Gear Break: iGPSPORT BiNavi Laptop, Hutchinson Blackbird Race Tyre, New Gravel Wheels from HED, Q36.5 Distinctive Professional Shoe, Pinarello Dogma F Edizione Speciale & Passo dello Stelvio in Focus

Gear Break: iGPSPORT BiNavi bike pc, Hutchinson expands Blackbird Vary with new Race tyre, new gravel wheels from HED launched, Q36.5 Distinctive Professional: The highway shoe designed for complete energy switch and supreme management, new Pinarello Dogma F Edizione Speciale to debut on the Giro d’Italia and Michael Blann: Passo dello Stelvio in focus.

iGPSPORT BiNavi Bike Laptop – $249.90

iGPSPORT sez:  

One gram heavier than spec weight, however who’s counting?

Chuck Peña PEZ sez:  iGPSPORT might be an organization loads of PEZ readers don’t learn about (until you’re a reader in Asia or somebody who’s aware of Asian manufacturers). However they’ve been round for some time. They launched their first bike pc in 2012 with new fashions ever since. In 2023, they launched their first good sport watch. And in 2024, 4-time TdF winner (in addition to having gained the Vuelta twice and Giro as soon as — so one in all solely seven riders to have gained all three Grand Excursions), Chris Froome, grew to become an iGPSPORT model ambassador.

The most recent iGPSPORT bike pc is the BiNavi. Whereas the BiNavi can do what you anticipate a motorbike pc to do, e.g., measure velocity, distance, cadence, energy, and so forth., because the title implies, its focus leans in direction of navigation. The BiNavi packs loads of punch at a aggressive worth level. The equally featured Garmin Edge Discover 2 is $50 extra (retail) however has a smaller 3″ vs 3.5″ display). If you happen to’re available in the market for a motorbike pc designed extra that can assist you navigate (I’m pondering gravel and journey driving and even commuting), the iGPSPORT BiNavi is a ‘droid value .

Along with the BikeNavi (heart), you get: (1) rubber band handlebar mount (quarter-turn Garmin-like), (2) Fast Begin Guide, (3) glass display protector, (4) rubber encompass bumper, (5) USB-A to USB-C charging wire, and (6) lanyard

The BiNavi PEZ received got here absolutely charged, but it surely’s USB-C when it comes time to recharge

I’m not going to do an in-depth evaluate that tries to cowl every part the BiNavi can do, however to present you some thought of a few of what it may possibly do:

If you happen to fall into the class of ageing eyes (mine are Lasik-corrected however I would like studying glasses), you’ll admire the BiNavi’s giant display and crisp shade show. It’s a touchscreen that will let you navigate very like you’ll in your smartphone:

• Faucet (quick press) – Choose and allow
• Lengthy press – Enter enhancing mode/Set off hidden options
• Swipe up – Scroll the checklist or content material upwards
• Swipe down – Scroll the checklist or content material downwards
• Swipe left – Flip the web page to the left
• Swipe proper – Flip the web page to the suitable
• Drag – Transfer
• Pinch – Zoom in or out

Along with touchscreen management, the BiNavi has six buttons: (1) Energy on/off, (2) Lap/fast settings, (3) Trip begin/pause, (4) Change down/proper, (5) Change up/left, (6) Choose/enter journey menu

As is the case with most digital units, there’s some arrange (and studying curve, however not a steep one) concerned to configure the BiNavi. That’s what the iGPSPORT app (both iOS or Android) is for. I gained’t stroll via the entire course of, however the very first thing it’s worthwhile to do is pair the BiNavi with the app.

As soon as the BiNavi is paired to your cellphone, you should use the app to pair sensors and configure completely different settings. And don’t overlook to replace the firmware!

The iGPSPORT BiNavi has 15(!) completely different pages/screens you may scroll via. Actually, that’s too many for my functions however I do know there are at the least a few of you who would admire all of them. NOTE: One factor that’s mildly annoying is that I don’t assume you may change the order of the pages (or at the least I wasn’t in a position to determine how to do this, if you happen to can).

Every web page/display may be configured to your liking. I made a decision to reconfigure the principle display.

