The QuikrStuff Mach 2 hitch rack popped on our radar via AWOL’s Overland Digest, and it’s interesting in several ways. This new LV (literally “Longer Version”) just launched with a longer stinger to help it clear bumpers, tailgates, etc.

For starters, there’s the eerie similarity to 1UP USA’s racks. And that’s because QuikrStuff’s founder Cal Phillips originally founded 1UP USA with the Quik Rack, too. He sold that company, and after the original patents expired, he got back in the game to bring a few new ideas to market.

Where 1UP has branched out into heavy duty racks for motos, overland gear mounts, QuikrStuff is (for now anyway) focused on bicycles. Their single model, the Mach2, starts with a 1-bike Single Rack base.

Then, you can by Add-Ons to increase capacity up to four bikes, but the trick is in how they attach.

If you skipped the video above, here’s how it works:

1. Unbox and install base rack
2. Click Add-On into place
3. Load bikes

Installing each Add-On takes just five seconds and zero tools. It’s just as easy to remove, simply hold the release lever that locks it into place, tilt it up, and pull it off. Even better, each Add-On has a release lever, so you never have to reach all the way under the rack to tilt it up.

It tilts down, too, letting you drop it down to access the back of your vehicle. And the whole thing folds up to the size of a small carry-on suitcase, making it easy to stow in your trunk or garage when not in use.

The new LV model has a total weight rating of 165lbs, but actual max capacity depends on your configuration:

• 1 bike –   75 pounds
• 2 bikes – 130 pounds total
• 3 bikes – 165 pounds total
• 4 bikes – 105 pounds total

For e-bike users, there’s also a quick-add Ramp that attaches to the rear of the rack in the same way. This makes it super easy to transport without having to shove it in your vehicle (or create manufacturing complexity by trying to slide it into the rack).

QuikrStuff Mach2 LV Specs & Weights:

• Weight: 30.9 pounds
• Shipping weight: 35.2 pounds
• Tray length: 56.3″
• Folded size: 28-½” x 17-¾” x 7-¾”
• Shipping dimensions: 31”x19”x9”

Base racks range from $799 to $879 and come in 2″ and 1.25″ versions. Add-Ons are $699 each, ramps are $299. Options include wheel locks, wheel straps, cable locks, license plate mount, and more.

QuikrStuff.com

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Swiss cycling kit icon Assos has paired up with Norwegian luggage maker Db to create what they call the ultimate 3-piece Bike Travel bag setup. Sold as a single set, Db combines a soft-sided rectangular 50L Roamer Pro Split Duffel backpack, a Torq Trunk shoe bag to go inside, and a Crown Case reinforced helmet carrier to strap on the outside. They tailored each bag to meet the packing needs of a wide range of cyclists, keeping our riding gear organized and separated from the rest of your clean kit.

Assos x Db Bike Travel Bag 3-piece luggage set for cyclists

We were impressed with the look and quality of some of the previous bike travel bags from the unfortunately-named Db (the artist formerly known as Douchebags). But those seem to have disappeared from Db’s lineup, as they’ve focused on more traditional luggage. So when we saw that Assos had partnered with Db for cyclists-specific luggage, we were curious to take a closer look, and will probably look to reviewing the gear in the near future. After all, my go-to luggage for almost a decade of personal and work travels was made for cyclists, too.

For now, though, we just have PR details, images, and a few stats to peruse. But there’s still plenty to look deeper into, and to pique our interest even more…

Roamer Pro Split Duffel 50L

This fully recycled-material “Roamer Pro Slit Duffel 50L” is a standard backpack already in the regular DB offerings, which normally sells for 239€ on its own. It’s a 51cm x 28cm x 32cm soft box-shaped pack with a padded back panel and 2 aluminum rods sewn-in to give it structure. Its official outer volume dimensions are actually only 45L, making its inner carrying capacity a bit less than that, certainly not the 50L of its name. (Although, we’re guessing that might be a nod to 50L being the max standard size limit for airline carry-ons, even though this bag is technically 5-8cm taller/thicker than most airlines allow.)

The Split Duffel unsurprisingly splits down the middle with a big wraparound zipper, creating two main body compartments separated by a water-resistant lining to keep clean & dirty gear apart, with thin zippered pockets inside, too.

