Well, we’re charging along toward winter, and depending on where you are, fall is in full swing by now. Leading out today’s Gear Break we’ve got a durable, puncture-resistant Panaracer road tire and tube review from Chuck. Next up, a new helmet from MET raises the bar for protection while upping the ante in the lightweight category. BMC has just dropped a new road integrated cockpit, and it promises to be fast. Rapha has updated the Brevet insulated jacket and gilet, again, and actually listened to their loyal rider base for this update. Walz vintage caps, cotton and boldly displaying some of the greatest team liveries in cycling history are here just in time for Christmas shopping. Speaking of Christmas, if you fancy a new personalized LOOK 795 Blade RS or Keo Blade pedals, check out their new LOOK configurator. No time to waste, let’s dive in!
Panaracer Agilest Duro Road Tire and PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tube
Panaracer Agilest Duro Road Tire – $59.99
PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tube – $25.99
Chuck sez: PEZ readers and Gear Break fans will know that I’m a road tubeless convert. But I still keep a set of wheels set up with tubes as my back-up/emergency wheels. So I was keen to test out Panaracer’s newest Agilest Duro Road Tire (at this stage of my riding career, I’m more interested in puncture resistance/flat protection than I am go-fastness). And instead of pairing thew tires with old fashioned butyl tubes, I used the latest and greatest tube tech in the form of their PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tube (TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane).
Panaracer doesn’t spec weight, but claims the Agilest Duro is 20 grams lighter than its predecessor mode
The specs on the tires
According to Panaracer:
- The Panaracer AGILEST Duro tire brings increased puncture resistance to the mix by incorporating the newly developed TOUGH & FLEX SUPER OUTER SHIELD” and “PROTITE BELT” into this reliable performance tire.
- ZSG stands for “Zero Slip Grip.” The ZSG Agile Compound maintains the same adhesion as previous compounds while reducing rolling resistance by a further 12% over its predecessor, the ZSG Advanced Compound. The TOUGH & FLEX SUPER BELT was developed to provide better puncture resistance while providing a supple ride and low rolling resistance performance.
Installing the tires
It’s been a while since I’ve changed out a set of clinchers with tubes, but thankfully I remembered. Even though the Panaracer Agilest Duro Road Tire isn’t tubeless, I still found the bead to be very tight/stiff. A solution of dish soap and water sprayed on the rim isn’t a bad idea to help with getting that last bit up and over.
My Kool Stop Tire Bead Jack also makes installation a little bit easier
I got the Panaracer Agilest Duro Road Tire in 700×30 because that’s my new standard tire size for riding (I actually ride 700×32 during the winter). I’m in the camp of “wider is better” because they’re not any slower than narrower tires, have a larger contact patch for better grip and handling, and can be run at lower pressures for more comfort. But the Panaracer Agilest Duro Road Tire is also available in 700×23, 700×25, and 700×28.
>>The Panaracer Agilest Duro Road Tire doesn’t have a tread pattern so you don’t have to worry about mounting it backwards (not that I’ve ever done that … ever)
Centering the tire logo to the valve stem is critical
The specs on the tubes
The first thing everyone is going to ask about the PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road tube is: Why spend $25.99 on an innertube? Fair enough. Here are some of the advantages of TPU inner tubes:
- They are significantly lighter than butyl tubes
- They provide better puncture protection than butyl tubes
- They hold air better than latex tubes
- They an be folded into a much smaller size, making them easier to carry as a spare
Another advantage of the PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tube is that it can be used in tires 700×23-32 (with a lot of butyl inner tubes, you’d need two different tubes to span that width difference).
>>The PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tube (I got the 65mm valve stem but it’s also available in 85mm if you’re running deeper dish rims) comes with stuff I don’t use/need (left-to-right): rim washer/spacer, o-ring, rim nut, valve stem cap. NOTE: the valve core is removable.
You’ll have to decide for yourself whether those benefits are worth the price of admission (a regular butyl inner tube with Presta valve generally cost less than $10 at your LBS).
Spot on spec weight
Installing the tube
Installing the PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tube is a little bit different in that after initially mounting the tire on the rim and inserting the tube into the tire (making sure there are no twists or bends in the tube), you need to inflate it with just enough air for it to take shape (just a few psi) before mounting the other side of the tire. Of course, do all the usual checking of the rim and inside of tire before you install the tube. After mounting the tire completely, make sure the tube isn’t pinched between the rim and tire.
>>The PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tube is substantially smaller than a conventional butyl tube — one of the reasons I now carry one as my spare tube
So how do they ride?
