Gear Break: Fizik Vega Carbon Road Shoes, Zwift Femmes Smart Frame, Apidura Aero System, Fulcrum Sharq 57 Wheels, DOGMA F Luxter Green 1K, Muc-Off Big Bore Valves

Gear Break: Fizik Vega Carbon Road Shoe review, special Watch the Femmes Edition Smart Frame from Zwift, aero gravel-gear system from Apidura, Fulcrum Sharq 57 wheels, limited edition Dogma F Luxter Green 1K from Pinarello, Muc-Off Big Bore Lite Tubeless Valves

Fizik Vega Carbon Road Shoes – $469.99

Fizik says: Vega Carbon is our latest top-level road racing shoe engineered from the sole up to prioritize performance for peleton-leading riders and pro-racers. Featuring a highly stiff integrated carbon outsole, innovative, ultra-breathable upper construction, a revised shape, and more ergonic fit, Vega meets every requirement in terms of lightness, high performance, and efficient power transfer and is engineered to specifically complement modern race-bike geometries, rider positions, and riding styles.

Chuck Peña PEZ sez: These are the same shoes worn by many of both the men’s and women’s Movistar team riders. In other words, in the Fizik lineup, the best of the best. Hence the expensive price tag. It’s the price of admission if you want to ride what the pros ride. And Fizik’s pricing isn’t out of line with its competitors when it comes to top shelf road racing shoes.

Marlen Ruesser rode the Fizik Vega Carbon shoes en route to winning her second Tour de Suisse this year

The first thing I noticed when I picked up the Fizik Vega Carbon shoes was how light they were.

Fizik claims 239 grams, but doesn’t say for what size

The second thing I noticed was the material of the upper. Fizik uses their Aeroweave mesh (I’ve previously reviewed the Fizik Vento Powerstrap Aeroweave that uses the same material), which is a vented mesh fabric. It’s very breathable/ventilated, so the Vega Carbon is definitely intended for warm/hot weather riding. The Aeroweave is in its second generation and according to Fizik, the woven fabric interlaces nylon fibers with filaments of thermoplastic polymers for an even lighter shoe that doesn’t lose its original tenacity, providing the strength and support required in competition. For the Vega Carbon, Fizik coupled Aeroweave woven fabric with a thin, translucent mesh.

One thing to consider about the Aeroweave mesh upper in white is keeping it clean. I’m not sure what the best cleaning solution to use is and how easy (or hard) it will be to clean off any dirt, mud, etc. For me, these are “fair weather” shoes. Not going to risk getting them mucked up.

Fizik’s Aeroweave fabric is distinctive

The construction of the upper is also different. Instead of a tongue across the throat of the shoe, Fizik uses a foot-wrapping bootie made of perforated Airprene material. It’s like having a neoprene sock that’s part of the shoe.

Airprene bootie/cuff that goes on like a sock

Another different feature of the Fizik Vega Carbon is that what is ordinarily the exposed outsole in other shoes is actually on the inside of the shoe. The upper actually wraps around the outsole like a burrito. One by-product is that the stack height is reduced. #marginalgains

This is normally where I say, “Look at all that black carbon fiber goodness”

But in the case of the Fizik Vega Carbon, the black goodness is all on the inside

Otherwise, the Fizik Vega Carbon is a lot like many other high end, pro level road racing shoes.

The insoles have metatarsul pads, which are designed to redistribute weight and relieve pressure on the ball of the foot

I ride Wahoo Speedplay POWRLINK pedals, so need an adaptor for my cleats

BOA Li2 dials for micro-click fine tuning/adjustability

Front toe bumper for protection against inevitable toe overlap with the front tire

The heel pads are replaceable

Sturdy/stiff heel counter/cup that’s comfortably padded on the inside

Size-wise, I’m a US men’s 9 which translates to 42 EU according to the Fizik size guide (and that’s what size my other Fizik shoes are). But try before you buy is always a good idea (or if buying online, be sure the retailer has a good return/exchange policy). The Fizik Vega Carbon shoes fit me well, but putting them on isn’t quite the same as most other shoes. In my experience, I didn’t just slip them on. It’s more like putting on another pair of socks. The Airprene requires some tugging and pulling. In fact, I needed a shoe horn to get them one because the Airprene is a snug fit. So snug (but comfortable) that I didn’t have to tighten down the BOA dials as much as I would with other shoes after I got my feet in. My feet were definitely not going anywhere once in the Fizik Vega Carbon shoes. And the combination of Airprene and Aeroweave was a “barely there” feel on my feet.

Getting the Fizik Vega Carbon shoes off my feet was easier. I loosened the BOA Li2 dials and just pulled the heel down.

One thing I really liked about the Fizik Vega Carbon shoes was the toe box. It’s more “square.” According to Fizik, the Vega’s expanded toe box provides more room and allows the foot to fully stretch, delivering an ergonomic fit and improving comfort. My somewhat flat-ish (but not wide-ish) feet, appreciated the room.

