It’s January 9, and because the days slowly get longer, we’re diving right into a recent dose of gravel inspiration. This week, we’ve curated a high-performance lineup that includes a halo-worthy titanium construct from the Colorado Rockies, correct sunnies with swappable lenses, and the important textiles to maintain you heat as we flip towards spring. Whether or not you’re searching for a high-volume tire to deal with any terrain or an accessible Di2 improve to your mechanical GRX, this choice pushes the boundaries of expertise and innovation. Swing a leg over—let’s go.
Mosaic GT-1 i45—impressed gravel
Relating to the “perpetually bike,” many conversations start and finish with titanium. Hand-built in Boulder, Colorado, the Mosaic GT-1 i45 is the flagship of Mosaic’s gravel line. Each Mosaic proprietor’s type and creativeness supplies inspiration for his or her GT-1 i45, with practically limitless choices.
Built-in and extensive
The “i” in its title signifies its most trendy evolution: full inside cable integration. By using the ENVE In-Route system, Mosaic tucks each hose and wire contained in the body, making a clear interface that gained’t snag on branches or intervene with handlebar baggage. If an built-in cockpit isn’t for you, Mosaic continues to supply externally routed management housing (cables and hoses) across the cockpit.
The “45” signifies the 700x45C tire width that the body accepts. When you poke round their web site, you could discover that the GT-1 45 really accepts a 700x48C. We reached out to Mosaic for clarification, however didn’t hear again earlier than press time. Our evaluation is that the forks have totally different clearances as a consequence of inside routing.
Made-to-Order or Customary?
Mosaic approaches two-tier method to building. The 1-Stage GT-1 i45 is a bespoke Made-To-Order machine. It makes use of double-butted T3A/2.5V titanium tuned particularly to the rider’s weight and dealing with preferences.For many who desire a quicker lead time, Mosaic provides a Batch Constructed model. This streamlined path makes use of straight-gauge tubing and confirmed inventory geometry (48cm–62cm), delivering the identical impeccable Colorado craftsmanship in a simplified bundle.
Mosaic additionally provides uncooked titanium end together with a number of Customary and Artist Collection painted finishes to select from. With an almost infinite variety of shade combos, it’s straightforward to make your Mosaic uniquely yours.
Key Specs:
- Body Materials: Customized Double-Butted T3A/2.5V Titanium
- Inner Routing: ENVE In-Route System with 44mm headtube and Chris King Aeroset
- Drivetrain Compatibility: AXS or Di2 1x (as much as 46T) or 2x
- Rear Derailleur Hanger: SRAM UDH or commonplace
- Brake Customary: Flat Mount Disc (140mm or 160mm)
- Axle Customary: 12x100mm Entrance / 12x142mm Rear
- Backside Bracket: 68mm BSA Threaded
- Tire Clearance: 700x45mm
- Mounting: Three bottle mounts (std), with non-compulsory “Bento” high tube and fender mounts
- Geometry: Totally bespoke (1-Stage) or 8 inventory sizes (Batch)
- End: Selection of Mosaic Paint Layouts or the Artist Collection “SCALE” premium finishes
The Backside Line
Mosaic Bicycles goal to supply an unique and bespoke bicycle to every purchaser. As such, Mosaic use a community of sellers to promote their bicycles. However, Mosaic provides loads of inspiration. Mosaic doesn’t explicitly record costs on their web site. In 2024, a number of critiques of the GT-1 i45 when launched indicated framesets priced from $8,300, which has little doubt elevated since that point. Contact a Mosaic supplier to inquire about construct and pricing (which incorporates becoming).
Tifosi Moab Lite – $79.95
Tifosi sez: We trimmed the full-rim body right down to a modern, light-weight half-rim silhouette—delivering a barely-there really feel that goes the space. Whether or not you’re grinding up switchbacks or charging towards the end line, Moab Lite biking sun shades sustain with crystal-clear optics and nil distractions.
The venting within the Moab Lite lens prevents fogging
Chuck sez: I beforehand reviewed the Moab Lite (within the rad “80s throwback” Pace Yellow colorway) so gained’t re-hash all the things right here. These are extra of the identical however in Glacier Blue.
- Protect type lens (133 mm extensive x 55 mm tall)
- Half-rim design
- 3 lenses (Clarion Blue mirrored, All-Circumstances Crimson, and Clear)
- Adjustable nostril and ear items
- Hardshell case
- Microfiber bag
Along with a Clarion Blue mirrored lens (finest for shiny/sunny days), you additionally get (1) an All Circumstances Crimson lens (for overcast/cloudy days) and (2) a Clear lens (for low gentle situations)
You get all the above for $79.95. You might simply spend $150 or extra for comparable sun shades from different manufacturers (and so they might or might not embody further lenses). I’ve different top quality (and dearer) sun shades from different producers. To my eyes, the Tifosi Moab Lite (and all my different Tifosi sun shades) have the identical optic high quality.