One of the reasons I’m a road tubeless convert is because of the ride quality. What I said when I first went to the dark side:
The difference riding them tubeless is nothing short of remarkable. It’s about as close to the ever elusive feeling of riding tubulars (what I used to ride exclusively way back in the day when I was still racing). The best way I can describe the ride is that it’s a sensation of floating on the tarmac.
The ride of the Panaracer Agilest Road Tires with PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tubes isn’t the same as tubeless, but it felt close. On smoother surfaces, it was very comfortable. Where I could feel the difference was riding over road imperfections. The “hit” was just a little bit “harder” than riding tubeless (in part because of higher pressure — 65 psi tubeless vs 70 psi with tubes for 700×30 tires). But, I wouldn’t call it “harsh.”
In conclusion…
If you’re riding regular clinchers and looking for ride quality that begins to approach tubeless, the Panaracer Agilest Road Tires with PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tubes combo are worth considering IMHO. More expensive than regular tubes, to be sure. But less expensive (the Panaracer Agilest Duro TLR Folding Road Tire retails for $82.99) and less hassle (sealant) than going tubeless.
So if I’m a tubeless convert, why would I ride the Panaracer Agilest Road Tires with PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tubes? In a word … laziness. Keeping both my bikes (Colnago V3 and LOOK Blade 795) up to snuff with sealant can sometimes be a PITA (I know … first world problem). So if I don’t feel like dealing with it, I can put the wheels with the Panaracer Agilest Road Tires with PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tubes on one bike and ride it without worrying about topping off sealant.
ONE FINAL NOTE: TPU tubes hold air better than latex tubes, but are more prone to losing air than the butyl tubes. If riding with the PURPLE LITE Lightweight TPU Road Tubes, check your tire pressure before you ride!
Ready to roll!
MET Trenta 3K Carbon
A change in the air
Racing doesn’t wait. Every year the speed rises, gaps tighten, and the margin for error shrinks. The new MET Trenta 3K Carbon arrives at exactly the right moment, made for an era where racing demands more — more speed, more control, more protection. Gear Break isn’t just about fast, or cool, safety matters too!
What to know
- Ventilation: Increased by 16% thanks to a reworked internal geometry and optimised air channeling, engineered within MET’s proprietary wind tunnel.
- Protection: Safety performance is up 40% in independent lab testing for linear and rotational impacts, earning a 5-star Virginia Tech rating.
- Development: Created in close collaboration with Tadej Pogačar, UAE Team Emirates XRG, and UAE Team ADQ.
A proven performer
The new Trenta 3K Carbon has already taken wins at the UCI Road World Championships, the 2025 Tour de France and Giro d’Italia Women, chosen by riders who know that safety and performance are the same thing.
Since its debut in 2017, the Trenta 3K Carbon has been refined through thousands of test hours, race days, and, yes, real crashes. The goal was never incremental change. It was to push airflow and impact protection to a new level while keeping the helmet intuitive for riders at full effort.
The results are measurable: airflow up 16%, independent safety scores up 40% – among the highest ever recorded under Virginia Tech’s protocol. The Trenta still feels minimal, but its structure now reacts better when speeds are high and crashes come hard.
Cooling is Control
The helmet features a carbon wing structure that eliminates EPS from the internal frame. The result is a continuous internal air channel, uninterrupted from the front intake to the rear exhaust.
With a 16% improvement in airflow compared to the previous generation, it sets a new benchmark in ventilation, aerodynamic management, and comfort. At its core is the 3K Airframe: a carbon wing structure that removes EPS from the internal frame with open air channels. Air moves freely from the front intakes to the rear exhausts – you can almost see straight through it. It’s a quiet piece of engineering that keeps the head cool whether climbing at 12km/h or descending at 90.
Data driven design for safety and performance
The deeper rear profile is the most visible update, an evolution based on data from hundreds of crash returns across WorldTour seasons. That insight, combined with our internal test lab, allows rapid cycles of real-world feedback and lab refinement. Protection, in other words, isn’t theoretical. Inside the new Trenta 3K Carbon, MET designed three main ribs, keeping them as linear as possible to avoid interfering with airflow and to reduce the surface area in contact with the head. This new internal geometry optimizes air channeling and overall ventilation efficiency.
The new construction achieves a 40% improvement in the Virginia Tech test — the world’s most recognized independent safety rating protocol — earning 5 stars and one of the best scores ever recorded. Every year, the team send between 20 and 30 crashed helmets back to the engineers — most of them showing clear signs of high-energy impacts. This means almost every rider of a World Tour Team experiences at least one high-speed crash per season. Minimizing the risk of concussion is a top priority, at the same level as performance.
