In the final Gear Break for October 2025, and as we get ready to “gear up” for Holiday season, we’re gonna feature some stuff showing off that aero is safe AND fast! A 3D printed helmet promising to be cooler, and safer, and better fitting than anything in your closet now? Yes! How about some high end road pedals with lights? Yes! What about a “go fast” aero bike that is also bumping down to the UCI limit? Yes! How about a “go fast” track bike that is also super aero? Yes! Do you fancy some fresh new deep winter bibtights? We’ve got that too. Last, but not least, we’re just gonna give a hand to Continental for a fantastic showing this season at the various Worlds. Chapeau!
KAV Rhoan CORE Helmet — $300
3-D printed for your head
We’ve all been there: staring at a sizing chart, landing somewhere between sizes, and settling for the closest fit that isn’t ever quite right or feels bulbous. KAV Helmets is throwing out the sizing chart entirely, leveraging the cutting edge of 3D printing to deliver the Rhoan CORE—an aero road lid that promises benchmark speed, genuine ventilation, and a fit that is, quite literally, custom-made for you.
For the rider obsessed with marginal gains in performance, safety, and comfort, the Rhoan CORE is more than just a helmet; it’s a personalized piece of performance gear.
The Tech: Print Me a Perfect Fit
The Rhoan CORE doesn’t rely on traditional expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam for its entire construction. Instead, the centerpiece of its design is a proprietary, highly innovative fit process. Then, KAV uses 3D printing to deliver a helmet tailored to the buyer and built to match every contour, every curve of their head. KAV promises a fully custom experience without compromise, guaranteeing the fit with a 30-day money-back assurance. This personalized construction aims to result in an unshakeable, pressure-point-free fit that optimizes both comfort and the helmet’s performance features.
Hex Honeycomb Structure
The honeycomb structure is at the core of the custom fit—consisting of a groundbreaking dual-density hexagonal lattice design. It optimizes impact absorption while simultaneously acting as a scaffold for airflow. Unlike an EPS helmet with a separate MIPS liner, the Rhoan integrates the shear layer into the honeycomb structure. This allows the inner and outer portions to move independently in a crash. This system manages rotational forces while also handling direct impacts. The helmet earned a top-tier Virginia Tech 5-Star Safety Rating, widely accepted as the gold-standard for bicycle helmet safety.
The more open lattice of the honeycomb permits greater airflow, but KAV claims the PolyCarbon Composite material itself wicks heat 8x better and cools 2x faster than traditional EPS foam. The goal is to provide a helmet that protects while also keeping riders cooler during hard efforts.
Aero & Airflow Reforged
Aero helmets traditionally sacrifice ventilation for speed, but the Rhoan CORE uses its 3D-printed structure to manage both simultaneously.
- Benchmark Aero: optimized shell design and custom fit reduce the overall volume and profile of the helmet, minimizing drag. KAV designed the helmet to rival top-tier aero lids like the Specialized S-Works Evade 3 in efficiency.
- Air Fit Suspension System: the custom-printed fit suspends the helmet slightly off the rider’s head, eliminating hot spots and maximizing the flow of air around the scalp.
- HexFlow Rear Exhaust: they engineered the helmet to use the Venturi effect, pulling air through the helmet’s internal channels and out the back to efficiently shed built-up heat.
The Bottom Line
The KAV Rhoan CORE is a showcase of how manufacturing technology can revolutionize cycling safety and performance. The commitment to a custom fit solves one of cycling’s perennial gear frustrations, and coupling that with Virginia Tech 5-star safety and a heat-dissipating, aero design makes this a compelling option for any serious cyclist.
At $300, the price point for this level of customization and technology is highly competitive with the high-end aero-optimized helmets in the market. That combined with its safety rating and the company’s crash replacement policy and warranty, we here at Gear Break think this an attractive option for protecting your noggin.
