Here we are exactly 4 week since the last Friday the 13th. This week Gear Break is Lucky Ɛ⇂. Though, with kit and equipment this good, you probably won’t need any luck. Bianchi’s new all-road (and very gravel capable) Infinito is here. Muc-off has just dripped their all new drip wax lube onto the world. The Vittoria Air Liner Light Road is ready to protect your rims if you flat with your new larger sized GP5000 tires. Chuck reviews Te Sanctum SL sunnies from Tifosi, and the Pas Normal Studios SS26 mainline collection—Mechanism and Essential—is refined and ready to keep you stylish and comfortable in the saddle this season.
Bianchi Infinito
Without limits
Bianchi has unveiled the next generation of the Infinito, an uncompromising all-rounder bike designed to deliver an unprecedented riding experience.
Redesigned from the ground up, the new Infinito redefines the category by blending three core elements: the performance you expect from a premium road bike, best-in-class comfort for long hours on the saddle, and the gravel-ready versatility to excel across diverse terrain. The result is a new all-rounder bike without limits: one that makes you feel like you could ride forever.
The frame and fork were developed as a fully integrated system to deliver high stiffness and precise handling under load, resulting in a 12 Watt improvement on the previous generation.
New Countervail Formula
At the heart of the new Infinito is the latest evolution of Bianchi’s own Countervail vibration cancelling technology, strategically integrated with a specific tuning process.
This improved formula – which combines a viscoelastic material with a special carbon fibre – is 20% lighter than the previous generation, and works in perfect harmony with the reshaped seat post to reduce vibration.
Now also integrated across the reworked seatpost, Countervail maximizes comfort without the need for heavy or unsightly external damping systems, enabling riders to enjoy greater control, less muscle fatigue and more energy.
Refined Geometry
To further enhance the riding experience, Bianchi has refined the Infinito’s geometry:
- Higher stack: Increases comfort for long-duration rides.
- Longer chainstays: Ensures superior stability at high speeds.
- Zero-offset seatpost: Optimises the hip angle to improve breathing and pedalling efficiency.
In order to support a wide range of cyclists, the Infinito is available in seven frame sizes, ranging from 47cm to 61cm.
True Gravel Capability
Another significant evolution is the Infinito’s newly expanded capability to go beyond smooth tarmac. The bike is now ASTM 2 standard compliant and gravel ready. The frame now accommodates up to 40mm slick tyres, providing the flexibility to tackle light gravel and rougher surfaces. Furthermore, the platform is designed to incorporate both road and gravel groupsets.
Integrated Functionality and Performance Design
Bianchi’s Form to Function design language is evident in the Infinito’s sleek, modern lines and newly integrated features:
- Embedded toolbox: A dedicated internal compartment designed to house items such as emergency tools and wind jackets, ensuring riders are prepared for any conditions without compromising aerodynamics.
- New proprietary wheelsets:
– Reparto Corse RC 49R carbon wheels
– Bianchi B 49R carbon wheels
Alberto Cavaggioni, Bianchi CEO, sez: “With the new Infinito, we wanted to honour our high-performance racing DNA whilst fully embracing modern cycling, where a single ride might transition from pristine asphalt to unpredictable light gravel. This is a bike that doesn’t just manage the road, it empowers cyclists to ignore the surface altogether and focus entirely on the pure joy of the ride, allowing them to go further, faster, and with more control.”
Emanuele Liatti, Bianchi Chief Product Officer, sez: “Our goal for the new Infinito was to create a stunning, high-performance bike which delivers the best ride experience through efficiency, control, and comfort. We engineered the frame and fork to be flexible in places, yet stiff in others to deliver consistent performance and handling across a variety of speeds and surfaces. We couldn’t be prouder of the results; this is a new all-rounder machine you feel like you could ride forever.”
The Launch Edition: A Limited Masterpiece
To celebrate the release, Bianchi is producing a special Launch Limited Edition, limited to just 200 numbered pieces. This exclusive model comes with a personalized welcome kit and features a unique, glossy white and purple fade colorway and premium specifications, including:
- Groupset options: SRAM Force XPLR 1×13 AXS gravel or Shimano Ultegra Di2 road with dual-side power meters.
- Fizik Adaptive Saddle: Utilizing 3D-printed padding for maximum riding comfort.
Slick and light gravel tyre options: For riders seeking a dedicated “All-Road” feeling.
Model Hierarchy and Pricing
The Infinito range offers options for every level of rider:
- Launch Edition: Custom Infinito Pro build and exclusive finish. Priced at €7,790.
- Infinito Pro: Premium build, available in five colorways with 2×12-speed SRAM Force AXS/Rival AXS and Shimano Ultegra Di2/105 Di2 groupset options, starting from €4,950.