On the outside, fixed padded ergonomic shoulder straps make it easy to carry as a backpack (but less suited to become airline-checked luggage). Large top & rear straps make it easy to move around, a zip side pocket gives quick access to small items, and lashing points serve to attach more gear, like the helmet case.

Torq Trunk soft shoe bag

Add to the Roamer, the Torq Trunk is a new for Db 37cm x 25cm x 17cm bag to keep your shoes & pedals separated from even your dirty cycling kit. Four smaller pockets (3 padded,1 unpadded) organize your two pedals, tools, and socks, shoe covers, & leg/knee warmers, respectively. Db sized the Torq Trunk to drop into one side of the Roamer, together with bidons, tech gear, and maybe your sweaty kit post-ride.

Crown Case helmet carrier

Lastly, Db designed the seemingly lightly-padded, all-new Crown Case clamshell helmet carrier bag to hang from the Roamer with an integrated clip. Db designed it to fit up to an XL helmet (not MTB visors, though). Then, there’s an extra mesh accessory pocket from the outside, that fills the inner volume of the helmet where your head would be with small items like your sunglasses, ride electronics, or other small items.

Assos x Db Bike Travel Bag – Pricing & availability

The whole Assos x Db Bike Travel Bag kit is available exclusively as a 3-piece bundle for $449 / 369€. Db makes each of the individual elements primarily from 100% recycled polyamide and 100% recycled polyester. And they color-coordinate it all in black with muted olive green details & olive patterned fabric. And they all get Assos and D__b__ branding so everyone knows you’re a… cyclist.

Get them now in shops that sell Assos gear, or online from either Assos or Db.

Assos.com & Douchebags.com

The post Assos + Db Bike Travel Bag Collab is a 3-Piece Cyclist-Specific Luggage Set appeared first on Bikerumor.

Lazer has a new all-around helmet that can handle any ride without draining your funds. Be it road miles, gravel cut-throughs, dusty farm roads, or after-work loops that turn into “where does this go?” situations. The new Lazer Blade KinetiCore is a midrange helmet that punches above its weight and weighs less than more expensive designs. The real kicker…it’s only $99. 

What is it? Lazer Blade KinetiCore

The Lazer Blade KinetiCore isn’t trying to be a featherweight WorldTour lid, a full aero TT missile, or a chunky adventure helmet. It sits in the middle: sleek enough for the road crowd, relaxed enough for gravel. 

It has a clean, streamlined shape with Lazer dual-shell construction. It’s the same construction that you’ll see on the more popular helmets in the Lazer lineup. Visually, it gives the helmet a pronounced line where the two shells meet, breaking up the shape and giving it a little more character than the usual smooth commuter blob.

Understated & Classic 

The Blade looks modern without screaming “race day only,” or “I take myself too seriously,” which is probably the point. Lazer says the helmet is designed for riders splitting time between quiet roads and dusty paths, and the shape backs that up. It should look at home with bibs and a fast road bike, but not completely out of place with a handlebar bag, tan walls, and some Lemmy-style super-short cut-off jean shorts. 

Inside, Lazer uses soft, dense padding aimed at long-ride comfort. The fit is handled by the brand’s Advanced TurnSys system, which allows both horizontal and vertical adjustment. It’s super easy to use with or without gloves and has a satisfyingly deep click. 

There’s also a new strap divider designed to keep the straps sitting clean and consistent. Small thing? Absolutely. But anyone who has spent a ride fiddling with straps that creep toward their ears knows it matters. 

KinetiCore Comes Built In

The big tech story is Lazer’s KinetiCore protection system on a $99 do-it-all helmet. For those who are new to Lazer and KinetiCore, let me catch you up. Instead of adding a separate slip-plane liner, KinetiCore is built directly into the helmet structure using internal crumple zones designed to help redirect impact energy away from the head. The crumple zones are super easy to see on the inside of the helmet. 

That integrated approach is central to Lazer’s current helmet lineup. The brand says it reduces material use, helps keep weight down, and improves ventilation compared to designs that rely on extra internal layers. 

For the Blade KinetiCore, the claimed weight is 250g for a medium, and ours came in at 245g, 5 g under. That puts it in the pointy-end for an all-road helmet, especially at this price point. It’s light enough that it shouldn’t feel like a budget lid, but not so gram-obsessed that it forgets what most riders actually need: comfort and protection.