If you’re ready to invest in a truly personal piece of kit, KAV is ready to print a Rhoan CORE for you. Note that due to the custom, made-to-order nature, production times currently range from 6 to 8 weeks. Check out their site to begin the fitting process!
LOOK KEO Vision
Pure performance, safely delivered
Close on the wheel of last week’s Gear Break featuring customizable LOOK KEO Blade pedals, LOOK drops two new KEO pedals and an upgrade kit for 4th GEN KEO Blades that brings a thoughtfully integrated safety feature to their performance road pedals.
Since 2017, LOOK Cycle’s line-up of urban pedals has included the acclaimed Vision technology to enhance rider visibility and safety. Now, with rider safety an increasing concern on congested roads, the premium Keo Blade Ceramic Vision pedals and Keo 2 Max Vision pedals feature cutting-edge, integrated and lightweight rear lights that will ensure you’re seen for increased safety out on the route.
The Tech: Biomotion Safety
Look’s new system utilizes their proven ‘Vision’ lighting technology, adapting it to their high-performance road pedals. The key is Biomotion—the principle that moving lights, especially at the heel or ankle, are more quickly and easily recognized by the human eye than static lights.
Key features & models
- Visibility Boost: Look claims this pedal-based lighting makes a cyclist up to 5.5 times more visible than a standard seatpost light, with visibility extending up to 1km away;
- Modes/brightness: the light units offer four distinct modes to handle any condition, including a powerful Day Flash that hits 60 lumens to catch the attention of drivers even in bright sunlight;
- Seamless Integration: the lights are built into the rear of the pedal body, offering 180° visibility without affecting the pedal’s aerodynamics, weight, or stack height;
- Smart Power: each light unit is lightweight (20g) and offers a maximum runtime of up to 40 hours. The units feature Stop & Start technology to conserve battery life when you pause at a stoplight. The units recharge in just 2 hours via a standard USB-C connection;
- Pedal models: KEO Blade Ceramic Vision, a premium race ready pedal, and KEO 2 Max Vision, a premium pedal oriented toward the sport rider. Using the same lighting unit, both models provide the same safety features and benefits;
- Upgrade Kit: for riders who already own the 4th gen Blade pedals, the upgrade kit on offer brings Vision to your existing pedals.
Key Specifications
The Bottom Line
LOOK has managed to blend their world-class road pedal performance with a critical safety feature. Impressively, they’ve also made this safety feature available to retrofit to existing pedals. This is a no-compromise solution for riders who demand both elite performance and maximum visibility. Available from November 1. Check out all of the details at LOOK Cycle.
Wilier Filante SLR ID2 – from $11,500 / 9,700€
A new aero Benchmark?
Lightweight, responsive, and extremely aerodynamic, the Filante SLR ID2 redefines performance standards by putting you at the centre of every design choice. Aerodynamics is not an end in itself, but serves the rider, delivering maximum efficiency, comfort, and control in every condition. Speed, innovation, and Italian tradition come together in a bike designed to enhance your riding experience – the fastest in the WorldTour landscape.
Aero Advantages
Rigorous testing in the Silverstone wind tunnel pushed an ambitious project beyond all expectations. The verdict was extraordinary: A 13.6% reduction in drag, exceeding the 12% estimated by CFD simulations. In the complete bike-rider system, Wilier recorded a 4.5% improvement in aerodynamic resistance.
The new frame offers significant aero advantage over the predecessor Filante SLR ID1. Maintaining 40 km/h requires the rider to expend 14.15 Watts less. More impressively, by applying the same power of 290W over a 70 km route, a ride gains 1 minute and 45 seconds. In direct comparison with other World Tour bikes, the frame possesses a drag coefficient (Cd) that is 2.42% lower.
Integrated Innovation: Aerokit and Cockpit
A key feature is the Aerokit system, designed with Elite Cycling, to integrate hydration on the down tube. This effort served to reduce aerodynamic drag and optimize airflow. Thus, overcoming a notoriously complex engineering challenge faced by every aero optimized bike. From a technical perspective, the Aerokit not only “hides” the bottles from the wind, it also functions as a spoiler. In effect, as the air passes over the frame and around the bottles, it moves faster with less turbulence. Compared to traditional systems, aerodynamic drag is reduced by over two-thirds.
