From fresh eyewear to WorldTour-level aero weapons, Gear Break is looking forward to Meteorological Spring. This week is all about refinement — shaving watts, smoothing airflow, and dialing in real-world performance. Tifosi Optics rolls out the Navar and Navar FC for multi-sport versatility, while BMC pushes aerodynamic boundaries with the new Timemachine Mpc. Add striking updates from LOOK Cycle and TITICI, gravel evolution from Basso Bikes, all-surface speed from Continental, and real-world aero thinking from Giro — and you’ve got a lineup built for riders who want every advantage, on any terrain.
Tifosi Navar and Navar FC
A Narvar for everyone
Left: Navar FC. Right: Navar.
The Navar and Navar FC (aka, “full coverage”) are the latest and greatest from Tifosi. In many ways, they’re essentially the same sunglasses in two different sizes. They are both half-frame sunglasses with lens venting for airflow and to help prevent fogging up. NOTE: The lens shapes are actualy different and these are a single lens design, i.e., you can’t swap out lenses for a different tint.
Honestly, just looking at them side-by-side, it was hard for me to say if one lens is larger than the other — meaning, how is the FC more “full coverage” than the regular Navar. The Navar lens is wider but the Navar FC lens is taller.
Chuck sez: “It might be an optical illusion of sorts, but to me the Navar looks larger and the Navar FC looks sleeker.”
Here are the lens dimensions for you dear PEZ reader to be the judge:
Left: Navar. Right: Navar FC.
Features-wise, both are the same:
The Navar is pictured, but the Navar FC has all the same features
Two styles, two colorway selections
The Navar comes in five different colorways:
- Midnight Vapor Frame – Smoke Tint with Sky Blue Mirror (what PEZ got)
- Gloss Black Frame – Smoke Tint
- Satin Clear Frame – Brown Tint with Pink Mirror
- Matte White Frame – Smoke Tint with Bright Blue Mirror
- Satin Vapor Frame – AC Red Tint
Tifosi Navar
The Navar FC also comes in five different colorways:
- Gloss Black Frame – AC Red Tint
- Satin Clear Frame – Clear Lens
- Blackout Frame – Smoke Tint
- Satin Vapor Frame – Smoke Tint with Red Mirror (what PEZ got)
- Iron Frame – Enliven Golf Tint
Tifosi Navar FC
The Navar and Navar FC aren’t cycling-specific sunglasses. Rather, they are multi-sport sunglasses that could be used for cycling. Style-wise, neither would look out of place on your favorite group ride. Functionally, they do what you would want a pair of sunglasses to do while out riding:
- Appropriate tinting to provide 100% UVA / UVB protection from harmful UV Rays
- Polycarbonate lenses that are virtually shatterproof
- Plus the lenses are optically decentered for clear optics (the most important thing)
On my scale, both the Navar and Navar FC weighed in at one gram over spec
If the stock selection isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, both the Navar and Navar FC can be customized to suit your taste:
The bottom line
I know that taste and style are in the eye of the beholder, but I prefer the somewhat “sleeker” look of the Navar FC both on and off the bike, e.g., playing golf. OTOH, my wife has decided to steal the Navar away from me for her sporting pursuits. Regardless of style preference, both of these multi-sport glasses look as at home on the local group ride as they do on the links, or doing whatever it is you do when you’re not riding, e.g., sipping Negronis.
To FC (left) or not to FC (right), … that is the (Navar) question
BMC Timemachine Mpc.
Speed reinvented
Pushed to the absolute limit, BMC has unveiled the all-new Timemachine Mpc., a machine solely designed for the elite of the World Tour. The project was kickstarted when Tudor Pro Cycling demanded more, leading to a collaboration to completely reinvent the Timemachine with a revolutionary fourth generation.
Stefan Crist, head of R&D at BMC, sez: “We’ve always tried to revolutionize our legacy with each new generation of platform, the Timemachine Mpc. project allows my team and me to really push our boundaries, and to see clear progress measurable by a stopwatch. We’ve literally been tasked with stealing time from the finishing clock, and that’s quite exhilarating.”
Exceeding Ambitious Goals
Tudor Pro Cycling set an ambitious goal of a 3% overall system (rider+bike+components) drag reduction. Where the bike comprises only 6% of the total system drag, to achieve a 3% reduction of system drag, the bike would have to achieve or exceed a 50% reduction on the bike itself. By the time the engineers from BMC Impec Lab and the Tudor Pro Cycling performance team were finished, they hadn’t just met the goal; they exceeded it. The 4th generation BMC Timemachine makes the world’s best TT riders 3.7% faster.