If you happen to journey to energy, you’ll admire with the ability to show it as the biggest information discipline

One factor value noting is that the BiNavi that PEZ received didn’t include any US maps pre-loaded. I needed to go to the iGPSPORT internet web page to obtain maps. To load a map to the BiNavi:

• Obtain the required map file from the iGPSPORT web site to your pc
• Flip off the BiNavi and join it to your pc by way of a USB information cable
• Put the map file within the iGPSPORT / Maps listing of the pc (this took about 20 minutes for the US-south map recordsdata — different US maps are: US-west, US-pacific, US-northeast, US-midwest)

If you have already got a Garmin mount, the BiNavi makes use of the identical quarter twist-and-turn

I stated I wasn’t going to cowl every part in regards to the iGPSPORT BiNavi, however hopefully I’ve achieved sufficient to whet your urge for food. Driving with the BiNavi will not be an entire lot completely different than another bike pc:

• Flip it on (left high button)
• Choose what kind of motorbike/journey on the touchscreen (in my case, Highway)
• Faucet the display and the journey standing bar will seem on the backside after which faucet the arrow on the underside proper to start out the journey
  • Alternatively, you can begin the journey with the underside proper button

• When your journey is over, faucet the display and the journey standing bar will seem on the backside after which faucet the checkered flag on the underside left to finish the journey
  • Alternatively, you may finish the journey with the underside proper button
  • Use the suitable high button to enter the driving web page and choose SAVE to save lots of the journey

I stated at first that the iGPSPORT BiNavi was designed/supposed as a navigation unit. If you happen to create maps in Strava or Komoot, you may them instantly by way of the iGPSPORT app. I exploit RideWithGPS to create maps, so right here’s what I needed to do:

• I created a take a look at route in RideWithGPS
• Downloaded the route as a GPS Observe .gpx file (what iGPSPORT recommends)
• Uploaded the .gpx file to my iGPSPORT account on the net (not my iGPSPORT cellphone app)
• I may then use the iGPSPORT cellphone app to load the path to the BiNavi:

On my take a look at route, the navigation labored nicely (sorry I don’t have pics!) There are outstanding, simple to see/learn pop-up alerts that present ample discover of an upcoming flip. And a pop-up alert on the flip. (NOTE: I turned off alert tones so didn’t get the warning beeps for turns. If you happen to’re sporting Bluetooth headphones related to your cellphone, you’ll get voice alerts for turns.) If you happen to miss or make a incorrect flip, don’t blame the BiNavi!

After I purposely veered off beam, the re-routing (double purple arrowheads) labored in addition to different bike navigation I’ve used (Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead, Coros). That means, loads of occasions it might simply need you to make a u-turn (not at all times sensible). In any other case, it might take you to the subsequent place you possibly can flip to place you again on the route. (NOTE: The algorithm doesn’t at all times route you again to the place you went off beam. In case you are nearer to a different part of the route — together with a bit taking you again to the place you began — it should route you there.) If you happen to’re in unfamiliar environs, the navigation will get you to the place it’s worthwhile to be. However from my expertise, if you understand the place you might be and the place you’re going, loads of occasions the human may be smarter than the algorithm.

The inexperienced is the route and the double arrow heads present path of journey

The reality is that down right here within the Lowcountry, I don’t actually have a use for all off the BiNavi’s navigation options as a result of the highway system that’s bike-rideable is comparatively restricted and I don’t want the navigation options to get round/discover my approach round. Plus it’s nearly inconceivable to get misplaced. If I used to be nonetheless up in Babylon on the Potomac, I might have the ability to use extra of the navigation options due to the denser highway system and there are simply extra locations to journey. However navigation apart, the iGPSPORT BiNavi is a stable bike pc that does what I would like a motorbike pc to do.

Hutchinson Expands Blackbird Vary With New Race

Alastair Hamilton sez: I haven’t ridden on a Hutchinson tyre for a very long time. I feel there was once a coaching tubular way-back and had a pair of their Fusion tyres over ten years in the past, so I used to be to see if they’d modified in any approach. I do keep in mind them as being very dependable. After they arrived, my preliminary impression was of ‘one other all black tyre’ and I put them within the cabinet. After just a few weeks, I believed I had higher have a more in-depth look and weigh them. That is when my curiosity was piqued. The weigh-in at solely 240 grammes.