The new F-Bar ID2 is an aerodynamic cockpit developed around the needs of the modern cyclist. The new F-Bar ID2 aerodynamic cockpit introduces the Optimized Ergonomic Flare (O.E.F.) design, providing an orthogonal flare of 3 cm between the hoods and the ends of the drops. This design keeps the ergonomics of the controls unchanged, giving a natural, comfortable, and tucked position to improve aerodynamic performance further.
Technical Details and Refinements
Wilier left no stone unturned, or in this case any component or area unrefined it seems. Special attention was paid to the fork, the seat post, and Di2 battery integration. In the rear triangle shape, designers opted to retain previous design cues.
The fork blades were developed from NACA airfoils developed by American aerospace engineers in the 1950s. Further seeking aero advantage and inspired by the Supersonica SLR, the left fork leg has an integrated aerodynamic fin that skims the disc and envelops the brake caliper.
The new seatpost for the Filante SLR ID2 originates from the development of the Supersonica SLR. It features a slender and sharp profile that optimizes aerodynamic efficiency without compromising stiffness and offering good vertical compliance. It is available as standard with 0 offset or—upon request—with 15 mm setback.
Wilier repositioned the Shimano Di2 battery from the seatpost to the bottom bracket box area. This move increases accessibility for maintenance and helps to lower the bike’s center of gravity, leading to a more stable and manageable ride at high speeds.
Designers preserved the family feel of the previous Filante, maintaining wide rear stays that join the seat tube with a broken line. Thus, the visual character of the family remains in intact and distinctive when viewed from behind. The designers did make one minor, yet important change, inclining the rear stays inward by 2.5° to prevent unwanted interference with the rider’s legs during pedaling.
Versatility and Fitting
The rear triangle lengthening allows for a tire clearance of up to 34mm and better integration with new transmission groupsets, using a UDH dropout. Furthermore, it is possible to configure the drivetrain in a 1x setup. The front derailleur mount is removable and the frame will accommodate up to 56 tooth chainrings.
Direct collaboration with the Groupama – FDJ Cycling Team led Wilier refine every detail in terms of geometry. The goal was to achieve a bespoke fitting system. The result is that every size maintains the same geometric consistency and fitting precision, delivering a balanced, natural, and high-performance riding experience to every rider. The Filante SLR ID2 is conceived like a tailored suit. The bike is offered with 6 frame sizes, 7 handlebar spacer combinations, 5 stem sizes, and 2 seatpost versions. This gives 420 possible fit configurations with each differing by a just 2 millimeters.
Construction and Aesthetics
For an aero frame, the starting point is always the pursuit of balance between aerodynamics, stiffness, and responsiveness. It is not simply about chasing extreme light weight, but about achieving maximum efficiency at high speeds. Also critical is guaranteeing a precise and stable response in every riding condition, while still allowing for build weights only slightly above the UCI minimum limit.
The choice of materials is crucial. The monocoque frame is constructed using a blend of three high-quality Toray carbon fibers. Wilier targeted the ideal balance of aerodynamics, stiffness, responsiveness, and light weight. This construction gives a complete bike in the Dura-Ace Di2 specification has an overall weight of 7.1kg.
No less important than the technical details and specifications, the color of the frames also matters. The Filante SLR ID2 is available in five colors, including Pure White, Solar Bronze, Eclipse Black, Lunar Grey, and the premium Aurora Blue.
The Bottom Line
Wilier has delivered an exciting bike that further pushes the boundaries what is possible. Truly, the highest tier World Tour bikes are demonstrating that they can do it all. The Filante SLR ID2 shows that a bike can be slipperier than the finest aero racing bikes from less than five years while making no compromises in weight. Add in the whopping tire clearance on offer and a frame that is stiff where it needs to be and yet still compliant, we may have arrived at the point that we may only need one bike…which is heresy.