The Four Factors of Speed
The development of the Timemachine Mpc. is a story of human collaboration involving four key groups:
The BMC Impec Lab team, led by Stefan Christ.
The Tudor Pro Cycling Innovation team, led by Kurt Bergin-Taylor.
The BMC Management team, led by CEO John Glett.
Tudor Pro Cycling Team, owned by Fabian Cancellara.
Kurt Bergin-Taylor, Head of Innovation at Tudor Pro Cycling, sez: “The final product is a testament to the deep trust and respect shared between BMC and Tudor Pro Cycling. Our Innovation team was able to complement the extensive expertise of BMC by bringing specific knowledge in aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, parametric design, testing methodologies, and real-world validation. We believe this collaborative way of working is essential for maximising performance.”
AeroSynthesis and the Masterpiece Treatment
The bike was developed using “AeroSynthesis,” a design philosophy focusing on harmonizing aerodynamic performance and system integration. This approach designs a seamless “rider + components + frameset” integration using advanced CFD, wind tunnel testing, and real-world validation.
The Timemachine Mpc. receives the “Masterpiece” treatment, featuring a one-piece jointless construction that is stiff, paintless, lightweight, and fast.
Future-Proof Performance
The frame is designed to be future-proof, accommodating:
Single or double chainring setups.
Oversized chainrings and chain guides.
Full-mount dropouts (eliminating the derailleur hanger).
Tires up to 30mm.
The Result: Shaving Seconds What does a 3.7% drag reduction mean in the real world? If a rider pushes 450W on the new Timemachine Mpc., they will travel at 55.7 km/h, compared to 55 km/h on the previous generation.
The bottom line
It’s bold and it’s wide. BMC isn’t just trying to shave seconds anymore; they are trying to redesign how air moves around a human being at 60 km/h. It is available to the public per UCI rules, but the frameset only pricing is hors catégorie at €18,999 / $21,299 / CHF 18,499.
Full details at: bmc-switzerland.com
LOOK 795 Blade RS “Ocean Translucent” Edition
Organic beauty
LOOK Cycle has introduced a striking new aesthetic to its flagship 795 Blade RS road race machine: the “Ocean Translucent” edition. This finish celebrates the organic beauty of the sea with a deep, layered blue that reveals the intricate carbon weave beneath when hit by the light. It’s a sophisticated look for a bike that has already proven its mettle under the riders of Team Cofidis.
The Ultimate Racing Machine
While Pez fans are familiar with LOOK’s heritage, the current generation of the 795 Blade RS represents a significant shift toward the “one bike” philosophy. By balancing aerodynamics, weight, and stiffness, LOOK has moved away from the extreme tube shapes of the past to create a more versatile, all-around racer. The frame utilizes a sophisticated carbon layup with 25% Ultra High Modulus (UHM) fibers, resulting in a chassis that is 7% stiffer than its predecessor while remaining remarkably light for an aero-focused bike.
Technical Refinement & Integration
The 795 Blade RS is built for the practicalities of modern racing. Notable features of this generation include:
- Aero Cockpit: A semi-integrated carbon handlebar and stem system that hides cables completely while allowing for easy adjustments and stem-length swaps.
- T47 Bottom Bracket: A move to the threaded T47 standard ensures better reliability and easier maintenance for the long haul.
- Tire Clearance: Modernized for the road, the frame officially supports up to 32mm tires, allowing for better grip and comfort on varied surfaces.
- Aeropost 4: A dedicated D-shaped carbon seatpost that integrates seamlessly into the frame’s silhouette while accommodating both round and oval saddle rails.
Pricing
The 795 Blade RS Ocean Translucent is available as a frameset or in various high-end builds.
- Frameset (Ocean Translucent): $5,800 / €4,320
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 Build: From $10,700 / €8,390
- Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Build: From $12,000 / €9,690
- SRAM Red AXS Build: From $13,800 / €10,390
- Campagnolo Super Record WRL Build: From $13,500 / €10,390
More info at: www.lookcycle.com
TITICI ALFA
Hypersonic Italian Design
The Italian masters at TITICI have pulled the covers off the ALFA, a machine they are calling the “purest expression of speed” in their 60-year history. Built with a focus on “hypersonic” design, the ALFA isn’t just a styling exercise; it is a ground-up reimagining of how a racing frame should manage airflow and vibration. Designed and tested on Italian roads, it’s a bike built for those who want to slice through the air without sacrificing the reactive feel of a true racer.
