Gear Break: Giro Imperial II shoes, SunGod Vulcans sunglasses, Pas Normal Studios x JJJJound: Bridging heritage and contemporary cycling culture, the Chris King Titanium 1 1/8 NoThreadSet is back in limited production, unique ‘Eddy 80’ bikes launched for The Cannibal’s 80th birthday and Canyon launches first U.S. Experience Center in California.
Giro Imperial II Shoes – $449.95
Giro sez: All-new forged carbon outsole combines with redesigned hyper-breathable Synchwire
upper and BOA® Fit System featuring Dual Li2 Dials for ultimate performance.
The Imperial II delivers every feature the fastest racers demand. Secure, micro-adjustability on the fly comes from a BOA® Fit System featuring Dual Li2 Dials. An all-new flat knitted Synchwire upper serves up the highest levels of comfort and breathability, courtesy of an unique knitted mesh construction which integrates venting and adds durability via a thermally bonded TPU skin. A completely new forged carbon fiber outsole plate improves the stiffness by 20Nm while keeping the total weight of the shoe to a mere 220 grams. With Giro’s signature clean style, the Imperial II is in a class of its own.
The Giro Imperial II is available in ubiquitous in the pro peloton white or old school black. PEZ got a black pair.
PEZ sez: Yes, I know these are an expensive pair of shoes, but still well short of what a pair of Christian Louboutins cost. And the price is in line with other top-of-the-line shoes from other manufacturers. So if what you want are high end, pro-level shoes, be prepared to pay the price of admission.
Shoe bag included
Giro claims 220 grams for size 43
What I noticed immediately about the Giro Imperial II was the visible Synchwire material in the vamp of the upper that’s “airy” (and probably contributes to the shoe’s light weight). To say that the Giro Imperial II is ventilated is a bit of an understatement. And needless to say, it’s a shoe designed for warm/hot weather riding (and also not the best in the wet). Synchwire is used for the entire upper, but Giro uses a thermally bonded TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) “solid” skin over it in the toe box and heel counter areas and around the throat (where the BOA lacing system attaches) plus padding under the tongue.
NOTE: It’s worth being aware that because the Synchwire material is a mesh knit, I would expect the Giro Imperial IIs to be a little more difficult to clean than a leather or synthetic upper if you get muck and gunk on them. And white will likely be harder to clean than black.
The bare Synchwire is mesh for airflow/ventilation
As you would expect on a shoe of this caliber (and at this price point), the sole is stiff carbon fiber. Giro claims a completely new forged carbon fiber outsole plate improves the stiffness by 20Nm, but I have no way to measure or validate this. What I can say is that it felt more than stiff enough for my power output (such as it is).
Black carbon fiber goodness … in this case, unidirectional … with a toe and heel pad for some protection when clattering about at coffee stops
The heel pad is replaceable via a Phillips head screw in the last under the insole
If you’re like me and ride Wahoo Speedplay pedals, you’ll need an adaptor plate
As has become de rigueur for performance and race-level shoes, closure/adjustment for the Giro Imperial II is via dials. In this case, the BOA Li2 system. Per BOA:
BOA’s new Li2 dial platform brings a sleek, low-profile design, unprecedented durability, and improved sustainability to the L-SERIES. With incremental micro-adjustability, Li2 delivers micro-adjustable precision fit engineered to perform in the toughest conditions.
I have several pairs of shoes that use the BOA Li2 dials and the microadjustability seems just a little bit more micro than other dials (including older BOA dials) to allow me to dial in a not too tight, not too loose “Goldilocks” fit.
If you are new to BOA dials, they’re pretty easy-peasy to use:
Push down (green arrow) to engage and pull up (red arrow) to disengage
Twist forward (green arrow) to tighten and twist backward (red arrow) to loosen (on both the left and right shoes)
Speaking of fit, I’m a US size 9 which is EU 42 per Giro’s size guide and they fit my feet well. The Synchwire material conformed to the shape of my feet, my heel was stable in the heel counter, and my toes were snug (not squeezed in too tightly, but also not swimming) in the toe box. Everyone’s feet are different, so YMMV and try before you buy is always a good idea.
