This week’s Gear Break features a high-performance mix of road and dirt tech. We dive into the “perfetto” versatility of Castelli’s latest RoS 3 jacket, Look’s improved Keo Grip cleats, and two handcrafted titanium beauties from “The Cannibal,” Eddy Merckx. Plus, we check out Kogel’s aero-derailleur cage upgrades for gravel (and MTB), Cyclowax’s automated hot-waxing kit, and Pinarello’s genre-blurring Grevil MX “monstercross” machine.
Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket – $320
Castelli sez: The perfect jacket for most conditions: wind proof, highly water resistant, stretch fit with industry leading breathability thanks to Polartec® AirCore
fabric.
The Perfetto RoS 3 represents the biggest jump since the original Gabba, thanks to the exclusive new Polartec® AirCore fabric with its PFAS-free semi-air-permeable membrane. In the search for constant improvement, the RoS 3 is more revolutionary than evolutionary. It’s significantly more breathable and water resistant than its predecessor. It also has more stretch than its predecessor, which allows for a close-to-body fit without feeling tight. The design provides significant ventilation with zippered chest vents as well as a two-way zipper that you can open from the bottom. The new Perfetto RoS 3 is slightly thinner than its predecessor, for milder rides, but adding insulation layers can take you to very cold conditions. If your cool-weather riding includes showery days, this is the jacket for you.
Chuck sez: PEZ got the Mocha/Black Reflect, but the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket comes in three other colorways:
- Light Black/Silver Reflex
- Pool Blue/Black Reflex
- Rich Red/Black Reflex
Castelli specs 277 grams, but doesn’t say for what size
Versatility is the key
The Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket is intended to be a versatile jacket that works across a range of conditions. The Polartec® AirCore fabric is windproof and water resistant (not waterproof), but does not bill itself as insulating. Not what I would call a “deep winter” jacket, but Castelli rates the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket for 39F/4C to 57F/14C temperatures. Because everyone’s tolerance for cold is different, YMMV. For me (Filipino ethnic heritage so genetically more predisposed to tropical rather than nordic conditions), the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket was good down to the mid-40s with an appropriate jersey/baselayer for thermal insulation.
Green arrows: zippers for venting, not pockets. Yellow arrow: wind flap over the zipper.
It’s not so much that the Perfetto RoS 3 jacket kept me “warm” but that it kept the “cold” off me, i.e., protected against wind chill. In the cold, I find this just as important as thermal insulation because the act of riding (even at moderate speed) creates wind chill. For example, if the ambient temperature is 40F (with no wind), riding at 20 mph creates a wind chill temperature of 30F. The other limiting factor for me for cold weather riding is whether it’s sunny or cloudy.
What I didn’t put to the test is the Perfetto RoS 3’s water resistance. I’m not ashamed to admit that in my AARP-years, I no longer intentionally do #9 rides or even venture out if the probability of rain is more than 20% and the skies look even mildly threatening.
To give you an idea how well the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket repels water
Material and fit
The Polartec® AirCore fabric is very stretchy so the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket is very form fitting. A size small fit me (5’8″, 130 pounds, ectomorph) pretty much like how I would want a long-sleeve jersey to fit, i.e., comfortably snug, but the fabric has enough stretch to fit a winter-weight jersey underneath easily enough. For me, functionally the Perfetto RoS 3 is combination jacket/jersey — with temps in the 50s, all I really need under it is an appropriate baselayer (it has three rear pockets just like a jersey).
No secure zipper pocket, but three rear pockets with drainage holes for those who want to ride in the rain
Winters here in the Lowcountry are relatively mild with daytime temps usually in the 50s or 60s F (“cold” is in the 40s F, but we’ve had a few cold spells with a days with morning temps in the 30s and even 20s F). If where you live is similar, the Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket would probably be all you need for an outer layer. For me, it’s a 3-season jacket/jersey that’s versatile enough to do duty during shoulder/transition weather in the spring and fall. That’s pretty close to perfetto!
High collar for added warmth and extended tail to help keep your butt dry (or at least less wet)
If you want to do a deep dive (the video is almost an hour) with Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President at Milliken & Company and Business Manager at Polartec, and Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager
Look Cycle Keo Grip Cleats
For when you need to walk
LOOK Cycle has introduced its new Keo Grip cleats, extending the legacy of the Keo cleat range. Building on the Keo standard, which has been the benchmark for race-proven reliability and power transfer since 2004, the new Keo Grip offers significant improvements in both safety and durability.
