chest, and a small hip belt strap and buckle. The back of the Recon pack is padded for a bit of extra comfort, and the hip belt has material flaring out at the base of the pack for comfort as well. Also on the back is a dedicated laptop sleeve with a waterproof zipper on the right side.

Moving to the front of the Recon Backpack, one small pocket with side entry is located on the right of the bag. The interior of this pocket spans a good portion of the front of the bag, and is built with a waterproof zipper to keep out weather and wet.

Velocio uses a durable ripstop nylon shell that is fully taped at the seams. While there is no “fully waterproof” claim on their website, Velocio uses phrases such as: “Shrug off bad weather” and “no matter…what the forecast says.” Ultimately, the bag seems pretty waterproof/water-resistant, and I never had any issues with wet items inside on rainy days.

Thinking of the inside, here Velocio also keeps it pretty simple. Access is through the large mouth of the roll top, and there is just one compartment that holds a laptop or something of similar size. Easy and simple.

The Velocio Recon Backpack comes in three colors–Black Olive (tested), Plum Truffle, and Moonrock. It retails for $199.

The Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie Details

The Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie is warm! Velocio gives a temperature cut-off of 50°F/10°C for this item. It features 60g of synthetic insulation that provides the perfect amount of “puff” without being too much. 

The exterior of the Ultrapack Hoodie is made of recycled polyamide and is, of course, PFAS-free. It is water-resistant, windproof, and, oh, warm… did I mention that the jacket is warm? 

Similar to the Recon Backpack, Velocio designed the Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie to be fairly basic. Essential, practical, but basic. A full zipper runs the length of the jacket’s front, with two zippered pockets on either side near the waist. There is no Velcro at the sleeve cuffs; instead, there is just an elastic cuff that provides the perfect amount of tension. 

The same elastic material found on the cuffs is also on the hood, which is large enough to fit over a helmet.  At the bottom of the Ultrapack Hoodie, an internal elastic cord allows you to adjust how tight the waist is. 

Moving to the inside of the hoodie, one large mesh pocket is located on the left side. It is open at the top, but rather deep, preventing most small items from falling out. Velocio also designed the Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie to pack down, with an included stuff sack that fits nicely in the interior pocket. 

Velocio offers the Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie in two colors–Black and Plum Truffle–and a massive range of sizes (XS–XXXXL). It retails for $349.

Riding With Velocio

Both of these products, while they could be used “on the trail,” definitely cross boundaries into “lifestyle wear.” And, due to the large size of the Recon Backpack and the unseasonably warm winter the PNW experienced, that is mostly how I used both of them.

Recon Backpack

The Velocio Recon Backpack went with me to the coffee shop, brewery, and longer trips. To be clear, this backpack from a cycling brand didn’t mix much with a bike during my testing time. The Recon falls into the commuter/lifestyle category and isn’t something I’m necessarily using on a trail ride.

Could I wear it on a ride? Well, sure, but I doubt I would be very comfortable. In fact, I’ll pass on any backpack while mountain biking, as I’m more of a hip pack sort of guy. Plus, I can’t imagine bringing 25-35L worth of stuff for a trail ride.

The bag is simply too big. In every other situation, it has been great.

To say I never had it on a bike isn’t true, however. A few times a month, I’d hop on my bike and ride down to the pub for a beer and an afternoon work session. While it was just a road ride, the Recon Backpack worked great. There is plenty of room for everything I need to bring, and it stays secured and comfortable during the ride.

While I was never in a downpour, it certainly handled some light to medium rainfall well. If Velocio was hesitant to claim “waterproof” or not, I’m unsure, but I never worried about my laptop getting wet. They do say, however, that the seams are fully taped. In the past, whenever I’ve seen that claim, the product is likely pretty waterproof.

I also enjoyed the simplicity of the Recon. One main compartment with an internal sleeve/pocket, and another dedicated laptop sleeve on the back. A front pocket for smaller items like headphones. I imagine some might knock Velocio for not giving it “enough” pockets for them to stay organized. For me, I only end up actually using a couple, so the Recon was perfect.

The last thing I’ll mention is the love/hate relationship I had with the mesh pockets/bottle holders on the sides of the Recon. They don’t open at the top like a traditional bottle pocket, but rather on the side, near the top. While I liked that this secured items you put in–bottle, iPhone, etc.–it also made those items more difficult to remove.

What I’m trying to say is that it took both hands to place and remove a water bottle in one of those pockets.

Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie

Initially, my idea for the Velocio Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie was to use it on cold-weather rides. I live in Central Oregon, where the winters are relatively dry and relatively cold. Now, I know folks from Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and other northern states are going to say I don’t know what cold is. Regardless, cold for me.

A cold morning winter ride can be anywhere from 20°F to 35°F. Sometimes it will even drop below that 20° mark. Again, cold for this Oregonian, but also, pretty cold in general. So, something like the Ultrapack Hoodie would be great on those chilly days.

The problem was that we didn’t have many. Or any, really. I had the jacket out on several morning rides that were in the low 40s. While Velocio says the Ultrapack is rated for 50° and below, I was still way too warm at 40°. 

But I do know that I run hot, so take that for what it is worth. I did get a bit of rain on one of those nearly cold morning rides. It wasn’t much, and the Ultrapack handled it well.

What the Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie did well was operate essentially as a normal winter jacket. Velocio did a good job creating a cycling jacket that also looks “normal” when worn around town. Both the fit and look of the jacket didn’t look out of place when I didn’t have a bike near me. 

Some sacrifices were made, however. For example, the hood is large enough to fit over a trail helmet. But there is no adjustment to make it smaller, which makes it a bit more difficult to keep on your head when you’re not wearing a helmet. 

Also, the Ultrapack doesn’t compress down as well as some other offerings. This wasn’t a huge deal when I was just wearing it casually, but the times I did use it and overheated, it didn’t fit in my hip pack. Fortunately, I can strap the jacket to the outside via a nifty cargo net. 

On that note, it also packs into a separate holding bag, rather than a pocket on the jacket. And, as you might have guessed, I’ve already lost that extra bag.

All that said, I have no doubt the Velocio Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie will perform well on the cold days. But, at this point, it looks like I’ll have to wait until next winter.

Final Thoughts

Both the Velocio Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie and Recon Backpack are on the expensive side. Does the price sting a bit? Yeah, for sure. Do they both seem like well-constructed, quality products that will last quite a while? Definitely.

I appreciate apparel and accessories that can cross over from a ride to everyday wear. I’d rather wear a “normal” looking jacket on a cold trail ride than wear something that is clearly mountain biking apparel at the pub. So, I’ll take something like the Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie, even if the hood is a little big!

The post Velocio Ultrapack Insulated Hoodie & Recon Backpack Review: Solid Options for Cold & Damp Rides appeared first on Bikerumor.

I don’t usually wear flip-flops, actually, let me rephrase that. I never wear flip-flops. But I do wear sandals in the hotter months, exclusively Bedrock Sandals to be exact. I’ve been a fan/customer of the Bedrock Cairne Adventure Sandals since about 2017. And it was for that reason, I said yes when they reached out to ask if I’d like to try their new Rockhound Sandal.

You may remember that we touched on the Rockhounds a bit back in February in a “Bedrock Celebrates 15 Years” piece. They looked pretty cool, and I was mildly intrigued about them.

The Rockhounds were designed for what Bedrock calls “micro-adventures”, as well as other casual outdoor activities. This differs from Bedrock’s technical Cairn series, which is built for serious hiking and mountaineering. The Rockhound takes on a more relaxed approach while maintaining the brand’s focus on durability.

And, speaking of durability, the Rockhounds are also part of Bedrock’s Re-Soul & Repair. So when you’ve worn your Rockhounds down to the nub, send them in, and for a small fee, they will resole them and return them to you. I did this for my OG Cairns, and they are still going strong after almost 10 years now.

Rockhound Nubuck Leather Sandal Retail & Detail

Retail: $130

• Upper: Nubuck Leather
• Outsole: Grippy + Durable Vibram® XS Trek EVO rubber compound
• Strap System: Bedrock’s Patent Pending Rockhound G-Hook adjustment system
• Weight: 7 oz per size 9 sandal
• Stack height: 19mm, zero drop
• Underfoot: Nubuck Leather + Cushioned EVA foam 3D+ footbed
• Manufactured: Made in South Korea

My First Impressions

Bedrock sent me the size 11M in the Nubuck Leather. My first impression is that it looks like a high-quality flip-flop. Not unlike, say, the Rainbow brand flip-flop from back in the day.

One of the first things I noticed about the Rockhound was the delicate nylon webbing that protects the inside of your toes from the toe splitter, a nice touch.

