Gear Break: Beautiful Frame, Clothing, Glasses, Nutrition, Shoes & A Film Premier

Gear Break: Another ‘fun packed’ selection of what’s new and stunning. Officina Battaglin launches the first steel frame with an integrated cockpit, La Passione Cell kit for a bit of color and pattern. 100% introduce the Movistar special edition Racetrap, Fabian Cancellara and Eurosport nutrition join forces, Alejandro Valverde inspires fizik new shoes and Wahoo ROAM Free: Film Premier – The South Downs Way.

Officina Battaglin launches the first steel frame in the world designed for an integrated cockpit with fully hidden cable routing

Officina Battaglin, the brand founded by the 1981 Giro-Vuelta winner Giovanni Battaglin, has pulled the covers off a new frame model for the 2020 custom collection: the Power+ EVO.

There will be only 40 pieces worldwide in 2020, all individually numbered. Each frame will be custom-made to the owner’s measurements, after an individual consultation with the founder himself.

While it embodies the same concept of a contemporary steel frame engineered to embrace the latest cycling technology, the Power+ EVO is a unique project radically different from the Officina Battaglin Power+, its predecessor.

In fact, the Power+ EVO is the first steel frame in the world designed for a fully integrated cockpit with completely hidden, internal cable routing.

“After the Power+’s huge success, we wanted to push the boundaries of a steel frame’s modern look and performance even further,” said Officina Battaglin’s CEO Alex Battaglin.

“Our idea was to create a bike with no visible cables. Obviously electronic shifting was a must. And we wanted to take advantage of the Deda Elementi DCR system, which allows for totally concealed cable routing. However, there weren’t any steel tubes on the market suitable for routing the brake and derailleur cables internally. So, we had Columbus develop a special Columbus Spirit HSS tubeset to our specifications.”

The custom steerer tube and downtube provide enough room to fit all the wires and cables.
With no handlebar cables in sight, when assembled with a disc-brake groupset the Power+ EVO features arguably the cleanest look ever on a steel bike.

And the sleek look isn’t the only thing that makes the Power+ EVO stand out from all other modern steel frames.

The Power+ EVO also comes in a cromovelato finish, completely customizable.

Cromovelato is a typical Italian finish of premium bikes from the 80s that creates a translucent color over a chrome-plated steel frame.

It is achieved by polishing the frame to a mirror shine before the chrome-plating process, and then painting the chrome with colored lacquer.

The final result is a colored mirror-like effect like no other paint.

And to enhance the seamless design, the integrated cockpit will be finished in cromovelato too.

The owner will be able to personalize the whole frameset (frame, fork, bar, stem, and seat post) with their favorite cromovelato colors, creating a one-of-a-kind Italian steel bike.

Ordering a Power+ EVO
The Power+ EVO will be available exclusively by ordering at Officina Battaglin.
Customers will enjoy the full experience of having a frame or bike tailor-made to their preferences by Giovanni and Alex Battaglin.

A custom Power+ EVO includes:
1. custom steel frame built from scratch to the owner’s measurements in the
Battaglin workshop
2. carbon fork
3. custom paint or custom cromovelato finishing
4. Deda Vinci stem in matching finish
5. Deda Vinci handlebar in matching finish
6. individually numbered plate
7. Certificate of Authenticity

The price for a Power+ EVO frameset custom-made in the Battaglin workshop starts from 4.000€.

To learn more about the Officina Battaglin Power+ EVO visit: https://officinabattaglin.com/products/custom-steel-bikes/power-plus-evo/

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La Passione Cell Kit

If you want to add a bit of color and some pattern to your cycling wardrobe, check out the La Passione Cell kit with jerseys available in orange, black, blue, forest and white and bib shorts in either black or blue. You can mix and match based on your fashion taste. PEZ got the orange jersey and black shorts.

La Passione Cell Orange Jersey – $95

This is a jersey that could easily cost $150 but La Passione is all about made in Italy style and premium cycling apparel at less than premium pricing. Features include:

● Laser raw-cut collar and sleeves
● Covered reversed full length zip with Cam Lock puller
● Inner bottom zip cover for safe Bib Shorts
● Silicone waist gripper
● Three reinforced rear pockets
● 3M Scotchlite rear reflective stripe

Chuck Peña, PEZ clothing tester: “If orange is the new black, you’ll love the Cell jersey in orange. It’s just enough color for visibility out on the road and — with its geometric pattern — to stand out from the crowd on group rides. In terms of form, fit, and function, the Cell jersey is essentially the same as the Duo jersey that I previously reviewed. Which is to say it’s a race/aero/form fitting jersey so should satisfy your penchant for riding fast. More so in sweltering heat and humidity thanks to the side “open” mesh panels and the back “micro” mesh that help create some natural air conditioning and moisture wicking. My only suggestion for improvement would be to add a rear zipper pocket to keep stuff like an ID, credit card, and keys more secure.”

La Passione spec 133 grams for the Cell jersey, but mine must have been on a diet

La Passione Cell Black Bib Shorts – $125

La Passione says these bib shorts are good for everyday training and racing with up to six hours in the saddle. Like the jersey, it could easily cost a lot more. What makes it a match with the Cell jersey is the same geometric pattern that’s on the front of the jersey is on the right leg. Features include:

● Highly compressive main body fabric
● Elastic Interface pad
● Non-slip silicone leg grippers
● Rear reflective stripe
● SPF UV 50+ sun protection factor

Chuck Peña, PEZ clothing tester: “These are different from the Minimal bib shorts that I previously reviewed. Whereas the Minimal bib shorts have only two panels, the Cell bib shorts have eight panels (if I counted correctly), including the leg grippers but not the bib section — all sewn together with flat stitching. And unlike the Minimal bib shorts, the light and sheer bib section isn’t a laser cut, lay flat design — instead, it has straps with seams. That said, the Cell bib shorts are comfortable and fit very well (although it seems like slightly less compression than the Minimal bib shorts). Another thing that’s different is that the Elastic Interface chamois is a more “pre formed” shape (I suspect it’s their Joker pad or a version of it). As such, you feel it a little more but not to the point where it’s a bother or uncomfortable. The padding itself is dense and firm, but I don’t think EIT’s Hybrid Cell System. I can attest to La Passione’s claim of ‘up to six hours in the saddle’ if you include coffee/taco stop time.”

