Gravel Special Gear Break: Only applicable to all “engravers”: DMT KM1 XC/Marathon shoes, Arundel Czar and Tycoon handlebars and top tube bag, XPEDO CXR Pro pedals, Castelli Unlimited jersey, Moots Routt 45 gravel car, Rapha men Explore long-sleeved pullovers and Zipp Service Course SL handlebars, rods and seatposts.
DMT KM1 XC/Marathon shoes (US$439.90) DMT KM1 XC/Marathon shoes now use the same upper design to produce mtb/all-road/gravel shoes, thus providing shoes with a sock-like feel, with sufficient structure and durability It can be used for cross-country riding. It also has many other design elements that can be placed directly on the top shelf.
Now that the gravel/adventure cycling route is firmly established, many of us are adding another hook to the storage rack and finding new ways to justify a new bicycle for our own “Minister of Internal Consumption”. One thing that remains constant is the need for sturdy shoes.
Enter KM1 of Italian footwear brand DMT. More than ten years ago, I reviewed my first pair of DMT shoes, and the fit impressed me the most. I know this is personal, but since then, I have entered the many models of DMT, which always fit my feet when other brands do not.
In 2018, DMT demonstrated their “3D engineered knitting”-a one-piece woven upper that is soft, durable and elastic, and improves comfort to a new level. (It has been applied to the entire DMT shoe series in 2021.)
The new KM1 off-road shoes now use the same upper design to produce mtb/all-road/gravel shoes, thus providing a shoe that does have a sock-like feel, but has enough structure and durability for off-road riding class. It also has many other design elements that can be pulled to the highest level.
The entire upper is a 3mm thick woven technical fabric made of two different types of yarns, knitted into one body and wrapped into a shape suitable for the sole, and then closed with a signal seam perpendicular to the heel. The fabric weave changes at the ankle cuffs provide a comfortable sock-like closure, eliminating or at least reducing the gap between the socks and the shoes. This means less dust and sand enter the interior.
By using “variable thickness and woven structure” in specific positions of the shoes, the strength is increased during the knitting process, and these shoes are adjusted for performance and comfort. For example, in terms of the comfort of the tongue area and the BOA crisscrossing, the knitted fabric forms an all-round stretch above the sole of the foot. And because the shape of the foot is very different, this full stretch is largely suitable for many different shapes.
The power transmission through the shoe is aided by ultra-strong woven ribs (which look like nets that wrap the foot at critical stress points). Therefore, although other shoes (and earlier models of DMT shoes) used ropes or cables to wrap and connect the foot to the sole, DMT’s 3D engineered braid uses different weaving patterns to create an extra strong skeleton structure around the foot.
The exterior of the shoe last is coated with durable polymer, which increases the structure and durability, and is printable, so the colors and designs are almost unlimited. It repels water and is surprisingly strong. I have been riding KR1 road shoes for a whole season and the material has proved to be very durable. The woven includes openings above the toe box to make the upper breathable-water can enter here, but the material itself does not absorb water.
The IPA dial with BOA®Fit System on the side simplifies configuration files. By removing the dial from the top of the foot, this also increases the comfort, some riders feel sensitive due to the bone shape and the presence of key nerves.
Underneath, they used a hard Dual Compound Carbon outsole-I couldn’t detect any bending. The toe rubber lugs developed with the Michelin tire brand are fully functional and provide a good billboard for rubber companies to show their expertise in grip.
The Michelin rubber extends to the toe bumper, and the toe box is covered with a wear-resistant coating to provide additional protection.
Of course, they are equipped with a set of lightweight aluminum lugs for the “straddle rider”, as well as a tool for replacing the lugs with 4mm hexagon bolts.
Arundel Bags – Handlebar Czar ($79.95) & Top Tube Tycoon ($59.95) Top Tube Tycoon and Handlebar Czar are storage bags for your adventurous side. Spending a long day in remote places with various terrains requires more preparation and more equipment-other layers, food, tools, phones, gloves, and don’t forget to use the flask occasionally. Tycoon and Czar have been on the throne for a long time with their waterproof, welded seam structure, streamlined shape and unparalleled functions. As some people tend to say, these are all details.
“Rural dirt road. Rich adventure experience. Flannel, T-shirt, loose-fitting computer, hoodie, etc.. Food, tools, headscarf, phone, keys, cash, windproof jacket. If you do, I will take your responsibility. –Handle czar
●Large capacity, 120 cubic inches ●Fixed with Velcro straps + twisted around the cable ● Optional shock cord is included to deal with extreme bumps ●The front net pocket is convenient for grabbing items ●Bright orange lining, So that you can see items
●Spacious 40 cubic inches of storage space ●Accessories with belts or brazing ●Bright orange lining so you can see your own things ●Smooth cone shape with sonic welding seams
Wandering the unknown dirt road. Where will the next gas station be? It doesn’t matter, your bar bag is full of everything you need. Go on, skip that gas station. You filled up on the last snack.