The PAT10 technology: thinnest in the world
The heart of the ALFA remains TITICI’s signature Plate Absorber Technology, now evolved into PAT10. This ultra-thin top tube tapers to just 10mm—the thinnest UCI-homologated horizontal tube in the world. This unique shape allows the frame to absorb up to 18% more vibrations than a standard round-tube frame, significantly reducing the “road buzz” reaching the rider’s arms and back. For the rider, this means more comfort over long distances and more energy left for the final sprint.
One-Piece EPS monocoque construction
While many “monocoque” frames are actually several pieces bonded together, TITICI uses an advanced EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) system to create a true one-piece frame. By layering carbon over a smooth polystyrene core instead of inflatable bladders, engineers eliminate the air bubbles and structural imperfections that can cause weaknesses. The result is a lighter, stiffer, and more reliable structure that can handle the extreme stresses of World Tour-level power.
Aero without compromise
The ALFA utilizes NACA-profile tube sections throughout to maximize its aerodynamic coefficient. Integration is a key theme here: the fork features a “blind” thru-axle profile to clean up airflow, and the internal cable routing is designed to work seamlessly with electronic groupsets. It’s a “fluid” design that looks as fast as it feels, further enhanced by modern 32mm tire clearance for maximum stability and grip.
Technical Specs
- Frame: TITICI ALFA Carbon Monocoque (1,110g for Size M)
- Fork: TITICI ALFA DCR Carbon
- Technology: PAT10 (Plate Absorber Technology) & DAC (Double Air Channels)
- Tire Clearance: Up to 700x32c
- Bottom Bracket: Press Fit 386
- Cockpit: Integrated Vision Metron 5D EVO 3K
Pricing
The TITICI ALFA is available in several high-end configurations and a frameset option.
- ALFA Frame Kit Plus (incl. aero seatpost & Vision Metron 5D EVO): $5,999 / €4,990
- ALFA Shimano 105 Di2 Build: $6,999 / €6,690
- ALFA Shimano Ultegra Di2 Build: $11,339 / €9,690
- ALFA SRAM Red AXS Build: $14,999 / €11,890
- ALFA Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Build: $15,999 / €12,590
- ALFA Campagnolo Super Record WRL Build: $16,600 / €13,490
Full details at: www.titici.com
Basso Palta III
Two Souls, one bike
All too often, riders are being forced to choose increasingly purpose-focused gravel bikes that are designed to fulfil specific niches within the discipline. But with most riders not limiting themselves to one type of riding, the resulting choice leaves them unsatisfied and with a fear of missing out.
Developed under the philosophy “Two Souls. One Bike. Zero Regrets,” the Palta III is designed for riders who refuse to choose between fast-paced racing and rugged adventure.
Leonardo Basso, Product and Marketing Manager at Basso, sez:
“When we launched the first Palta in 2018, gravel was a niche, a simple midway point between road cycling and mountain biking. Today, it has become a culture of its own; a scene that we at Basso don’t just observe, but one we embrace and live every day.
Palta III is our response to that evolution. We’ve taken everything we’ve learned over the last seven years to create a tool that is faster, more comfortable, and more capable, yet still retains that signature ‘Palta’ DNA. Our goal with this third generation wasn’t to define gravel for the rider by forcing them to choose between a race-specific bike or one suited more for adventure. Instead, we wanted to provide the best platform for them to define it for themselves. One question remains: Where will you draw the line?”
Evolutionary design & Italian craftsmanship
With the Palta (named after the local Veneto dialect for “mud”) having been first introduced in 2018, the Palta III is the third evolution of the platform. Maintaining Basso’s “Sempre Veloce” (Always Fast) racing DNA, while retaining the versatility needed to cover the vast majority of off-road drop-bar riding.
The signature Palta geometry has been refined for the Palta III through small changes, with every detail having been engineered for the perfect ride. A focus on achieving the perfect fit has been achieved through a high stack, sloping top tube and six overlapping frame sizes to ensure a flexible and tailored fit for every rider.
Palta III introduces significant technological refinements across the board. Hand-made in Italy, the new frameset features a mix of high-performance Torayca
carbon fibers designed to balance weight, stiffness, comfort and strength.
Key design highlights include:
- Reduced Weight: The Size M frame now weighs from just 970g.
- Aerodynamic Efficiency: A 18% reduction in frontal aerodynamic impact area compared to its predecessor.
- Optimised Power Transfer: Bottom bracket and rear triangle stiffness have increased by 19% and 12%, respectively, for explosive acceleration.
- Enhanced Comfort: Head tube stiffness has been reduced by 15% to improve vibration dampening and fluid steering on rough terrain.
