Gear Break: Garmin Edge 550 and 850, Specialized Diverge 4, Jambar nutrition, Gobik Kit, Castelli Perfetto RoS 3

In this week’s Gear Break, we’ve got some exciting new gear (and nutrition) for you. On September 9th, Garmin launched the Edge 550 and 850, with new features like adaptive coaching plans and smart fueling alerts. They also unveiled the new Rally 110 and 210 pedal-based power meters, which offer accurate performance data and a long-lasting rechargeable battery. Also, on the same day, Specialized introduced the Diverge 4, featuring increased tire clearance, evolved geometry and equipped it with the Future Shock 3.0. We’ve also got a detailed review of the new organic energy bars from JAMBAR. Additionally, new cold-weather cycling apparel from Gobik and a highly breathable, windproof jacket from Castelli were announced. We’ve got a lot to cover, so settle in.

Garmin introduces Edge 550 ($499.99) and 850 ($599.99)
Advanced training features, custom nutrition and hydration alerts and more

On September 9th, Garmin unveiled the Edge 550 and 850, their advanced and compact cycling computers built to help riders better prepare and train for an event or goal. By tracking their progress through adaptive Garmin Cycling Coach plans, cyclists can feel their best going into race day. In-ride, smart fueling alerts offer custom nutrition and hydration recommendations while real-time weather overlays keep riders informed from start to finish. Boasting a bright and colorful 2.7-inch display, Edge 550 and 850 are highly responsive and feature fast, smooth map redraw while navigating. And, with up to 36 hours of ride time in battery saver mode and up to 12 hours in demanding use cases, these cycling computers can support cyclists through their longest rides.

Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing, sez: “Whether cyclists are training for their next big race or pushing toward a new personal goal, Edge 550 and Edge 850 are with them every step of the way. While the brighter display ensures riders can see maps and data in stunning detail, they can also feel confident that they’ll perform at their best with more personalized insights and training plans.”

Peak performance from start to finish

Both Edge 550 and 850 offer the following features.

• Free Garmin Cycling Coach plans in Garmin Connect adapt based on specific course demands and the rider’s training and recovery, providing recommended training adjustments.
• Riders can now see how their cycling ability, which can help them understand their strengths and weaknesses as a cyclist, progresses over time and how it compares to the demands of a course.
• Smart fueling alerts prompt riders to hydrate and refuel in-ride based on their current fitness, course demands, heat and humidity when using power guide or following a workout.
• Monitor the weather in-ride and make more informed decisions with real-time weather updates, including wind direction and radar overlays.
• New GroupRide data comparisons show riders how their speed, heart rate, power, cadence and more stack up to the rest of the group, in addition to existing GroupRide features that allow them to compete, communicate and stay connected with fellow riders.
• After a ride, cyclists can check their post-ride summary to see how much time was spent in each gear with new Gear Ratio Analysis (when paired with electronic shifting).
• For those who like to ride off the beaten path, mountain bike ride profiles help better track their ride performance. Enduro and downhill profiles enable 5 Hz GPS recording while descending, helping cyclists view the lines they took in greater detail, while the timing gates feature helps them see splits in real time for each lap or run.

Get even more from Edge 850

Exclusive to the Edge 850, a built-in speaker provides cyclists with a digital bike bell, audible turn-by-turn navigation, workout prompts and more. It also boasts a responsive touchscreen, in addition to buttons. A rider can easily use the touchscreen on the Edge 850 to pan and zoom on the map, quickly and easily report road hazards and swipe between screens. Cyclists can also create a course point-by-point directly on their device via the touchscreen. Like nearly all Garmin watches, Garmin Pay Contactless Payments on the Edge 850 permit riders to pay for a mid-ride snack or coffee break with a simple tap of the computer on contactless pay terminals.

Ride with peace of mind

Edge 550 and 850 include core Garmin safety features designed to help support cyclists’ peace of mind and awareness. With the Edge 850, cyclists can alert pedestrians and other riders that they’re approaching with a digital bike bell. Edge 550 and 850 also alert riders to road hazards reported by fellow Garmin cyclists and allow them to contribute their own edits. Family and friends back home can keep track of a rider’s real-time location with LiveTrack, while incident detection sends a message with their location to their emergency contacts if an incident is detected. These cycling computers are also compatible with Varia cameras and radars, audibly alerting riders when a vehicle is approaching, capturing footage from their ride and allowing them to control light or camera settings from their display.

Available now, Edge 550 has a suggested retail price of $499.99, while Edge 850 is available for $599.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com.

