Gear Break: Exposure Lights Sirius 11, Sweet Protection Limited Editions, Fizik Arione, Passoni OT-01, Vittoria Corsa PRO Speed, MAAP x PAM

Welcome to another edition of Gear Break, where we round up the latest and greatest tech hitting the cycling world. This week, we lead with a long-awaited update to a British classic: the Exposure Lights Sirius 11, now featuring universal USB-C charging. But that’s just the start. We’re also diving into the “Atelier” world of Passoni with their new OT-01 titanium frame, celebrating the return of the pro-peloton favorite Fizik Arione saddle, and checking out high-style collaborations from MAAP x P.A.M. and a new limited colorway from Sweet Protection. Don’t miss the new large volume race tire from Vittoria…30 is the new 25.

Exposure Lights Sirius 11
Turn it up to 11

In the ever-evolving world of cycling tech, few brands have maintained a reputation for bulletproof reliability quite like Exposure Lights. Their CNC-machined units have long been the gold standard for riders who value “fit and forget” durability. For 2026, the updated Sirius 11 takes that legendary performance and finally pairs it with the one thing we’ve all been asking for (and EU mandated): USB-C charging.

Unboxing a Classic

The Sirius arrives in minimalist, eco-friendly packaging that emphasizes its primary stats: 1300 lumens and a runtime ranging from 1 to 36 hours depending on your settings. Exposure make no bones, this is a do it all light for the roadies: city lights and country nights. Like its predecessor, the Sirius 11 will light up the way, whether it’s on a street, a road, or a path.

Inside, the “unpack” reveals a generous accessory kit, including the standard silicone strap mount. When Expousre posted this out to me, they included their  “action camera” style bracket, allowing me to run the light cleanly underneath my out-front computer mount. Note the design, while allowing for pulling the light with ease at coffee and beer stops, it remained secure with nary a hint of looseness.

The stainless-steel function button is located on the rear of the unit, sitting just above the new USB-C port. Its position is a major ergonomic win, making it perfectly accessible even while at speed. However, because program selection requires counting flashes while the light is off, it is best to perform that task best before you clip in or while stationary. Once your program is set, the rear button allows you to easily toggle between high and low intensities or pulse modes with a simple click as road conditions change.

In the process of updating the Sirius, Exposure have simplified the light program, flattening the well-known learning curve associated with Exposure Lights.

Mastering the OMS (Optimised Mode Selector)

While many lights force you to cycle through every setting to find your sweet spot, the Sirius 11 utilizes the OMS system. This allows you to “pre-set” the light to a specific program that matches your ride duration.

In my experience, this is where the Sirius truly shines. The stainless-steel function button is located on the rear of the unit, making it perfectly accessible even while at speed. However, because program selection requires counting flashes, it is a task best performed before you clip in or while stationary. Once your program is set, the rear button allows you to easily toggle between high and low intensities or pulse modes with a simple click as road conditions change.

To select a program, start with the light OFF. Press and hold the function button; the light will emit a sequence of regular flashes. Release the button after the number of flashes that corresponds to your chosen program. If you lose your way, there is a handy reference table laser-etched directly onto the side of the light body, ensuring you always have the “cheat sheet” at hand.

Performance and visibility

The Sirius 11 utilizes a tight 8° spot lens. As seen in our beam spread test, the primary “hot spot” (highlighted in the yellow circle) throws light far down the tarmac, while a secondary wider spread provides enough ambient light to illuminate the edges of the driveway or lane.

Notably, the 130-hour DayBright flash is a standout addition for those of us committed to daytime running lights for added safety.

Note: For our readers in Germany, the Sirius 11 offers exceptional visibility but it is not StVZO compliant due to its high-intensity flashing modes and lack of a hard beam cut-off. It is not legal for use on public roadways.

Charging & Battery Health

The move to USB-C PD further optimizes the light’s ease of use, allowing you to use the same charging cables as your phone or laptop.

• Charging: The unit reaches a full charge in just 2 hours (66% faster than previous generations) when using an optimal 2.0A (10W) input.

• Endurance: It supports pass-through charging, meaning you can run it while connected to a power bank for ultra-endurance efforts.