Integrated Innovation
The Palta III utilises the second-generation 3B Clamp System, featuring an anti-vibration function that significantly improves comfort on uneven surfaces. This is paired with Basso’s Diamante carbon seatpost and a shorter seat tube to encourage additional flex and extra comfort.
Tire clearance has been expanded to accommodate up to 52mm at the front and 50mm at the rear, allowing for lower pressures, greater comfort and superior traction on technical trails.
Palta also comes with several extra mounting points. The top tube hosts points both above and below for additional bottles, bags and other accessories. Offering two mounting points under the downtube, riders can equip for any distance without making tradeoffs.
Versatility by Design
True to Basso’s customer-centric approach, they build every Palta III according to customer request. Riders can choose their cockpit, groupset, seatpost setback and wheel choice to perfectly match their unique riding style and physiology.
Both mechanical and electronic Groupsets will be available in both 1x and 2x configurations. With SRAM Force XPLR and Red XPLR alongside Shimano GRX 820 and GRX 825 Di2.
Basso offers three distinct cockpit options:
The Fuga integrated handlebar allows for optimized aerodynamics and low weight. Measuring 370mm wide at the hoods and weighing just 300g (+/-3%). Ergonomically shaped tops allow for better hand positioning, a 6° flare widens the bars to 400mm at the drops, while a short 65mm reach enables a clean lever/handlebar integration. Stem sizes range from 80-130mm
The Levita integrated handlebar enables a more classic bike fit. With seamless compatibility and additional customisation without sacrificing weight at just 330g (+/-3%). Widths at the tops range from 380-440mm in 20mm increments, matched with a 4° flare that results in a width of 400-460mm at the drops. Stem sizes range from 80-130mm.
The new Strato alloy stem ensures riders who prefer a traditional, non-integrated setup are catered for. Available in lengths of 80-130mm, Basso evolved the Paradigma stem found on previous generations of Palta. Strato brings an improved clamping system while also reducing the weight to 250g. This is matched with the Carbon Gravel Handlebar, a more traditionally shaped gravel bar with a 12° flare. The bar features an innovative recessed section that allows for the use of thick 4.5mm handlebar tape without sacrificing aesthetics. Sizes range from 400-460mm at the tops and 420-480mm at the drops.
Enhanced through collaboration
Vibram
The Palta marks the introduction of a collaboration on new innovation from Basso and another iconic Italian brand, Vibram. A specially designed rubber downtube not only protects from scratches and dirt but also helps to soak up energy from impacts. The guard features a signature ‘Diamante’ texture and proudly displays Vibram’s famous yellow octagon, a mark of performance and durability worldwide.
Apidura
Basso has partnered with leading technical bikepacking brand Apidura to develop a range of bespoke frame bags to complement the bike’s refined approach to race and adventure. Streamlined, integrated and built to perform without compromise, the waterproof bags use bolt-on attachment for a clean, seamless fit whilst allowing easy access to bottles and the Palta’s in-frame storage.
Options & Availability
Basso offer the Palta III in three meticulously crafted colorways: Purple Dust, Carbon Chrome, and Galaxy Dream. Basso backs these bikes with a generous 5-year warranty.
- Palta III framesets start at €3299 or $4795
- Full builds, starting with a GRX 820 1×12 start at €4299 / $5995 and go up to €8299 / $10995 for SRAM Red XPLR AXS.
- Fuga and Levita Cockpits are available as an upgrade for framesets and selected builds for €250. At press time, there is no pricing option for these in the US.
In the UK, Basso are distributing the Palta III through Chicken CycleKit with the following UK specific builds:
- SRAM Force XPLR AXS / Miche Graff Aero 48 Wheelset – £5399
- Shimano GRX Di2 1×12 / Miche Graff Aero 48 Wheelset – £4699
- Shimano GRX 1×12 / Miche Graff XL Wheelset – £3999
Full details at: www.bassobikes.com
Continental Terra Competition
Blurred lines
Continental has expanded the Terra Range with the launch of the Terra Competition, its fastest ever gravel tire. Engineered to deliver uncompromised speed and improved aerodynamics for multi-surface riding, the Terra Competition is built for riders who want to push the limits and blur the line between road cycling and gravel exploration.
The Terra Competition features a specialized tread pattern optimized for rough tarmac, compressed soils, and light gravel in dry to moist conditions. The design incorporates an almost continuous center area designed for straight-line speed, while pronounced shoulder knobs provide the necessary soil interaction for off-road performance.
Alexander Haenke, MTB and Gravel Product Manager, Continental Tires, set: “We set out to create the Terra Competition for riders who don’t want to choose between road speed and off-road capability. As more riders mix surfaces and push performance, the demand for a fast, yet versatile tire continues to grow. Terra Competition delivers that balance, combining efficiency on tarmac with the confidence needed when the route turns to gravel.”