My scales are often 4g over when making bread

The burden of 240 grammes for a 28 x 700 is nicely bellow the Continental and Vittoria tyres I’ve been utilizing. However, when measuring them, they’re much narrower than the Continental 28’s and about the identical width because the Vittoria 26’s. OK, in case you are wanting extra width, you’ll be disillusioned if you happen to had ordered the 28’s, most likely shopping for the 30’s can be a greater choice. Personally I’m not bothered, however then I’m a dinosaur who nonetheless rides on calliper brakes and quick socks.

Hutchinson 28 – Continental 28 – Vittoria 26

I had a worry of becoming them as my thumbs had solely simply recovered from altering a pair of all again Continental tyre lately. However the Hutchinson’s went on pretty simply, most likely about the identical because the Vittoria’s and no the place close to as laborious because the Continental’s and a pair of Pirelli’s I had. I’ve hooked rims and I don’t do tubeless. The place I stay punctures are very uncommon and the roads are easy, so I can journey with a reasonably excessive stress.

Various room for an even bigger tyre

In the long run it should come all the way down to how they really feel on the highway. I’ve an undulating part of easy highway that I exploit loads, it has ups and downs with a few roundabouts, it’s a good take a look at and I do know it nicely and the way earlier tyres carry out. The Vittoria Corsa Professional and Continental Grand Prix 5000 S are my selection of high tyres to match. My Vittoria’s are 26’s and the Continental’s 5000 are 25’s, however they’re virtually the identical width because the Hutchinson 28’s. On the journey, I might say the Hutchinson Blackbird’s are energetic and nook nicely and grip wasn’t an issue. On quick climbs additionally they felt good, with none drag. These are a great tyre and evaluate nicely with the costlier Vittoria and Continental tyres.

wanting tyre

General Impression: sturdy race tyre that rolls properly, corners nicely and isn’t too costly. Simply do not forget that you would possibly wish to purchase an even bigger tyre than the Hutchinson dimension. It’s too early to touch upon the wearability, however give me time.

The 28 will not be that massive

Hutchinson sez:
Hutchinson, the French pioneer of biking tyre expertise has introduced the growth of its Blackbird vary of efficiency highway tyres with the Blackbird Race.

• Blackbird Race reduces rolling resistance by 10% over earlier mannequin and lowers weight to simply 240g for 28mm model
• Blackbird Race developed at the side of Intermarché-Wanty and Olympic gold medal successful triathlete Alex Yee

Blackbird Race
The Blackbird Race embodies the top of Hutchinson’s industrial experience, designed to fulfill probably the most demanding riders, whether or not on the WorldTour or the native crit circuit.

The tyre marks a step change in Hutchinson’s race efficiency providing. Taking the DNA of their quickest ever highway tyre the ‘Blackbird’ and refining every of its constituent components, to create an exceptionally light-weight, even quicker tyre that’s amongst probably the most technologically superior in the marketplace.

Developed at the side of WorldTour staff Intermarché-Wanty and Hutchinson’s roster of elite athletes, with an early prototype ridden to a gold medal within the 2024 Paris Olympics by British triathlete Alex Yee. Each facet of the Blackbird Race has been finely tuned to realize an ideal steadiness of velocity, grip and puncture resistance.

The tyre encompasses a new Ultraswift casing that develops a development technique created for the unique Blackbird. By pushing their manufacturing methods to the restrict of what’s at the moment potential, Hutchinson has lowered the load of the rubberised cloth used within the casing by virtually 22% whereas additionally decreasing the thickness of the central cross part of the tyre by 23%.

A very hermetic tubeless seal is achieved by wrapping this 127TPI casing cloth across the bead then bonding it on to the central Polyamide puncture safety strip. This ends in three 127TPI layers on the aspect of the tyre however simply two within the centre, drastically growing journey high quality and decreasing rolling resistance.

This Ultraswift casing expertise ends in an extremely versatile, light-weight tyre that provides enormous ranges of grip, a supple journey really feel and drastically elevated sense of velocity whereas driving.

The rubber compound in use on the Blackbird Race can be a brand new growth. Mach Tread Final builds on the learnings from the earlier technology Mach Tread 3.0 to additional enhance rolling resistance and grip. In doing so, Mach Tread Final takes the crown because the quickest compound ever developed by Hutchinson, a wonderfully balanced innovation that optimises velocity, grip and abrasion resistance.

