What's Cool In Road Cycling

Gear Break: KANSEPT1 ProSpec Ventoux Jersey, S-Works Torch Shoes, Fit Kit VeloAngle, Lezyne Tagging, Brooks Bags & DeFeet Match My Kit

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Gear Break: KANSEPT1 ProSpec Ventoux jersey, S-Works Torch shoes powered by BOA® Fit System, Fit Kit Systems relaunches VeloAngle, new Scape bags from Brooks, England and DeFeet grows EVO Mont Ventoux lineup with Match My Kit.


KANSEPT1 ProSpec Ventoux Jersey – $110

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At one level, the ProSpec Ventoux jersey is a “typical” race-inspired jersey. Full-zip. Low collar. Very form fitting, but comfortably so. KANSEPT1 calls it “AEROtomic fit” that is “aerodynamic, comfortable and flattering” — although I suppose flattering is in the eye of the beholder (if you’re carrying extra pounds/kilos, you might disagree). For me, a size small fit me (5’8″, 130 pounds, skinny ectomorph) like a second skin without being too tight.

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What makes the ProSpec Ventoux jersey a hot weather jersey is the materials. The full-zip front is a micro-mesh (as is the collar and rear pockets — BTW, there’s also a secure zipper pocket at the back). The back of the jersey is a more open mesh (KANSEPT1 calls it “MacroMesh”) for ventilation/wicking. The MacroMesh could easily be mistaken for hot weather baselayer material.

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A whole lotta mesh at the back

Another thing that’s a little different about the ProSpec Ventoux jersey is the sleeves. Rather than raw cut, they are sewn sleeves and the material is ribbed. KANSEPT1 calls them “SpeedRib sleeves” and the idea is that the ribbing is supposed to provide better airflow. I’m not an aerodynamicist and have no wind tunnel data , but if true then #marginalgains. (NOTE: You might have noticed that Vuelta Stage 11 winner Kaden Groves‘ jersey has ribbed sleeves.)

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These sleeves just might make you faster

My first ride in the ProSpec Ventoux jersey was on a 89F feels like 96F day (yes, you can question the sanity of that). I ordinarily wear a baselayer but chose not to because I wanted to see how well the jersey would perform in the heat/humidity. Two words: flying colors. Yes, it was hot. And yes, I was sweaty. But I was as comfortable as comfortable gets under those conditions and never felt like I was overheating. All the mesh definitely provides a lot of airflow. Subsequent rides have been in the same kind of heat and humidity (including a 90F/feels like 101F heat advisory day … no one every accused me of being all that smart) and I’m impressed with how well the jersey does (my riding, however, is another story).

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Still smiling after a day of riding in the hot sun

If you live somewhere where it’s still hot, you should have a look at the KANSEPT1 ProSpec Ventoux jersey. You’d be hard pressed to find a better jersey for hot weather … especially at this price point.

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Don’t they always?


S-Works Torch Shoes Powered by BOA® Fit System

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The S-Works Torch is the latest evolution of the winningest footwear in cycling. Using Body Geometry together with biomimicry, data science, and obsessive craftsmanship, we engineered a shoe so thoughtfully constructed that you’ll forget you’re wearing it.

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Leveraging data science, we refined every detail of the S-Works Torch’s upper for improved fit and performance. The BOA® cable is shifted down and angled, preventing lift on the ball of the foot and delivering power-enhancing structure while eliminating unwanted pressure or pinching. Adaptive materials allow natural movement of the foot where needed for comfort, while data-driven zonal reinforcement keeps the foot secured for crisp power delivery and optimal efficiency.

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Guided by more than 100,000 foot scans from our RETÜL fit data, we recognized that both a standard and a wide carbon base plate would best serve the spectrum of human foot shapes. An internal I-Beam adds stiffness and strength, eliminating the need for additional bracing. The result is a 20-gram weight reduction, enhanced efficiency, and immediate power transfer.