Casings and use
To meet the specific demands of different riding environments, the Terra Competition is available in both a Race and Trail casing, with distinct compound configurations. The Race casing and Rapid compound is the go-to option for maximum speed and acceleration on flats and inclines. Continental has engineered Trail casing with the Grip compound for more demanding off-road use, utilizing a more robust one-ply construction for improved ground compliance and puncture protection.
Both variants incorporate a textile breaker beneath the tread for enhanced puncture protection and employ the renowned BlackChilli compound. All models are Tubeless Ready and hookless compatible.
In a first for the Terra Range, Continental developed the Competition with a specific focus on reducing aerodynamic drag and increasing efficiency, ensuring high performance on tarmac surfaces. Riders can save up to 16% of weight (up to 68g), with the 35-622 Race variant weighing just 345g, as well as a reduction of up to 17% in rolling resistance compared to the 35-622 Terra Speed.
Key features
- Optimized tread design for reduced drag and increased efficiency across all-road applications
- Weight: 345g (35mm width, 28″), 420g (40mm width, 28″), 470g (45mm width, 28″)
- Available in 700 x 35mm, 40mm, and 45mm and in Race and Trail casings
Pricing and availability
The Continental Terra Competition is available worldwide through select retail partners and Continental distribution channels.
Starting from RRP 68.95€ / £59.30 / $76.26.
Full details on these and the entire Conti gravel range at: continental-tires.com.
Giro Eclipse Pro
Real-World Aero for the Rest of Us
The “aero road” helmet has long been a game of trade-offs. Until now, if you wanted speed, you paid for it in sweat. If you wanted cooling, you paid for it in drag. Giro aimed to end that compromise with the Eclipse Pro.
Spotted throughout the 2025 season on the heads of Team Visma | Lease a Bike and CANYON//SRAM, the Eclipse Pro is no longer a “pro-only” prototype. It is Giro’s newest flagship aero statement, developed by getting out of the laboratory and embracing the open road.
The “Real-World” Aero Shift
In the past, aero helmets were optimized for a static, head-down time trial tuck. But let’s face it: unless you’re staring at your stem for four hours, that’s not how we ride.
Giro’s designers, Ash Lewin and Garrett Tollette, focused the Eclipse Pro on the 30-degree riding angle—the natural “look-ahead” posture of a rider in the drops or on the hoods. By using chamfered leading edges on the front vents, the helmet keeps airflow “attached” to the shell even when your head is tilted. The result? A helmet that is 17% faster than the original Eclipse Spherical in actual racing conditions, not just in a wind tunnel’s “perfect” zero-degree blast.
CFD Mastery & The Aura II Arch
Because this helmet had a lightning-fast 10-month development cycle, Giro traded hundreds of physical wind tunnel man-hours for thousands of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations.
Aura II Reinforcing Arch is the structural centerpiece. It’s a shatter-resistant, translucent twin-bridge “exoskeleton” running through the helmet. By using this high-strength internal brace, Giro was able to carve out massive vents that would normally compromise a helmet’s integrity, maintaining WorldTour-level cooling without the aero penalty.
DryCore Sweat Management: Borrowed from the Aries but refined here, a hidden silicone bead in the brow acts as a “gutter.” It physically redirects sweat away from your forehead and out toward your temples, keeping your optics clear during high-intensity efforts.
Specs & Features
- Spherical Technology: Powered by Mips®, the ball-and-socket design uses two separate EPS liners to manage rotational impact forces without the friction of a plastic slip-pane against your scalp.
- Fit System: Roc Loc 5.5 Air, which suspends the helmet slightly off the skull to create an additional air gap for maximum ventilation.
- Weight: An impressive 280g (Size Medium, CPSC), putting it firmly in the lightweight category despite its aero credentials.
- Padding: Ionic+® antimicrobial padding for permanent odor protection.
- Venting: 15 Wind Tunnel vents with deep internal channeling.
Pricing & Availability
The Giro Eclipse Pro is rolling out to retailers now following its February 15th consumer launch.
- MSRP: $349.95
- Sizes: Small (51–55cm), Medium (55–59cm), Large (59–63cm)
- Colors: Matte Black, Matte White, Matte Flame Red, Matte Sky Blue, and “Frequency” limited editions.
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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: Meteorological Spring — Tifosi Narvar, BMC Timemachine Mpc., LOOK 795 Blade RS, Basso Palta III, Continental Terra Competition, Giro Eclipse Pro appeared first on PezCycling News.
