This week’s Gear Break is not just our regular “Tech ’n Spec.” In addition to some exciting equipment, we’ve also got a couple of fun and useful Christmas stocking stuffers (quit laughing over there in the UK!) for your favorite rider…if you can make ‘em fit! We lead out with Campagnolo’s new halo gravel groupset and wheelset. Right on Campagnolo’s wheel are two pedal systems, one that’s been around for a year, and a yet to be released system, that are pushing stack height to new “lows!” Transitioning to gift ideas, recovering from the new groupset and short stack height pedals, Ultriix—a new company—is offering a crowdfunded ultrasound deep tissue massager. Following up on that, we’ve got a couple stocking stuffer ideas from Silca and Tailfin.
Campagnolo Super Record X and Bora X
The DNA evolves…for gravel
Campagnolo Super Record X redefines performance. Pushing beyond the limits of the road, where speed meets freedom and every racing line becomes a new emotion. The electronic precision and mechanical excellence that have always defined Campagnolo now enter the world of high-performance gravel.
Gravel is pure freedom, its rhythm, dust, and the beauty of movement. It’s the constant pursuit of the perfect line, the balance between power and control. Super Record X is born for those who want to experience it all without compromise. It distills style, power, and absolute control. Paired with the Bora X, it creates an integrated system that fully expresses Campagnolo’s racing DNA: limitless performance, total reliability, and unmistakable aesthetics.
Super Record X: a new benchmark
The new SUPER RECORD X is made for those who live speed as an instinct, who seek maximum performance on every surface – from smooth tarmac to wild trails. Every shift is fluid, silent, and immediate, designed to turn every pedal stroke into pure efficiency. The extra cog always gives you the perfect cadence, while the control ergonomics—borrowed from the road world—ensure total control and absolute comfort, even when the terrain gets demanding.
Engineered to withstand the demands of the most extreme gravel, Super Record X combines robustness and lightness, while preserving the signature style and technical heritage that have always defined Campagnolo. It is Campagnolo’s first electronic groupset for gravel. Compatible with cassettes up to 48 teeth and eight chainring combinations, it is a tailor-made system for those who want to go beyond. Campagnolo delivers Super Record X with the same precision, power, and performance that made them legendary. With a power meter option available, Super Record X ensures no rider has to make compromises.
The Bora X : a new dimension
Created to unleash every watt of the SUPER RECORD X, the new BORA X redefines the concept of gravel performance — faster, smoother, more precise. Perfected in the wind tunnel, the BORA X strikes the ideal balance between aerodynamics and stability. Its 50 mm profile slices through the air with efficiency, while the 27 mm internal width accommodates tires up to 40 mm, delivering superior traction and comfort on any terrain.
The gravel-specific spoke pattern preserves Campagnolo’s signature aerodynamic performance while adding impressive responsiveness and vibration absorption—turning every ride into a smoother, more controlled experience. Weighing only 1,430 g, the BORA X is pure essence of power, lightness, and precision — a wheel born to push performance beyond every limit.
The Bottom Line
For gravel enthusiasts seeking the ultimate advantage, the Campagnolo Super Record X groupset and Bora X wheelset deliver an integrated, high-performance system that truly “redefines the frontier of gravel.” This pairing translates Campagnolo’s legendary electronic precision, mechanical excellence, and racing DNA—including robust lightweight components, fluid shifting, and superb aerodynamics—into an uncompromising package designed for maximum speed and absolute control on any surface.
Ultimately, the Super Record X and Bora X establish a new benchmark for riders pursuing the purest, most demanding side of gravel cycling without holding back.
MSRP of the halo Super Record X gravel groupset starts at €3,375. The Bora X gravel wheel set clocks in at €2290. USD pricing is not listed. For more info head over to Campagnolo.com.
Ekoï PW8 System – $790 (pedals + shoes)
A Revolutionary Concept?
For nearly four decades, the 3-bolt “clipless” pedal has been the standard for cycling efficiency, yet the fundamental architecture has remained largely unchanged since its widespread adoption. Manufacturers have tweaked the concept with incremental improvements, but adoption has always been low for pedal interface systems that aren’t LOOK or Shimano SPD. Ekoï last year, after four years developing the PW8 system, threw down the gauntlet claiming the first real innovation in cycling footwear and pedal systems in 40 years.