I know some who are bothered by the little rope that separates the big and second toe. This remedy eliminates any feeling of that rope, like it’s not there. And the result is very comfortable.

Both the straps and the footbed are made with premium Nubuck Leather. If it’s anything like my Bedrock Mountain Clogs in Nubuck, these will only look better with age and a nice patina.

The New Rockhounds use Bedrock’s 3D+ footbed. My first slip into the Rockhounds found the footbed to be very comfortable. A great combination with the feel of the leather, the 3D+ footbed, and Bedrock’s really comfy C footbed compound.

Unlike other flip-flops on the market, the Rockhounds are made with real outdoor activities in mind, so they incorporated their G-hook top strap system. It is a very robust adjustment system that won’t come loose even in water activities, like whitewater sports.

Mine weigh in at 235g each (467g for the pair), for a size 11 men’s. So, even with the burly Vibram XS Trek EVO rubber outsole for traction, it maintains a lightweight profile.

Rockhounds have a cushioned EVA foam footbed that feels outstanding. They sport a 19mm stack height with a zero drop, just like I like. And, for those that care, they are manufactured in South Korea.

In Conclusion

I bet I will be wearing my Rockhounds a lot this summer. They should be great for everyday wear, casual adventures around the house, and town. They should also pack nicely for camping trips or bikepacking trips.

While I don’t see them replacing my Bedrock Cairns, the quick, easy slip-on/off action will make the Rockhounds my go-to. It will be fun to see how they wear over the summer, and I will do my best to put them through their paces.

I would say to get out and get yourself a pair, but it seems that, as of this writing, due to higher-than-expected demand, the Rockhound Sandals have sold out quickly since the launch this morning. The website says the next major restock is planned for late April 2026.

BedrockSandals.com

The post Bedrock Sandals’ New Rockhound Flip-Flop Cinches Down for Outdoor Adventures appeared first on Bikerumor.

Like almost every other part of the road bike industry, cycling footwear is changing. Attitudes towards fit and cleat placement are changing, and as a result, brands like Fizik are taking notice. As a result, Fizki has released the Lyra, a new road shoe designed to accommodate the changing trends in footwear.

Specifically, the shoe features a wider, rounder forefoot and lower-drop profile compared to traditional cycling shoes – not zero drop, but said to be 6mm, which is less than others. Brand Manager Alex Locatelli explained the design reflects how modern riders pedal, with an expanded toe box delivering a more natural fit for comfort and efficiency. That’s especially important when you consider that the Lyra fills a gap in the Fizik product line as a $250 shoe. At this level, riders still want performance, but they’re less likely to be willing to sacrifice comfort to get it.

The Lyra is the latest Fizik shoe to get this fit treatment, but not the first: Fizik has progressively updated its shoe lasts across recent models, gradually moving toward wider toe boxes and rounder forefoot profiles along with rounder cross sections at the arch.

Construction-wise, the Lyra incorporates an R4 fiber composite outsole with a stiffness index of 8 for power transfer, weighing 259 grams per shoe. The engineered mesh upper includes strategically placed polyurethane-laminated and ventilated zones around the closure system and medial area for structure and support.

Fit relies on a Dual BOA Li2 dial system, allowing independent adjustment at the instep and midfoot areas. The updated outsole will allow for more rearward cleat positioning, a setup gaining popularity for pedaling stability and efficiency during longer efforts.

The Lyra retails for $249.99 (or €249/£229.99) and is available in whole sizes 36-48, with half sizes from 37-47. It’s worth noting that when I tried it on, the fit was at least a 1/2 size bigger than my typical size in Shimano shoes (I needed to size down 1/2 size on the Fizik). I haven’t tried other Fizik road shoes recently, so I can’t say whether the fit is typical with other Fizik shoes, though.

Three colorway options include Coal-Black/Black, White/White, and a seasonal option, in this case, it’s a Lavender/Mint-Green.