Garmin unveils the new Rally 110 (from $749.99) and 210 (from $1199.99) power meters
Rechargeable and easily transferred between bikes

Also on September 9th, Garmin announced the Rally 110 and 210 power meters – its newest pedal-based power meters designed to give cyclists accurate power data and performance tracking, no matter the terrain. The single- and dual-sensing power meters can be easily swapped between road and off-road pedal bodies and from bike to bike, while the new Pedal IQ smart calibration alerts riders when the pedals should be recalibrated1. With a rechargeable battery that offers up to 90 hours of ride time and quick-charging capabilities, cyclists can spend more time riding and less time charging. Meanwhile, Travel Mode conserves battery life by putting the pedals to sleep during transport.

Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing, sez: “From paved paths to gravel roads to mountain trails, cyclists everywhere are training hard, and they need accurate data to help them reach their goals. The next-gen Rally 110 and 210 power meters offer that accurate and reliable data Garmin is known for, along with unbeatable versatility, durability, battery life and more advanced features than ever before.”

Top features cyclists will love

• Easy to transfer: Quickly swap the removable power sensors between road and off-road pedal bodies and between bikes with common tools.
• Rechargeable battery: No need to replace physical batteries – the pedals are rechargeable and give cyclists up to 90 hours of ride time between charges. And after a quick 15-minute charge, cyclists can gain up to 12 hours of ride time.
• Responsive and accurate: A completely redesigned sensing spindle makes the pedals even more responsive, capturing data within 1% accuracy. The power meters are also compatible with oval chain rings to measure data accurately on every ride.
• Updated design: The RS and RK road pedal bodies have an all-new, carbon polymer design, while the XC off-road pedals have an all-metal build for increased durability plus a lower stack height to allow riders more clearance from rocks and roots.
• Travel mode: Put the power meters to sleep and conserve battery during transport.
• Pedal IQ Smart Calibration: Riders will be notified when it’s time to recalibrate the pedals based on several factors, like temperature changes, time since the last calibration and whether the pedals have been swapped to a different bike.
• Force data: Get greater insights into ride performance and the relationship between power and cadence when paired with a compatible Garmin cycling computer or smartwatch.

Unlock even more insights 

While Rally 110 single-sensing power meters measure data like power and cadence with single-sided data, riders can upgrade to the Rally 210 dual-sensing system anytime to access advanced cycling dynamics, including left versus right balance, seated versus standing time and more.

Both the Rally 110 and 210 power meter pedals offer compatibility for SHIMANO SPD, SHIMANO SPD-SL and LOOK KEO cleats. Rally 210 power meters can also be purchased as a bundle for road and off-road with the choice of dual-sensing RS or RK road power meters and a set of XC off-road pedal bodies. Additional RS, RK or XC pedal bodies can be purchased separately.

Available now, the Rally 110 single-sensing pedals start at $749.99, while the Rally 210 dual-sensing pedals start at $1,199.99. Bundles that combine two spindles, and a set of road pedal bodies and SPD bodies are $1,449.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com.

Specialized Diverge 4
The ultimate getaway vehicle

First spotted at Unbound back in May, Specialized released the new fourth generation Diverge to the world on September 9th. The new Specialized Diverge 4 is a bike that somehow manages to double down on what you’d expect while also embracing the current, and potential future, of gravel bikes. Let’s break it down.

Specialized has given their flagship gravel bike an evolution, not a revolution. They’ve kept the core identity but tweaked the key elements: more tire clearance, updated geometry, a bigger and better downtube storage system, SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger and, of course, the newest Future Shock. The bottom line? If you liked the concept of the 3rd generation Diverge, the new Diverge is an evolution of the concept with some key tweaks.

More tire clearance

To stay competitive, Specialized updated the frameset to clear the latest gravel tire sizes riders and racers prefer. The gravel trend over the last two years is that Wider is Faster, and now measuring tire clearance in inches, the declared clearance is 50mm or 2″, up from 47mm for a 700c tire. But, at Unbound in May, the roughly 2″ of stated clearance was pushed to its limits with the cleared a 2.2” tire under some of Specialized sponsored racers.

Newest Future Shock and SRAM UDH

The Future Shock 3.0, originally released in 2023 and offered on the Roubaix and as a direct fit replacement for earlier Future Shock models is now fitted to all but the lowest tier Diverge. The Pro LTD and Pro models get the adjustable 3.3 version, while the rest of the lineup gets the 3.2. It’s designed to suspend the rider’s hands, not the wheel, with 20mm of travel, making for a smoother ride that translates into more comfort, more confidence and faster speeds over the bumps and washboards.