Ekoï’s goal was simple: to create a system that is more efficient, lighter, more aerodynamic, and fundamentally easier to use. This is more than just a new shoe or a new pedal. This is a fully harmonized concept. It was designed from the ground up to deliver enhanced performance, and it has the technical specs and pro endorsements to back up its lofty claims.
What is the PW8 Concept?
The Ekoï PW8 is a patented, fully integrated shoe and pedal system designed to achieve optimal power transfer and aerodynamic efficiency. It represents the culmination of a four-year development process aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional clipless systems that have been the market standard for four decades.
The core of the PW8 is its philosophy of minimal distance and maximal contact. It offers an 8mm stack height with 1500mm² contact surface. Unlike standard three-bolt or four-bolt systems where the cleat acts as an intermediary, the PW8 concept integrates the connection directly into a specially designed, full-carbon sole. This integration allows Ekoï to radically alter the geometry of the power transfer.
Ekoï sez: “[Cycling legends] Philippe Gilbert, Nicolas Roche, Claudio Chiappucci, and Michele Bartoli…are unanimous about the power and comfort gains brought by the perfect pedal/shoe compatibility.”
How is PW8 Better?
The PW8 system achieves superior performance through a synergy of mechanical and biological advantages:
- Minimized Stack Height: The system boasts an ultra-low stack height of just 8 mm (distance from sole to pedal axle). This places the rider’s foot closer to the rotational axis than virtually all other systems. Thus, it minimizes energy waste from sole flex and results in a more direct, immediate power transfer.
- Maximized Contact Surface: Ekoï engineered an immense contact surface area of 1500 mm². This is cited to be more than double that of some leading competitors (e.g., Look Keo Blade at 705 mm²). Spreading the force from the foot across a large, rigid area gives maximum efficiency and can eliminate hot spots.
- Smoother Pedaling Dynamics: Ekoï claim that scientific tests conducted at the Faculty of Sciences in Marseille showed a more fluid rotational pedaling action which promoting a natural increase in rider cadence by approximately 4 rpm. This suggests the geometry of the system encourages a higher, more efficient pedaling rate by reducing perceived effort.
- Secure and Natural Walking: The PW8 cleat is entirely recessed and does not protrude past the sole of the shoe. Thus, the “duck walk” common with road cleats is eliminated. This is paired with durable Michelin studs on the shoe’s sole, providing grip and secure footing when off the bike.
Tech and Spec Breakdown
Hard numbers and technical features define the efficiency, lightness, and adjustability of the Ekoï PW8 system.
| Feature | Specification / Detail | Performance Benefit |
| Stack Height | 8 mm | More direct power transfer. |
| Contact Surface | 1500 mm² | Maximal power transmission and comfort. |
| Aerodynamic Gain | 11% reduction in drag (wind tunnel tested) | Significant speed advantage for time trials and maintaining pace. |
| System Weight | 225g per pair (105g/pedal + 15g/cleat) | Ultra-lightweight for climbing and reduced rotational mass. |
| Float Options | Two settings available: 0°-1.5° or 3°-6° | Customizable comfort and biomechanical alignment. |
| Cleat Adjustment | Vertical and Lateral adjustability | Allows for precise knee and foot alignment. |
| Outsole | Full Carbon, designed specifically for PW8 | Ensures rigidity and maximizes the system’s efficiency. |
| Walking Grip | Integrated, non-protruding cleat with Michelin studs | Safe, natural walking stride and cleat longevity. |
The bottom line
The Ekoï PW8 aims to be a holistic performance upgrade that challenges the established leaders in the cycling pedal market. With its claimed market leading low stack height and immense contact surface, and aero advantage, Ekoï has delivered on its promise of a new era for clipless systems. To truly be a success just bringing this to market is not the goal…adoption is. The question is, will it be a commercial success seeing wide enough adoption to drive a shift in the industry?
Pricing of the Ekoï PW8 system is generally comparable to other high-end shoe and pedal combinations when considering the purchase of both. At MSRP, the complete shoes and pedals set will set you back approximately $790 USD|€627 EUR|£630 GBP, though Ekoï frequently runs discounts.