The toe box leans more towards rounded than pointed
Another (often overlooked) area where everyone’s feet are different is the arch. I have low arch/flat-ish feet. The Giro Imperial II comes with three different arch inserts — small (low), medium, and large (high) — to adjust for fit. With the small/low insert, I could feel the arch support but it wasn’t uncomfortable.
Yellow (small/low), orange (medium), and red (large/high) arch inserts that attach via velcro
My initial “break in” for shoes these days is an hour+ on Zwift. The constant pedaling to power is a good test. In terms of putting power directly to the pedals, the Giro Imperial II was stiff with no discernible flex. In other words, what you would expect from a race-level shoe. But it was also comfortable. No hot spots. And no what I call “carbon sole fatigue” where the sole is so stiff that it “pushes back” against your feet — which I realize is more subjective and somewhat dependent on rider weight and power output so YMMV. And the Synchrowire knit/mesh conformed to my foot shape firmly not unlike a synthetic or leather upper. In that respect, I’m not worried about it getting stretched out.
My first “real” ride in the Giro Imperial IIs was on a 90F/feels like 102F afternoon. So definitely hot … and humid. I can’t say that the Synchrowire mesh construction resulted in air conditioning for my feet. But the air flow made a difference and my feet were comfortable given the less than comfortable conditions (I was certainly hot but wasn’t overheated — still pretty much drenched with sweat).
Yes, you can question my sanity
So if you’re in a part of the world where you’re doing hot weather riding, that’s where the Giro Imperial II excels and they should be on your shopping radar.
I know Ed would approve of the old school shoes and socks color combo, but we’d still be debating sock height. Miss you, my friend!
SunGod Vulcans Sunglasses – US $205
PEZ SEz: Very cool – two styles in one pair – the SunGod Vulcans can be worn as either a full frame sunglass as shown below, or a half frame, thanks to the removable lower part of the frame. I like that SunGod offers some extra value like basically a whole new set of frames for the price of one.
If you’re like me, the most important thing to look for in a set of sunglasses is the frame shape – if I can’t answer “hell yeah” to the question do these make me look cool… then I ain’t buyin’. Luckily beauty is in the eye of the beholder so you get to decide exactly what looks good on you. I happen to think the SunGod Vulcan frames look cool on me, and I especially like the white.
Converting the lens is not a big deal although it took me a few minutes to figure it out.
The lens tech is new, and clarity is excellent. They do have a huge range of lens options to choose from – but you only get one lens per pack, and have to purchase extras at $130 each. That’s pricey, but SunGod says their tech is better than the rest:
“SunGod’s 8KO® lens technology utilizes a 2mm nylon material, offering superior clarity, lighter weight, and increased durability compared to standard polycarbonate lenses. It achieves an Abbe value of 45, which is significantly higher than many other lenses, resulting in a clearer, more accurate view of the world.”
I have 6 different brands of sunglasses in house, and they all have excellent lens tech, so I can’t offer a “better than” endorsement here, but it certainly is as good as anyone’s I’ve seen.
The nose piece kit selections are excellent, with four different sizes to choose from that come in the box and they are easy to swap out. I counted 3 frame colors, 5 limited edition frames, and 4 lens colors on the website.
The arms are not adjustable like some other brands, but I found the natural curve of the frame fit my head quite nicely without impeding the fit of my helmet.
Model – Vulcans Features:
– Pop-lock screwless hinges
– 8KO Nylon Lens (read more about this unique tech here)
– 4 nose pads for optimal sizing
– 100% lens UV protection
– Cylindrical lens shape
– Changeable lenses
– 100% recycled TR90 frame material
– Lightweight at 34g
Key features around the brand:
– Certified BCorp Corporation
– 1% For The Planet member
– Partner of INEOS Grenadiers / Team SD Worx – Protime & others
– Offer a Lifetime Guarantee on its products
– Carbon neutral on a journey to net zero
Find out more about the SunGod mission here – https://www.sungod.co/en-nl/mission
Pas Normal Studios x JJJJound: Bridging Heritage and Contemporary Cycling Culture
Copenhagen-based premium cycling apparel brand Pas Normal Studios is proud to announce its first product drop with Canadian brand JJJJound. Rooted deeply in tradition yet reimagined for today’s cycling culture, the collaboration is a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between cycling heritage and modern aesthetics.