World Tour Collaboration
The MET Trenta 3K Carbon is developed in direct collaboration with Tadej Pogačar, UAE Team Emirates, and UAE Team ADQ. Worn in the world’s most prestigious races, it has already been part of victories at the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia Women, delivering an unmatched performance level.
SPECS:
• Weight M size: 260g
• Sizes: S (52-56cm) | M (56-58cm) | L (58-61cm)
• Certifications: CE | US | AS-NZ
KEY FEATURES:
• 3K Airframe: integrated carbon cage for enhanced performance
• Mips AIR®: ultralight rotational protection system
• Optimized fit: secure and comfortable internal shape
• In-mould polycarbonate shell with high-protection EPS liner
• Safe-T Orbital system: 360°, vertical and occipital adjustment
• Air Lite straps with adjustable divider
• 24 ventilation ports with internal air channeling
• Sunglasses ports integrated into side vents
• Minimal contact with the head for max ventilation
• Helmet soft bag included
MRSP:
• New MET Trenta 3K Carbon: 400€ | £350 | US$450 | AU$580
For all the info on the new MET 3K Carbon, “head” over to MET Helmets.
BMC ICS Carbon Aero Mpc. — US$1250
Aero integration meets race control
BMC introduced a new race-focused addition to its acclaimed Integrated Cockpit System (ICS) lineup: the ICS Carbon Aero Mpc. cockpit. Developed alongside BMC Factory Racing and the world’s top road athletes, this next-generation cockpit brings pro-level performance directly to mortal riders.
This isn’t just an accessory; it’s a Masterpiece. BMC engineered the cockpit in Europe using the highest-grade carbon. Designed “by racers, for racers,” it offers a no-compromise blend of stiffness, weight, and user-focused functionality. The ICS Carbon Aero Mpc. aerodynamic one-piece cockpit completes BMC’s flagship Teammachine R Mpc. frameset.
Following their AeroSynthesys philosophy, BMC designed the cockpit to be the leading edge of the bicycle system. It slices the airflow before it reaches the rider delivering real-world aero gains. But performance doesn’t sacrifice control or weight. At just +80g over traditional designs, it delivers twice the stiffness thanks to an optimized carbon composite layup and a new steerer clamping system that maximizes surface contact for ultimate control and power transfer.
Race-Ready Ergonomics and Fit
The ergonomic details are designed for the modern pro:
- Compact width: at the hoods, at the drops, with a flare for optimal wrist positioning.
- Modern drops: Designed to align perfectly with today’s offset brake levers (like SRAM Red), and BMC’s progressive drop shape ensures confident handling and smooth hand transitions.
- Stem options: Available in increments from to to dial in any race fit.
Finally, while fully integrated, BMC kept maintenance simple with streamlined external cable routing under clean bar covers. It comes complete with mounts for Garmin, Wahoo, and a GoPro interface for lights or cameras. The ICS Carbon Aero Mpc. promises to be the new benchmark for race-proven efficiency and control.
For more information, or any of BMC’s other ICS components, head over to BMC.com.
Rapha Brevet Insulated Revival
Pockets are back for the long haul
Rapha’s Brevet collection has always been synonymous with long-distance riding, offering the high-visibility and functional layering required for multi-day epics and late-night audaxes. This week, Rapha unveiled the latest versions of the Brevet Insulated Jacket and Gilet, updating their most adaptable cool-weather pieces with improved materials and, crucially, bringing back a key element of the jacket in response to the demands of their loyal riders.
The jacket is mostly unchanged…so is the gilet
Long-distance cyclists encounter wildly fluctuating temperatures, making a single layer that can manage both warmth and breathability essential. The core of both the jacket and gilet is Polartec Alpha insulation. This high-tech synthetic is an “active insulation”—meaning it’s engineered to regulate body temperature during both high-intensity efforts (breathing freely to prevent overheating) and static moments (locking in heat). Being synthetic and DWR-coated, the shell sheds water and dries quickly, ensuring it will perform even in damp or misty conditions.
The Return of Essential Storage
For many Pez readers, the biggest story here is the return of the two deep, zippered side entry rear pockets to the Brevet Insulated Jacket. The last generation of this jacket saw Rapha remove these vital rear storage pockets. Riders—who depended on the jacket’s self-contained utility for food, tools, and electronics—vented their frustration in the reviews. Rapha clearly listened! This small change restores the jacket’s status as a true outer layer, meaning you can ride without cargo bibs or an overloaded jersey underneath.
