Hot on the heels of SRAM’s new Force AXS group comes leaks showing a wireless Campagnolo Super Record group. There’s also tons of new gravel stuff, from shoes to flex suspension and e-powered bikes, plus a new 27.2 dropper. Throw in some great new tools from Feedback and Wheels Mfg, a 50th anniversary Ritchey hardtail and new YT Capra MTBs, too. Here’s the best new stuff this week:
- Campy goes wireless
- Specialized Recon SL/ADV
- UDOG gravel shoes
- Northwave Rebel 3
- Fizik Vento Argo 00
- Berria Belador Allroad
- Pinarello eNytro
- BikeYoke gravel dropper post
- Ritchey Anniversary Hardtail
- YT Capra Core 3
- New bike tools
Campagnolo Super Record looks to be going wireless
Campy’s FCC filing shows a two-button wireless shifter that sticks with their “one button, one function” ethos, but moves their signature upshift thumb clicker down to the brake lever.
Unlike FSA’s rocker switch style, this one appears to put each shift paddle on it’s own pivot with distinct angles (likely for better tactile differentiation). Two more buttons are on the inside face of the hood with hints that they could also shift or be reassigned to other functions.
A model number of “RD23-SR12WRL” suggests the Rear Derailleur is wireless, too, and sticking with 12 speeds. No word on release date, but after four years, Campy’s EPS groups are certainly due for an update. (Deeper dive on Road.cc)
Specialized Recon S-Works & ADV gravel shoes
For race day, the Recon S-Works reduces the rubber on the bottom, uses their I-beam carbon sole for stiffness, but with a 4mm wider base plate for more comfort. Dual metal BOA dials mimic their excellent Torch road shoe’s closure for secure foot wrap with no pressure points. Claimed weight is 280g (size 44), MSRP is $450. Five colors.
The Recon ADV goes with laces and a burlier tread, connecting the larger knobs for more grip. It adds a bit of toe flex for better walkability, and the perforated upper has microfiber backing to improve breathability, but maintain high style. Three colors, sizes 36-49 MSRP $225
Both get BG insoles and shape for all-day comfort. “Pontoon” tread blocks flank the cleat, and included shims let you adjust stack height to create the optimal pedaling platform for road-like efficiency…or account for leg length discrepancies.
UDOG Distanza gravel shoes
UDOG (named to celebrate the underdog) has expanded their road-only launch collection to include the Distanza gravel bike shoe. With a wrap-over-and-around rubber toe bumper and Tension Wrap System pulling up from the instep, they’re definitely unique (dare I say ruggedly beautiful) looking.
Available with carbon/nylon ($240, 330g size 42) and full carbon ($334, 315g) outsoles, they have a wide toe-box and deep heel cup, pressed-flat non-stretch laces with lace garage on the top of the tongue. Available in Black & Gray.
Northwave Rebel 3 MTB Shoes debut for epic XC rides
If you’ve ever worn a race-level XC shoe for more than a couple hours, their efficiency often becomes a comfort liability. Designed for the all-day, multi-day Cape Epic, the new Northwave Rebel 3 make high performance more comfy.
It launches in this Cape Epic Series black-and-gold colorway with a perforated microfiber seamless one-piece upper with dual dial closures & TPU abrasion panels. The stiff carbon sole has a bit of intentional flex in the medial area to keep your feet “awake”, and full length rubber on the bottom for traction. MSRP €210.
Fizik Vento Argo 00 Adaptive full-carbon 3D-printed saddle
The Fizik Vento Argo 00 Adaptive saddle gives their 3D-printed road lineup a full-carbon option weighing just 175g (140mm width, 186g for 150mm). That’s 10-15g lighter than the R1 model. It also has a lower profile padding and a full carbon shell versus the R1’s carbon-reinforced nylon shell, giving it a firmer, racier feel.
Rails are full carbon fiber, all that supports their “carbon liquid resin” upper that’s printed into zone-specific densities to support the rider with no pressure points. MSRP $/€399.
Berria Belador Allroad gravel bike flexes rear suspension
Spanish brand Berria’s Belador Allroad bike uses curved, flattened seatstays attached to a bearing-equipped pivot on the seat tube to provide 27mm of rear suspension solely through vertical flex, with the pivot preventing over-stressing the frame.
The rear wheel tucks into the curved seat tube for racy performance and looks that still fit 700×44 (or 650B x 47) tires. A cover plate hides top tube bag mounts, and multiple bottle positions are provided on the downtube.
Pinarello Nytro E is the lightest e-road bike. Maybe.
Marketing statements like “The Pinarello Nytro E is the lightest e-road bike with their exclusive T900 carbon fiber” always make me wonder, is it their lightest with their carbon fiber? Or the lightest, period? Regardless, at 25.1lbs (11.39kg), it’s really light for an e-bike.
It does this by pairing the ultra-light TQ-HPR50 motor & 360Wh battery. Available in both road (30mm tire clearance) and gravel (50mm tires) versions, with aero, asymmetric carbon and alloy frames. There’s even a flat bar Allroad model!