“What Justin and the team at JJJJound have built is truly impressive, and we’ve always respected how they navigate collabs with such precision and restraint. Their minimalist approach speaks volumes. The emphasis on the Monet painting and the strong heritage feel just clicked with us. It challenged me, and that’s when I got really excited, seeing the depth in it and the intention behind every detail.” Karl-Oskar Olsen, creative director & co-founder of Pas Normal Studios.
At the heart of this partnership is a striking co-branded jersey featuring a sublimation print of Claude Monet’s iconic Impressionist landscape. The lush atmospheric artwork reflects the rural origins of cycling’s visual language, evoking a romantic narrative that contrasts with the concrete, glass, and asphalt environments where cyclists often ride.
The collection’s branding balances expressive visuals with minimalist restraint, delivering a cohesive line that includes the featured jersey for men and women, men’s and women’s black bibs, a white mesh base layer, socks, and a matching bidon. Each piece embodies the expressive tradition of cycling, thoughtfully reinterpreted for the modern rider.
The Pas Normal Studios x JJJJound collection launches globally on Thursday, 19 June at 8 AM EST / 2 PM CET, and will be available at pasnormalstudios.com and jjjjound.com.
Product Details
JJJJound Mechanism Bibs – Black
Made for racing and fast-paced training days, the JJJJound Mechanism Bibs are also a staple for long summer rides. Constructed from compressive, high-elasticity textiles, the Mechanism Bibs are designed to match your optimal riding position without restricting mobility.
- Aerodynamic race fit
- Mesh-structured straps
- JJJJound and Pas Normal Studios branding
- Durable zigzag chamois stitching
- Four-layer ultralight foam chamois
- Fully dyed fabrics and elastic grippers
- Grippers featuring JJJJOUND logo
- Highly breathable Material: 82% Polyester, 18% Elastane
- Made in Italy
JJJJound Mechanism Jersey
The jersey provides everything you need for racing or fast-paced training days and remains a staple for everyday summer rides. The lightweight JJJJound Mechanism Jersey features a low-cut collar to reduce chafing and improve comfort. A collar that gives a modern look and aerodynamic benefits.
- Claude Monet’s Impressionist landscape visual
- Aerodynamic race fit
- Lightweight fabric
- Highly breathable
- Modern low-cut collar to reduce chafing and improve comfort
- Fully dyed waist and sleeve elastic grippers
- Grippers featuring JJJJound logo
- Zippered side pocket with a stay down seam zipper
- The stiff zipper insert makes it easy to reach your essentials
- Single layer patch pocket inside
- Minimalistic guarded zip ends
- Full-length YKK zipper with semi auto-lock puller
- Material: 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane
- Made in Italy
JJJJound Sleeveless Baselayer – White
The technical JJJJound Sleeveless Base Layer offers maximum comfort through the warmer months of the year. The lightweight, anatomically fitted mesh garment is extremely breathable and effectively disperses moisture to regulate your surface body temperature and keep you dry.
- Lightweight mesh fabric to disperse moisture
- Pas Normal Studios branding on the back
- Central JJJJound and Pas Normal Studios chest logo
- Material: 94% Polyester, 6% Elastane
- Made in Lithuania
JJJJound Mechanism Socks – White
The JJJJound Mechanism Socks are designed for summer riding, offering optimal comfort and exceptional durability under high-performance conditions. Versatile enough to pair with any outfit, they help keep your feet feeling fresher for longer.
- Meryl® Skinlife yarn Lightweight and breathable
- Features JJJJound branding
- High wicking performance
- Excellent wash- and colourfast performance
- Fabric: 78% Multifilament Polyamide, 14% Polyamide, 6% Polypropylene, 2% Elastane
- 35-37 (XS)
- 38-40 (S)
- 41-43 (M)
- 44-47 (L)
JJJJound Bidon
A functional and visually appealing bidon featuring JJJJound and Pas Normal Studios branding. With its innovative membrane and lockable valve, this bidon is easy to use, allowing you to rehydrate effortlessly on your ride.
