The PEZ Gift Guide: Pirelli PZero Race 4S TLR tires, Bob and Brad Air 2 mini massage gun, CAPO: Super Corsa long sleeve jersey, UDOG releases new road shoe: CENTO, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team releases charity jersey to support mobility and development in Africa and Custom Name Decals / Stickers.
Pirelli PZero Race 4S TLR
The PZERO Race 4S TLR is our first ever year-long racing tyre with a tubeless technology able to provide a high grip in all kinds of weather and an increased puncture protection, still maintaining the racing feeling characteristic of our PZERO Race range. This result has been achieved thanks to the SPEEDCORE tubeless technology, our latest evolution in terms of casing constructions, and the SMARTNET Silica which holds the best formulation for wet and chemical grip among our compounds. As the rest of the PZERO Race range, the PZERO Race 4S TLR is made in Italy in our new Bollate factory.
Chuck Peña PEZ sez: PEZ readers will know I’m a fan of road tubeless. And PEZ readers will know that I’m fond of the Pirelli PZero Race TLR tires that I’ve described as “F1 tires for your bike.” The PZero Race 4S TLR is simply a more “robust” version of that tire.
In other words, the 4S version offers more in terms of wet weather grip and puncture protection. At least here in Babylon in the Potomac, it’s that time of year when that matters more. Of course, that little bit extra does come with a weight penalty — an additional 50 grams compared to the PZero Race TLR in 700×30. So if “weight weenie” is your middle name, these are not the ‘droids you’re looking for.
The rubber band weighs 5 grams so 373 grams net weight (spec is 365 grams)
The PZero Race 4S TLR has directional siping, so faites attention! Not that anyone has ever installed a tire backwards.
Speaking of 700×30, this has become my favorite size tire for riding. Comfortable doesn’t even begin to describe the ride. Plush may be more apt (I ride them at 65 psi). And I’m from the school of thought that believes if you’re more comfortable, you’ll be smoother, more efficient, and faster on your bike.
A tad over 30mm wide on my Gulo rims (21mm internal rim width)
Theoretically, the PZero Race 4S TLR isn’t as fast as the Race TLR. I have no way to measure any differences. But for my riding, I can’t tell the difference and I don’t know that it makes any difference for me. The Race TLR may be a faster tire but I’m not that fast anymore (and that’s assuming I ever was). Plus I’ll gladly take the additional puncture protection at the expense of some minor loss of speed.
Of course, the most important thing is to line the tire logo up with the valve stem
My verdict: IMHO the Pirelli PZero Race 4S TLR is a great all-around tire for all-roads (including short ventures onto gravel)/conditions riding — which probably describes the riding of the vast majority of riders. It’s not a “compromise.” It’s more that it’s “optimized” for riding across a wide range of road and weather conditions.
If the PZero Race TLR is the analog of an F1 slick, than the 4S is more like an F1 intermediate tire. As described by Pirelli (the official tire supplier to all the F1 teams): The intermediates are the most versatile of the rain tires. They can be used on a wet track with no standing water, as well as a drying surface. The compound has been designed to have a wide working range, guaranteeing a wide crossover window both with the slicks and the full wets.
Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini Massage Gun – $89.99
It’s the holidays so here’s a 10% OFF Discount Code: BBAIR2YT
- The Real Massage Gun for Real Relief: Equipped with a High-Caliber brushless motor for a potent deep tissue massage. 12 mm amplitude reaches your tissues deeper than most of other mini massagers. Combat everyday pain and tension with Air 2 massage gun, targeting muscle soreness and fatigue in the leg, neck, calf, knee, hand and body.
- Portable for On-the-Go Muscle Relief: Mini size (13×12.5×5 cm/5.1”x4.9”x2.0”) with portable case, easy to carry around, much lighter than the traditional ordinary massage gun, but the massage power is much stronger. no worry when you travel with it anywhere.
- Triangle Ergonomic Design and 5 High-Quality Attachments: Experience the ultimate convenience with the Air 2 massage gun, featuring a concave surface and ergonomic curved angles, perfect for a firm grip like no other. Those massage heads are designed with a safer ABS and silicone material, Choose from 5 high-quality attachments to provide targeted relief for various muscle groups.
Chuck Peña PEZ sez: I have a Bob and Brad C2 “full size” massage gun that I use regularly. For me, it’s perfect for at-home self-massage. But it’s a little bulky/heavy for travel. Enter the Bob and Brad Air 2 Mini Massage Gun.