Hip to be square toe box shape

My first ride in the Fizik Vega Carbon shoes was on an 80(F) something morning with the heat index in the 90s (and into the 100s during the ride). The Aeroweave in those conditions was a revelation. Not that my feet were air conditioned, but the air flow/ventilation made them more than comfortable temperature-wise (compared to other shoes and compared to the rest of me — I was wearing murdered-out black kit so probably not the smartest choice). Pedaling-wise, the stiff carbon sole (Fizik claims a stiffness of 10 on a scale of 10, but there is no standard reference scale for measuring stiffness) meant direct power transfer to the pedals, but without any pressure points or hot spots. I couldn’t ask for more in that department, especially having to make the jump whenever someone in the group decided to take the speed up a notch or two. And my feet were locked-and-loaded surrounded by the Airprene bootie. I didn’t have to re-adjust the BOA Li2 dials for a firm (but comfortable) fit from ride start to end.

In addition to pro peloton-approved white, the Fizik Vega Carbon shoes can also be had in black or the Movistar edition that’s white with blue/yellow fluo

If you have the $$$ to spend and are riding in hot/humid weather, IMHO the Fizik Vega Carbon shoes are ‘droids you should be looking at. For summer riding in the Lowcountry, they’re now my “go to” shoes.

Feets don’t fail me now!

Zwift Ride Special Edition: Watch the Femmes Smart Frame

 Apidura Aero System

Developed over three years of wind tunnel testing and rider feedback, Apidura’s Aero System is proven to enhance your bike’s aerodynamic performance — not to carry more, but to make your bike faster than riding without it.

Developed through extensive CFD analysis and wind tunnel testing, the Aero System smooths airflow around the bike, reducing drag and making you faster for the same effort.

With an average 5 watt saving at race speed, it’s wind tunnel tested and race-proven at the highest level, showing a benefit on every bike tested.

Features include:

• Top Tube Module and Frame Module
• Aero-optimized design, saving an average of 5 watts at real-world race speeds
• Transfer panels and skirt, creating close frame integration for aerodynamic gains
• Fast-entry magnetic closure (Top Tube Module)
• Ultralight Hexagrid construction
• System weight 305g S/M & 335g L/XL
• Available in two sizes – S/M and L/XL for wide range of bike fit

• Learn more about the system that Simon Pellaud raced to an Unbound podium spot at www.apidura.com. 

Fulcrum Sharq 57 Wheels

Fulcrum all-road performance wheel Sharq 57 features an optimised aerodynamic profile that combines low rolling resistance, stability and comfort, weighing just just 1,520g. Evolving from the Sharq 42, the 57 offers a more refined ride feel compared to traditional high profiles.

The Sharq 57’s new rim with the 2-Wave Rim profile (57/62 mm) – patent pending – improves air flow, reducing turbulence at high speeds. The unique design combines a central symmetrical wave, with two asymmetrical side waves, a distinctive design solution that optimizes the balance between aerodynamics, handling and reactivity, a perfect expression of the interconnection between form and function that has always been the hallmark of Fulcrum’s products.

Wind tunnel and road tests have shown that with 30 mm tires at 45 km/h, the Sharq 57 offers a 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency compared to the Sharq 42 — previously Fulcrum’s fastest wheel.

Specs:

• Full carbon rim with 25 mm inner rim width
• 2-Way Fit technology with an inner rim channel without holes
• External matt and internal polished finish C-LUX
• Flat aerodynamic spokes laced with the Two-to-One system
• Ceramic USB (Ultra Smooth Bearing) hub bearings.
• For more information about Fulcrum’s new Sharq 57 wheels, go to www.fulcrumwheels.com.

Pinarello Dogma F Luxter Green 1K

Pinarello has launched the first in a new series of unique and ultra-exclusive bikes, the DOGMA F Luxter Green 1K. This limited edition matches the custom colorway created and ridden by Pinarello President Fausto Pinarello.

Each bike in this one-off edition features customizable crankset, chainring, cassette, seatpost and handlebar options, with the bespoke Luxter Green handlebars, spacers, saddle shell and rear derailleur cage resulting in a stunning visual effect.

The Luxter Green 1K is available to view in person at a dedicated showroom in Corvara, Italy.

Specifications
Frame: DOGMA F Luxter Green 1K
Handlebar: Most Talon Ultra Fast
Groupset: Shimano Dura Ace Di2
Crankset: SRM Origin Carbon
Chainring: SRM Carbon Ti
Cassette: Shimano Dura Ace
Pulley Wheels: CeramicSpeed OSPW RS ALPHA with custom painted arm
Wheels: Princeton Wake 6560 with Tactic TR01 hubs (ceramic bearings) – exclusive custom color
Saddle: Most 3D printed saddle – with a custom painted frame
Seatpost: Most Carbon
Tires: Continental GP5000 S TR

Availability
50 hand-numbered pieces available, as a complete bike only, which can be ordered at all official Pinarello retailers. Pricing: 25,000€

• For more information about this head-turner, head to www.pinarello.com.

The post Gear Break: Fizik Vega Carbon Road Shoes, Zwift Femmes Smart Frame, Apidura Aero System, Fulcrum Sharq 57 Wheels, DOGMA F Luxter Green 1K, Muc-Off Big Bore Valves appeared first on PezCycling News.