Q36.5 x SRM
Low stack, exclusive and bespoke
A new pedal system arising from a collaboration between Q36.5 and SRM claims to slash stack height by 8mm. Two of cycling’s most technically obsessive minds—Q36.5 founder Luigi Bergamo and SRM power meter inventor Ulrich Schoberer—have teamed up to bring this new pedi and shoe system to market. The project ignored aerodynamics and weight savings to focus purely on the mechanics of pedaling itself. The collaboration resulted in an all-new, fully integrated pedal and shoe system promising the lowest stack height in cycling history, delivering a fundamentally more direct connection between rider and bike.
The Obsession with Low
The entire project was born from Bergamo’s observation that thinner shoe soles led to tangible improvements in pedaling efficiency. Schoberer, who spent decades engineering the world’s first power meters, quickly saw the potential. The core concept is radical: engineer the pedal and shoe as a closed system.
This integrated approach allows the partners to eliminate the gap and redundant hardware found in traditional interfaces. Q36.5 and SRM claim they have shaved more than 8 millimeters of stack height compared to current industry benchmarks.
To put that in perspective, 8mm is an enormous amount of vertical distance to remove from the foot-to-axle distance. Thus, it brings the entire rotational axis closer to the foot’s natural center for more direct power transfer.
The Mechanics of Efficiency
The system is comprised of two bespoke elements:
- The SRM Pedal: Milled from alloy, the pedal features a simplified retention interface designed specifically for this system. The initial launch model will arrive without a power meter to keep weight and complexity down, adhering to the pure goal of minimum distance and maximum stiffness.
- The Q36.5 Unique Pro Shoe: This shoe is the key to the low stack. It features an ultrathin carbon sole with a specialized recessed cleat channel. The sole drops into the pedal body, thus locking the foot as close to the spindle as possible.
The brands state that the payoff is the purest power transfer imaginable. By reducing the leverage loss through a shorter foot-to-axle position, the system creates a “mechanically direct” feel, making the path from your foot to the drivetrain the stiffest and most efficient route possible. When you sprint or climb out of the saddle, the shoe sits visibly lower, enhancing stability and reducing wasted energy.
This is a true unified ecosystem, not a mix-and-match component set.
The Bottom Line
The SRM pedal will be sold exclusively with the Q36.5 Unique Pro Shoes as a limited-release package. For riders obsessed with marginal gains and the mechanical feel of their interface, this new collaboration represents a significant front in performance technology—and perhaps the most significant leap in pedal design since Schoberer first invented the power meter.
Q36.5 has not disclosed pricing yet. But, considering the MSRP of the shoes which is currently $600 | €550 | £550, it is fair to assume that the pricing for the shoe/pedal combo will be north of $700 | €650 | £550. If you’re interested in this new collaboration, sign up at Q36.5 for previews and early access.
Ultriix S1
Shake up your recovery game
The Ultriix S1 aims to shake up the recovery game as an Electro High Frequency Massage Stick, designed to quickly relieve muscle and joint tension and soreness after exercise, and to relax muscle tissues. This sleek, portable device is a versatile tool for recovery, going beyond what traditional fascia guns can offer.
The technology
The Ultriix S1 uses ultrasound technology to offer significantly better relaxation effects than regular motor-driven fascia guns. It achieves this using piezoelectric ceramics to generate high-frequency, low-amplitude micro-vibrations.
The key difference lies in its versatility and depth of reach:
- Muscle and Joint Application: the S1 can be used to relieve muscles and joints—including areas like the knees, wrists, and elbows—unlike traditional mechanical massage guns.
- Deeper Reach: The S1 reaches deeper muscle layers for a more significant relaxation effect, without relying on electric shock methods like EMS/TENS, a limitation for superficial muscle-only fascia guns.
Using the S1
The S1 is usable all over the body: shoulders, neck, back, arm muscle, thigh, calf, knee, ankle, and even the sole. Its compact and portable design (pictured easily fitting into a backpack) means you can bring it and use it virtually anywhere, anytime.
The portability, and promised ease of use, make the S1 something that has purpose in everyday life. Its utility post exercise aims to speed recovery by in the critical 1st hour post exercise to mitigate Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. It enhances repair by accelerating lactic acid clearance. People with sedentary jobs, sitting at desks or in vehicles, benefit from the deep tissue massage to relax tense necks, shoulders, and backs. It even promises to offer relief for those with chronic pain.