Engineered for maximum efficiency, every watt is translated into forward motion. The Keo Grip cleats feature durable compounds for a longer lifespan and an optimised contact patch that ensures rock-solid foot stability.
Reinforced fore–aft grip
The Keo Grip integrates LOOK’s best technologies to enhance both the cycling and walking experience. The enlarged fore–aft grip zones have been redesigned and widened by a total of 2 cm. These feature optimised pads that significantly improve stability, limit slipping, and secure every step when off the bike. The low-friction Silent Float technology, integrated at the rear of the cleat, dramatically reduces creaking noises, limits abrasion, and ensures a smoother, quieter interface with the pedal blade.
Perfect setup and position
Riders can dial in their position precisely with three float options to suit their needs: 0° for a fixed, ultra-precise foot hold, 4.5° for the best balance between stability and comfort, or 9° for maximum freedom of movement and reduced stress on the knees.
The Keo Grip cleats are also fully integrated into the LOOK fit ecosystem, allowing for millimetric precision adjustments through combinations of cleat spacer thicknesses, sole curvature-compensation shims, and 56 mm pedal spindles.
Pricing and availability
The new Keo Grip cleats are available fnow and are priced at 20€ / $28 / £19.99. For full details, head over to Look Cycle.
Eddy Merckx Corsa Titanium
Halo bike, not halo prices
Eddy Merckx Bicycles this week launched two new titanium models: the Eddy Merckx Corsa Pévèle Ti and the Eddy Merckx Corsa Strasbourg Ti. These bikes extend the existing Corsa range, which already includes steel all-road and gravel models, by introducing titanium counterparts that retain the same proven geometry, but with the refined ride qualities of titanium.
Titanium is a material valued for its durability, comfort, and timeless character. All frames are handcrafted in Italy using Columbus Hyperion titanium tubing. Final assembly is handled at the headquarters in Beringen, Belgium. Both models include bespoke 3D printed UDH dropouts, ensuring modern drivetrain compatibility and future-proof design. Integrated dynamo cable routing is available on both models, as well.
Corsa Pévèle Ti: All-road precision
The Corsa Pévèle Ti combines the strengths of road and gravel bikes into a versatile all-road platform. A slightly lower bottom bracket than that of a traditional road bike lowers the centre of gravity, enhancing stability and control. A wheelbase just shorter than a gravel bike keeps the handling lively and responsive. Tire clearance reaches 40 mm with a 1x drivetrain and 38 mm with a 2x setup, allowing riders to adapt the bike to a wide variety of surfaces. The Pévèle Ti also features mounting points on the top tube as well as mounting points for mudguards.
The Corsa Pévèle Ti is available as a frame & fork set, or as a complete bike with the following drivetrain options in either road or gravel focused builds
- Shimano Ultegra Di2
- Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
- SRAM Force
- SRAM Red
- Campagnolo Super Record
- Sram Force XPLR
- Sram Red XPLR
- Campagnolo Super Record X
Corsa Strasbourg Ti: Confidence on challenging gravel
The Corsa Strasbourg Ti is designed to handle demanding gravel terrain with confidence. Its geometry features a low centre of gravity, delivering a smooth, composed ride and excellent control on rough surfaces. With 50 mm tire clearance, Eddy Merckx built the Strasbourg Ti for long gravel adventures and challenging conditions. The Strasbourg Ti also features multiple mounting points on the frame and fork, offering additional options for carrying bags and accessories as well as mudguards.
The Corsa Strasbourg Ti is available as a frame & fork set, or as a complete bike in a 1x configuration with the following options:
- SRAM Force XPLR
- SRAM Red XPLR
- Campagnolo Super Record X
Customization via configurator
Both titanium models will be available through the online Eddy Merckx configurator, allowing riders to tailor their bike in detail. The brushed titanium finish remains central to the design, complemented by customizable accents. Riders can select the colour of the down tube and head tube logos, and Wolf Tooth small parts, all matched in one of 5 available colors.
A bike for life
Pieter Vanheeswijk, marketing manager at Eddy Merckx, sez: “The Corsa range is all about true craftmanship, and the new titanium additions fit perfectly in this philosophy. The Corsa Ti models are made for riders who want one bike they can rely on for a lifetime, combining heritage, versatility, and modern performance.”
