PEZ biking gear opinions Scicon, tiibo, Pearl Izumi, Knog, Coaching


In right now’s Gear Break, we’ve obtained the brand new Pearl Izumi summer season weight equipment to maintain you cool(er), an up to date Knog Oi bell with an “elegant” tone, Chris King’s Aeroset headset for inside routing is now patented and obtainable, the vacuum insulated bottle from tiibo is reviewed, Italian bike journey bag maker Scicon Sports activities now presents their highway and triathlon baggage in chosen nationwide flag shade methods, and Coaching Peaks unveils a brand new characteristic to help extra exact fueling on the bike.


Pearl Izumi Summer time Equipment

Pearl Izumi PRO Mesh Jersey – $165

Pearl Izumi Sez: Constructed with PRO Switch Mesh cloth, this ultralight jersey presents next-level breathability and quick-drying consolation to maintain you cool when the tempo and temps rise.

It’s enhanced with sweat-activated In-R-Cool® know-how, which improves thermoregulation that will help you keep peak output even on sun-scorched climbs. A GoFresh™ anti-odor therapy retains you feeling brisker, longer. The compressive race match delivers aerodynamic effectivity with out sacrificing consolation, with considerate particulars like an elongated sleeve size and low-rise collar for a streamlined really feel.

A YKK semi-locking entrance zipper optimizes airflow, whereas three conventional rear pockets and a zippered stash pocket hold your necessities safe and inside attain—irrespective of how onerous you’re pushing.

Sez: What units the PRO Mesh Jersey aside from many different jerseys is the fabric. It’s nearly totally open mesh building. So positively properly ventilated. And positively meant for heat/sizzling climate using.


Mesh materials back and front


Even the collar is mesh (however sewn doubled over so not fairly as flow-through)

When it comes to precise building/design, the PRO Mesh Jersey is quite a bit like most different jerseys:

  • The entrance is 2 panels linked by a full-length YKK (gold commonplace) zipper
  • Two facet panels
  • A single rear panel with three rear pockets and a safe zipper pocket
  • Silicone gripper on the hem
  • A comparatively low collar


Compulsory three rear pockets plus a safe zipper pocket. The Pearl Izumi brand is reflective to help with visibility in low gentle situations.

However the sleeves are just a little completely different:

  • The entrance is mesh materials and sewn set-in
  • The rear is a extra strong materials and is a raglan sleeve, which permits for higher articulation/freedom of motion
  • Relatively than uncooked reduce (which wouldn’t be doable with the mesh materials), the sleeve ends are hemmed


Mesh and set-in in entrance. Stable and raglan in again (inset).


Hemmed sleeve ends


Pearl Izumi doesn’t spec weight

Pearl Izumi Switch Mesh Sleeveless Baselayer – $60

Pearl Izumi Sez: Made with PRO Switch Mesh cloth, this baselayer is extremely breathable, quick-drying, and designed for unrestricted motion. Built-in In‑R‑Cool® know-how prompts together with your physique warmth to offer steady cooling whenever you want it, whereas the high-stretch building ensures extremely mobility with minimal bulk.

Strategic design touches embrace a good match via the armpits to stop bunching beneath jerseys or jackets, and an prolonged rear tail for full protection within the using place. For added freshness, GoFresh™ anti-odor therapy retains funk at bay even beneath onerous rides and prolonged use.

Sez: The Switch Mesh Sleeveless Baselayer is … properly … a baselayer. Apparently, the mesh is a tighter weave than the PRO Mesh Jersey. I do know not everybody put on a baselayer in hotter/sizzling climate, however I’m a kind of individuals. For me, the Switch Mesh Sleeveless Baselayer if a lot porous and all about air flow/wicking.

Pearl Izumi PRO Bib Shorts – $250

Pearl Izumi Sez: Crafted from luxurious Italian PRO Switch cloth, these bibs ship elite-level compression to help your hardest efforts—whereas providing a clean, second-skin really feel that disappears on the experience.

On the coronary heart of the design is the PRO Levitate chamois, an ultra-premium, multi-density pad engineered to cut back friction, take in highway vibration, and supply long-haul help in your most demanding days within the saddle. Laser-cut bib straps supply a barely-there really feel, whereas the seamless leg hems with silicone-infused grippers guarantee a safe match with out restriction.