- Infinito: Standard build, available in two colorways with 12-speed Shimano 105 Di2 and mechanical groupset options, starting from €2,790.
The Infinito also joins the Officina Bianchi program, meaning the Infinito Pro with SRAM Force AXS and Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset options, and frameset, will be available in special colour and graphic combinations.
For more information on the new Infinito, technical specifications, and local pricing options, visit bianchi.com. Please note that at press time, pricing info outside the EU has not been released.
Tifosi Sanctum SL – $39.95
According to Tifosi:
- Push harder, move faster, and stay focused with the Tifosi Sanctum SL — lifestyle performance eyewear built for athletes and active consumers who want sharp style and serious function. This half-frame shield design delivers lightweight comfort, broad coverage, and the optical clarity you need to perform at your best.
- The Sanctum SL has frameless lower lens design that opens your field of view and removes visual distractions.
- Shatterproof polycarbonate lenses protect your eyes from debris, wind, and harmful UVA/UVB rays while maintaining the optical clarity you need in changing conditions. Hydrophilic nose pads increase grip as you perspire, keeping the Sanctum SL secure whether you’re mid-run, mid-match, or mid-round. Tifosi’s integrated hinge slides on and off smoothly without pulling your hair, making this lifestyle performance eyewear as easy to wear as it is to perform in.
>>>>>>>>>All the features you’ve come to expect in a pair of Tifosi sunglasses (Crystal Clear Frame – Smoke Tint with Purple Mirror AR pictured)
Chuck’s Review
Chuck sez: PEZ readers may remember my review of the original Sanctum and the Sanctum Cobalt Blue (Limited Edition) sunglasses. The Sanctum SL is the same shield-style lens but in a half-frame version. The Sanctum SL comes in eight colorways:
- Frosted Rose Frame – Brown Tint with Pink Mirror
- Crystal Clear Frame – Smoke Tint with Purple Mirror AR
- Gloss Black Frame – Smoke Tint with Bright Blue Mirror
- Blackout Frame – Smoke Tint
- Matte Black Frame – Smoke Tint with Yellow Mirror (what PEZ got)
- Midnight Vapor – Smoke Tint with Silver Mirror
- Glacier Blue Frame – Smoke Tint with Sky Blue Mirror
- Blackout Frame – Polarized Smoke Tint (this model is more expensive at $59.95)
You can also pick and choose colors and lenses to build a custom Sanctum SL to suit your own personal taste ($44.95)
If you’re a fan of oversized shield-style sunglasses on the bike, the Sanctum SL could just be the ‘droids you’re lookingfor. They’re definitely more on the large side, which means more coverage for UV, wind, and debris protection.
Tifosi says the Sanctum SL fit is best for medium to large faces
Optics and frame
Of course, the most important thing in any pair of sunglasses is the optics. As with all my other pairs of Tifosi sunglasses, the optics of the Sanctum SL are crystal clear.
Like the Sanctum, the Sanctum SL uses Tifosi’s Thrive frame. If being eco-friendly is important to you and part of your buying decision:
The Thrive Frame is plant-based, made from the natural oil of castor beans, which eliminates the need of petroleum-based plastics. The castor plant can grow in harsh conditions so it does not take away land needed for most other crops. The new demand for the beans creates jobs and lessens the economic reliance on fossil fuels.
The Thrive frame is plant-based and the nose piece is adjustable for fit
Multi-purpose eye protection
Like the original Sanctum, the Sanctum SL is not cycling-specific. It is more a multi-sport/multi-purpose lifestyle pair of sunglasses—running, pickleball, beach volleyball, golf, on the beach, poolside, outdoor cafe people watching sipping an espresso or Negroni … you name your activity.
The Sanctum SL is suitable across a wide range of sports and activities
Spot on Tifosi’s spec weight of 27 grams</p>
You might think the the difference between the original Sanctum and Sanctum SL is just their look, i.e., full-frame vs. half-frame. But I could discern the difference looking out through the lenses. The Sanctum SL’s half-frame was less noticeable in my peripheral vision. For sports use, that could be a #marginalgain, i.e., less of a distraction. Of course, YMMV.
Channeling my inner badger (inset photo credit: CorVos)</p>
For road riding, my first choice is a pair of purpose-built sunglasses like the Tifosi Rail or Rail Race (although I have plenty of friends who are happy riding with more “casual” sunglasses and the Sanctum SL’s large coverage area is practical from that persepctive). But for pretty much everything else, the Sanctum SL is stylish IMHO and functional. For me, they’re a perfect pair of sunglasses for everyday wear in the SC Lowcountry with its more resort lifestyle and vacation vibe.