The Corsa Ti models come equipped with Ceramicspeed SLT headset bearings as well as T47 Alpha bottom brackets (excluding the Campagnolo builds) that come with a lifetime warranty.
Availability and pricing
The bicycles are available to order from today through the Eddy Merckx dealer network and will be on show at Velofollies. Full details on the entire Corsa line can be found at eddymerckx.com. The Corsa Pévèle Ti starts at €8,999 for full builds, custom builds from €8,295, and framesets from €4,999. The Corsa Strasbourg Ti pricing is the same,, except custom builds start from €8,640. All pricing is shown Euros only on their website.
Kogel Speed Kolossos
Have your dirt and ride it too
Expanding their Kolossos Speed oversized derailleur cage collection to include the latest SRAM gravel and mountain bike derailleurs, Kogel continues to deliver more speed by attacking drag and friction from multiple angles, while increasing ground clearance.
Introduced in early 2025, Kogel Kolossos Speed upgraded their Kolossos oversized derailleur lineup with aerodynamic shaping and larger oversized pulleys rolling on their ultra-smooth custom ceramic bearings. Now, that design is applied to SRAM’s latest dirt focused groups. And, it delivers a few new upgrades that elevate performance higher than ever!
Key specs:
- Fits SRAM Transmission & XPLR 13-speed groups
- 14-tooth upper and 20-tooth
- Improved ground clearance compared to stock cage
- Offset lower pulley perfects chainline
- Lightweight alloy is incredibly stiff
- Swappable bearing seals for different conditions
Unique Benefits
The combination of aero shaping and larger pulleys reduces wind drag and mechanical drag simultaneously, giving you more incremental gains. But Kogel’s latest offering adds additional benefits not found in any other oversized pulley cage system.
First, it’s actually shorter than the stock cage, so it has better ground clearance. 10mm for XPLR derailleurs and 5mm for T-Type derailleurs. This means less chance of banging your derailleur hanger on a rock or root, damaging it at a critical moment. Second, it’s the only aftermarket pulley cage that mimic’s SRAM’s offset lower wheel angle, maintaining perfect chainline throughout the entire gear range.
Ard Kessels, Kogel founder, sez: “Gravel races are getting so fast, riders are looking for every edge, so naturally we delivered for the new XPLR 13-speed groups. And with more and more racers using 1x drivetrains with mountain bike derailleurs & cassettes, I knew we needed an upgrade option for Transmission, too.
“Kolossos is still the stiffest oversize pulley cage on the market, offering fast, precise shifts no matter how hard you’re riding. It’s perfect for every performance rider, no matter the bike.”
Pricing, Availability & Custom Color Options
Kogel Kolossos Speed for Transmission and XPLR 13 start shipping February 1st.
Standard colors include Black and Desert Sage, both $499.99. Kolossos Speed with custom Cerakote colors are available for $649.99 with a 1-3 week lead time. Order direct from Kogel Bearings.
All units ship with Kogel’s ultra-fast, corrosion-resistant ceramic bearings with road seals. Optional wet conditions bearings with thicker, tighter seals are available and easy to swap.
Cyclowax Performance Wax Kit
Dipping your chain is not enough
Cyclowax has officially unveiled the Performance Wax Kit, marking the arrival of the world’s first purpose-built hot wax system engineered specifically for bicycle chains. Designed to transform a traditionally niche maintenance task into a refined, automated standard, this next-generation solution focuses on efficiency, consistency, and modern chain management for both everyday riders and professional mechanics.
At the heart of the system is the Performance Wax Heater, a device engineered for controlled heating and repeatable results. Unlike static systems, the kit features an integrated shake engine that actively moves the chain during the cycle to ensure deeper cleaning and more uniform wax penetration. With its compact, travel-friendly design and a multi-chain spool system, the Performance Wax Kit is built for high-performance drivetrain maintenance in home workshops or at the races.
Key Points
- Fully automated & fast: push one button, a 10-minute wax cycle automatically starts.
- Built-in vibration motor: automatically shakes out fine dust and particles.
- Compact & travel-friendly: easy to take anywhere you ride.
- Introducing chain management: the chain spool replaces the swizzle wire and offers a more convenient way to grab, wax, dry & store your chain.