TECH SPECS

• Engineered mesh upper: Soft and breathable upper for long-lasting comfort
• BOA® Fit System: The Dual-Dial Li2 allows for multi-directional fit adjustments for the instep and forefoot areas
• R4 Fiber Composite Outsole – stiffness index 8
• Weight: 259 g
• Sizes: 36-48 (37 to 47 also in half sizes)

SIZING, PRICING AND COLOURS 

• Prices: 249.00 € // $249.99 // £229,99
• Sizes: Whole Sizes: 36 to 48 // Half Sizes: 37 to 47
• Colorways: Coal-Black, Black // White, White // Lavender, Mint-Green

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There’s a moment on a hot climb when you realize just how good, or how bad, a helmet is at keeping you cool. The pace drops, the airflow slows to a trickle, and suddenly every gram and every vent starts to matter. The same goes for moisture management; nothing is worse than looking down at your headunit only to have a wave of sweat obscure the screen, or worse, rearrange it. That’s exactly the scenario ABUS had in mind when designing the new AirBreaker 2.0, a helmet aimed squarely at riders who prioritize cooling, weight savings, and comfort without sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency.

ABUS introduced the AirBreaker line several years ago as its flagship ventilation-focused road helmet, famously worn by Alejandro Valverde during his 2018 World Championship victory. Now the brand has returned with a completely updated version developed alongside the Movistar Team’s men’s and women’s squads.

While the GameChanger series has been ABUS’s aero benchmark in the pro peloton, the AirBreaker 2.0 is designed to occupy a slightly different place in the lineup, but not just the “climbing helmet”. It’s a helmet for riders who want maximum airflow and comfort.

After spending time riding in the AirBreaker 2.0, it’s clear ABUS didn’t just tweak the original; they refined it in ways that make it noticeably more modern, comfortable, and better suited to multi-cyclists.

A Helmet Built for Speed and Comfort

Road racing and headwear have changed a lot over the past decade. Riders are spending more time in aero positions, shoving off comfort for pure speed. The “aero helmet” is now the default for most riders, but even those lids are getting more vents while staying true to their fast ethos. ABUS approached the AirBreaker 2.0 with those realities in mind.

However, the new AirBreaker 2.0 is first and foremost about racing or riding fast in comfort. The helmet uses “Forced Air Cooling Technology”, built around seven internal air channels that move air from front to back. The front of the helmet features Eyebrow Vents, which sit just above the rider’s forehead and help direct airflow around the headband. No, you’re not gonna look like Eugine Levy (from one of my fav shows, Schitt’s Creek fame). The new vents are a detail that may seem small, but makes a noticeable difference once the ride heats up.

Longer Vents

The top vents are longer and more open than before, helping push air across the scalp even at slower climbing speeds (think MTB). A large central vent behind the front intake works particularly well when paired with today’s oversized cycling sunglasses. There is zero sunglass interference with the AirBreaker 2.0, even when paired with the mega-sized 100% MTB glasses.

In other words, the AirBreaker 2.0 isn’t just designed for airflow when you’re blasting along at 30 mph; most helmets can do that. It’s meant to keep your head cool when the road gets steep, and the wind drops.

Lightweight, Breezy, and Comfortable

The first thing you notice when picking up the AirBreaker 2.0 is just how light it feels.

ABUS lists the weight at 235 grams for size small, 245 grams for medium, and 270 grams for large in the non-MIPS version. Our medium came in at a solid 246g, one gram shy of the listed weight. It’s not the lightest on the market, but it’s in the middle of the bell curve. Plus, sometimes the lightest helmets can fit terribly. numbers put it firmly in the lightweight performance category, and on the bike, the helmet essentially disappears.

I’ve been riding my ABUS Gamechanger 2.0 aero helmet lately. One of its slight drawbacks (some heat retention) is a bonus for the winter training miles. So, when I broke the seal and went riding in the AirBreaker 2.0, the first thing I noticed was that the helmet feels incredibly airy. I’m not used to feeling my hair move when I turn my head in my go-to helmets.

Even at moderate speeds, the airflow through the helmet is noticeable, and on long climbs or in the forest with minimal wind, the ventilation really shines. You can feel air moving across the scalp rather than just hitting the front vents and disappearing.

Despite that open design, the helmet never feels flimsy or overly exposed. There is a reason, however, ABUS integrated an Injected Carbon Grid AeroBlade across the top of the helmet, which reinforces the structure and also works as a subtle aerodynamic element. The result is a helmet that feels both extremely light and structurally solid.

Surprisingly Quiet in the Wind

One thing I wasn’t expecting from such a ventilated helmet was how quiet it is.

Helmets with large vents often produce noticeable wind noise, especially when riding at speed or descending. The AirBreaker 2.0 manages to avoid that. Even on faster descents or long flat sections, the airflow across the helmet is smooth and controlled.

There’s none of the turbulent rushing sound that some vent-heavy helmets produce. Instead, it’s a subdued whoosh, barely noticeable unless you’re really paying attention. That quietness makes long rides feel calmer and less fatiguing, especially when riding solo for extended stretches.