• Longevity: High-capacity cells are rated for 500 to 800 full charge cycles before a noticeable drop in capacity occurs.

The Bottom Line

The Sirius 11 doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it just lets you spin them faster in the dark. By combining 1300 lumens with the universal convenience of USB-C and the simplicity of the OMS system, Exposure remains the benchmark for the modern roadie.

• Weight: 90g
• Rating: IP67 (Waterproof) / IK09 (Impact)
• Price: $132 / £120
• Details and purchase (and, Pez earns a small commission) here

Sweet Protection Limited Edition Color Drop
No mirrors, just smoke

Sweet Protection is excited to introduce the new limited edition color way Silver Smoke. Made for tough climbs, intense sprints, and fast descents, the Falconer 2Vi® Mips Helmet blends aero efficiency with advanced impact protection. The limited edition Silver Smoke pairs a cool metallic base with a subtle smoky layer. Limited Edition. No restock. Available from February 17th 2026 at sweetprotection.com and selected retailers.

The color way Silver Smoke gives a cool metallic base under a translucent smoky overlay. Layered depth that reveals more the closer you look. Made for both the style-conscious and the serious cyclist, from social rides to race day. A limited, single‑run release with no restock.

The color drop includes both versions of the premium and best-selling road helmets:

• Falconer Aero 2Vi® Mips Helmet
• Falconer 2Vi® Mips Helmet

The Falconer Aero 2Vi® Mips helmet features unique detachable magnetic Aerocovers for quickly controlling temperature or increasing aerodynamic performance at any stage of a ride. The covers can be simply snapped on for a faster descent and protection against the elements, as well as popped off during hot days and big climbs for when maximum airflow and optimum comfort is needed.

The Falconer 2Vi® Mips helmet is a lighter variant with two additional vents for providing optimum airflow and comfort on warmer days. The helmet features the 360 Occigrip Fit System for easy on the fly adjustments and seamless integration with Sweet Protection eyewear.

Falconer Aero 2Vi® Mips Helmet:

• Featuring 2Vi® technology platform for increased performance and comfort with Mips Air for protection against rotational forces
• Exceeds EU, US and UK bike standards
• Weight: 300g (M/L)
• Detachable magnetic aero covers
• New integrated 360 fit system with on the fly height adjustment
• Especially designed to integrate well with Sweet Protection eyewear
• STACC ventilation which effectively cools down the superficial temporal arteries
• Eyewear grippers for easy eyewear storage
• Magnetic Fidlock buckle
• Replaceable moisture absorbing front pad

Falconer 2Vi® Mips Helmet

• Improved aerodynamics and fit
• Featuring 2Vi® technology platform for increased performance and comfort including Mips Air for protection against rotational forces
• Exceeds EU, US and UK bike standards
• Weight: 285g (M/L)
• New integrated 360 fit system with on the fly height adjustment
• Especially designed to integrate well with Sweet Protection eyewear
  STACC ventilation which effectively cools down the superficial temporal arteries
• Eyewear grippers for easy eyewear storage
• Replaceable moisture absorbing front pad

Fizik Arione
An icon returns

One of the world’s most iconic saddles has returned with a modern evolution of its legendary design. The Arione earned cult status in the peloton at the time of its launch in 2003. Its 300mm length was on the absolute limit of what was permitted by the UCI’s measuring jig, and it was this groundbreaking size that made it a firm favourite in the pro peloton and trusted enough that plenty of pros stuck with it for life.

This iconic design is now reimagined with contemporary materials and advanced construction methods, while retaining what made the original so good; Flexibility of position, however you like to ride. It’s the comeback of a classic, made for the modern road.

Reinvented rails for all models

Once again, Arione pushes the UCI rules to the limit. Arione is equipped with a new revolutionary rail insertion that unlocks a more aero/aggressive position than its competitors. Instead of the rails curving back to meet the shell, thus creating limits to the adjustment. The new Arione has a vertical join to the saddle, which allows the user to move it as far forward as possible, thus allowing the saddle to be set to the limit necessary to achieve the ideal forward position to beat the wind.