XPEDO CXR Pro Foot Pedal-US $169.00PEZ SEz: A few years ago, when I was going to do my first real gravel ride at my Pater Sagan Gravel Fondo in Truckee CA, I asked my long-time colleague Steve Chapin (I know one of the first guys to take seriously what kind of shoes I should bring-he recommends “bring your mtb shoes”. Of course, I also packed a set of old mtb pedals, but I hope I can get these CXR Pro from Xpedo.
If you are not familiar with the brand-XPEDO has been producing high-quality bicycle equipment for many years-compact design, sturdy structure (we evaluated PEZ here) and prices are usually lower than other brands that spend more on advertising .
For beginners – the anodized blue body looks cool. For gears that are small compared to the rest of the bicycle, who would notice the pedals considering that it is located under the sole? Answer: Anyone whose eyes respond to blue. Correct.
My tester weighs 246 grams and has no cleats (this is usually part of the shoe weight anyway). This is 50 grams lighter than Shimano’s lightest XC pedal, and lighter than other weights I saw when I was researching this article. For Xpedo’s titanium spindles that save these weights, please tell me, by the way, each pedal rotates three cassette bearings to distribute the load and ensure smooth rotation.
Xpedo’s Posi-Lock fixing system can fix cleats (as well as shoes and power), and the large opening of the front fixing jaws of this system can be easily accessed in all situations. They grab the SPD-style cleats that come with the pedals (but they can also be used with Shimano cleats.) The CXR has a floating angle of 6 degrees, and the tension can be adjusted by a 4mm hex bolt on the spring.
Now, if you weigh more than 187 pounds, Xpedo recommends that you use its CXR version with colored spinning-still lighter than most other pedals with colored spinning-just to be safe.
Another important reason for paying attention to this is the price-Xpedo is priced at $169.00, and even managed to shave a few dollars and put it back in the wallet.
CASTELLI UNLIMITED jersey-$139.99 Castelli “Unlimited” series jerseys, short shirts, gloves and other kits are designed for riders who like adventure and road bikes. The following are detailed information about the features and performance of the Castelli Unlimited jersey.
Dr. Cheung SEz: I started participating in cross-country bike races in 2008 and have participated in Paris-Ancaster cross-country races for a long time. It has been more than three years since I jumped onto the gravel and started to switch from road racing to gravel racing. Frankly speaking, I like it.
My closet is full of road gear for all seasons, including Castelli’s Pez kit. Of course, either can be used for a long time on gravel or mountain bikes. However, the materials and functions of the new Castelli Unlimited series have been specifically designed for the evolving field of gravel riding.
Unlimited jerseys adhere to the theme of durability. The entire fabric is thicker than a lightweight summer jersey, and there are no ventilated mesh side panels or back panels. This is not one of the jerseys that you still need to apply sunscreen under.
The main body of the jersey is Castelli’s “ProSecco” fabric, which is thicker and more resistant to hooks than lightweight fabrics. Even on hot and humid days, it seems to do a good job in moisture management.
The cuffs and shoulders are reinforced with thicker and more wear-resistant fabric to prevent entanglement in branches and bushes on trails. Despite this extra durability, the sleeve fabric does not have a sense of restraint. The arm is cut into a long and flat shape. There is no silicone clip, but it can maintain its position well.
The back is a standard 3 jersey design with a fourth zipper pocket. The openings in the left and right jersey pockets are slightly slanted to help ease access when riding. I stuffed my phone, raincoat, tools, etc., and they did not sway annoyingly when they stood up.
The overall fit is very good, and the size is relatively correct, moderately suitable for me (176 cm, 67 kg), and made a good compromise between a slim fit and a super-fit race fit. Comfortable enough, there is not much extra fabric when standing upright or rolled into a riding position, so there is no annoying flapping sound. This is not a racial tailoring where the front waist is much higher than the back waist, so when you walk into the local store for supplies, you will not expose your belly button.
Analog Routt 45 stone crusher The new ROUTT 45 is a heavy-duty stone crusher designed for adventure and multi-function.
The shortened support makes the ROUTT 45 more flexible when climbing and turning, while maintaining the stable handling and comfort of the original Routt 45.
ROUTT 45 has a variety of performance-oriented functions. Our proprietary 6/4 titanium 3D printed flat-mount disc mount can achieve perfect rear wheel and brake positioning​​. In order to provide the widest range of tire and wheel combination compatibility, the frame and fork are designed to accommodate tires up to 50mm long, and their geometry is optimized for 700c wheels. The standard version is equipped with Moots full carbon gravel/cross fork, which can easily use the hidden mudguard hole for bad weather riding, and the third water bottle position is used as a spare part, so you can walk more between the puddles far. ROUTT 45 is equipped with a gravel wide drive system that can provide clearance for a compact double chain ring or a single ring with up to 42 teeth.