Tifosi specs 27 grams, however I’m not going to quibble and don’t discover 2 additional grams sporting the Moab Lite
And fashion-wise, the Moab Lite is the present EuroPro/store trip style development, i.e., an outsized protect type lens. Though not worn by any of the massive title professionals, the Moab Lite wouldn’t look misplaced within the professional peloton. So that you’ll undoubtedly look the half in your native store/membership trip.
** Store for the TIFOSI MOAB LITE right here **
PEZ Sez: Assist Tifosi and you’re additionally supporting PEZ. We obtain a small fee whenever you use the hyperlink above to purchase a set of Tifosi glasses.
The Journey System: Apidura Expedition Collection
Not all gravel using is racing. It additionally includes of us who simply need to get away. The “Sub-48” type of bikepacking—targeted on fast, in a single day escapes that demand effectivity—are made simpler with a unified bag system.
Apidura’s Expedition Collection is constructed for precisely this, utilizing a bespoke three-layer laminate referred to as Trilon that’s light-weight, totally waterproof, and extremely proof against abrasion. It provides a full vary of sizes for the adventurous type that want to get misplaced escape for longer treks as properly. The Expedition vary focuses on long-term sturdiness and most safety from the weather.
Expedition Prime Tube Pack
That is the “cockpit” of your storage, designed for objects you want whereas shifting—electronics, snacks, or a battery pack. Apidura provides this in each Bolt-On and Strap-On variations. Internally, the luggage are equivalent in options and quantity, that includes a padded base to guard your body and a cable port for charging lights or GPS models on the fly. The selection merely comes right down to your body. When you’ve got top-tube bosses, the bolt-on pack supplies a cleaner look and the safety understanding there are not any straps to run your high tube.
| Function | Bolt-On Model ($78.00) | Strap-On Model (from $66.00) |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | 1.0L | 0.5L / 1.0L |
| Weight | 110g | 55g / 90g |
| Attachment | Two bolts + Hypalon Strap | Hypalon Straps |
Expedition Body Pack
The body pack is the anchor of your system, sitting in the principle triangle to maintain heavy weight low. Apidura designed the Body Pack to be slim sufficient to supply ample knee clearance and stop chafing. The Expedition Body Pack options 5 distinct quantity choices to make sure an ideal match for practically any body geometry. It’s designed with a dual-zipper entry that means that you can entry totally different compartments with out dumping your complete equipment. It contains an inside lash level for a hydration bladder, shifting the “dense” gear—instruments, spare tubes, and liquids—to the middle of the bike to keep up impartial dealing with. The sizes are grouped in a “compact” format (3.5L, 4.0L, 4.5L) and “tall” (5.3L and 6.5L). Pricing is dimension dependent.
| Pack Quantity | Weight (g) | Size (cm) | Top (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L ($139) | 145g | 41cm | 11cm |
| 4.0L ($140) | 160g | 44cm | 12cm |
| 4.5L ($145) | 170g | 46cm | 13cm |
| 5.3L ($145) | 200g | 51cm | 14.5cm |
| 6.5L ($152) | 225g | 53cm | 16.5cm |
The Expedition Saddle Pack
Finishing the trio is the Expedition Saddle Pack, which carries your high-volume, low-weight objects like a down jacket or a bivy. The magic of this bag is the hands-free air launch valve. As you roll the bag shut, it routinely purges trapped air, permitting you to compress the load right into a rock-solid unit. This prevents the “wagging” sensation widespread with giant seat baggage. It’s additionally 100% waterproof, so your dry garments keep dry no matter wheel spray or sudden downpours.
| Capability | Weight |
|---|---|
| 9L ($186) | 325g |
| 14L ($199) | 350g |
| 17L ($208) | 425g |
Le Col Professional Jacket
The Professional Jacket is constructed to face up to your hardest efforts in moist and windy situations. Constructed with extraordinarily breathable, waterproof and windproof Polartec® Energy Protect® cloth this can be a jacket for late-winter or early-spring.
Match and options
Designed with a WorldTour prepared race reduce match, the jacket eliminates cloth flap throughout high-intensity coaching. The Polartec® Energy Protect® know-how is acknowledged to steadiness safety and breathability. This version introduces Biolon, a plant-based nylon that reduces carbon footprint by 50%. The monolithic molecular construction actively strikes vapor out whereas sustaining a complete wind and rain barrier. Le Col specify the jacket is right for temps starting from 5° to fifteen°C.