BikeYoke Revive 27.2 gravel/XC dropper post
Built on the same fully serviceable, field bleedable design as their MTB posts, the new BikeYoke Revive 27.2 dropper post has 80mm of gravel bike-friendly travel compatible with any lever that clamps the cable on the remote side.
It’s 400mm length fits XC bikes, too, but the lower tube can be cut down by 100mm to save weight when you don’t need as much post extension (saves 45g). MSRP $/€370; 385g standard, 375g w/ ti hardware.
Ritchey Ultra 50th Anniversary steel hardtail MTB
Continuing the celebration of Tom Ritchey’s 50th anniversary of building bikes, their steel Ultra hardtail mountain bike gets the limited edition paint and geometry built around modern Boost thru axles, 120mm forks, and the ability to run 29er or 27.5″ wheels and tires. Frameset is $1,199.
YT Capra Core 3 enduro bike gets carbon upgrade
Upgrading to a carbon frame from the Core 1/2 models, the YT Capra Core 3 keeps the same adjustable geometry, tool strap mounts, and magnetic bottle mount as the alloy versions.
Available in 29er & MX builds, it gets SRAM GX AXS & Code R brakes, Crank Brothers Synthesis Enduro wheels, Renthal/SDG cockpit and Maxxis Assegai/Terra DHR tires on 170mm of Rockshox Ultimate-level ZEB & Super Deluxe suspension. MSRP $/€/£4,599.
SQlabs Innerbarends now mount closer to grips
With a thinner mounting clamp that (for most people) now fits between the grip and the brake lever’s clamp, SQlab’s InnerBarEnds can sit in a more ergonomic position without requiring too-far brake, shifter & dropper remote placements.
And if you run certain SQlabs’ grips, the bar end can replace the inner lock ring for an even sleeker fit. Designed to give you more hand positions and an aero position for long bikepacking adventures and endurance races. Two shapes offered. MSRP $45/pair, weight is 56-108g/pair.
Wilde Cardinal Bar brings BMX style to MTBs
Wilde partnered with BMX brand S&M Bikes to create the Cardinal Bar, a crossbar riser handlebar in 100% chromoly steel. It’s f’ing fantastic looking, heavy as hell, and ridiculously wide. What’s not to like? MSRP $130, handmade in CA.
New tools from Feedback Sports & Wheels Mfg
Feedback Sports has three new tools for Spring. The 12mm Thru Axle Chain Keeper ($10) is made from bio-based plastic and makes for easy travel & chain cleaning. The Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet Kit ($70) has a 5Nm click-torque extension handle w/ 10 bits, and the Rotor Truing Fork 2.0 ($15) has nylon surfaces over the steel core so it won’t mar your rotors.
If you’ve ever slipped a tool trying to properly tighten those extremely slim flanged Centerlock lock rings, then you (like me) will appreciate the Wheels Manufacturing Centerlock Socket ($31.60). Fits any 3/8 ratchet or torque wrench (not included).
It’s compatible with their 3/8 acme rod and Adjustable Press Stop Mini to create a complete system that threads through the hub for perfect alignment, grip and the satisfaction derived from complete overkill.
Small Bites
- Athletic Brewing adds ltd. edition Passion Fruit Daypack hop seltzer
- Wild POV urban downhill footage from Red Bull Cerra Abajo
- Flow Collective has limited time artist series MTB jerseys
- Handup’s 2023 Spring glove & kit collection is quite colorful
- Club Ride has new shorts, pants & tops for Spring 2023, too
- Pearl Izumi launches women’s GROW Collection
- Quadlock’s excellent phone cases get a Tripod
- Philly Bike Expo skips this year, moving to Spring 2024
- We’re one step closer to having Speeder Bikes
- How about this housing development built for cyclists
- Watch Bicycle Film Fest’s 35 shorts from home thru March 31
- PROLIDS launched a reversible bike/skate helmet for groms
- Canyon has a 90s-style MTB throwback Grizl gravel bike
- Now you can wear a Red Bull bike helmet (sorta) like the pros
Advocacy
- Support Santa Cruz trails & enter to win any Ibis MTB you want
- Factor Ostro Gravel Amani Edition is gorgeous for a good cause
- Komoot opens applications for Women’s Slovenia Rally
- Bill for long-distance bike trails introduced in US Congress
Vanlife & Overland
- Airstream & Porsche Design made an ultra-sleek camper
- Tesla grads launch Lightship L1 self-propelled EV RV trailer
- Pull the B-Turtle Microcaravan camper trailer w/ an e-bike
- New VanDOit Moov is built on the AWD Ford Transit Trail
Deals
- Fezzari’s Spring Ahead Sale has road/MTB/eMTB bikes up to 33% off
- BikesOnline has bikes up to 25% off, parts/gear up to 55% off
- Get 20% off ALL Santa Cruz & Juliana MTBs at evo.com
- Backcountry has Santa Cruz, Juliana, Yeti bikes up to 30% off
- Trek Fest has big deals on Trek/Electra bikes & Bontrager components
- 15% off Jackery Explorer 2000 solar generator thru 3/19 w/ code AFF15
- The REI Co-op CTY commuter e-bike is on sale for an amazing deal
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