The Performance Wax Kit includes:
- Performance Wax Heater
- Performance Wax tablet
- Chain Spool
- Preorder bonus: comes with 2 extra spools & chain rack
Availability and pricing
The Cyclowax Performance Wax Kit is currently available for pre-order with a price of $249.00 (US) / €199.95 (EU). Delivery starts in April. For more information or to secure a unit, visit Cyclowax.com/preorder.
Pinarello Grevil MX
Monstercross isn’t dead
And, it wasn’t invented in Italy, but Pinarello is taking it up a notch. With the new GREVIL MX, a targeted addition to its popular GREVIL range, Pinarello engineered a bike to conquer terrain beyond the limits of traditional gravel bikes.
The GREVIL MX combines the aerodynamic efficiency of a road bike with the stability and control of a MTB, enabling it to excel on steep climbs, rugged trails, technical descents and long endurance routes without compromising responsiveness or stiffness on hardpack ground.
Its geometry takes the head angle (67.75°) and trail (101mm) of the hardtail DOGMA XC and pairs it with the MOST Talon Ultra Light cockpit found on Pinarello’s flagship road bikes, enabling a lower, more compact and faster position. The inclusion of a front suspension fork adds further comfort, providing a combination that delivers superior performance across vastly different terrains.
Best of both worlds
The GREVIL MX frame is constructed from best-in-class Toray M40J carbon fiber and features fully integrated TiCR cable routing and a threaded BB. The BB area comprises an ultra-stiff triangular structure, while the rear triangle incorporates Pinarello’s patented asymmetric design, with the left side structurally reinforced to counterbalance the higher loads generated on the drivetrain side. This architecture creates more balanced energy transfer and improved traction and acceleration on loose or variable surfaces.
The chainstays and seatstays have both been specifically shaped and reinforced to withstand the high torsional forces typical of aggressive gravel riding, steep off-road climbs and explosive accelerations.
The GREVIL MX is optimised for 50mm gravel tires, achieving an optimal blend of traction and fatigue reduction, while the 100mm suspension fork travel provides the best weight to ratio solution. The 38T–10/52 transmission system delivers significantly better climbing ability than standard gravel chainsets and improved descending cadence than regular MTB setups.
Fausto Pinarello, Pinarello President, sez: “The GREVIL MX is designed for riders who push gravel beyond its typical boundaries. It’s a very versatile bike, perfectly suited for races or adventures where you’re riding into the unknown. It can handle long climbs and rocky descents with ease and combines the feeling of a MTB with the ergonomics of a road bike. It’s a unique addition to our gravel range.”
Specifications
- Drivetrain – Compatible with electronic and mechanical groupsets (with internal cable routing), and UDH hanger compatible
- Groupset – SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS 1×12 DB
- Chain Line – 55mm with zero offsets chainrings
- Chainrings – Aero profile, 32 to 38 tooth
- Brake setup – PM 160 front rotor and FM 160 rear rotor. The front fork can accommodate up to 180mm rotors
- Wheels – DT Swiss XRC 1200 110/148 XDR
- Suspension Fork – FOX 32 Float Step Cast Factory Kashima, 100mm travel
- Tyres – Schwalbe G-One R Pro, 50mm front and rear
- Saddle – Lynx 2.0 XC Superflow S Carbon
- Handlebar – MOST Talon Ultra Light
- Seatpost – 400mm 30.9 seatpost with oval carbon rails
- Weight – 9.04kg (size M)
- Sizing – Available in four size options
The GREVIL MX has been designed as an adaptable platform offering a 30.9mm dropper post option and full compatibility with a MOST Talon XC cockpit for a more MTB-oriented setup.
Availaibilty and pricing
The bike is available in 28 countries across Europe, and South Africa, although not currently available elsewhere (including the UK and North America). For more information please contact your local Pinarello dealer- or take a trip to Europe! It is priced at €8,500. Full details are located at Pinarello’s worldwide site.
Note: If you have other experiences with gear or something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything (we just imply it at times). Give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews or a slap Andy in the head if you feel the need!
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 as well as any conditional information or product limitations.
The post Gear Break: Castelli Perfetto RoS 3, Look Keo Grip Cleat, Eddy Merckx Ti, Kogel Kolossos Speed on dirt, Cyclowax Premium, Pinarello Grevil MX appeared first on PezCycling News.