Eyewear Docking and LED Compatibility

Lazer also added integrated eyewear docking, something that seems to have been an afterthought on more modern helmets. The Blade KinetiCore is also compatible with Lazer’s Universal LED, which mounts to the rear of the helmet using the built-in Direct Mount. 

Seven Colors, Three Sizes

The Blade KinetiCore comes in S, M, and L sizing and seven colors: Flash Orange, Matte Black, Matte Clay, Matte Cobalt Blue, Matte Deep Grey, Matte Sage Green, and White (tested).

That color spread is pretty solid. Flash Orange for the “please see me” crowd, Matte Black for the “I own five black helmets already” crowd, and Matte Sage Green/Matte Clay for riders whose bike, kit, and cell phone case all match. I, however, chose white because, like black, it matches everything, and like most roadies, it matches my shoes. 

Pricing and Availability

The Lazer Blade KinetiCore is priced at $99.99 / €99.99 and is available through Lazer’s website and select retailers worldwide.

Ride Impressions: Lazer Blade KinetiCore

As a former bike shop employee, I get excited to see helmets that look nice and are affordable. Because nothing is worse than selling a bike and having the customer put off by either the style or the price of something thats pretty much mandatory for what they’re purchasing. 

The new Lazer Blade walks the line of all-around and gravel lid pretty well. I can firmly say that it doesn’t fit into one camp; it’s for sure not an aero helmet, and thats a good thing. It’s a solid all-rounder. Coming from mostly wearing performance headwear, during the season, checking out the Lazer Blade was a nice change of pace. 

The fit is excellent, and I wear a medium, just like my Lazer Z1. The biggest difference I noticed compared to my other Lazer lids was the new strap divider. It feels similar to the Specialized Evade 4 that we just reviewed. They fit over my ears nicely and stayed very close to the face, but not uncomfortably. 

But Not Everything

Though the new Lazer Blade offers a ton of value for the price, some aspects left me wanting. The first thing I noticed when switching from my Lazer Z1 was the middle line airflow. The center of the Blade is slightly underserved for ventilation. There are ample vents, but none seem to channel to the middle of the head. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s notable when switching from a helmet with better-designed ventilation.

Sweat retention was another issue. The padding, though comfortable, didn’t hold sweat as well as the Z1’s thicker, more absorbent padding. This again wasn’t a huge issue, but it can be when you look down at your head unit, and it’s like the dam broke.

However, the good impressions outweigh the little nitpicks. After a month in the Laser Blade, I like it. I reach for it when I’m going out on mountain bike rides or gravel rides. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and I can easily put a rain cap under it when the weather is foul. Bonus: it matches all of my kits. 

Take Away

That price is probably the biggest win here. Helmets have gotten expensive fast, especially once you start adding rotational-impact tech, wind tunnel testing, and better ventilation. The Blade KinetiCore keeps the feature list practical and the price under control.

No, it’s not the top-tier race helmet in Lazer’s lineup. That’s not the job. The Blade KinetiCore feels more like the helmet you grab for everything: road rides, gravel spins, travel bikes, first events, rides with the kids, or the daily loop. 

For $99.99, that’s a pretty complete package.

Lazer.com

The post Lazer Blade KinetiCore Cuts Across Road and Gravel for $99 appeared first on Bikerumor.

Twiceme’s NFC-based digital safety technology has been around for a few years now. The Swedish safety brand is known for its scannable NFC chips, which store a user’s medical information, used in both jobsite safety equipment and some skiing, climbing, and cycling helmets. In addition to medical ID, Twiceme also offers additional features, including location sharing, immobility alerts, and emergency services notifications when used with the free Twiceme app.

In the cycling world, we’ve seen Twiceme integrated most frequently into numerous models of POC road/gravel and mountain bike helmets. Now, Twiceme is expanding its reach in the bike market, with the announcement of integration into four of Smith’s popular helmets. The Smith Triad and Trace road/gravel models, along with the Payroll and Forefront 2 mountain bike helmets, are now available with the Twiceme at no additional cost.

Out with Aleck, In with Twiceme

Interestingly, all of these Smith helmet models were previously available in the same black/grey topo colorway with an Aleck crash sensor. The Aleck (formerly Tocsen) crash sensor was originally a stick-on accessory that was modified to fit into the dial of the adjustment harness on the aforementioned Smith helmets. This sensor was intended to alert your emergency contacts in the event of a crash. 