Specialized also fitted the entire Diverge 4 family with SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger. This standardized hanger system was designed to simplify derailleur replacement and protect the derailleur and frame during impacts by allowing the derailleur to pivot backwards. Essentially a direct mount option for SRAM XPLR derailleurs, it promises a perfectly aligned, and nearly indestructible mounting option for the derailleur. There is an option for mounting Shimano shifting systems, and Specialized specified one model, the Expert, with GRX 800.

Upgraded downtube storage

Specialized have introduced SWAT 4.0. They invented downtube storage, and they’ve taken it to the next level. It’s got a bigger opening and 5% more volume, making it easier than ever to stash a jacket, a flat repair kit, and a whole lot of snacks. The alloy models even get a version of this, a first for an aluminum gravel bike. They have also updated the locking mechanism to secure the door.

Evolved Geometry

Specialized lengthened the chainstays by 5mm to accommodate the expanded tire clearance, and also tweaked the frame making it longer than the prior generation with a slightly longer wheelbase. The head tube was made 0.75° more slack over the previous Diverge, which sees the trail increased with a slightly increased reach. Specialized claim this offers greater capability over rougher, more technical terrain.

With larger tires able to fitted, and Specialized apparently banking that most riders will opt to go big, they lowered the bottom bracket by 5mm to offset the taller ride height of there larger volume tires. Specialized state the carbon frame (there is only one tier of frame regardless of the build) comes in at 1150g/2.5lbs. Full builds range from 8.01kg/17.7lbs for the Pro LTD (56cm frame) to 10.74kg/23.6lbs for the lowest spec Sport Alloy (56cm frame).

Specialized has priced the Diverge 4 family from $10,499.99 for the top tier Diverge Pro LTD equipped with SRAM Red XPLR components, a power meter, and Roval Terra CL carbon wheels, down to an economically priced $2099.99 Diverge Sport Alloy.

For more info, check the new Diverge family out at Specialized.com.

JAMBAR Organic Artisan Energy Bar

Every Ingredient In Our Energy Bar You Could Eat Right Off A Spoon.

That’s the beauty of real food: it looks like what it is and you could eat it by itself. JAMBAR is pure and natural from the get-go, crafted in small batches in our own facility by employees who share our mission. Ancient grains, organic berries and nuts, premium chocolate. Proteins from sunflowers and milk. Real syrup, juices and honey as sweeteners. And we put it together in a convenient, incredibly tasty bar. You’re too busy getting your jam on to carry a spoon, right?

Gobik launches Unity Advanced Season – Cold26
A new chapter in winter cycling apparel

As the seasons shift and cyclists prepare for colder rides, Gobik presents Unity Advanced Season – Cold 26, its latest seasonal collection designed to redefine the experience of winter cycling. The line blends advanced technical fabrics, timeless aesthetics, and bold inspiration drawn from architecture, geometry, and classic tailoring.

Unity Advanced – Cold26 signals the arrival of a new riding season, created for cyclists who never allow weather conditions to dictate their passion. With thermal fabrics, intelligent breathability, and designs that balance sobriety with character, the collection is made to protect without limiting performance. Each piece is crafted to accompany every pedal stroke and inspire confidence in conditions that demand more from both rider and apparel.

The collection introduces garments that areessential for the colder months:

• Vanquish – a lightweight and highly breathable long sleeve jersey that performs in transitional conditions and combines easily with light vests.
• Hyder Blend 2.0 – an updated long sleeve jersey with refined cuts, improved fit, and a distinctive balance between solid and sublimated areas.
• Superhyder 2.0 – engineered with Polartec® Power Shield Pro technology for advanced thermal protection, high breathability, and reliable water resistance in the coldest and most unpredictable conditions.

The design codes of Unity Advanced Cold 26 are guided by strong visual concepts. Block Built architecture inspires modular cuts, structural contrasts, and bold silhouettes. Halftone optical effects introduce illusions of depth and movement through light and color. The timeless houndstooth pattern is reinterpreted as a symbol of refinement and style, connecting tradition with a contemporary cycling aesthetic. Together, these ideas create a visual identity that is both functional and artistic.

To celebrate the launch, and in keeping with their ultra-modern aesthetic, Gobik carried out a unique action to launch the collection titled “Cold in Summer” on one of cycling’s most iconic climbs, the Col du Tourmalet. In the middle of a European heatwave, riders and fans were greeted with an unexpected contrast: ice cream popsicles in the colors of the new jerseys and a preview of the collection inside two transparent igloos installed at the mountain summit.