A 7-panel building enhances aerodynamics and mobility, so that you keep quick and highly effective via each climb, dash, and descent. Refined reflective particulars present low-light visibility with out compromising the clear, minimalist aesthetic.

Chuck Sez: Building-wise, the Pearl Izumi PRO Bib Shorts is comparatively minimalistic:

  • The shorts sections consists of 4 panels which can be serge stitched
  • There’s ~6 cm vast silicone patterned part on the within of the uncooked reduce leg hems
  • The ~5 cm vast bib straps are uncooked reduce and as an alternative of a standard Y-back design, the again is what I’d name a “donut gap” in between the bib straps


A large leg gripper part to keep away from “leg creep”


Lay flat, uncooked reduce bib straps are the epitome of consolation


The Pearl Izumi PRO Bib Shorts have what I name a “donut gap” again

After all, an important a part of any pair of bib shorts is the pad aka chamois. Pearl Izumi’s PRO Levitate chamois is multi-density/firmness and ever so barely thicker than pads in a lot of my different bib shorts, however to not the purpose of it being cumbersome, i.e., feeling diaper-like. There’s average channeling for perineal aid and “undercarriage” consolation. The fabric of the pad may be very gentle and clean to the contact — nearly suede-like.


My “essential bits” had no complaints


The Pearl Izumi brand is reflective to help visibility in low gentle situations

On me (5’8″, 130 kilos, ectomorph), the Pearl Izumi equipment (measurement SMALL in all three items) match as I’d count on. The PRO Mesh Jersey was type becoming/cosy with average compression, however not a spray-on, second pores and skin uber tight race match. For me, it was snug and allowed for freedom motion, however I do know everybody’s tolerance for tightness/compression is completely different, so YMMV. The PRO Bib Shorts had barely extra compression than the jersey however didn’t compromise on consolation. Particularly, bib straps supplied sufficient “pull up” to maintain the pad in place, however didn’t dig into my shoulders. And the leg grippers gripped firmly sufficient however not so tight as to create the dreaded “sausage impact.”

And the equipment was about as snug as snug will get in typical Lowcountry summer season climate, i.e., temps within the 80s/90s(F) with humidity that may push the warmth index as much as properly over 100(F). A baselayer beneath a jersey may look like “an excessive amount of” in sizzling climate, however the PRO Mesh Jersey together with the Switch Baselayer labored for me. The jersey supplied loads of venting to assist with cooling and the baselayer depraved lots of moisture away from my pores and skin to the place it might evaporate. Not air-con by any means. And in excessive warmth and humidity, there’s no avoiding getting sweaty. However I completed using surprisingly “dry,” i.e., much less drenched.


Knog Oi Prima Bike Bell – $32.99

Knog Sez: Oi Prima bike bell options our signature wrap-around bell design and our latest innovation – WAVETEK hammer know-how. The whip of this new hammer design helps to create an attractive and constant bell tone, whereas being constructed for sturdy and long-lasting use. Obtainable in two sizes to make sure the proper match in your handlebar:

  • Massive – 23.8 mm to 31.8 mm (what PEZ obtained)
  • Small – 22.2 mm

Sez: Inevitably — to get from one place to a different — all of us discover ourselves using on bike trails/shared paths occasionally. For those who’re uninterested in yelling “In your left!” to alert others to your presence and intention to move, the Oi Prima bike bell is the ‘droid you’re in search of. It’s a brand new model of the Knog Oi Basic bike bell.


PEZ readers could keep in mind the Knog Oi Basic bell on my Felt FC 

We most likely are likely to affiliate bike bells with child’s bikes — practical and playful. Nevertheless it’s most likely not an adjunct most of us would assume aesthetically pleasing for our carbon EuroPro steeds. The Knog Oi Prima bike bell modifications all that. IMHO, it’s elegant and … dare I say … horny. Additionally discrete.


What’s within the field: Oi Prima bell, two rubber shims for smaller than 31.8 mm bars, and a hex wrench (as a result of you may by no means have too many hex wrenches)


Mounting the Oi Prima bell is comparatively straightforward: Take away the hex bolt (inset) to open up the bell after which simply wrap it round your handlebars. Full directions right here.