To get all the details, head over to Wilier’s site and check out the new Filante SLR ID2.
Colnago T1Rs
Back on the track
Drawing on the experience gained from the TT1 and Y1Rs projects, Colnago proudly presents the T1Rs — a track bike that marks the brand’s return to the velodrome after years of absence.
Throughout its more-than-70-year history, Colnago has written some of its most significant chapters on the track. With the T1Rs, which will make its race debut at the UCI London 3 Day event, the brand aims to add new and successful pages to this storied legacy.
Born from Speed. Perfected for the Track.
The Colnago T1Rs has been meticulously designed and engineered to deliver uncompromising performance in the velodrome. Every line, every surface, and every component serves a single purpose: to minimize aerodynamic drag and convert every watt of power into pure forward motion.
Drawing on the experience gained from the TT1 and Y1Rs projects — both benchmarks in Time Trial and Road Racing performance — the T1Rs takes those lessons to their ultimate expression. Freed from the constraints of road applications such as brakes and gears, our engineers have pushed the limits of aerodynamics and stiffness even further.
The headset and fork construction mirror the advanced configuration of the TT1, while the rear triangle inherits the proven stiffness and efficiency of the Y1Rs. The result is a frame that embodies the perfect fusion of aerodynamic refinement and mechanical precision.
Developed to adapt to every race condition, the T1Rs can be configured for both pursuit/time trial and endurance/sprint events. Custom components are easily replaceable and adjustable, enabling riders and teams to fine-tune their setup swiftly and with absolute precision — because at this level, every millisecond counts.
The Development Process
In developing the T1Rs, the Colnago R&D team focused on four fundamental areas that define success on the track:
- Aerodynamics: sculpted to minimize air resistance and maintain efficiency at the highest speeds.
- Stiffness: engineered to eliminate power loss and ensure that every watt translates into acceleration.
- Versatility: designed for adaptability across different track disciplines, allowing riders to fine-tune their setup with ease.
- Geometry: available in three carefully developed sizes to meet the specific demands of each racing style, from pursuit to sprint events.
Aerodynamics
The T1Rs has been conceived to deliver its peak performance where it truly counts — at speeds above 60 km/h, the critical threshold where track races are often won or lost.
Thanks to its advanced aerodynamic profile, the T1Rs achieves a lower drag coefficient at higher speeds compared to traditional designs. This doesn’t mean the rider expends less power at 70 km/h — rather, it means that airflow remains cleaner and more stable, allowing the bike to maintain its velocity with exceptional efficiency.
Every aspect of the T1Rs has been conceived with one clear objective: to slice through the air with unmatched efficiency. Its exceptional performance is the result of a series of meticulous design choices and aerodynamic innovations. Low-drag NACA-derived profiles are used throughout the frame and fork, taking advantage of the reduced design constraints of track bikes — fewer components, more freedom to optimize every surface for speed.
Advanced aerodynamic solutions are applied across the frame, including:
- Narrow hubs (65 mm front, 100 mm rear) for reduced frontal area.
- Dual-crown fork, minimizing drag without compromising stiffness or control.
- Bulged chainstays, designed to smooth airflow transitions and reduce turbulence around the drivetrain.
- Ultra-narrow, aero-shaped dropouts, optimizing air passage at the rear.
- Fully integrated stem, ensuring seamless airflow from handlebars to frame.
- Each element plays a role in a unified aerodynamic system — engineered not only to reduce resistance, but to deliver stability, precision, and pure speed where it matters most.
Frame Stiffness
Track cyclists generate immense power, and the T1Rs is designed to handle it all — minimizing flex and ensuring that every watt of effort is transferred to the track.
Key design solutions include:
- Dual-crown fork connecting the stem and fork directly to the frame, increasing front-end stiffness for precise handling during high-speed sprints.