For whatever reason, Aleck’s crash sensors no longer appear to be in production, and they are not an option when purchasing any Smith helmets. In its place, quite literally, Smith is now offering all of these helmets with the Twiceme digital safety system.

Twiceme Features

Twiceme uses non-battery hardware in the form of a scannable NFC (Near Field Communication) chip. This chip can be integrated directly into a bike helmet or other gear, or, in the case of the Smith helmets, a disc built into the dial of the helmet’s fit adjustment system. 

Medical ID is the main feature of the Twiceme system, and users can upload personal medical information — allergies, conditions, medications, and emergency contacts — through the Twiceme app. If necessary, this information can be accessed by first responders or bystanders by hovering a smartphone over the Twiceme symbol, in this case, the rear adjustment dial. 

The other features of Twiceme include:

• Share Location allows users to select who can see their real-time location, helping them keep track of their family, teams, or groups.
• Emergency Services enables users to manually trigger emergency notifications, utilizing GPS capabilities to pinpoint their last known location for a rapid response.
• Get Back Timer allows users to set expected return times and automatically alerts designated contacts if the return is delayed.
• Immobility Alert detects prolonged immobility, which could indicate someone is incapacitated, and triggers an emergency alert if the user does not respond to a mobile notification.

Smith x Twiceme Helmets: Models, Pricing, and Availability

Twiceme Digital Safety technology is currently being offered on four of Smith’s helmet models, all of which come in the Matte Black / Topo colorway only. These include the road/gravel-oriented Trace Mips and Triad Mips, as well as the Payroll Mips and Forefront 2 Mips (not to be confused with the latest Forefront 3). All of these models are currently priced the same as their standard counterparts without Twiceme. 

• Trace Mips Twiceme: $285
• Triad Mips Twiceme: $225
• Payroll Mips Twiceme: $230
• Forefront 2 Mips Twiceme: $162 (discounted from $270)

All of the Smith x Twiceme helmets are available now through the brand’s website.

smithoptics.com

The post Twiceme Digital Safety Technology Now Available on Select Smith Cycling Helmets appeared first on Bikerumor.

Full-cut, over-the-ear, or ¾? It doesn’t seem like the industry has really settled on what to call extended-coverage helmets like the new Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt. Regardless of what we call this style of helmet, they’ve slowly grown in popularity and number in the past few years, and TLD is adding another model to the list of options. This new helmet combines TLD’s signature looks in a lightweight ¾-shell design for riders seeking enhanced coverage without a chinbar. 

Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt Details

The TLD Stage full-face helmet is among the lightest and best-ventilated dedicated full-face models on the market and has been popular with enduro, all-mountain, and aggressive trail riders for a few years now. With the new Stage Stunt, it appears that TLD essentially took the Stage and removed the chinbar, a design which should enhance airflow and reduce weight while providing increased head coverage.

The ¾ shell offers significantly more coverage than a half-shell, including more at the back of the head and extending down over the ears and covering part of the upper jaw, as well. The helmet otherwise looks strikingly similar to the Stage, with a familiar vent layout and signature Troy Lee Designs styling. 

The Stage Stunt has a fairly traditional in-mold construction with a lightweight, fiber-reinforced polycarbonate shell paired with dual-density EPS intended to help manage forces from both high- and low-speed impacts. For rotational impact protection, TLD chose the new Mips Integra Fuse system. This system integrates the low-friction layer by fusing it directly to the EPS inside the helmet shell. This design is intended to be very low-profile and noise-free without any impact on ventilation.

The Stage Stunt uses a convenient Fidlock magnetic buckle for one-handed operation. TLD includes two thicknesses of Dri-lex cheek pads and neck rolls, with three positions of vertical adjustment to optimize the helmet’s fit and stability. The three-position visor is, not surprisingly, goggle compatible. To keep things cool, 9 intake ports and 13 exhaust vents are designed to provide maximum airflow.

The Stage Stunt weighs in at a claimed 550 grams (size not specified), making it one of the lightest helmets of its type. It comes in three sizes, XS/SM (54-56cm), MD/LG (57-59cm), and XL/XXL (60-63cm). 