Together, these developments end result within the quickest tyre Hutchinson has ever produced. The Blackbird Race affords a ten% achieve in watt effectivity over the present Blackbird, with Hutchinson’s assessments discovering the 30mm model to be much more environment friendly than the 28mm. Weight has been lowered by 17% on the 28mm mannequin to a category main 240g (or 255g for the 30mm mannequin). The versatile nature of the tyre means it will likely be the tyre of selection for the overwhelming majority of Intermarché-Wanty’s races all year long.

Handmade in France, the Blackbird Race represents the fruits of years of Hutchinson’s experience, developed via a long time of working with the world’s finest athletes and their ‘Racing Lab’ program that features high expertise from throughout all biking disciplines.

That is all achieved whereas providing unmatched worth when in comparison with its rivals. Having one of many quickest tyres in the marketplace doesn’t should imply spending probably the most, with the Blackbird race competitively priced at €79.99 / £69.99.

The Blackbird Race is hookless suitable and obtainable in 28 and 30mm variations (with wider variations at the moment in growth by the French model).

New Gravel Wheels from HED Launched
We’re excited to share some massive information from HED Biking, two all-new carbon gravel wheelsets: the Lincoln and Stillwater.

As with all carbon HED Wheels, the Lincoln and Stillwater rims are designed, molded and hand inbuilt our Minnesota manufacturing unit. Designed for the trials of gravel racing and off-road exploration, they mirror HED’s dedication to efficiency, sturdiness, and rider-first engineering.

Lincoln: Made to Climb
Named after Lincoln, Nebraska, dwelling of the famend Gravel Worlds, the Lincoln wheelset is tuned for relentless rolling terrain and countless climbs. With a shallow rim profile and extensive inner width, it’s supreme for riders on the lookout for responsiveness, consolation, and management on demanding programs.

• 25mm carbon rim depth
• 28.5mm inner width

Lincoln

Stillwater: Constructed for Velocity
Impressed by the high-velocity purple dust of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the long-lasting Mid South Gravel race, the Stillwater is designed for velocity and stability. That includes a deeper rim profile and extensive inner width, it’s optimized for fast-rolling tires and long-haul efficiency.

• 50mm carbon rim depth
• 28.5mm inner width

Stillwater

Key Options of Stillwater and Lincoln:

• 28.5mm Inside Width – Will increase tire quantity for grip and luxury on tough terrain
• 36mm Exterior Width – Steady platform for contemporary gravel tires
• Hooked Rim Design – Offers safe tubeless efficiency and long-term sturdiness
• Bladed Spokes – Improved aerodynamics
• Sonic SP Entrance Hub – Wind tunnel examined for velocity
• Sonic R36 Rear Hub – Quick 36-point engagement and extremely sturdy
• MSRP: $1,984

“Wherever the gravel takes you, Lincoln and Stillwater will get you there quick.” – Anne Hed & The HED Biking Workforce.

Q36.5 Distinctive Professional: The Highway Shoe Designed for Whole Energy Switch and Final Management
Italian technical biking model Q36.5 proudly unveils the Distinctive Professional Footwear, its lightest and quickest highway shoe ever.

Handmade within the Italian Dolomites, the Distinctive Professional units a brand new benchmark in elite racing footwear—becoming like a slipper, however racing like a supercar.

Engineered for complete management, most energy switch, and market-leading thermoregulation, the Distinctive Professional is a masterpiece of Italian design and technical precision. With the world’s thinnest sole, a record-breaking 4.4mm stack top, and cutting-edge air flow, that is Q36.5’s highest-performing biking shoe so far.

Key Options:
As with all Q36.5 race sneakers, the Distinctive Professional eliminates the standard tongue fully, changing it with a high-performance mesh panel that’s each a air flow powerhouse and a model signature.

4.4mm Stack Peak – Lowest on the Market
Developed utilizing a proprietary carbon layup, the Distinctive Professional’s sole is simply 2mm thick, delivering a complete stack top of 4.4mm.

Cupped Heel and Energy Strap for Stability
The anatomical heel cup mixed with a BOA-driven Energy Strap system ensures a safe and locked-in match, even beneath most torque.

Vast Metatarsal Zone for Consolation
A widened forefoot space ensures consolation for a broader vary of foot shapes, enhancing long-ride wearability with out compromising on efficiency match.

Ventilated Mesh Panel – No Tongue, All Stream
Instead of a conventional tongue, Q36.5 has carried out a proprietary mesh panel throughout the bridge of the foot, considerably growing air flow and eliminating stress factors. No different shoe in the marketplace affords this degree of airflow and thermoregulation.

Made in Italy
Produced utilizing artisanal carbon manufacturing methods inside 350km of Q36.5’s Dolomites HQ, making certain a low-carbon footprint and world-leading craftsmanship.

“With the Distinctive Professional Footwear, we got down to design a shoe that redefines responsiveness and match,” stated Luigi Bergamo, CEO and Head of R&D at Q36.5. “From the 4.4mm stack top to the airflow mesh and superior sole construction, each element has been formed by rider suggestions and efficiency testing. That is the subsequent frontier in race shoe design.”

Tech Specs:

• Weight: 225g (Dimension 42)
• Stack Peak: 4.4mm
• Sizes: EU 37–48
• Use: All-season highway racing
• Obtainable Colours: Black, White
• RRP: $600.00 / £550.00

New Pinarello Dogma F Edizione Speciale to Debut on the Giro d’Italia
INEOS Grenadiers to journey the limited-edition bike on stage 14, celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Pinarello’s first Grand Tour victory

Pinarello is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its first Grand Tour win by producing a Dogma F Edizione Speciale which will probably be ridden by INEOS Grenadiers on stage 14 of the Giro d’Italia.

This limited-edition bike commemorates Fausto Bertoglio’s historic victory on the 1975 Giro d’Italia – the primary of Pinarello’s unmatched 30 Grand Tour triumphs so far – with the date chosen particularly because the stage begins in Pinarello’s dwelling metropolis of Treviso, with the 0km flag dropping exterior the corporate’s headquarters.

The bike encompasses a distinct fade paint scheme encompassing Gloss Midnight Blue and Borealis Luxter Venice, each colors which resemble the unique bike ridden to success by Bertoglio.

Along with the placing livery, the Dogma F Edizione Speciale encompasses a particular GPT (Giovanni Pinarello Treviso) detailing on the fork – a nod to the model’s founder and origins – in addition to the fiftieth anniversary decal on the highest tube. The bike can be geared up with custom-painted Princeton Wake Wheels.

The launch marks the beginning of a brand new ‘ES’ (Edizione Speciale) line which is able to have fun a variety of iconic performances in Pinarello’s wealthy historical past, with every bike obtainable to buy in restricted portions and that includes unique liveries and {custom} parts.

The Dogma F Edizione Speciale is out there to buy as a full bike or frameset solely, in a restricted run and will probably be obtainable to order at licensed Pinarello sellers, solely between Might 24 and June 15, 2025.

Pinarello President Fausto Pinarello stated: “We’re proud to mark such a landmark second in Pinarello’s historical past by launching the Dogma F Edizione Speciale. Fausto Bertoglio’s victory in 1975 was one in all grit, willpower, and unimaginable panache, and his relentless assaults on the Stelvio helped earn him his victory in inconceivable circumstances. The Giro d’Italia is a part of our DNA too, and seeing the INEOS Grenadiers compete on this lovely bike on stage 14 – which begins proper exterior our headquarters – will probably be an equally particular second. In fact, we wished to present our valued clients the possibility to personal this bike too, and we look ahead to releasing extra restricted ES traces sooner or later.”

Michael Blann: Passo dello Stelvio in Focus

Passo dello Stelvio.

The 2025 version of the Giro d’Italia might not be venturing up the history-laden slopes of the Passo dello Stelvio, however the race itself is sufficient to be impressed to revisit this iconic ascent that has created many moments in biking folklore.

At 2,758 metres, the Stelvio is the best paved move in Italy and solely 12m shy of the Col d’Iseran which has the honour of being the best move in Europe. With its 84 hairpin bends, the climb is an emblem of the nation and to Italian biking followers, the Giro d’Italia.

Passo dello Stelvio, by Ivan Basso – Essay from Mountains: Epic Biking Climbs.

One of many earliest reminiscences I’ve of driving a motorbike is climbing the Stelvio with my Dad on the age of eight. There’s a terrific image of me on the climb – it was a vivid summer time day, heat sufficient for a short-sleeved jersey, and I used to be driving my blue and silver Francesco Moser bike. The Stelvio is hard for any bicycle owner however for a kid it’s a fairly particular achievement; it felt like I used to be climbing the best mountain on the planet.

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