The pockets are back and two way zips ensure easy ventilation
Andy sez: “I have two of these jackets, both nearly 5 years old, and they are my go to jacket in cool to cold weather. But, they are getting old, with small tears, and one broken zipper tab. Without the pockets in the last generation jacket, I just accepted I’d wear these until they disintegrated. But, now, I can replace them. They are a critical outer layer, worn either alone over a merino base layer, or paired with a wool Brevet jersey to really tackle some cold winter rides. Gear Break fans, this is a jacket worth owning.”
Key details for the Brevet rider
The entire Brevet line is built for self-supported practicality:
- Visibility: Both garments feature the signature perforated Brevet reflective stripes and armband for maximum visibility in low-light conditions.
- Insulation: Polartec Alpha (using recycled fibers) provides incredible warmth-to-weight, making the pieces highly compressible.
- Ventilation: A two-way VISLON zip on both the jacket and gilet allows riders to easily vent heat from the bottom while keeping the chest insulated, and provides access to jersey pockets underneath the gilet.
- Fit & Packability: Soft, brushed jersey side panels allow for a snug fit that also stretches comfortably over already-stuffed jersey pockets. When the sun comes out, both pieces roll up neatly into a small package, secured by an integrated elastic loop at the neck, fitting easily into a jersey pocket.
The new Rapha Brevet Insulated Jacket and Gilet confirm that Rapha still understands the core needs of the long-distance rider: warmth, visibility, and above all, storage capacity.
The jacket retails for $290.00 | 230,00€, and the gilet for $260.00 | 210,00€. Head over to Rapha to find out more.
Walz Vintage Cycling Caps — $34.99
Throwback classics
A throwback to the golden age of grit, gears, and glory, the Walz Vintage Cycling Cap Collection pays tribute to the legendary teams and timeless style of cycling’s most iconic eras. These will make great gifts for your favorite retro fan…or yourself!
These Vintage Caps are made with the Walz quality that you love, and are a nod to the bold colors, historic rivalries, and unforgettable champions who rode steel frames and conquered cobblestones. Five teams, six caps…plenty to choose from and honor some of the greatest teams ever to line up.
The lineup
Celebrate the dominance of the Molteni Cycling Team with this black cotton 3-panel cycling cap featuring the Molteni logo and a tricolor grosgrain ribbon honoring Italy’s rich cycling legacy.
Walz’ Peugeot white cotton 3-panel cycling cap is silk screened with the Peugeot lion proudly displayed on the top panel along with a blue, white, and red grosgrain ribbon.
This retro Bic Cycling Cap is a tribute to one of the most recognizable kits in pro racing history. Featuring the bold orange and white color scheme and the unmistakable Bic logo.
The 7-Eleven 3-panel white cotton cap features the 7-Eleven logo on both sides as well as under the bill. A green, white, and red grosgrain ribbon runs proudly across the top—a tribute to the team’s unforgettable Giro d’Italia triumphs.
Bold, timeless, and unmistakably cool — the Brooklyn Cycling Cap is more than just a piece of gear. It’s a symbol of cycling’s golden era, immortalized by champions and cherished by fans worldwide. Available in black and blue.
Head over to Walz Caps and check out the collection, pick up a cap or two. Truly a classic for Gear Break. All caps retail for $34.99.
LOOK Cycle Configurator
Your LOOK à la carte
LOOK Cycle has introduced its ‘Your LOOK a la Carte,’ a new online configurator that brings exclusive customization, allowing customers to personalize their equipment down to the last detail. The new platform focuses on offering custom options across LOOK’s leading road products, starting with the 795 Blade RS (available worldwide) and Keo Blade pedals (currently available in Europe only).
For the Keo Blade pedals, the new configurator offers customers maximum control, enabling them to specify the design and blade tension, choose axle options to fine-tune the Q-Factor, select between CrMo or Titanium axle finishes, and pick one of three available cleat float options.
The flagship 795 Blade RS is also fully customisable. Customers can make bespoke selections for frame colours, select preferred groupsets and wheels, and specify the dimensions for their stems and handlebars.
Each bike is crafted to order in LOOK’s workshops in Burgundy, France. The process blends French expertise with carefully chosen components, ensuring the final product is precisely tailored to the rider’s individual needs.
To learn more, and configure your own, head over to LOOK.
Thanks for checking us out this week. Fall is coming at us full bore now, and that means Christmas is headed our way. Keep checking Gear Break as we head toward November, as we intend to provide a few extras to treat your favorite cyclist (or, to coax your favorite other cyclist to treat you with!).
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: Panaracer tires and TPU tubes, MET Trenta 3K Carbon, BMC Integrated Cockpits, Rapha Brevet Insulated Jacket and Gilet, Walz Vintage caps, and LOOK à la carte appeared first on PezCycling News.