Lowcountry style
How to buy
PEZ-Fans can buy Tifosi Sanctum SL sunglasses here – and PEZ receives a small affiliate commission to help run the site.
Muc-Off Dark Energy Chain Wax
Between efficiency, durability and low wear
Muc-Off officially drops “Dark Energy,” a high-tech dropper chain wax that aims to kill the compromise between speed and durability. After four years of lab torture and pro-peloton testing, they’re claiming a drivetrain triple threat: high efficiency, long-lasting protection, and microscopic wear levels—all in a PFAS-free, biodegradable package.
The Juice
The folks in Poole haven’t just been sitting around mixing pink soap. They’ve spent the last 48 months chasing the “wax juxtaposition”—that elusive sweet spot where a drivetrain stays factory-quiet and lightning-fast without needing a re-coat every time you look at a puddle.
To get there, Muc-Off went full “mad scientist.” We’re talking 90 different formulations and a testing protocol involving white-light interferometry. This tech measures wear scars down to 0.1 of a micron—about 700 times smaller than a human hair. They even mounted the equipment on active air-isolation tables because the vibration of a human voice was enough to throw off the readings. That is some serious commitment to marginal gains.
But laboratory data is just spreadsheets until it hits the road, or trail. Dark Energy has been through 100,000km real-world testing on tarmac, gravel and dirt. It has been tested under the most demanding conditions by the likes of EF Pro Cycling, Specialized Factory Racing, and Decathlon CMA CGM. It already has a WorldTour win under its belt, courtesy of Naomi Rüegg at the Tour Down Under in January.
The formula is plant-derived and completely free of PFAS and PTFE, so you can go fast without poisoning the local gravel pits. Alongside the wax, they’ve launched a dedicated Chain Wax Cleaner to ensure your prep is as clinical as their R&D.
Specs & Pricing
- Price: $18 (50ml) / $25 (120ml)
- Cleaner: $25 (500ml)
- Ethics: Plant-derived, biodegradable, PFAS/PTFE free
Both products are available globally now through Muc-Off’s dealer network, selected e-retailers and directly at muc-off.com.
Vittoria Air-Liner Light Road
Lightweight insurance policy
Vittoria’s updated Air-Liner Light Road is a 30g insurance policy for your carbon hoops. It’s an ultra-light tubeless insert that provides a 50km run-flat range, enhanced rim protection, and the ability to run lower pressures for better grip without the “burp” or “squish” anxiety.
The Weight-Weenie’s Safety Net
Roadies have traditionally shunned inserts because of two things: rotational weight and the nightmare of roadside installation. Vittoria is tackling both with the new Air-Liner Light Road. Weighing in at a negligible 30–40g (depending on size), it’s roughly the weight of a single energy gel, making the “too heavy” argument essentially moot for anyone not hunting a hill-climb national title.
Performance Over Panic
The real sell here isn’t just about avoiding a walk of shame. By filling a portion of the tire’s internal volume, the insert allows for lower operating pressures. This results in a more compliant ride and a larger contact patch for descending confidence. If you do manage to slice a sidewall or pick up a hole that sealant can’t plug, the “Run-Flat” capability allows for up to 50km of riding at limited speeds. That is usually the difference between finishing the Gran Fondo or waiting two hours for a sag wagon in a dead cell zone.
Technical Refinement
Vittoria claims an updated manufacturing process and improved materials for this iteration. This translates to better durability under compression and, crucially, an easier installation process—a welcome relief for anyone who has ever broken a tire lever trying to seat a stubborn TLR bead over an insert.
Sizes & Availability
The system is optimized for modern wide rims and is available in three specific size ranges to cover everything from standard road setups to all-road and light gravel:
- 700×28-30
- 700×32-36
- 700×38-42
For full details, head over to vittoria.com. MSRP for one liner (you will need two for a complete install) is $77.99, €59.99, or £59.99.
Continental Grand Prix 5000 Expanded Range
Wider without sacrifice
Continental expands its high-performance road tire offering with the introduction of two new Grand Prix 5000 sizes: the GP5000 S TR in 35mm and the GP5000 TT TR in 30mm. Long regarded as the standard in modern road performance, the GP5000 continues to evolve, with these new specifications responding to changing rider demands while maintaining its hallmark speed, grip and durability.
The Grand Prix 5000 series is a comprehensive range of road tires designed to perform across a wide variety of riding conditions. An all-rounder, the S TR is built to be light, fast, and strong for riding where speed and reliability are equally valued. Designed in the pursuit of speed, the TT TR utilizes a stripped-down casing to achieve the lowest possible weight and rolling resistance.