TLD Stage Stunt Specs

• Shell: High Impact Polycarbonate Shell
• Impact Liner: Dual-density EPS
• Rotational Impact Protection: Mips Integra Fuse
• Comfort Liner: Adjustable Dri-lex cheek pads and new roll (3 position)
• Visor: 3-way adjustable with goggles and glasses stowage
• Ventilation: 9 intake vents, 13 exhaust vents
• Certifications: CPSC 1203, CE EN1078, AS-NZS 2063, NTA8776 (e-bike)
• Sizes: XS/SM, MD/LG, XL/XXL
• Weight: 550g

TLD Stage Stunt: Colors, Pricing, Availability

The Stage Stunt is available now on the TLD website and select online and brick-and-mortar retailers. It comes in six colorways, with prices ranging from $305 for the most subtle Drone Black to $325 for Pinstripe White or Pinstripe Black. 

If purchasing directly from TLD, buyers can also opt for customized lettering in script or block letters for a $150 upcharge. Full custom paint jobs are also an option for those interested.

troyleedesigns.com

The post Troy Lee Designs Launches New Stage Stunt ¾-Shell MTB Helmet appeared first on Bikerumor.

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

The post Review: Specialized’s New Evade 4 is Heavier But Much Cooler & Still Fast appeared first on Bikerumor.

Happy Friday! Today, the small crew over at Camp and Go Slow (CAGS) has launched some handsome new goodies for your favorite steed. Usually, CAGS runs very small, limited selection runs of their collaboration with Bags by Bird. But this time, they ran a complete size run. So, they’ve got the smaller Piccollo, the medium-sized Goldback, and the new large Goldback WIDE. Plus, some new, beautifully understated top caps to help clean up your cockpit.

Kick ass, let’s dive in!

New Campandgoslow Bags By Bird

You guys remember when Camp and Go Slow dropped that limited run of those gorgeous waxed canvas Piccollo bags? Well, they’ve collaborated with Jay at Bags by Bird again to make an entire size run of those rattlesnake- or other wildlife-equipped, versatile and stunning handlebar bags.

The bags are built from the same fabrics as CAGS’s popular Outer Shell line. That means they’re made with tough-as-nails 1000D Cordura and have an additional stretch pocket under the main flap. They have silver grey Packcloth liners and are shipped with foam spacers and mounting straps.

Because they use the same materials as CAGS’s Outer Shell line, that means the bags are all trimmed in your choice of CAGS’s greatest bar tape on the planet.

The colors available are: Western Rattler/Rust, Eastern Rattler/Black, Great Horned Owl/OS Brown, and Brown Trout/Dark Brown.

So, getting your matchy-matchy on never looked better!

Piccolo 9.5

Retail: $235

“The Piccolo 9.5 is the smallest of the saddlebag-style bags in the BXB lineup. It’s a great fit for smaller bikes with low tire clearance and/or narrow drop bars. It’s also a great size for day rides and UltraLight tourists.“

• Main Body Specs: 9.5″ wide x 7.5″ deep x 9.5″ tall
• Total Width: 12-14″
• Volume: 15L
• Made by Bags X Bird in Tucson, AZ

Goldback 12.5

Retail: $260

“The Goldback 12.5 is a touring staple: it’s big enough for extended touring and still svelte enough for commuting or day rides. You’ll find it’s plenty stable without a rack underneath it, but it has all the lashing points you’ll need to cinch down your gear when the road gets rough.“

• Main Body Specs: 12.5″ wide x 8″ deep x 10.5″ tall
• Total Width: 16-18″
• Volume: 27L
• Made by Bags X Bird in Tucson, AZ

New Goldback WIDE

Retail: $270

“The Goldback W I D E is a super-sized version of the Goldback bag with some important added features. First off, it’s big…7 liters larger than the Goldback 12.5. If you’re a heavy packer or just want to avoid cramming all your gear into sixteen smaller bags, this is for you. To stabilize this cavernous creature, we’ve added a second, wider set of mounting points to the upper dowel attachment. Underneath the bag, you’ll find all the lashing points of a standard Goldback, and you’re gonna need them. This bag is designed to be used with a rack or a bag support (like this one from Shovel Research). That’s our official stance. Rack-hating bikepacking bros, consider yourselves warned. For the rest of us normies who can’t decide if we want to take a hammock or a tent, now we can take both. Yolo :)”

• Main Body Specs: 14.5″ wide x 8″ deep x 11.5″ tall
• Total Width: 18-20″
• Volume: 34L (!)
• Made by Bags X Bird in Tucson, AZ

New Forager/Ashley Anodized Top Caps

Retail: $35

For these little beauties, Camp and Go Slow worked with Dan at Forager Cycles (you know, the company that makes the awesome Cable Cherry), to develop this lovely little bit of bling for your cockpit.