Flow Strap Pro

The AirBreaker 2.0 uses the ABUS Flow Strap Pro system, which keeps the straps stable and flat against the face (although I managed to get a photo of the strap bunched up and not sitting flat against my face…). It’s a small detail, but the straps sit comfortably without twisting or rubbing, something that can become irritating on longer rides. Sometimes I have issues with non-movable straps not hitting the right spot on the ear, but ABUS fits me well.

The Zoom Spin retention system at the rear provides easy micro-adjustments and works well for riders with longer hair thanks to its ponytail-friendly design.

The cradle itself is soft and supportive without creating pressure points, and the overall internal shape feels natural. Once the helmet is adjusted correctly, it more or less disappears, always the sign of a well-designed fit system.

A More Modern Look

ABUS clearly paid attention to aesthetics with the AirBreaker 2.0. The helmet retains the recognizable AirBreaker DNA while introducing sharper lines and a slightly more aggressive profile inspired by the GameChanger series. The white-on-white with a pop of carbon is a killer look. It’s modern and sticks out (especially when paired with white shoes), but not enough to cause weird looks on group rides.

Compared to its predecessor, the silhouette looks sleeker and more purposeful. The central spine and AeroBlade element give the helmet a distinctive visual signature that separates it from more traditional vent-heavy helmets.

Analysis Paralysis: AirBreaker 2.0 vs GameChanger 2.0

For riders already familiar with ABUS helmets, the obvious comparison is the GameChanger 2.0, the brand’s aero-focused race helmet. The most annoying question that pops up when your favorite helmet manufacturer has a new lid is:“Do I need that?” As for a safety standpoint, if you crashed recently…yes. But on a practical note, if you like to be the rider with the newest gear, having more helmets isn’t a terrible problem.

I’ve spent several seasons riding with the GameChanger 2.0, and it’s been a reliable companion for fast rides and racing. But switching between the two helmets highlights their different personalities.

The GameChanger 2.0 prioritizes aerodynamics first. Its design channels airflow tightly around the helmet and uses a more enclosed shell to minimize drag. It’s the helmet you reach for on fast road races, time trials, or flat-out group rides.

A Different Approach

This helmet sacrifices a small amount of aerodynamic efficiency in favor of dramatically improved ventilation. On long climbs or hot summer rides, that difference is immediately noticeable.

Weight is another factor. The AirBreaker feels lighter and more airy on the head, making it particularly appealing for mountainous terrain or extended endurance rides. Interestingly, despite its open design, the AirBreaker remains quieter in the wind than you might expect—sometimes even quieter than the GameChanger, depending on riding position.

And from a style standpoint, I’ll admit something I didn’t expect: I actually prefer the look of the AirBreaker 2.0.

The GameChanger has always had a slightly bulky aero shape, and while it’s clearly designed for speed, it’s not always the most flattering helmet visually. The AirBreaker 2.0 looks sharper and more modern, with a cleaner profile that works well on a wider variety of bikes and riding styles. Call me vain, but for me, it’s simply the better-looking helmet. And now that I’m getting older (slower) every year, I have to try and look cool on the bike, not just fast.

Pricing and Availability – ABUS AirBreaker 2.0

The AirBreaker 2.0 is offered in two versions:

• Standard version: $359.99 (Tested)
• MIPS version: $424.99

The helmets are available in three sizes and multiple colorways, with production at ABUS’s European facility in Italy.

AirBreaker 2.0 Key Ride Takeaways

Pretty much everything fit and experience-wise, I’ve mentioned above, but I feel that I should sum it up for those who skim to the “final thoughts” of the reviews section. After several rides in the AirBreaker 2.0, it’s clear ABUS nailed the brief. I like this helmet, I like it a lot, not only for the road, but for gravel and mountain bike racing. I love a helmet that can go the distance, and overall, the disciplines that I love.

The helmet is incredibly light, exceptionally well ventilated, and comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing it. Sunglasses from various manufacturers fit easily in the vents and are sturdy enough not to fall out when you hit a pothole or shoot off your head while looking back to check on the group.

The airflow through the vents is noticeable, and the helmet remains surprisingly quiet as speeds pick up. Compared to the GameChanger 2.0, the AirBreaker feels like the more versatile option, especially for riders who don’t want an always-aero option.

ABUS.com

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