- Reinforced chainstays, seatstays, and dropouts built to withstand explosive starts and sudden accelerations without losing power.
- Oversized asymmetric bottom bracket and reinforced seat tube keeps the frame stable during seated or out-of-the-saddle sprints.
- Ultra-compact rear triangle with narrow 100 mm hub delivers exceptional lateral stiffness while allowing a reduced Q-factor for optimized pedaling and aerodynamics.
- Custom aerodynamic seatpost with internal rib structure combines airflow efficiency with maximum stiffness.
The T1Rs frame uses a track-specific carbon layup, blending high-strength, high-modulus fibers with internal reinforcement ribs. Strategic areas such as the seatpost, bottom bracket, and fork crown benefit from these structures, ensuring stiffness and durability even in the most demanding race conditions.
The result is that, whether launching off the line in a flying 200m, sprinting for the final lap, or holding speed in pursuit, the T1Rs stays rigid, responsive, and incredibly efficient — turning power into pure speed.
Competition-ready versatility
The T1Rs platform can be configured in two different setups, depending on the race type: time trial/pursuit or sprint/endurance.
The TT/pursuit setup features a monocoque carbon stem and base bar unit, engineered for maximum stiffness and seamless aerodynamic integration. The handlebars are 380 mm wide, with a hood stack positioned 17 mm below the frame reference, and a column base offering 93 mm of reach and 25 mm of stack relative to the frame. Modular aero extensions provide multiple hand positions for optimized ergonomics, while an integrated mount accommodates cycling computers or race transponders, ensuring both performance and functionality for track competition.
The sprint/endurance setup offers maximum adjustability and precision handling through compatibility with standard 31.8 mm handlebars. Its frame–fork–stem clamping system, secured with two fixing bolts, enhances both bending and torsional stiffness, while the T-shaped structure further minimizes deformation under load. The stem is available in three lengths — 125 mm, 150 mm, and 175 mm, all with a 6.5° angle — and can be fine-tuned with up to four 5 mm stackable spacers, providing a total adjustment range of 20 mm to perfectly suit each rider’s position.
Geometry
The T1Rs is available in three sizes, with geometry carefully developed as a key part of the R&D process to suit any track discipline.
Pursuit riders benefit from a low-stack, aerodynamic position, while endurance and sprint riders enjoy extended reach and exceptional front-end stiffness — even with long stems. Steering angle and fork rake are precisely tuned to ensure stability and control during rapid accelerations and sharp directional changes, delivering peak performance on every lap.
Availability
The T1Rs is available only as frameset in the TL1X livery at an MSRP in Europe of 6,500€. The frameset includes: frame, fork, seatpost, saddle clamp, small parts.
It’s possible to buy separately:
- Kit endurance/sprint: spacers and stem, compatible with 31.8mm diameter, available in 125-150-175mm sizes. The handlebar is not included – 250.00€ + VAT
- Kit pursuit:
Basebar TT/track low stack 320.00€ + VAT
Adjustable extension kit 270.00€ + VAT
The Bottom Line
Colnago is back on the track with the T1RS. Purpose built to win on the track, the only limitation to how fast this bike will go will be the motor pressing the pedals. For all the details, check out Colnago’s website (sorry, Nordamericani…this one points to Italy).
Castelli Polare Bibtights
A new era for cold weather comfort and performance
Castelli has raised the bar even higher in its quest for the ultimate winter bibtight by launching the latest generation of its celebrated Polare models.
The Polare Bibtights are Castelli’s warmest bibtights, developed to excel on cold winter rides in temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Castelli developed the Polare with the goal to turn riding and training on the coldest days from mere survival into fun.
They are the latest garments to utilize Castelli’s exclusive use of Polartec AirCore technology, which we first featured back in September. This is a genuinely game-changing fabric that is both windproof and water repellent, as well as being highly stretchy and breathable.
Construction and Design
Polartec AirCore is used on the full front panel of both the men’s and women’s bibtights, with Thermoflex fleece paired on the seats and backs of the leg to deliver warmth and stretch with maximum breathability in the areas where wind protection is unnecessary.