CAGS says it won’t do anything a cheap top cap can’t do, but life can sometimes be about the little things. And personalizing your steed with something like a beautiful top cap, for me, is what it’s about. It can really pull a bike build together.

These aluminum top caps were machined in-house at Forager Cycles and then finished by Ashley Anodized. They were made to match the Forager Cable Cherries. Available in three patterns and four colors: Rattler/Green, Rattler/Black, Rattler/Orange, Rattler/Brown, Owl/Black, Owl/Brown, Trout/Green, and Trout/Orange

Check out all of the goodies that Camp and Go Slow has at the link below, I’m sure you’ll find something you know you want!

CampAndGoSlow.com

The post Camp and Go Slow Drops New Bags by Bird, Plus Beautiful New Top Caps appeared first on Bikerumor.

Fizik has been busy updating shoes lately, and today, the brand is launching the 2nd generation of its gravity-focused clip and flat pedal shoes. Known as the Versor 2, this redesigned shoe is influenced by Fizik’s extensive experience in both the road and off-road footwear markets, with a renewed focus on reduced weight and streamlined design not typically found in the gravity category. 

By incorporating construction methods and precise fits borrowed from running and hiking shoe designs, Fizik hopes to create a precise, versatile, durable, good-looking, and high-performance gravity shoe for the modern rider. The Versor 2 comes in clip-in and flat pedal versions and is intended for everything from bike park laps to pedal-heavy backcountry missions.

Let’s check them out.

Fizik Versor 2 Details

The original Versor shoes have been around for a few years and already stood out with their unique aesthetic and asymmetrical, ergonomic lace-up closure. Now, it seems Fizik is taking that a step further with a clear focus on reducing weight and bulk and leaning into a more minimalist design.

“When we started working on Versor 2, we wanted to move away from the idea that MTB shoes need to feel oversized or overbuilt to feel protective. We took more inspiration from technical outdoor footwear, where lightweight materials and precise fit already exist at a very high level. The goal was to create something minimal, sharp, and highly connected to the bike, while still delivering the durability needed for aggressive trail riding or racing.”

-Brand Manager, Alex Locatelli

While the Versor 2 is stylistically similar to the previous version, Fizik states that the fit has been updated with a more anatomical foot shape, providing a bit more room in the toe box for both comfort and stability. This will likely also make the shoe a bit more accommodating for varying foot shapes. We’ve seen similar approaches taken by other brands recently, including Sidi with its new Millennium fit.

Less Bulk

Fizik says that keeping bulk to a minimum was one of the main goals when designing the Versor 2 shoes. They believe that less bulk and a more precise fit help to maximize control on the pedals. Additionally, they say it helps keep the weight low and improves the aesthetics compared to bulkier, skate-inspired competitors.

Construction

The Versor 2 shoes have a tough, ripstop upper with strategic reinforcement zones. Fizik concentrated the PU-laminated protection in the areas most prone to wear, including the toe box and sidewalls, where crank arm contact is common. This leaves the less-wear-prone parts of the shoe more breathable and quick-drying, while keeping the weight to a minimum. 

Additionally, Fizik believes that this light, zonal construction “allows the shoe to move with the foot more naturally and ensures the rider can move their feet freely, essential during gravity riding where precise foot placement and pedal feedback matter the most.”

A bootie-style wrap upper is intended to fit closely around the foot, which seems like it should provide the knock-on benefit of helping keep debris out of the shoe. That’s finished off with the offset, ergonomic lace-up closure for “a secure, pressure-free fit that keeps Versor 2 comfortable for however long a rider is on the trails.”

Versor 2 Clip

The clip-in version of the Versor 2 gets a nylon shank for pedaling support and is rated a 5 on Fizik’s sole stiffness scale. They say that it enhances power transfer while remaining flexible enough for walking comfort. The extended cleat track should provide riders with an ample range of adjustability to position their cleats to suit their preferences. 