Water Bottle Cage Mount

Arione borrows the ‘link’ platform from the Aeris saddle family, which allows mounting a triathlon style rear bottle cage to the saddle. Fizik has more options for this mounting point in the future to offer alternative on-bike storage in the future.

The new Arione comes in 5 new models, all a variation of the same core shape and style for different use cases and price points. The varying models are detailed below:

Arione R1 Adaptive

Arione Adaptive provides balanced support from nose to tail on a flat, streamlined profile, for riders who prioritize complete freedom of movement and aerodynamic body positioning. No matter if you’re attacking a climb or holding the tempo on flat terrain, this saddle is designed to support you. Moving fore and aft has been made easier by a flatter, slightly extended nose that acts as an optimal base from which to produce power.

Adaptive

The specific 3D-printed padding developed for Arione features five distinctive functional zones, delivering a responsive, race-ready feeling to better connect rider and bike. Fizik have designed a padding that incorporates a softer central functional zone, instead of a traditional cut-out, to distribute a rider’s weight more evenly for better pressure relief and improved comfort on longer rides, all while keeping the typical performance feeling of Arione. Each of these key functional zones is engineered for a distinctive cushioning and mechanical response, joined together progressively and seamlessly in the same padding. This has led to a 60% reduction in peak pressure through improved weight distribution for increased comfort across the entire saddle surface.

Arione R1 Light

Arione R1 Light joins the wider R1 light range launched earlier this year by fizik. In this configuration, Arione R1 Light combines low-profile injected EVA padding with a ride-compliant shell and a highly stiff carbon rail. Engineered for low weight and high-performance riding, R1 Light architecture combines a carbon-reinforced nylon shell with ultra-stiff carbon rails for a responsive, lightweight platform. Raw EVA padding delivers low-profile, reactive cushioning that maintains comfort and support without sacrificing the ergonomic shape or increasing thickness. The result? The bare essentials: a minimal carbon structure with a bare EVA foam layer. A saddle that reduces weight without compromise – ideal for long, fast days on the saddle.

In this configuration, Arione features an ergonomic cut-out, developed using detailed pressure analysis and input from medical experts, that helps to relieve pressure and facilitate blood flow. The saddle’s surface features a grippy texture that ensures a no-slip hold, minimizing unwanted movement that could compromise performance.

Arione R3

Arione R3 makes use of the same iconic shape as the above models, but combines a compliant Carbon reinforced nylon shell with lightweight, durable Kium hollow rails. Like the R1 Light model, this version of Arione features an ergonomic cut-out, developed using detailed pressure analysis and input from medical experts, that helps to relieve pressure and facilitate blood flow. The padding on the R3 is made from fizik’s proprietary Type 1 foam: a low-profile, reactive formulation that delivers springy support for an instant response and optimal power transfer with every pedal stroke.

Arione R3 Adaptive

Arione R3 Adaptive brings together the same flat profile and streamlined shape of the R3 detailed above with the tailored zonal comfort of 3D-printed Adaptive padding. This saddle provides balanced support from nose to tail, for riders who prioritise complete freedom of movement and aerodynamic body positioning. This mode is finished with a carbon-reinforced nylon shell and lightweight, durable hollow Kium alloy rail.

Arione R5

Built with low-profile Type-1 foam padding, Arione R5 provides lasting support across all rides. It uses the same shape profile as the above models while making use of a carbon-reinforced nylon shell to save weight and an ultra-durable S-Alloy rail.

In this configuration, Arione features the same ergonomic cut-out as mentioned above, which helps to relieve pressure and facilitate blood flow. Additionally, the padding is made from fizik’s proprietary Type 1 foam: a low-profile, reactive formulation that delivers springy support for an instant response and optimal power transfer with every pedal stroke.

Models and Pricing

Passoni OT-01
An Italian Masterpiece Redefined

Passoni has long been the “Atelier” of the cycling world, crafting titanium frames that are as much fine art as they are high-performance machinery. Their latest creation reflects their passione, the OT-01 (OmniTitanium) represents a significant step forward. Like the sparrow the name Passoni is derived from, it is a lighter creation. It is also stiffer and cleaner than anything that has come before it, proving that titanium still has a massive role to play in the era of “integrated everything.”