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Above is how Specialized describe the S-Works Torch Shoes, but what does our PEZ-man, Alastair Hamilton thinks of these beauties?

Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez:

The main things that I first noticed with the S-Works Torch shoes.

  • Lightweight
  • Sole Stiffness
  • Colour
  • BOA Fit System
  • Heel cup
  • Foot fit

Lightweight: When the shoes arrived, I was convinced there was only one shoe in the box. I’d never thought much about the weight of my cycling shoes, thinking they were all much the same and that I wouldn’t notice it anyway. Well, I did notice it and on the first ride I had to turn up a hill due to road works and set a new personal ‘Strava’ record without thinking about it.

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Light with plates and bolts

Sole Stiffness: Okay, I know they are all stiff, but the Torch shoes have a very ‘solid’ feel to them.

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Solid sole

Colour: I’m a ‘white cycling shoe’ man, so I was a little disappointed that the white shoes where (at that time) out of stock. S-Works call this colour ‘Oak’ and it takes a bit to get used to. For sure they are different, the two tone uppers and the splatter finish to the sole is quite striking – Like or dislike?

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That colour?

BOA Fit System: Let’s face it, you should only buy cycling shoes with the BOA Fit System. Comfortable and secure. The new metal dial gives more grip for tightening on the move, a real micro-adjust for perfect comfort. You know where you are with BOA.

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BOA – ‘Star of the shoe’

Heel cup: I’ve always had a problem with the inside of my heel wanting to twist and move up and in, more so on the left foot than the right. I’ve found, after many years, that I need a good fitting heel cup that keeps my foot in place and supports under the foot. The BOA Fit System helps here too as I find that during a ride I have to tighten the shoe to keep everything comfortable. The S-Works Torch works for me and that is the best thing I can say about them.

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Perfect heel cup

Foot fit: As I mentioned above, the heel is very important to me. The heel cup holds your foot in place, but there is plenty of room for your toes and while the BOA system holds the foot in place there is no crushing of the knuckles of the foot. Comfortable to the point of nearly forgetting you have them on.

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Insole contours in the right places

There are other points to the Torch shoes: The ventilation is good, fitting the plates is easy and they have a replacement heel pad. They also came with a handy shoe bag. The S-Works Torch are top-end shoes, they are everything you want/need from a cycling shoe.

Drawbacks? The price, but they are in the same price band as their competitors. Then there is the ‘Oak’ colour… it’s just taking time to get used to.

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Fit Kit Systems Relaunches VeloAngle
Salt Lake City Company Adds VeloAngle to Line of Bike Fitting Tools and Products

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Fit Kit Systems has announced the acquisition of VeloAngle. Created by engineer Dave Archer, VeloAngle directly measures the length and angle between two points faster and more accurately than conventional bike fitting methods.

A precision-crafted tool with a digital angle readout, VeloAngle allows for duplication of features like saddle and handlebar position from one bike to another using the same point on both bikes. In addition, for added ease of use and versatility, VeloAngle can use any location along the saddle as a reference with equal accuracy. Finally, to maximize VeloAngle’s utility, VeloAngle employs a web-based app that documents all measurements, component descriptions and provides a visual comparison of the saddle, handlebar and bottom bracket locations on any number of saved sessions.

“We are excited to integrate VeloAngle into the Fit Kit System line of products,” said Fit Kit Systems owner John Higgins. “VeloAngle is a cleverly designed, beautifully crafted and incredibly accurate measurement tool. In addition to its accuracy, VeloAngle is extremely versatile – great for fitting road, gravel, triathlon and mountain bikes. We look forward to maintaining and supporting this quality product.”

Based out of Salt Lake City, Utah, Fit Kit Systems provides education, tools, and software for use in bike sizing and bike fitting. Fit Kit Systems has developed equipment, software and fitting protocols which have found their way into thousands of bicycle retailers and fitting studios worldwide. Our tools and protocols have been improved and refined over time, and our bike fitting education emphasizes foundational principles and practices through direct measurement, observation and assessment.