Le Col built-in security by outsized reflective arm and rear panels, making certain excessive visibility in low-light situations. Practicality is managed by way of a triple rear pocket system with drainage holes and a water-proof zipped safety pocket. A silicone hem gripper retains the jacket secure even when the pockets are totally loaded for lengthy base miles.
The Backside Line
It’s a premium funding for riders looking for professional-level aerodynamics and climate safety, obtainable straight from Le Col or choose premium retailers. Listed MSRP for the Le Col Professional Jacket is $370, however is presently obtainable in choose sizes at a sharply discounted $184.
IRC Boken G-Claw TLR — $65.00
Japanese tire producer Inoue Rubber Firm, or simply IRC, launched a brand new “excessive quantity” gravel tire at Unbound in 2025. Beforehand, IRC’s gravel vary topped out at 42c, releasing this tire they’ve joined a mess of tire producers going extensive. The G-Claw is meant for riders who discover conventional 40mm tires too skittish or simply not quick sufficient on the gnarliest gravel programs. Designed as a crossover between a quick gravel tire and an XC mountain bike tire, this tire appears able to tackle absolutely anything.
Supple and plush
IRC constructed the supple 120 TPI casing to supply an opulent trip. This lets you run pressures as little as 20-25 PSI for a “hovercraft” impact over washboard roads. This excessive quantity tire targets the rider looking for consolation and confidence on a number of the hardest programs. The Boken G-Claw isn’t gentle, coming in at 610g, however that is anticipated for a tire designed to deal with something its pilot calls for.
The grippy stuff
The key lies within the dual-nature tread. The middle part options low-profile, intently spaced blocks that create an almost steady rolling floor on hardpack and pavement. This lets you preserve road-like speeds on paved transitions with out the “hum” or drag of a knobby tire. Nonetheless, as quickly as you lean the bike over, the aggressive, diagonally protruding facet knobs dig in to supply immense cornering confidence on free grime and sand.
The underside line
It is a plush high-volume tire that provides the flexibility to decrease the operating pressures fairly dramatically. In doing so, coupled with an aggressive knob profile, it guarantees to supply consolation and limitless confidence inspiring grip. For more information on the G-Claw head over to IRC. MSRP is $65.00.
Shimano GRX RX717
Essentially the most thrilling information as we enter 2026 is the growth of Shimano’s 12-speed Di2 for gravel to a extra funds pleasant GRX RX717 collection. Primarily, Shimano has introduced a “105/Deore” construct spec to GRX making totally wi-fi shifting a actuality for budget-conscious journey builds.
1x for the lots
Shimano’s newest growth of the GRX household focuses on entry-level wi-fi integration. Relatively than a full group overhaul, this launch introduces two important wi-fi parts: the RD-RX717 Rear Derailleur and the ST-RX715 Twin Management Levers. These elements are “backwards appropriate” with current 12-speed mechanical GRX parts, making a Di2 improve considerably extra inexpensive and fewer complicated.
A story of two parts
The RD-RX717 Rear Derailleur is the centerpiece of the improve, housing the protected inside battery. It mirrors the Shadow RD+ design of Shimano’s MTB line for chain stability. The ST-RX715-R Lever present the wi-fi cockpit connection and are powered by two CR1632 batteries with a 3.5 to 4-year lifespan. This hybrid setup means that you can hold your present GRX 12-speed brakes and crankset whereas shifting to digital shifting. At minimal, you solely have to strip out shift cables, swap the suitable hand lever (and bleed the rear brake) and swap within the new rear derailleur, and you’ll be off (assuming you have already got a 1x arrange with the 10-51 cassette).
New Element Pricing:
The Shimano GRX RX717 parts provide a transparent pathway to Di2 efficiency for riders already on a 12-speed mechanical GRX setup. By buying simply the derailleur and levers, you may transition to a wi-fi cockpit for about $870.
Thanks for using together with us this week. As all the time, if in case you have different experiences with gear or tech that we characteristic, or simply one thing so as to add, drop us a line. We don’t declare to know all the things (we simply suggest it at instances). Be at liberty to present us a pat on the again for those who just like the critiques, or a smack for those who suppose we want it!
PezCycling Information and the creator ask that you just contact the producers earlier than utilizing any merchandise you see right here. Solely the producer can present correct and full info on correct/secure use, dealing with, upkeep, and or set up of merchandise.
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