- Claude Monet’s Impressionist landscape bidon
- Lockable membrane valve
- JJJJound and Pas Normal Studios branding
- BPA and phthalate-free 20% post-industrial recycled plastics
- 500 mL Dishwasher safe
- Made in the Netherlands
The Chris King Titanium 1 1/8 NoThreadSet is Back in Limited Production
Chris King Precision Components has released a limited run of its legendary NoThreadSet in titanium, built for riders on bikes still rolling strong with 1-1/8” headtubes. It features a matte finish and matching titanium bolt, a refined, high-end take on a legendary design.
“As a company that prides itself on making things that last, we have a cohort of riders with bikes they’ve been riding for decades,” said King Design Manager Jay Sycip. “And so, we’ve continued to make our NoThreadset for them, and now, just to show them how much we love them, we’ve added a titanium version.”
“Originally introduced in 1992, the NoThreadSet quickly became a benchmark for quality and reliability. It has been ridden to victory by World Champions and Grand Tour winners, and it continues to be a favorite among riders and framebuilders who value timeless performance and clean aesthetics.”
“Despite the onward march of technologies and new standards, the NoThreadset remains one of our biggest sellers, and we made it in titanium for a long time,” SyCip continued. “So, we also feel a massive responsibility to the hundreds of thousands of great bikes out there that are still rolling and still giving people joy.”
“Like all King’s headsets, the titanium NoThreadSets feature King’s patented GripLock bearing cap. The GripLock preloads the headset independently of clamping onto the steerer, so it retains preload far better than the competition and is impervious to the ill effects of load spikes from large hits and heavy braking. This means smoother steering, fewer adjustments, no creaking, and a longer lasting headset. GripLock also takes the guesswork out of preloading a headset, because the bearing preload force is independent of the clamping force. Every Chris King headset is built with their own heat-treated bearings, and surgical-grade steel races machined simultaneously to ensure they are perfectly matched.”
- Chris King’s Titanium NoThreadSets
are available for a limited time via the King website. - Limited quantity available.
- MAP $475
- More info at: chrisking.com/products/nothreadset -titanium
Unique ‘Eddy 80’ Bikes Launched for The Cannibal’s 80th Birthday
Beringen, 17 June 2025 – Cycling legend Eddy Merckx turns 80 today, and Eddy Merckx Bikes is celebrating in style. To mark this milestone, the brand is launching two exclusive ‘Eddy 80 – Celebration Edition’ models of the popular Mendrisio road bike and Strasbourg C gravel bike. These special editions feature unique designs and are a must-have for any true fan of The Cannibal.
Birthday edition paintjobs – Limited Edition
The ‘Eddy 80 edition’ Mendrisio and Strasbourg C are adorned with a festive, limited-edition paint job that pays tribute to Merckx’s illustrious career. The design is sleek and timeless, using black and white tones with refined gold accents. Subtle ‘Eddy 80’ references appear on the seat tube and top tube, and the down tube proudly displays the original Eddy Merckx logo from 1980—black lettering with a gold outline. These bikes are produced in limited quantities, making them both a technical masterpiece and a collector’s item.
MENDRISIO ‘EDDY 80 EDITION’
tribute to the duel with Gimondi
The Mendrisio takes its name from the Swiss town where Merckx claimed the world title in 1971 after an epic battle with his eternal rival, Felice Gimondi. The bike is equipped with Shimano 105 and aluminum Forza Norte wheels. Two cockpit options are available: with a Deda Superbox for €2,999 or a fully integrated Cirrus Pro cockpit for €3,299.
STRASBOURG C ‘EDDY 80 EDITION’
honoring the stage with De Vlaeminck
The Strasbourg C nods to the iconic Tour de France stage of 1971, where Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck sprinted side by side over the unpaved track of Stade Tivoli. Merckx narrowly won, a victory that proved pivotal for his overall Tour win. This gravel bike features Sram Force, aluminum DT Swiss G1800 wheels, and a Forza Stratos cockpit. Price: €5,599.
Molteni-inspired cycling jersey
As the icing on the cake, Eddy Merckx Bikes has partnered with Le Coffee Ride to launch a special cycling jersey inspired by Merckx’s iconic Molteni era. The jersey blends vintage style with modern performance technologies such as 4-way stretch fabric and excellent breathability. The color palette is a clear nod to classic Molteni brown, while the modern design ensures the shirt fits seamlessly into today’s peloton.