To learn more about the entire Unity Advanced Cold 26 collection, visit gobik.com. All pricing is in EUR.

Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 – RRP €249,95 | $320,00 | £280,00
Harnessing the power of air to defy performance limits

Constructed from a genuinely revolutionary new fabric called Polartec AirCore, the Perfetto (Italian for Perfect) RoS (Rain or Shine) 3 Jacket redefines what ‘breathable’ means. Taking innovation to a whole new level, Castelli claims that the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket proves that performance cycling will never be the same again.

AirCore – which has been developed for Castelli in partnership with Polartec – ticks every box when it comes to being lightweight, highly breathable, windproof and water repellent.

The fabric is 100% free from PFAS-based chemicals* and engineered from recycled Polyester yarns. The membrane is produced by a process called electrospinning where a hydrophobic proprietary polymer is pushed through a hypodermic needle charged at 20,000 volts. Under pressure, it emits a thin jet of microscopic filaments – approximately 100 times smaller than a human hair – which falls like snow to create an incredibly tight membrane that still allows air to permeate it.

Castelli state that the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket performs as well in the dry as it does in rain, in temperatures ranging from 4-14°C (39-57°F). One jacket, endless possibilities. The new Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket can do it all, ushering in an important new era for the cycling industry.

Cold weather cycle clothing has long taken its lead from the Outdoor market that prioritizes water proofness over breathability. Cyclists know though, that getting wet from the inside through sweat is as big of a problem as getting wet from the elements. That’s why AirCore has been engineered – to keep cyclists dry from the inside-out. Instead of just blocking rain, the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket’s AirCore construction takes a more intelligent approach. It actively ventilates sweat away from riders’ bodies using the natural power of airflow, creating a microclimate that keeps the core stable and performance high, even during the most intense rides.

AirCore is essentially windproof, and it is that “essentially” part that makes this jacket so special. It has been engineered to let in a very small, imperceptible amount of air that picks up sweat moisture and carries it outside the garment, ensuring that riders stay drier than ever thought possible with a membrane jacket.

AirCore is essentially waterproof too. Again, the word “essentially” is used because in many countries fabrics must achieve a hydrostatic pressure test score of 10,000mm (i.e. a column of water 10,000mm tall can be placed on a fabric before water starts permeating through it) to be defined as waterproof. In reality, rain only falls with a hydrostatic pressure of around 800mm, so the 5,000mm test score AirCore achieves means normal rain would have to fall with 6.25 times more force than it usually does to permeate the fabric. That means AirCore is functionally waterproof, allowing riders to stay drier in the widest range of conditions.

AirCore is incredibly stretchy too. Its membrane can be extended to over two times its original size, which once again, is taking breathable membrane technology to an entirely new level. That means the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket adapts to riders’ shapes and is extremely comfortable. The harder you ride, the more it helps regulate your core. Like we said, groundbreaking.

This ingenious fabric also has industry-leading sustainability claims. It’s 100% PFAS free with the face and backing textiles knitted from recycled polyester. It’s easy to make a PFAS-free garment waterproof, but adding in breathability is devilishly hard. In the push to go PFAS free, the rest of the industry has concentrated exclusively on waterproofness and essentially thrown in the towel on breathability. AirCore brings objectively better breathability with industry leading sustainability.

Castelli and its sister company Sportful both have exclusive rights to utilize AirCore  technology in the cycling industry. Other global outdoor clothing brands are set to adopt AirCore from fall/winter 2026 onwards.

Steve Smith, Head of Cycling, MVC Group, sez: “It’s hard to fully explain how revolutionary this fabric is. Its properties achieve something that’s never been done before, which is why we’re re-writing the gold standard of what high performance cycling gear can do. No one else is anywhere close.”

Available in both men’s and women’s styles, the Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket is cut for comfort and speed. Additional features include:

• Reflective taped shoulder seams for extra rain protection
• Zippered ventilation openings on the sides of the chest
• Top-and-bottom opening YKK® Vislon® zipper for easy sliding, covered for additional wind and rain protection
• Three rear pockets with drain holes
• Longer tail for coverage from wheel spray
• Reflective detailing at the pocket bottoms
• High collar to keep out drafts

For more info, head over to castelli.com.

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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: Garmin Edge 550 and 850, Specialized Diverge 4, Jambar nutrition, Gobik Kit, Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 appeared first on PezCycling News.