Outside of the cleat pocket, the entire sole of the Versor 2 clip is covered in a Vibram XS Trek EVO rubber compound. It features a pattern of low-profile round lugs in the midfoot, with a deeper tread at the toes and heel for improved off-the-bike grip.

Tech Specs

• Ripstop fabric upper with zonal PU-laminated protection
• Bootie-style upper construction for pressure-free fit
• Ergonomic lace-up closure
• X6 Gravita outsole with Vibram XS Trek EVO compound
• Nylon shank, stiffness index 5
• Weight: 378 g

Versor 2 Flat

The flat pedal version of the Versor 2 features a full-coverage rubber outsole made from a grippier Vibram XS Ride rubber compound. It features a tread pattern that Fizik says has been optimized to offer traction while retaining pedal feel. To that end, the Flat version’s sole stiffness is rated as a 2 on the Fizik scale. This softer flexing sole “prioritizes pedal conformity and traction, giving riders a planted, controlled feeling during technical riding.”

Tech Specs

• Ripstop fabric upper with zonal PU-laminated protection
• Bootie-style upper construction for pressure-free fit
• Ergonomic lace-up closure
• X6 Flat outsole with Vibram XS Ride compound
• Stiffness index 2
• Flat-pedal specific outsole
• Weight: 320 g

Colors and Sizes

Both the Flat and Clip versions of the Versor 2 come in the same color options: Anthracite-Black and Off White-Anthracite. They are available in whole EU sizes 36 to 48, as well as half sizes between 37 and 47. 

Fizki Versor 2: Pricing and Availability

The new Versor 2 Clip and Versor 2 Flat are available now. Both shoes are listed at the same price: $150 USD / £150 / € 149. Head to the Fizik website to learn more.

fizik.com

The post The Versor 2 is the Next Evolution of Fizik’s Gravity-Focused Clip and Flat MTB Shoes appeared first on Bikerumor.

Showers Pass has been a trusted name in weather-resistant cycling apparel for decades. The Century Jacket has been a staple in the brand’s lineup for many years, providing lightweight, high-visibility, waterproof upper body protection for countless commuters and dedicated foul-weather riders. 

Now, the Century Jacket is getting a modern refresh. While it looks and fits quite similarly to its predecessor, the Century CC, the new Century Jacket features a new, softer-to-the-touch material and a 2.5x increase in water resistance.

Showers Pass Century Jacket: What’s New?

The biggest change to the Century Jacket is the brand-new Advanced Artex Gold 2.5-layer ultralight material. According to Showers Pass, this material is “entirely whisper-quiet and ridiculously soft to the touch, completely eliminating the stiff, plastic ‘crinkle’ of traditional rain jackets.” 

At the same time, the new, more comfortable Artex Gold fabric also boasts a 25k waterproof rating, making it 2.5x more waterproof than the outgoing Century CC jacket. This material is also rated at 25k (gsm/day) for breathability. 

With a claimed weight of 250 grams, this waterproof Century Jacket proves that increased weather protection doesn’t come with a weight penalty. It packs into its own zippered rear pocket for storage, so it’s ready to deploy when the weather turns foul.

What Hasn’t Changed

In other ways, Showers Pass didn’t stray from the Century’s design that made it a popular choice for decades. It still features a cycling-specific cut that includes a short front hem and drop tail for optimal fit and coverage in the riding position. The longer arms accommodate your extended reach while riding, and adjustable wrist cuffs overlap your cycling gloves or open wide for ventilation.

Speaking of ventilation, the 8” core vents open wide for airflow, a breathable rear cape lets air escape, and a new chest clip keeps the jacket from flapping wildly when fully unzipped. It comes in two high-visibility colors, Leaf Green and Firecracker, along with Scotchlite reflective trims to enhance visibility from every direction. 