VeloAngle retails for $325.00 at fitkitsystems.com.


Lezyne Bicycle Tracking and Security with Airtag

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lezyne

We’ve developed three innovative products to discreetly hide an Apple AirTag* on a bicycle. Use our best bike tracking devices to help locate a lost or stolen bike.

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lezyne

lezyne


New Scape Bags from Brooks, England

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With a unique, modular approach to on-bike storage, Scape bags from Brooks England adopt a mix-and-match methodology to scaling capacity for rides of every distance, whether bikepacking, touring, or simply commuting across town.

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To offer even more options for bike travellers looking to tailor their set-up to meet custom storage needs, or even just their style, Brooks England are adding to the Scape collection with several new bags—as well as updating some existing models for the first time in all-black.

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New Scape Bags:

  • Frame Bag Large
  • Top Tube Bag Long
  • Top Tube Bag with Bolts

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Scape Bags now available in black:

  • Handlebar Roll
  • Seat Bag
  • Full Frame bag
  • Feed Pouch

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  • Learn more about the latest Scape styles as well as Brooks England’s entire bike travel bag collection at: brooksengland.com/scape-bike-bags.
  • Shop Brooks Bags at AMAZON here

DeFeet Grows EVO Mont Ventoux Lineup with Match My Kit

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DeFeet has announced Match My Kit™, a new product featuring the pro-level EVO Mont Ventoux socks printed in-house in an array of solid colors using the company’s proprietary technology. These socks are made to order and printed in-house, one pair at a time. With the Sub360 printer, DeFeet has the unique ability to color match current trends, giving cyclists what they need to coordinate from head to toe.

Match My Kit™ brings DeFeet’s top tier EVO Mont Ventoux to the front of the pack in sublimated socks. “The EVO Mont Ventoux is unlike any sock on the market, which is evident from the moment you put one over your foot,” said Scott Duncan, product developer at DeFeet. “The way the sock is knit allows the ink to absorb in a very full-flavored, beautiful way. There’s just nothing else like it anywhere in the world.”

The specialized construction of the Evo Mont Ventoux 360° vent grid knit with performance yarn results in a light, compressive, moisture-wicking sock; ink and printing technology add the color and finish. Retailing for $24.99, the Evo Mont Ventoux Match My Kit™ is available in flavors such as Ginger, Rhubarb, Mint, Kale, and Muscadine. Match My Kit™ is sure to tantalize as it pedals its way toward sock history.

DeFeet had been pursuing sock printing technology for years, deciding to invest in machinery and software applications during the Covid 19 shutdown. “Making large investments during uncertain times is never easy”, said Shane Cooper, DeFeet Founder and Chief Sockologist. “What we see is tremendous demand for customized products at lower minimums.”

In response to that demand, DeFeet launched Print My Sock™ one year ago as cycling’s first and only program that allows customers the ability to create as few as one pair of custom socks they design on their own using DeFeet’s digital sock customizer. “Print My Sock™ takes fully customized to the absolute minimum, one pair at a time,” said Cooper. “Match My Kit™ now leverages the same technology to simplify modern kit matching with socks into a one-click process.”

“Print My Sock™ gives customers total control of their own design”, said Rob Dickerson, VP of Sales at DeFeet. “Match My Kit™ gives them the EVO Mont Ventoux in easy-to-choose printed colorways that blend seamlessly with their riding outfits.”

Match My Kit™ is available starting August 26, 2022: www.defeet.com/products/sub360-evo-mont-ventoux-6-match-my-kit.

Print My Sock™ is available directly from DeFeet at defeet.com/pages/printmysock.

Shop DeFEET Cycling Socks at AMAZON here


 

Note: PEZCyclingNews ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper / safe use, handling, maintenance and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.

 

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