The Heart of the Machine: A New Front End

The most striking update to the OT-01 is the redesigned 1.5” head tube. Machined from three separate parts of solid Grade 5 titanium billets, it maintains Passoni’s signature aesthetic while enabling fully integrated cable routing. This isn’t just for looks; the new construction significantly boosts steering precision and front-end stiffness, giving the bike a more direct, telepathic feel when diving into corners.

Technical Evolution & Weight Savings

Passoni hasn’t just added integration; they’ve gone on a diet. The OT-01 achieves a weight reduction of over 120 grams (size medium) compared to its predecessor. This was achieved through a total rethinking of the front triangle, featuring a new downtube with a reduced diameter and a triple-butted construction that optimizes the stiffness-to-weight ratio without sacrificing that legendary titanium “magic carpet” ride quality.

3D Printing Meets Italian Craftsmanship

Moving to the rear of the bike, the OT-01 embraces modern manufacturing with newly developed 3D-printed dropouts. These aren’t just technical marvels; they allow for a fully closed drive-side dropout, resulting in an incredibly clean silhouette. The rear triangle has also been widened to accommodate the modern standard of 32mm tires, ensuring this race-bred machine is ready for the roughest tarmac.

Frame Specifications & Build Options

The Signature Finishing

A Passoni isn’t finished until it undergoes their world-famous treatment. The OT-01 is available in three distinct finishes, ranging from the classic hand-glazed “F1” look to the modern sandblasted and anodized “F3” style.

The Bottom Line

The OT-01 is the ultimate expression of what happens when traditional Italian craftsmanship meets 21st-century engineering. It is a made-to-measure masterpiece that refuses to compromise on weight or performance.

• Price: From €8,560 (Frame kit)

• Availability: Made-to-measure via the Passoni Configurator

• More Info at Passoni.com

Vittoria Corsa PRO Speed 30mm
Go big, or go home

In the high-stakes pursuit of marginal gains, Vittoria has officially signaled that “wider is faster”—even for the clock-watchers. The Italian brand has expanded its flagship Corsa PRO Speed range to include a 30mm (700x30c) option, responding to the World Tour’s shift toward higher-volume setups for both time trials and high-speed road stages.

Pro-Proven Volume

Historically, the “Speed” model was a niche “race day only” choice—thin, light, and optimized for smooth tarmac. However, as modern race rims push toward 23mm+ internal widths, a 30mm tire provides a more aerodynamic interface and a more stable contact patch. The new 30mm version maintains the elite 320 TPI Corespun-K cotton casing and the advanced Graphene + Silica compound, ensuring the signature supple ride quality remains intact.

Efficiency Meets Confidence

Vittoria claims this high-volume setup doesn’t just improve comfort; it specifically boosts confidence in wet-weather cornering and high-speed descents where a larger footprint matters most. At a claimed 270 grams, it remains remarkably light for its size, offering a rare blend of low rolling resistance and vibration damping.

Pricing and Availability

The Corsa PRO Speed 30 is available now from Vittoria.com or your favorite retailer. MSRP is $125.99.

MAAP x P.A.M IV: Outer Terrestrial Space Travel
Is there anybody out there?

Under the glow of astral light and guided by the unknown, premium cycling apparel brand MAAP and cult fashion label Perks and Mini (P.A.M.) return for their fourth collaborative capsule. This latest collection invites riders to push beyond the familiar until the earth morphs with alien vitality.

The ongoing partnership between the two Australian brands continues to fuse P.A.M.’s signature psy-activated graphic language and free-wheeling aesthetic with MAAP’s high-performance technical excellence and alt-cycling ethos. Engineered for the far reaches, PAAM IV is designed for those in pursuit of cosmic elevation and “outer terrestrial” adventures.

The capsule features a range of both on and off-bike garments built for this world and the next:

Availability

The collaboration will be available worldwide on February 17th at maap.cc, perksandmini.com, MAAP LaB’s, P.A.M. stores and select MAAP and P.A.M retailers.

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 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: Exposure Lights Sirius 11, Sweet Protection Limited Editions, Fizik Arione, Passoni OT-01, Vittoria Corsa PRO Speed, MAAP x PAM appeared first on PezCycling News.