Century Jacket Specs

• Fabric: Advanced Artex Gold Ultra 2.5-layer ultralight material
• Waterproof Rating: 25,000 mm (2.5x more waterproof than the prior Century CC)
• Breathability Rating: 25,000 gsm/day
• Weight: 250 grams / 8.8 oz (Size Men’s Medium)
• Construction: Fully waterproof, seam-sealed, always-stitched, never-bonded
• Ventilation: Generous 8” mechanical core vents, rear cape vent, and wide-opening adjustable cuffs
• Packability: Self-stows directly into its own integrated rear pocket
• Safety: 360-degree Scotchlite reflective trims for low-light visibility
• MSRP: $219.00
• Colors: Leaf Green, Firecracker Red
• Sizing: Men’s S–XXXL | Women’s S–XXXL
• Warranty: Backed by an Unconditional 2-Year Performance Guarantee

Century Jacket: Pricing and Availability

The Shower Pass Century Jacket retails for $219 and comes with an unconditional 2-Year Performance Guarantee. It is available now on the brand’s website.

showerspass.com

The post Showers Pass Century Rain Jacket Evolves with New Materials and More Weather Resistance appeared first on Bikerumor.

If you’re not familiar with Endura, it won’t take long. The Scottish brand is growing stateside thanks to its long-lasting performance kits and a distinct, ride-anywhere identity. It’s an attitude of inclusivity and a determination to extend the joy of riding across disciplines. That mission has expanded Endura’s lines of versatile, all-weather apparel to also include helmets and accessories that cross over from gravel to singletrack. To put it more frankly in the direct, deadpan style of the Scottish rider-designers, it’s gear that removes doubts — that says, ‘Aye, y’can.’

Kevin Franks recently saw the impact of the company’s approach paired with the gear it delivers at Sea Otter Classic. The annual West Coast gathering was the perfect cross-discipline event to debut Endura’s new AllTrack collection. We caught up with Franks, a cycling industry fixture who’s led multiple brands, to help us better understand Endura, in general, as well as the AllTrack Ride Packable Jacket, specifically. The foul-weather performance shell stood out to us as one of the new line’s most interesting items worth a deeper dive.

BikeRumor: Was the AllTrack Ride Packable Jacket built with a particular rider in mind? 

KEVIN FRANKS: Yeah, we had a very clear rider in mind. At its core, it’s built for gravel riders, but not just one type. We call them ‘joyriders.’ They’re serious about riding and their kit, but pretty unserious about everything else. They’re not chasing segments or buried in data. They just want to ride far, get a little lost, maybe drift onto some unexpected trails, and enjoy it.

That mindset shaped the whole jacket. It had to be something you can rely on all day without overthinking it. Throw it on, pack it away, keep moving.

A jacket that crosses over from singletrack to gravel is hugely appealing. How did you approach the design challenge? 

The line between gravel and shorter travel MTB is basically gone at this point. Same riding position, same long days, same ‘carry as little as possible’ mindset. So it made zero sense to build something that only worked in one lane.

How did you try to solve for the right fit then?

The hard part was getting the balance right. It needed to be dialed on the bike, not flapping around, but also not so tight that it feels like road-race kit when you’re picking your way down something rough. And yeah, it had to look good too. No one wants to wear something all day that screams “technical shell” if it doesn’t have to.

How was it tested? 

Developing in Scotland is basically cheating when it comes to bad weather. If it survives here, it’s already passed the torture test. The real challenge was pulling it back from that edge and making sure it wasn’t overkill for everywhere else.

Did any testing feedback make it into the final design?

The biggest shift came from packability. Early versions nailed protection, but riders kept saying the same thing: ‘This is great… but I need to be able to forget about it when I’m not wearing it.’ That pushed us to make it lighter, easier to stash, and way more adaptable. That’s what turned it from good to essential.

Which team riders have been using it?  

We just got back from the Sea Otter Classic, where we launched the full AllTrack collection, and one moment stuck out. Kriss Kyle, our gravity rider and not really the guy we built this jacket for, was super stoked on it and wanted one straight away. That felt like a pretty good litmus test. If someone who spends most of his time sending huge features is into a lightweight, packable gravel shell, it means the appeal goes way beyond the original brief. It is doing exactly what we hoped. Crossing lines, pulling in riders from different corners, and just being a solid bit of kit wherever you end up riding.

And where do you end up riding? What’s your motivation?

It always comes back to freedom. Riding is one of the simplest ways to get out, clear your head, and go somewhere new under your own power. Whether it’s a quick spin after work or a full-day adventure, it resets everything.

And that’s really what this jacket is about, too. It’s not just protection from the weather; it’s something that lets you keep going when conditions turn or when the plan changes. More than anything, it’s about saying yes to the ride.

This article is sponsored by Endura. 

The post How Endura Built Its Latest Line-Blurring, Lightweight Gravel Shell appeared first on Bikerumor.