Pieter Vanheeswijck, marketing manager for Eddy Merckx Bikes: “We had two starting points for the design of the bikes: we wanted to keep it subtle, hence the choice of white and black with gold accents. And we wanted to go completely back to the roots. We therefore chose to use the very first Eddy Merckx logo on the down tube. This dates back to the start of bike building in 1980. We even adopted the original colors: black letters with gold framing. With a subtle Eddy 80 reference on the seat tube and top tube, this is our tribute to the Greatest Of All Time.”
- More info at: www.eddymerckx.com.
Canyon Launches First U.S. Experience Center in California
Complementing an expansion of authorized service partners nationwide, Canyon opens the first of their brand experience locations at Los Angeles’ Pedalers Fork, bringing the online bike leader even closer to riders and passionate cycling communities.
Canyon, the pioneering direct-to-consumer bicycle brand, has launched its U.S. Experience Center program at Pedalers Fork, a celebrated cycling café and community hub in Los Angeles. This program gives riders a new way to connect with the brand, demo Canyon bikes, get top-line service for their own Canyon bikes, and contribute to a rich, local cycling culture.
The launch of the first US Experience Center coincides with the additional announcement of building a network of 300 new service partners across the US by the end of the summer, putting in-person support within 60 miles of every Canyon customer and delivering on a level of customer care that’s critical to Canyon’s core consumer. At these new Canyon Experience Partner locations customers can get up close and personal with the latest Canyon bikes and gear, and take advantage of comprehensive servicing, repair, and bike pick-ups.
To celebrate the opening, Canyon hosted a launch event in May, featuring a gravel ride and post-ride party at Pedalers Fork in partnership with SBT GRVL, one of the nation’s premier gravel cycling events. Hundreds of riders were in attendance with proceeds from the event going to support the Bahati Foundation, which provides mentorship and education opportunities to underserved youth through cycling. Canyon set up its Experience Partner network to support product testing and expert consultations in the buying process. Canyon’s own surveys show that 65% of consumers would like to test their next bike prior to purchase, nearly 60% would love to get expert advice prior to purchase, and 53% say that they would prefer the post-purchase service of a bike dealer.
“Our Experience Centers are about making the Canyon difference tangible,” said Saskia Schneider, Interim General Manager of Canyon US. “As a direct to consumer brand, we understand the need to lean heavily into how our customers use our bikes in their own communities. Pedalers Fork is a fantastic gateway for prime riding, a gathering place for cyclists of all types, and now a place where you can experience Canyon bikes in real life.”
“Canyon has reshaped the bike world over the last decade and we love that they’ve brought that same energy to Pedalers Fork,” says Gideon Kleinman, co-owner and operator of Pedalers Fork. “As the first Canyon Experience Partner in the US, we want to bring that spirit of innovation and care to the thousands of riders that come to us for the ride(s) of their lives.”
All Canyon Experience Centers offer:
- A rotating test fleet of Canyon’s road, gravel, mountain, and urban bikes, including e-bikes
- On-site product experts trained by Canyon, capable of top-tier service and repair for any Canyon bike in any category, including proper sizing through Canyon’s Perfect Positioning System
- Support for direct online ordering, assembly, and expert handoff through Canyon’s Collect and Ride service (as with most Authorized Service Partners)
- Community events, live tech demos, and group rides
This debut is the first of several Canyon Experience Centers set to open across the United States, including the next location at The Meteor Cafe in Dallas, opening in early fall. Canyon’s expanding physical presence in key riding communities puts bikes in the hands of riders while maintaining the brand’s core direct-to-consumer model. Canyon will also be expanding their experience centers in Europe and the UK as well, adding nine more locations through 2025.
- For more information on Canyon’s Experience Center program, visit canyon.com/partners.
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: Giro Imperial II Shoes, SunGod Vulcans Sunglasses, Pas Normal Studios x JJJJound, Chris King Titanium NoThreadSet, Eddy 80 Bikes & Canyon First U.S. Experience Center appeared first on PezCycling News.