NOTE:  The Oi Prima bell will solely match in case you have spherical handlebars or sufficient of a spherical part for it to suit on aero bars — such because the PRO Vibe Aero Alloy Handlebar on my Colnago V3 venture bike

The sound of the Knog Oi Prima bell is distinctive. Loud sufficient to be heard, however very nice sounding. Knog makes use of lovely and glockenspiel of their product descriptions.  I’ll return to the phrase “elegant.” Have a hear right here.


Chris King Aeroset – from $295.00

Chris King Precision Parts, the chief in excessive–efficiency bicycle parts for almost 5 a long time, introduced on July 29, 2025, that the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace has awarded the corporate Patent No. US 12,337,923 B2 for an progressive inside headset design.

Whereas Chris King was not the primary to discover the idea of inside cable routing, the corporate acknowledged early on the worth of making the very best model of an inside headset. Inner methods might be troublesome to work on and costly to take care of. Riders who select inside routing deserve the peace of thoughts that comes from utilizing a headset constructed on almost 50 years of confirmed sturdiness, serviceability, and dependability.

The patented design of the Chris King Aeroset employs their very own GripLock bearing cap system, itself a patented know-how, to create the last word internally routed cable headset. The result’s a system that resists loosening beneath demanding use, bearings designed for unmatched longevity, and stays straightforward to service over time.

Chris King sez: “Inner routing is right here to remain, however that doesn’t imply riders ought to have to just accept compromises in serviceability or longevity,” mentioned Greg Hudson, gross sales supervisor at Chris King. “This patent displays our dedication to designing parts that make trendy bikes higher to experience and simpler to reside with.

“Inner routing calls for extra from each element within the entrance finish of the bike, and after nearly 50 years of constructing headsets that set the usual, we designed this one to face above anything within the internally routed class. It carries our legacy ahead and provides riders the boldness that, even with the added complexity of inside methods, they’re using essentially the most reliable headset obtainable.”

Chris King Precision Parts has been manufacturing headsets and different funding–grade parts since 1976. Each product is purpose-built in Portland, Oregon to exacting requirements and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

For extra data on Chris King’s patented headset applied sciences and different parts, go to chrisking.com.


tiibo vacuum insulated 17 oz (500ml) bottle$34.95

It’s nonetheless summer season within the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s coming quickly to our mates within the Southern Hemisphere. With the temps we’ve seen in previous years, any bike experience longer than half-hour invariably means your bottles are going to heat up. That’s the place tiibo involves the rescue.

Andy Sez: Everyone knows {that a} cool (or chilly) beverage simply feels extra refreshing when you find yourself sizzling. And, when you get heated, a cool beverage is far more inviting than one that’s lukewarm or “sizzling.” It’s even higher if the bottle is fashionable.

I acquired this bottle earlier this week and promptly went for a experience with it. I stuffed it with carbohydrate/electrolyte combine and tossed in just a few ice cubes (outdated behavior) and mounted it on the bike and set off. Temps had been round 80°F (27°C) with a beating solar. I had it emptied 45 minutes in, however by the point returned house after an hour and a half, there have been nonetheless ice cubes banging round on the within. I’d guess that the insulation will hold drinks chilly for 3+ hours.

How does it carry out? Precisely as billed. It was straightforward to drink from. Being manufactured from chrome steel, you may’t squeeze it to get water out; so, tiibo outfitted the spout (that opens and closes like a regular plastic bottle) with an air vent which allows the fluid to circulation via. I ought to be aware that similar to a plastic bottle, you want the spout to be under the fluid degree so it could possibly move via. You can also additionally suck on the spout when getting fluid to make it circulation quicker.

I exploit Specialised facet pull cages on my gravel bike, and the bottle was straightforward to take out and change, with no points. It’s value noting that tiibo payments the floor as being scratch-resistant, however recommends cages manufactured from composite supplies (plastic, carbon) to keep away from scratching the floor. Although I could also be 64% water once I set off on a experience, I’m guessing I’m sub 60% upon return…and regardless of all of the sweat on my arms, I by no means had a difficulty gripping or controlling the bottle. There’s simply sufficient texture on the floor that sweaty barehands can grip it tremendous.