Of course, the Routt 45 is made of seamless 3/2.5 titanium made in the United States, available in 7 sizes, and offers customized geometries to ensure it fits every rider.
Rapha Men’s Explore Long Sleeve Sweatshirt-$165, a quick-drying, insulated middle layer with a windproof panel, suitable for cold weather.
Windproof panels on sleeves and shoulders-anti-hooking covering panels prevent damage to the leaves.
Although winter may be the most difficult time to control, it is also the most meaningful. The cold, crisp starting point into the low sun is worth a try, but bad weather, short days and seasonal joys may mean bicycles are easily overlooked. For these cold weather, layering is the key to temperature management, and the new Explore Long Sleeve pullover is the ideal middle layer.
It is designed for exploration in milder conditions or in cold winter conditions when paired with a jacket. The top is made of insulated and highly breathable mesh fleece fabric, which helps to maintain body temperature, and has a loose fit like our long-sleeved technical T-shirt, allowing complete freedom of movement. Wind shields on shoulders and arms further help regulate temperature and prevent damage. There is a zippered pocket on the upper arm to keep the essentials at hand, and the integrated hanger loop makes it easier to dry the top after riding.
Thermal insulation-the warm mesh polar fleece fabric can withstand the cold, and has a good breathing function, which can achieve the best temperature regulation.
This is Zipp’s innovative omnidirectional handlebar, namely Service Course SL-70 XPLR. The bar’s nickname XPLR represents the desire to explore the world, and it extends the definition of floor-to-ceiling bike riding… from paved roads to gravel, dirt, dirt, and even bicycle lanes. The service course SL-70 XPLR can help you speed up your pace by placing your body in the best “comfort zone” position from your hands. It can carry out hours of rugged riding on mixed terrain. Nowadays, whether it is a two-hour training at home or a 200-mile gravel adventure, today’s drivers need to do something in the cockpit: comfort, control and the ability to carry what they need. We met these needs by creating a bar graph with shallow and wide water droplets, especially focusing on two key indicators-elongation and flare. Outward rotation is produced by outwardly rotating the droplets under the brake pedal. Rotating the entire droplet above the brake seat outwards will produce flare.
Product features: ●Updated unique Zipp cosmetics ●70mm extension distance and 115mm drop position make the position of the range hood comfortable and the drop position is shallower ●5° drop flare and 11° drop extend outward to make the drop position 6cm wider than the range hood ●40, 42, 44, 46cm width ● Ergonomic top with 3° sweep angle ● Matte black nano high explosive aluminum plate ● Lifetime warranty ● Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $ 110.00 | €123.00 * | £109.00 * *VAT included
Zipp’s Service Course SL valve stem is made of 7075 aluminum, which is strong and lightweight, and has a first-class stiffness of 1.85 grams per Newton meter. This leads to inelastic sprints and accelerations. In order to meet the fit needs of every rider, the handle has an angle of ±6° and ±17° and 7 lengths from 70 to 130mm are available. Only the ±6° handle has a length of 140 and 150mm. This stem is the favorite of Zipp ambassadors and professional athletes.
Features: ● Updated unique Zipp cosmetics ● Various sizes and angles ● Service process SL OS rod for 1-1/4″ steering tube bicycle ● 17° optional 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130mm length ● 1 -1/8″ 6° can provide 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 mm length ●1-1/4″ 6° ​​can provide 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130 mm Length ● Matte black nano high-explosive aluminum ● Zipp QuickView integrated mount can be purchased separately ● Lifetime warranty ● Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: US$112.00 | €114.00 * | £102.00 * *VAT included
The carbon fiber Service Course SL seatpost has been specially adjusted to be more powerful than the “comfort” seatposts on the market, while still passing our strict internal MTB strength test. Flex engineering technology is used in the lightweight carbon tube to keep the rider comfortable on any terrain. Better fit means better performance, and if your saddle is incorrect, energy will be wasted every time you step on the pedal.
The safe two-bolt clamp can easily adjust the position of the saddle, and the head is redesigned to maximize the use of the bolt head. With 0 and 20 mm back options, almost all riders can achieve a perfect fit, and the clamp can be used on all types of saddle rails.
Product features: ●Updated unique Zipp cosmetics ●Unidirectional carbon tube design, which can achieve the best compliance on all road surfaces ●25.4, 27.2, 31.6mm diameter ●0 and 20mm indentation ●Two-bolt aluminum clip, easy Regulation and safety ●Lifetime warranty ●MSRP: 160.00 | €175.00 * | | £156.00 * *Including VAT
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