My Cell bib shorts must also have been on a diet vs spec’ed 193 grams

La Passione Socks and Gloves

As with pretty much all La Passione kit, you can complete the look with matching Cell socks ($15) and Cell gloves ($30) — they come in all the same colors as the jerseys. Both carry over the geometric pattern of the Cell jersey.

Chuck Peña, PEZ clothing tester: “The socks are ultra thin and silky smooth with comfortable compression and ventilation. I don’t wear gloves for warm weather riding, but I tried them on and can say that they fit well and look stylish if you’re going for the complete high fashion matchy-matchy look.”

More information about La Passione Cycling Couture range at: www.lapassione.cc

Introducing the 100% Movistar Team Special Edition Racetrap
● RACETRAP®
● SE Movistar Team White
● HiPER® Blue Multilayer Mirror Lens + Clear Lens Included
● Sport Performance Sunglasses – $195

Highlights In The Box:
● Designed in California, made in Europe
● Ultra HD lenses manufactured in France from shatterproof and impact-resistant polycarbonate
● Optically correct decentered 6 base spherical shield
● Interchangeable lenses
● 100% UV protection (UV400)
● Durable, flexible and lightweight TR90 frame
● Scratch-resistant lens coating of the highest quality
● Hydrophobic and Oleophobic lens treatment repels water, dirt, and oil
● Ultra-grip rubber nose and temple tips provide a secure fit
● Filter Category 3
● Light Transmission 13%

California residents click here for Proposition 65 WARNING.

You read the PEZ review of the 100% Hypercraft Glasses HERE.

Fabian Cancellara and Eurosport Nutrition Join Forces


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Fabian Cancellara fueled by Eurosport nutrition from Eurosport nutrition on Vimeo.

Alejandro Valverde Inspires fizik to Create – El Bala
Limited-edition design honors the Spanish riders National Road Race Championship win

Few careers in pro cycling match that of Alejandro Valverde, and few cycling shoes deliver the race-winning performance of the fizik Infinito R1. The Infinito R1 El Bala Special Edition shoe combines world-leading fit and support with a limited-edition design to honor current Spanish Road Race Champion – Alejandro Valverde known as El Bala!

Celebrating a legendary career alongside the unrivaled performance of the Infinito R1, the El Bala Special Edition’s microtex upper is supple, yet strong and stable, for a comfortable and consistent fit. Combined with fizik’s most advanced adjustment capabilities, this shoe delivers the precise, locked-in feel that racers demand.

Alejandro Valverde said: “I have been very lucky to have worked with fizik for many years, they have supported me and celebrated my successes by creating unique shoes, just for me. I feel now is a great time to offer fizik fans the same opportunity – to experience a very special shoe I was honored to help design.”

Key Features of the Infinito R1
Volume Control
The Volume Control system allows for individual fit adjustments for the instep and forefoot areas – the shape and volume of which can vary widely between riders. By controlling two separate Boa® dial closures, riders can fine-tune shoe fit to their unique foot shape for customized comfort and support.

Dynamic Arch Support
A customized fit for better support of the plantar arch is provided through Dynamic Arch Support, a dedicated piece of the shoe’s upper that wraps around the plantar arch and is adjusted for fit with its own Boa® dial.

R1 Outsole
The highly stiff R1 unidirectional full-carbon outsole is tuned for maximum power transfer with ventilated openings to channel airflow through the sole for efficient temperature control.

Specifications:
● 2X Boa® IP1-B dials
● R1 outsole – full carbon unidirectional
● Replaceable heel skid plate
● Weight: 246g (one shoe, size 42)
● Stack height: 8.7mm
● Sizes: 37-48 (37-47 also in half sizes)
● Limited El Bala Special Edition colorway

The Infinito R1 El Bala Special Edition is available now at fizik.com, priced at €360, £329.99 and $400.

• Shop for Fizik Infinto R1 Shoes at Amazon HERE.

Film Premier: Wahoo ROAM Free: The South Downs Way Film

A year ago we set out to put together a short film about four adventure-seeking riders in the UK as they took on the historic South Downs Way Trail. The film was shot by George Marshall and the riders were Liam Yates, Sophie Edmonson, Anna Mcleod, and Neil Phillips. You’ll notice the voice-over and intro feature the legendary Sean Yates, who spent many years training in the area during his racing years. The area holds a special place in Sean’s heart, and these days his son Liam spends a huge amount of time exploring the trails of the South Downs.

Last summer, Liam and 3 friends took on the South Downs Way. The full route from Winchester to Eastbourne is over 100 miles of chalk path and ancient roads, with 3500m of elevation gain along the way.

The South Downs National Park is steeped in history; for the past 8000 years, the trail has served a number of purposes, but was namely a way of linking fortresses and settlements along the UK’s southernmost edge, with many serving as the first response to incoming invasions during wartime. Today the South Downs Way is protected by National Trail status and is open to cyclists and hikers.

We are releasing this short film now as a reflection on past adventures and an inspiration for adventures to come.

More info on the Wahoo ROAM HERE.

• Shop for the Wahoo Elemnt BOLT here.

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