It would be inaccurate to describe the Air 2 as a smaller version of the C2. To begin, it’s a completely different form factor. Whereas the C2 has a handle/grip, the Air 2 is essentially a triangle that you hold in your hand. At first, I was concerned that the Air 2 would be difficult to hold. But I could grip it in my average-ish size hands without any problem (ditto for my wife’s hands). And didn’t have any problems reaching the muscles I wanted to massage.
Also, the C2 has five different massage levels and the Air 2 has three. So the Air 2 is not only smaller, but also a little less powerful (Bob and Brad claim 16 mm amplitude for the C2 and 12 mm for the Air 2). But that’s a tradeoff you would expect for a massage gun that’s smaller and more portable.
Although it doesn’t have a handle per se, the Air 2 is actually easy and comfortable to hold
More portable is a key factor. The Air 2 is designed to be easier to take with you on the go … to the office … to the gym … on travel … for me, to rides where I’m driving somewhere to get to the ride. With the Air 2 I don’t have to wait until I get home for the benefits of an after-ride massage to relieve any soreness and to work out the “kinks” of tight muscles.
(1) USB-C charging port, (2) on/off button that also changes the massage levels, (3) LEDs for battery status and massage level
The Air 2 may not be as powerful as the C2, but it’s not “weak” by any means. The highest level of amplitude on the Air 2 is more or less the equivalent of #4 of the C2’s five levels, the lowest level on the Air 2 is about the same as #1 on the C2, and middle level on the Air 2 is more like something in between #2 and #3 on the C2. It’s not the same as the C2, but I found the Air 2 to provide an effective massage for my muscles.
And the C2 comes with the same full range of attachments.
Left to right: Standard Ball – a more targeted option for overall use; Air Cushion – for those extra sensitive areas; U-Shape – for spine, neck, and shoulder; Bullet – for pinpoints and small muscle groups, Large Ball – for large muscle groups
I’m lucky enough to have both the Bob and Brad “full size” C2 massage gun and the more portable Air 2 massage gun. The C2 is a great at-home massage gun that I use daily (I incorporate massage into my morning stretching). The Air 2 is super convenient to take with me on “away” rides (which tend to be long, hard rides) so I can have a massage right away post-ride to help prevent muscles from tightening up on the car ride home. But if you could only have one, the Air 2 might be the one you would want because of its transportability (and it can do the job well enough as an everyday massager). Being able to take it pretty much everywhere you go to use where and when want to use it means you’ll be more likely use it more and gain the benefits of massage more.
CAPO: Super Corsa Long Sleeve Jersey
4 colors- Black, Red, Midnight Blue, Orange.
Capo Super Corsa long sleeve jersey black
A brand new, performance-inspired, mid weight, long-sleeve jersey featuring a clean design and highly technical fabric spec.
Capo Super Corsa long sleeve jersey red
This jersey is born out of a need for a mid-weight jersey that performs during a wide range of activities. From simple long base training to early season tempo work, this jersey is designed to keep you warm but shed enough heat to not leave you soaked with sweat when the tempo picks up.
Capo Super Corsa long sleeve jersey orange
At the heart of this jersey is a technical Italian knit fabric spec. The chest and back of this jersey feature a unique material with a soft skin feel. It’s of medium weight, and it has a smooth face with a brushed back for consistent temperature regulation. Whether you’re climbing steep ascents or descending at high speeds, this material keeps you comfortable. The sleeves of the jersey use an open, circular pattern warp knit fabric. This fabric allows for a high level of comfort and performance throughout the day.
Capo Super Corsa long sleeve jersey blue
Recommended temperate range 40-60⁰ F. Add base layers or vest to expand this range even further.
Three rear pockets and a full-length YKK® camlock zipper.
Details:
- Smooth face, brushed back microfiber chest and back
- Open circular pattern warp knit sleeves
- Medium height collar
- Capo waist elastic
- Three rear pockets
- Full-length YKK® camlock zipper
- 100% Polyester
- Made in Italy
- More info at: capocycling.com
UDOG Releases New Road Shoe: CENTO
CENTO is the one-of-a-kind road racing shoe features an innovative two dials closure system
UDOG, the bold Italian shoe brand, today announces the launch of its new footwear product: CENTO. This innovative product, developed by the experienced team at UDOG lead by industry expert Alberto Fonte, delivers the much-anticipated brand’s shoe with dials.
This latest addition to the range incorporates the innovative brand new to market UDOG’s Micro Twist dial. It’s a unique micro-adjusting rotor provides a uniform, customized fit for enhanced support and stability. The ergonomic dial with soft rubber edge guarantees greater grip in any ride condition. Its dial diameter is 30mm provides better handling in racing situation. The Micro Twist is markable lower in profile, only 10mm thickness for a more aerodynamic profile. Woven laces are very flexible yet ultra-resistant.
The innovative and unique Closure System is designed with two dials.
- The extremely lower side Micro Twist provides a superior hell lock, while ensuring an extensive fit range
- Unique is the position of the front dial to control the volume of the forefoot area via the UDOG patent system tensors. Like the previous UDOG models Tensione and Distanza, CENTO incorporates the UDOG patented Tension Wrap System (TWS) in a new release called TWS 2.0. The center located Micro Twist applies even pressure to the integrated tensors with no pressure points on the upper. TWS 2.0 system acts primarily across the independent tensors on a larger area of the shoe’s upper, pulling the eyelets inwards consistently from all directions for a more supportive and comfortable fit. Using textile lace guides further eliminates pressure hot spots.
Developed with performance and comfort in mind this shoe delivers the precise, locked- in feel that racers demand. The new CENTO shoe uses tech laser perforated microfiber leather, it’s a lightweight and soft yet resistant material, ideal for racing performance shoes. The adaptive material used on the upper allow natural movements of the foot where needed for comfort, while data-driven TPU reinforcement areas keep the foot secured for optimum power delivery and efficiency.
Stiff Carbon Sole
CENTO uses an ultra-stiff high carbon composite outsole with a stiffness index of 11. It’s developed with a directional ventilation channel, and integrated rubber heel and toe caps. The outsole features a large platform for easy cleat engagement, and generous fore/aft bolts adjustments for precise fitting. Titanium alloy cleat nuts can rotate to position pedal/cleats 5mm rearward.
CENTO last is shaped to offer a generous toe box and a deep heel cup.
Key features of UDOG Cento
- 2 Micro twist dial
- Tension Wrap System – TWS 2.0
- Laser perforated microfiber leather upper
- Generous toe box & deep heel cup
- High carbon composite outsole – stiffness index 11
- Lightweight – 270g in size 42
- 11 sizes, from 38 EU to 48 EU, full sizes, gender neutral
- Price: 295€; 325$; 260£
- More info at: udog.cc
- Pre-order now available at udog.cc and UDOG authorized dealers
- Shipping to customers mid-March 2024
Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team Releases Charity Jersey to Support Mobility and Development in Africa
Q36.5 is proud to announce the release of the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team Charity Jersey to support Qhubeka and World Bicycle Relief Fund.
The jersey design takes inspiration from the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team’s mission of #RacingTheFuture and making a positive impact in the world beyond simply racing in the professional peloton. The team is collectively committed to creating a better future by using cycling as a vehicle for sustainable change.
Similarly, these two charities focus on using bicycles to encourage upward mobility in the communities where the charities are active, which has inspired the team to highlight their contributions and ride for a purpose. “Bikes don’t only bring people together; they also help move them forward,” Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team’s General Manager, Doug Ryder says. “As a team, we’re racing for more than just winning; we’re racing to shape the future positively, with a key focus on mobility, education, and development in Africa.”
Vincenzo Nibali, the Q36.5 brand ambassador, is personally behind and supports the project himself, and has been involved in the promotion.
Net proceeds from the sale of the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team Charity Jersey will be donated to Qhubeka and World Bicycle Relief Fund.
Custom Name Decals / Stickers
Having your name on your bike is the ultimate PRO touch, and it’s made easy at www.NameDecals.com. Using their interactive Decal Designer™ you can easily create your own set, choosing from a myriad of flags, logos, fonts and colours.
These aren’t your average stickers either – they are ultra high-quality screen printed decals, each individually cut, and fitted with an applicator which allows precise fitment without having to touch the actual decal (unlike the inkjet variety that come on a single sheet).
They make a great personalised gift.
- Prices start at just GBP£6.99 / EUR€8,95 / USD$10 / CAD$13 for a set of 2, up to GBP£15.99 / EUR€18,95 / USD$21.00 / CAD$ 28.00 for a 20-pack
- More info at: www.NameDecals.com.
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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