The Bottom Line
The Ultriix S1 represents a powerful step forward in personal recovery technology, combining a gentle touch with deep, high-frequency ultrasound performance. This new product is available through the Ultriix.com. Pre-order pricing for launch promised in February 2026 is $99. MSRP will be $199.
SILCA Elettrico Inflators
The gift of perfect pressure
Tired of giving the gift of wasteful CO2 cartridges? For the cyclist who travels frequently or demands ultimate inflation precision, the SILCA Elettrico inflators are the perfect high-tech stocking stuffer, replacing bulky pumps and single-use canisters with rechargeable power. Both models are USB-C rechargeable, TSA-compliant for air travel, and offer SILCA’s legendary quality in a compact package.
Elettrico Micro: The Roadside Savior
The Elettrico Micro is for the minimalist. It’s the lightest and smallest solution that fits easily into a jersey pocket or saddle bag, clocking in at a mere 111g. Think of it as the ultimate replacement for your roadside CO2 kit, but one that you can use four times before needing a charge. It simplifies inflation with an auto-shutoff safety feature at 72psi—a crucial safeguard for modern, low-pressure tubeless and hookless rim setups. It’s clean, simple, and reliable inflation, every time.
Elettrico Ultimate: The Precision Instrument
For the tech-savvy cyclist and meticulous mechanic, there’s the Elettrico Ultimate. This inflator features a full digital brain, allowing you to set your target pressure—anywhere from 3 to 100 psi—with 1% accuracy. It’s the ideal tool for pre-ride checks, ensuring your gravel, road, or mountain bike tires are precisely matched. With the capacity to top off or fully inflate up to 10 tires per charge, it moves from a backup tool to an indispensable piece of your maintenance routine.
| Model | Price | Features and descriptions |
| Elettrico Micro | $129.00 USD |
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| Elettrico Ultimate | $159.00 USD |
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The choice comes down to need: ultimate portability or ultimate precision. Either way, you’re giving the gift of clean, reliable inflation. Head over to Silca.cc to score one of these for your favorite cyclist.
Tailfin Top Tube Bags
Stash point for adventure essentials
Top tube bags are the perfect cockpit accessory for your long ride essentials, but they often suffer from wobble and knee rub. Tailfin’s collection of Top Tube Packs is engineered to solve these issues with their signature V-Mount system and a unique, tapered shape. For the rider on your Christmas list, the choice between the ZiP and Flip bags comes down to how they prioritize access speed versus weather resistance. Both offer a rock-solid, wiggle-free experience that sits low and tight against the frame.
Tailfin ZiP: The Secure Valuables Vault
The Tailfin ZiP Top Tube Pack is the narrowest and most secure option. Available in the smallest 0.8L size (perfect for eliminating knee rub for riders with a narrow stance), the ZiP uses a highly water-resistant, sealed zipper to keep contents safe. The smooth, one-handed operation and highly structured side panels make it ideal for storing valuables like phones, wallets, or delicate electronics. Retaining the narrow profile, these are also available in 1.1L and 1.5L sizes. If your cyclist prioritizes security and a narrow profile for high-speed riding, the ZiP is the perfect gift.
Tailfin Flip: The Grab-and-Go Snack Lair
For the rider who constantly needs access to fuel, the Tailfin Flip Top Tube Pack is the answer. It uses a patented Mag-Lock magnetic latch and elastic cord closure that can be flicked open and secured shut in a fraction of a second, even with thick gloves. The large, easy-to-access opening offers a greater view of the contents, making it perfect for grabbing snacks, a camera, or a power bank on the move. Its flip-lid design also provides superior resistance to torrential rain and constant spray. It is slightly wider than the ZiP, providing a fuller profile for bulkier items.
Thanks for checking out Gear Break and staying with us to the finish line this week. As always, if you have other experiences with gear or tech that we feature, or just something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything (we just imply it at times). So, feel free to give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews, or a smack if you think we need it!
PezCycling News and the author ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper/safe use, handling, maintenance, and or installation of products.
The post Gear Break: Campagnolo Super Record X and Bora X, Ekoï PW8, Q36.5 x SRM pedal system, Ultriix S1 massager, Silca Elettrico pumps, Tailfin Top Tube bags appeared first on PezCycling News.