The pieces also incorporate the anatomically shaped KISS Air2 pad which features an ultra-soft top fabric engineered to reduce chafing and abrasion, as well as a dual-density foam that provides maximum thickness in the ischial zone, tapering to moderate thickness under the perineum, and minimum thickness at the perimeter.
Winter conditions often mean low light, so high-visibility reflective stripes above the front knee and rear calf improve visibility, while ankle zips ensure the bibtights are easy to pull on and off in cold conditions.
Castelli Global Brand Manager Steve Smith sez: “For serious winter cyclists, the difference between a good ride and a miserable one often comes down to the quality of their clothing. With Polartec AirCore, we’ve been able to re-write what high-performance cycling garments can do in cold weather by providing a windproof front that doesn’t sacrifice breathability or stretch. By pairing that pioneering fabric with Thermoflex fleece in our Polare Bibtight, we’ve created the perfect blend of warmth, stretch and breathability to make your very cold rides as comfortable as possible.”
Availability
Both the Polare 2 (women’s) and Polare 4 (men’s) bibtights are available in black.
Polare 2 W Bibtight €219.95 | $250.00 | £240.00
Polare 4 Bibtight €219.95 | $250.00 | £230.00
For full details on the Men’s Polare 4 bibtight or the Women’s Polare 2, visit Castelli.com. For more information on Polartec AirCore technology visit castelli-cycling.com/AirCore.
Continental Celebrates Rainbow Stripes
Across Downhill, Road, Time Trial and Gravel
Continental is celebrating a landmark moment in cycling performance: the brand’s tires have carried athletes to the rainbow jersey across four of the sport’s premier disciplines – Downhill, Road, Time Trial and Gravel.
The Palmares
In 2025, Vali Höll stormed to another Downhill World Championship title, Tadej Pogačar dominated the Road World Championships, and just last week, Florian Vermeersch conquered the UCI Gravel Worlds – all on Continental tires. World Champion titles secured on Continental tires were also claimed by Marlen Reusser in the Women Elite Individual Time Trial and rising talents Célia Gery and Paula Ostiz secured victories in the Women U23 and Women Junior Road Championships, respectively. This remarkable spread across such distinct disciplines underscores Continental’s commitment to performance, reliability, and innovation at the very top of the sport.
Alex Haenke, Continental Product Manager sez: “Races like the Gravel World Championships are the ultimate test of performance, durability, and technology. These results highlight not only the strength and dedication of our athletes but also the relentless innovation behind our tires that helps them perform at their peak.”
The Bottom Line
Continental’s success across these categories is built on decades of engineering excellence and a constant drive to push the limits of tire performance. From the BlackChili compound powering WorldTour victories to the Kryptotal and Argotal lines redefining mountain bike traction, every Continental tire carries the same DNA of innovation that wins races.
With multiple world titles spanning four distinct disciplines, Continental demonstrates true all-terrain performance — a testament to the brand’s holistic investment in cycling at the highest level. We aren’t promising that if you mount Contis on your whip you’re gonna come home in a rainbow jersey, but you’ve stop a good shot at finishing!
For their full range in your country, check out Continental-tires.com.
Thanks for checking out the last Gear Break of October. I’m about to dress up like a washed up racer, and go ride my bike so I can eat a pile of chocolate after I go trick-or-treating. Then I’m going to fall into a sugar coma, and wake up in November. The days are getting short, and with the time change this weekend (in the US and Canada), they’re about to feel even shorter.
As always, if you have other experiences with gear or tech that we feature, or just something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything (we just imply it at times). Feel free to give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews, or a smack if you think we need it!
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.
The post Gear Break: KAV Rhoan helmet, Look KEO Vision, Wilier Trestina Filante SLR ID2, Colnago T1Rs, Castelli Polare Bibtights, and Continental takes rainbows home appeared first on PezCycling News.