GP5000 S TR
The latest addition of 35mm width option to the race-proven GP5000 S TR range expands the tire’s capabilities across varied terrain, while enhancing comfort on longer, performance-focused rides. The increased width allows riders to run lower pressures, helping to reduce vibration and improve comfort, while maintaining performance and puncture protection, making it ideal for multi-surface racing in all conditions.
GP5000 TT TR
Dedicated to speed, the TT TR is now available in the 30mm width. It offers a larger surface area for increased stability and adhesion when cornering at speed, while supporting composure over long-distance efforts. This added confidence encourages riders to push harder through technical sections and extract every ounce of performance. By utilizing a specialized 2-ply casing to minimize rolling resistance, the TT TR remains the fastest tire in the range with a focus on maximized time trialing performance.
Conti commentary
Hannah Ferle, Road Product Manager, Continental Tires sez: “We recognize that the needs of the modern cyclist are ever-evolving, and by extending our GP5000 offering, we are ensuring that every rider, from elite professionals to endurance enthusiasts, has the perfect tire for their setup. These new sizes are a direct response to the shift toward high-volume tires, where the benefits of reduced rolling resistance, enhanced vibration dampening, and a larger contact area are no longer just for comfort, but for performance.
“With the introduction of the 35mm S TR and 30mm TT TR, we are proving that riders seeking a more supple, confident ride do not have to sacrifice speed. These extensions allow riders to optimize their tire pressure and grip to match the demands of their ride.”
Key Features
All tires in the GP5000 range utilize Continental’s core technologies. BlackChili Compound offers optimized grip and rolling resistance and Vectran Breakers give superior puncture protection. The Tires are engineered with Active Comfort to absorb vibrations and Lazer Grip for enhanced cornering.
GP5000 S TR – 35mm
- New 35mm width expands capability across varied terrain, providing comfort without compromise
- Reduced vibration and increased comfort through lower-pressure optimization
- Run lower pressures without sacrificing speed or puncture protection
- Light, fast and strong construction for performance-focused riding
- 380g
GP5000 TT TR – 30mm
- New 30mm width increases contact patch for enhanced adhesion
- Greater stability and control when cornering at speed
- Specialized 2-ply casing for lowest weight possible
- Confidence to push through and extract maximum performance
- 280g
Pricing and Availability
The Continental GP5000 S TR & TT TR are available worldwide through select retail partners and Continental distribution channels. Full info on the S TR is here, and the TT TR is here.
MSRP S TR: €91.95 / £79.08 / US$116.95
MSRP TT TR: €113.95 / £98.00 / US$128.95
Pas Normal Studios SS26 Collection
Refinement, not reinvention
Pas Normal Studios (PNS) has unveiled its SS26 Mainline collection, prioritizing “subtle refinement” over total reinvention. The entire collection is rooted in precision, comfort and restraint. The launch features a technical fabric overhaul for the Stow Away program and the introduction of the Essential Light Cargo Bibs, expanding the brand’s signature aesthetic into more versatile, high-summer riding territory.
Refinement Over Reinvention
The Copenhagen-based brand took its ambassadors to Gran Canaria to field-test the SS26 range, and the result is a collection that doubles down on their established “Mechanism” and “Essential” silos while tweaking the technical details. The “Mechanism” line—known for its aggressive, race-ready fit—receives a color palette refresh, introducing tones like Hibiscus Orange and Off-White that maintain the brand’s minimalist, high-fashion integration.
Technical Fabric Upgrades
A significant update arrives in the “Stow Away” program. The packable jackets and gilets now utilize a new Japanese nylon fabric treated with C0 DWR (Durable Water Repellent). This shift emphasizes a commitment to performance materials that offer better protection and durability without compromising the ultra-light packability required for transitional weather.
Expansion of the Essential Line
Recognizing the trend toward longer, unsupported rides, PNS has introduced the Essential Light Cargo Bibs. Built for the heat, these bibs use a stretch-woven fabric that is lighter and more breathable than standard versions while retaining durability. The addition of cargo pockets brings practical storage to the “Essential Light” family, which also features jerseys with mesh sleeves to maximize airflow.
Meanwhile, the standard “Essential” jersey receives a new seasonal dot pattern, intended to provide a visual update to a silhouette built for comfort and consistency beyond the intensity of structured training intervals.
Availability
The SS26 Mainline collection is available globally via the Pas Normal Studios webshop and selected retail partners. Check out the full range at their website for pricing.
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: Lucky Ɛ⇂ – Bianchi Infinito, Tifosi Sanctum SL, Muc-Off Dark Energy Wax, Vittoria Air Liner Light Road, Continental GP5000 Expanded Range, Pas Normal Studios SS26 appeared first on PezCycling News.