This bottle does what it says with no fuss. The design retains drinks chilly, and ice stays ice, for at the least one and half hours as examined on the bike. I examined out plain water (8 oz) poured over ice cubes after I returned, and after 3 hours the ice had not melted very a lot and the water was nonetheless chilly. In precise use, solely just a little ice (or none) would work tremendous if the water begins out “ice chilly.”

Regardless of carrying 17 fl oz (500ml) of fluid, which itself weighs in at roughly 17 oz (500g), to a few of us, the load of the container will matter. tiibo claims that the dry weight of the 17 fl oz bottle is 260g. My scale got here in at 258g, shut sufficient to say tiibo’s declare is correct. For reference, a 650ml uninsulated Purist bottle weighs in round 80g.

There’s additionally a tiibo bottle obtainable to hold 23 fl oz (680ml). I didn’t take a look at that measurement, however there isn’t any cause to doubt that it performs precisely because the 17 fl oz measurement examined. The bigger bottle is just obtainable in a single shade (black) on the time of writing. The smaller bottle is available in 5 colours, and tiibo sells substitute lids as a whole unit for $12.95.

Lastly, I didn’t take a look at the bottle with a sizzling liquid (espresso, cocoa, and many others.). The tiibo web site signifies that the bottles can carry sizzling liquid, however they specify that the cap will not be designed to be used with sizzling liquid.

Verdict: The bottle performs as meant, and it suits properly right into a correctly sized and shaped cage. It’s heavier than a non-insulated bottle, however that could be a small value for chilly hydration. Try the complete assortment at tiibo.com.


Scicon Sports activities Flag Version Journey Luggage – USD1099 / CAD1539 / EUR1099

This summer season Scicon Sports activities unveiled their very talked-about Aerocomfort 3.0 Street Bike and Triathlon Bike journey baggage with restricted version nationwide flag shade methods. As of writing, Scicon are promoting the luggage at a hefty low cost.  In case you are not accustomed to Scicon Sports activities, they’re a sponsor of Staff UAE Emirates, and also you’ve seen their eyewear defending Tadej Pogačar’s eyes over most of his 100 wins. They’ve a compelling story right here.

Scicon sez: “Aerocomfort 3.0 represents the optimum resolution for transporting highway bikes by airplane with out the necessity for disassembling handlebars, saddle and seatpost. This ensures that no bike becoming measurements are misplaced. The outside contours completely match the bike body, minimizing bulk. Crafted from 3D-Padding™ a padded triple-layer tear-resistant cloth, TwistZip™ Double Coil zipper. Internally, a built-in kickstand stabilizes the bike, stopping undesirable motion throughout transport, alongside two built-in wheel pockets. Endorsed by a whole bunch of pro-riders, it has confirmed its reliability via greater than 35.000 flights per 12 months—changing into an icon for bicycle vacationers.”

For instance, that is the US Flag adorned bag. Distinctive to the Scicon’s US web site, the flag choice is overlaid on an overview of the USA. For readers in different international locations, the nationwide flag choices on supply have your colours unfurled into the wind. Additionally, some nation websites supply a number of flag choices to the shoppers. As an illustration, you may try the choices on Scicon’s UK web site.

The Aerocomfort 3.0 Triathlon bike journey bag can be provided in restricted version shade methods.

Scicon Sez: “The Aerocomfort 3.0 Triathlon is the best resolution for transporting Triathlon or Crono bikes by air, with out the necessity to take away the saddle, seat submit, pedals, or most varieties of handlebars. Designed for ease of use, its sturdy building and exterior contours completely match the form of the bike body, lowering bulk and guaranteeing a comfortable match. Crafted from 3D-Padding™, a triple-layer tear-resistant padded cloth, and secured with a sturdy TwistZip™ Double Coil zipper, the bag presents unparalleled safety. Inside, a built-in kickstand retains the bike secure, stopping undesirable motion throughout transport, whereas two built-in wheel pockets guarantee protected storage to your wheels. Trusted by a whole bunch {of professional} and beginner triathletes, the Aerocomfort 3.0 Triathlon has demonstrated its reliability via 1000’s of flights every year. For this reason it’s referred to as the Ironman’s alternative for bike transportation.”

And, for an instance of the nationwide flag shade means, right here is the Italian flag version obtainable on most of Scicon’s European web site storefronts. Sadly for our readers within the US and Canada, solely your nationwide colours can be found to you. Sorry, of us.

