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Check out our gear roundup for quick info on some cool releases from top bike brands.
APIDURA LAUNCHES TWO NEW AERO BOLT-ON TOP TUBE MODULES
Following the launch of its popular Aero System frame bag, Apidura is building on their success with new bolt-on Aero Top Tube Module and Long version. These two bags complete the aero system and offer riders multiple options for storage that is both sleek and useful while still offering an aero advantage.
These new bags offer strap-free and seamless integration that Apidura tested in the wind tunnel with Pro gravel racer Dylan Johnson who found the Aero Bolt-On Top Tube Module saved 4.2 watts when used in isolation and 5.2 watts when used in combination with the Aero Frame Module. Find out more on that and watch Dylan’s video here.
Features Direct from Apidura:
Bolt-On Long Top Tube Module also available for increased carry capacity on long, fast days in the saddle
5cm of fore-aft adjustment on both Modules for precise alignment to the rear of the stem for maximum aerodynamic performance
Features a Carbon Stability Structure comprising of a carbon plate and high modulus internal rods ensures rigidity and an integrated fit
Both modules can be run in isolation or combined with the Aero Frame Module to create a complete watt-saving system
Weight & capacity: 95g, 0.4L (Aero Bolt-On Top Tube Module), 120g, 0.8L (Aero Bolt-On Long Top Tube Module)
Available for pre-order, estimated shipping end of July
Of course, we saw these bags riding the course at Unbound this year, and riders with Apidura’s system cleaned up on the podiums with winners in the 200 and the XL:
Of course, the Frame Module is already available and starts at $197. We hope to get a few of these in to test in the near future–stay tuned for more specific info.
Known for its high quality bags, London-based company, Restrap, have launched two highly requested products. Teased at Traka, Restrap released a lightweight hydration vest and a new aero race top tube bag designed to keep riders stocked for long gravel hauls.
Introducing the Restrap Lightweight Hydration Vest
In an effort to balance aerodynamics, weight, and comfort, Restrap started with their Race Hydration Vest and worked to build on the success of its popular pack while increasing its breathability and reducing the overall capacity, which is a plus for a race-ready pack. With an included bladder that carries 2 liters of liquid, the vest itself weighs just 215 grams (size L/XL, sans liquid) and can carry up to 4 liters in overall capacity.
According to Restrap, “The lightweight mesh construction features four stretch pockets on the front, an underarm stretch pocket on each side. That full stretch construction means complete freedom of movement while on the bike. Minimalist elastic chest retention can be adjusted and even unclipped with one hand; ready for fast changes at feedzones. The rear includes a hydration bladder sleeve (bladder included). Hose routing can be run over either shoulder, with a magnetic clip to hold the hose in place when not in use. And because even on the shortest races, conditions can change, there’s a stretch rear pocket for an emergency layer. We’ve included reflective detailing to increase visibility at night.”
SIZES: S/M (T-SHIRT SIZE XS TO M) AND L/XL (T-SHIRT SIZE M TO XXL)
REFLECTIVE DETAILING
2L BLADDER INCLUDED
ONE-HANDED ADJUSTABLE FIT
AIRMESH CONSTRUCTION
STRETCH MESH POCKETS FOR EXTERNAL STORAGE
LARGE EXTERNAL REAR STRETCH POCKET
INTRODUCING THE RESTRAP AERO RACE TOP TUBE BAG
With its own new aero bag, Restrap has purposed to launch a minimalist top tube bag with aerodynamics in mind. Moving away from their original intent to create bags for multi-day bike packing trips, the Aero Race Top Tube Bag is all about marginal gains and quick access to fuel or small tools.
According to Restrap, the Aero Race Top Tube Bag is, “a completely redesigned stiffener removes the need for any headtube retention. An internal foam base deadens rattles for a quieter ride and a stretch net pocket is designed to hold a self-contained tyre plug tool; keeping it instantly at hand should you hear a dreaded hiss while rolling along in the group.
Use the provided fast straps to secure if your frame does not come with top tube bolts, or remove the straps and attach to the bike directly if that’s an option. Either way, the Aero Race Top Tube Bag will remain stable, secure and both out of the way and immediately at hand, all at the same time. “
The bag is compatible via bolt on with bikes that include 64mm spaced top tube bolts, and otherwise fits via the provided straps. With a weight of just 110g (including straps) and a capacity of .6 liters, this bag should be a decent contender in the top tube bag market. Pricing sits at £59.99, €74.99, and $91.99.
If you’d like to see both of these new products in action, check out Restrap’s collaboration with Friction Collective to present, Finding the Limit.
If you’re looking for motivation while grinding out miles on the indoor trainer, check out this new short film chronicling the off-road ultra, Dales Divide in Arnside. Watch Jesse Yates’ as he faces gale-force winds, sheets of hail, and explores what motivates riders to race ultras. Credits: Production by Friction Collective; Filmmaker Jack Davies; Color Sam Schottner.
KASK UNVEILS MISTRAL 3.0: A NEW ERA OF AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY FOR TIME-TRIAL AND TRIATHLON
If you’re looking to get more aero on your next time trial or triathlon, Italian brand KASK unveiled its new Mistral 3.0 with an unleashed Aero Pro Visor 3.0. According to Kask, this visor is the brains of the operation: “Developed and validated in a virtual environment and a physical wind tunnel with INEOS Grenadiers’ Filippo Ganna—and fresh off his dominant time-trial victory at the Giro d’Italia—the visor is a masterclass in marginal gains. Constructed with a3D-printed Nylon frameand a Polycarbonate lens, the entire assembly weighs just 70 grams, offering significant power savings over a standard visor: 6 watts saved at 45 km/h; 8watts saved at 50 km/h; 11 watts savedat 55 km/h.”
Kask also point out that the key with the aero gains is in following the newer trends in rider’s aggressive positions that keep the head tucked behind the hands and forearms with the face down. The challenge then becomes managing the airflow around the lower face and shoulders. The Mistral 3.0 sports a wider profile that keeps the air flowing smoothly around these areas, and the visor is attached via three lateral magnets. The Aero Pro Visor 3.0 is specific to this new iteration of the Mistral and does not have backward compatibility.
While retaining the proven shell geometry and high-performance materials of its predecessor, the Mistral 3.0 introduces a refined aesthetic and a radical leap in optical technology: the Aero Pro Visor 3.0.
While Kask didn’t specify a claimed weight, the Mistral 3.0 with Aero Pro Visor 3.0 is available now with a price tag of $800. Clearly for the most serious of athletes. But as a fan of Kask in general, this thing is definitely a step up in looks from the extreme mushroom helmets of other brands while still holding its high aero properties. Get more info at kask.com.