BONUS: in the event you at the moment order any Scicon Sports activities journey bag, they’re providing the Important Biking Equipment Race Day Rain Bag as a no value add on to the acquisition. We reviewed this useful piece of equipment to hold the whole lot you have to be begin line prepared just a little over 8 years in the past. The bag has been up to date and now features a shoulder strap and the trim has been modernized, however the core bag itself is functionally nonetheless the identical merchandise. Give our evaluation one other search for extra data.

 


Coaching Peaks Fueling Insights
A Smarter Approach To Gas

Fueling Insights brings lab-validated metabolic information immediately into exercise evaluation, serving to ship really customized fueling methods. Using sensors to measure human efficiency, significantly energy mixed with coronary heart charge, has revolutionized coaching for professionals and amateurs alike. Now, in extra to estimating Purposeful Threshold Energy, Lactate Threshold, and Max Coronary heart Charge, utilizing this information, Coaching Peaks has rolled out a exact method to measure fueling necessities.

Athlete Male Cyclist Outside On Bike Fueling

Anybody who’s skilled the dreaded bonk throughout a coaching session understands the significance of fueling, however the nuance of how a lot to gasoline (and when) might be difficult to pin down, particularly to your athletes.

Components like intestine tolerance, expertise degree, and exercise depth all have an effect on how a lot an athlete must gasoline on a given day, which is why many battle with generic “X g/hour” fueling steerage.

With the discharge of Fueling Insights, we’re bringing extra exact metabolic visibility immediately into power-based exercise planning and evaluation. Partnering with famend physiologist Dr. Iñigo San-Millán, we’ve translated insights from over 250 lab-tested athletes into individualized, actionable information.

How Fueling Insights Works

Exercise-based calorie burn information (such as you may see in your wearable after a exercise) is normally based mostly on a easy equation using an athlete’s weight, exercise depth, and a generic basal metabolic charge. Extra refined suggestions may take kilojoules into consideration.

With this characteristic, we aimed to go just a few steps additional, introducing individualized fats and carbohydrate burn information based mostly on lab testing.

Analysis and Testing With Dr. Iñigo San-Millán

The mannequin used to energy Fueling Insights is predicated on a long time of analysis by Dr. Iñigo San-Millán.

San-Millán performed each metabolic take a look at for Fueling Insights, and contributors included a whole bunch of female and male athletes from internationally and the athletic spectrum (from leisure riders to Tour de France execs)

Every rider carried out a standardized graded-exercise protocol, which features a warm-up, then regular energy will increase till exhaustion. Respiratory Change Charge (RER) was measured all through the take a look at to point carbohydrate and fats oxidation charges at every depth, and was logged utilizing a calibrated Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400 metabolic cart—the gold commonplace in RER testing.
Uncovering Constant Fueling Profiles

The objective of this testing was to grasp the connection between carbohydrate and fats utilization in athletes throughout the spectrum. The outcomes had been clear, displaying a grouping round sure utilization charges per an athlete’s expertise and coaching degree.

Put merely, leisure athletes have constant and repeatable fats and carbohydrate utilization patterns in comparison with world tour execs or aggressive riders. Dr. Iñigo San-Millán’s analysis confirmed that if an athlete’s energy throughout a exercise and metabolic “degree” are recognized, carbohydrate and fats utilization might be predicted with a excessive diploma of accuracy.

This characteristic is geared toward coaches. However, there may be utility for beginner athletes, particularly ones who compete in multi-day/stage races or ultra-endurance occasions.

Study extra concerning the methodology behind Fueling Insights and methods to use it by visiting Coaching Peaks Coaches Weblog.

 


Notice: When you’ve got different experiences with gear or one thing so as to add, drop us a line. We don’t declare to knowIf the whole lot (we simply indicate it at instances). Give us a pat on the again in the event you just like the opinions or a slap within the head in the event you really feel the necessity!

PezCycling Information and the writer ask that you simply contact the producers earlier than utilizing any merchandise you see right here. Solely the producer can present correct and full data on correct/protected use, dealing with, upkeep, and or set up of merchandise in addition to any conditional data or product limitations.



Like PEZ? Why not subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter to obtain updates and reminders on what’s cool in highway biking?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *