Gear Break: Rudy Project Astral X super-lightweight glasses, Discover new features as Zwift celebrates 10 years, Lezyne smarter, safer rides – Introducing Ai Alert rear bike lights, Mission Workshop Acre Series vest and jacket, Classified and TRP unveil VISTAR // Powershift 1X16 electronic groupset and Litespeed launches titanium bike trade-in program benefitting Bearings Bike Works.
Rudy Project Astral X Super-Lightweight Glasses
Classy – The glasses, not the model
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: I’ve always like Rudy Project glasses, I’m fairly sure they were the first pair of cycling sunglasses I bought. I’d seen Charly Mottet wearing them back in the 80’s and thought they were cooler than the American ones made famous by Phil Anderson and Greg Lemond. Italian style.
Mottet – Too cool
Since then I have bought, tested and worn a lot of different glasses on the bike, but there is still two pairs of Rudy’s in the collection (and a pair in the car) and if I’m wearing my Rudy Project helmet, then it has to be those glasses. OK, that’s out of the way, what do I think of these new Rudy Project Astral X?
Quality
Like my old Rudy’s, you can feel the quality as the legs are solid, with a real ‘clunk’ when you open the legs. If you look closely you can see they are held in with small screws, no plastic hinges here. Also the nose piece is held by a screw and can be replaced. Talking of which, the nose piece is rubberised for comfort, as are the ends of the legs, both the legs and nose piece are adjustable for the correct fit.
Nice and dark
The lenses I have are the ‘Multilaser Red’ and from the inside they are nice and dark (good for here in Spain), but even in dull conditions you can still see well. One of the best things about Rudy glasses, has always been the clarity of the lenses, they do make the world look more attractive. I need prescription glasses for normal life, but find I can do without on the bike, if I wear a pair of good quality cycling glasses, as they do make everything look clearer. The Rudy’s definitely have top quality lenses.
Cut outs on the legs
The Rudy Astral X have a modern style, at first glance they look quite big, but for someone like me, ‘old school’, they are not ridiculously big and not too wide or high, although the top isn’t flat, it arches up. The top does follow the shape of your face and stops any light coming in at the top. The legs have a cut out on the side and the rubber sections are in a contrasting grey to the black. As with cycling shoes and helmets, I prefer white for my glasses, but the black Astral’s are okay. Like most glasses they come with a soft bag.
Face shaped
I really like them: Comfortable, great optics and top style.
Light – Not super-light
My only criticism would be Rudy’s claim that the glasses are ‘Super-Lightweight’. Yes, they are light, but they are not super-light. The weight is similar to other good quality glasses of similar style. They are lighter than full frame glasses and you can feel the difference, but not ‘Super-Lightweight’.
Full Rudy
As with all glasses and helmets, try them together to make sure they fit, not hitting each other.
What Rudy Project says about the Astral X: Super-Lightweight Glasses Suitable for All Outdoor Sports
A wider lens offers increased protection from light and wind, enhancing both comfort and visibility
Rudy Project presents Astral X, the ideal sports glasses for every outdoor activity. Lightweight, stylish, and with exceptional UV protection, they offer clear, sharp, and comfortable vision in any condition. They are the perfect companion to tackle any outdoor challenge, from running to cycling, from beach volleyball to boating or canoeing, and cross-country skiing.
All the Advantages of Astral and Enhanced Protection
Astral X represents the natural evolution of Astral, Rudy Project’s best seller. Retaining the features that made the original model famous, such as lightness and secure fit, Astral X introduces a wider lens for even greater protection from wind and light, while also improving visibility. Thanks to collaboration with professional athletes like Johannes Klæbo, Rudy Project has optimized the lens shape to offer unprecedented comfort. Building upon the success of its predecessor, Astral X stands out for its light weight, weighing less than 30 grams, and offers customizable fit thanks to the adjustable nose pad and wrap-around temples, ensuring unparalleled stability even during the most intense activities.
Category 3 Mirrored Lenses: Performance and Style
The RP Optics polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and durable, offering 91% UV protection (category 3) and clear, precise vision in all light conditions. Thanks to advanced technology, with anti-reflective treatment that reduces glare and improved contrast, they reduce visual fatigue and enhance detail perception, allowing you to appreciate every detail of the landscape. Astral X is available in numerous color and finish combinations, including mirrored lenses and crystal or matte temples, to meet every taste and need.
Sustainable Materials and Optical Resolutions
Crafted from sustainable Rilsan® material – a polymer derived from castor oil, the temples are both flexible and durable. A choice that, in addition to guaranteeing high performance, contributes to more sustainable production. Always attentive to athletes’ needs, Rudy Project also offers a customized optical solution for this model with an RX insert, allowing them to practice their favorite activities without compromising visual correction, reaffirming its dedication to high-quality sports eyewear.
Helmet and glasses
Astral X is now available from GB £166.00, US $189.99 and EU €139.90 in 5 different color variants at the best stores or on www.rudyproject.com.
Shop for Rudy Project sunglasses on Amazon here
Discover new features as Zwift celebrates 10 years
Zwift Ride Smart Frame, new roads, bike upgrades, customizable data displays and much more coming to Zwift this season
As Zwift celebrates a decade of transforming indoor training, the brand previewed its suite of innovative software updates coming from September 2024. Promising to enhance user experience and bring even more excitement to the virtual world of cycling, these updates are designed to make training more fun, accessible, and personalized for Zwifters worldwide.
Watopia Expansion: New roads launching during Tour of Watopia – November
November brings an expansion to Zwift’s most-loved virtual world: Watopia. Zwifters may notice something unusual appearing from the ocean, just off Watopia’s coast – could they be ancient structures? Zwifters will need to wait until November for Stage 5 of the Tour of Watopia to explore this new land.
Stage 5 isn’t all that Zwifters have to look forward to during the Tour of Watopia this year. Celebrating a decade of cycling and running on Zwift, Zwifters will take in five stages of Watopia expansions, starting with some of the earliest routes. Zwifters will have the option of three distance options and double XP, when completed live during Events, or 1.5x XP when ridden On Demand.
Revamped Heads Up Display (HUD) for a Customized Experience – Available Now
In response to community feedback, a refreshed Heads-Up Display (HUD) ensures the most critical information is right where users need it. With seven customizable metrics—including cadence, heart rate, average watts and watts per kilogram, among others—users can tailor their experience like never before.
Runners also receive an update to the HUD, featuring a fixed display of a heart rate zone distribution bar, heart rate and steps per minute. Wahoo KICKR Run owners will also see the new Dynamic Elevation display when utilizing Incline Control.
Zwift Ride Smart Frame Available Now
Available to purchase today, the Zwift Ride Smart Frame retails for $799.99/€799.99/£749.99 and is available in the US, EU, and UK from Zwift.com. The Zwift Ride Smart Frame is exclusively compatible with Zwift Ready smart trainers.
Click here to learn more about the Zwift Ride Smart Frame and Zwift Ready.
Unlock New Challenges and Earn Rewards – From September 9
Introducing a range of new challenges, which can all be accessed via the Challenges section on the Home Screen and can be completed alongside one additional ‘main’ challenge – Everest, Italy or California.
Cardio Crusher – Sept 9
Catering to a wide range of fitness goals and for time-crunched athletes, the Cardio Crusher Challenge offers five new workouts, all under an hour. Zwifters who complete all five workouts will unlock 250 XP.
Route Chaser: The Grade – Oct 3
Ideal for users looking for a Challenge to earn new badges. Zwifters must complete five routes to complete the challenge, three of which are new – Mayan 8 (23.1km with 241m elevation gain), Radio Rendezvous (20.5km with 736m elevation gain), and Power to the Tower (44.7km with 1492m elevation gain).
More Challenges will be added in the coming months.
Enhanced Racing Experience with Zwift Racing Score – October
Zwift Racing Score is set to revolutionize racing on Zwift. This update will ensure that racers are placed in the right category from the beginning of their racing journey, making races more competitive and enjoyable. The score dynamically adjusts based on your current fitness and also your performance in races. With improved matchmaking and rewards for strategic racecraft, Zwift Racing Score is designed to elevate the competitive experience.
Zwift Racing Calendar:
Zwift Racing has come a long way since the community first began to self-organize races on Jarvis Island. Today there are over 100 community event organizers organizing races on the platform, helping to create a competitive space for Zwifters globally.
Complementing Zwift Community events is the Zwift Racing Calendar. Split into four key pillars:
zRacing Monthly – Year-round racing with new racing routes landing each month.
Zwift Racing League – The largest team event in cycling with 2,610 teams participating in the 23/24 Season, the league brings Zwifters together offering 3 rounds consisting of 6 races each between Sept and Feb.
Zwift World Series – Five races spanning from Sept to Jan, the tailor-made courses offer three tiers of monthly monument racing challenges.
Zwift Games – Launching in March, the Zwift Championships will return for a second year, offering Zwifters the chance to race for Community and Elite levels with more to be revealed in the coming months.
More information about racing on Zwift can be found at www.zwift.com/racing
Garage Upgrades: Customize Your Ride – Q4 2024
The Zwift Garage is getting an overhaul for 2024. For the first time, Zwifters can look forward to upgrading their virtual bikes. Zwifters will be able to upgrade their bikes by completing Upgrade Challenges to unlock the ability to purchase the next Upgrade Stage using well-earned Drops. All bikes will have five stages of upgrades, offering enhancements such as weight reductions, improved aerodynamics, and lower rolling resistance.
For Zwifters with Drops burning a hole in their virtual jersey pockets, Zwift will also be introducing Halo Bikes. Halo Bikes, like the Pinarello Espada will offer high performance and huge street cred. Only the most brand-loyal Drop Shop customers will be invited to purchase Halo Bikes. More details coming soon.
Fall Training Content
Zwift Academy returns – Aug 5 – Nov 3
Zwift Academy is back and ready to challenge all cyclists to improve their fitness while competing for a chance to join a professional cycling team. This year offers an extended window for riders to compete, spanning from Aug 5 until Nov 3, which aims to make it easier for riders in both the North and South hemispheres.
2024 has a sharper focus on talent ID with the workouts really focused on testing physiological capabilities. Riders who complete the program can earn the in-game Zwift Academy kit, an in-game Zwift Academy Canyon Aeroad paint job, and a chance to earn a pro contract with CANYON//SRAM Generation or Alpecin-Deceuninck Development for the top-performing female and male respectively.
Zwift Camp: Baseline – Nov 18 – Jan 5
Introducing a new Workout Program designed to help Zwifters learn more about themselves with six workouts with long and short versions to suit all athletes. Upon completion, Zwifters will receive a report helping identify their strengths and weaknesses based on their rider type. After the program, there will be new Challenges available for riders to take the next step with their fitness goals.
Celebrating 10 Years on Zwift – September – December
This season, Zwift is celebrating a decade of helping make more people, more active, more often. In that time, the Zwift community has logged a collective 8.72 billion kilometres, climbing 81.56 billion metres. Zwift is a collective experience, so many of those kilometres have been earned riding alongside other Zwifters from all corners of the world in group events. Community event organizers are the backbone of Zwift events and have organized an eye-watering 4,034,556 events over the last ten years. To all those community organizers, we thank you!
To find out more about This Season on Zwift visit www.zwift.com/this-season-on-zwift.
Lezyne Smarter, Safer Rides – Introducing Ai Alert Rear Bike Lights!
Ai Alert LED Lights
Our Ai Alert LEDs utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict when a cyclist is braking, enhancing safety by automatically increasing the brightness of the rear lights. This technology not only alerts drivers behind the cyclist but also adapts to different riding conditions to provide optimal visibility.
Advanced Taillights with “Ai Alert” Brake Sensing Technology
Ai Alert LEDs Offer the Latest Technology in Cycling Safety
The Art of Being Seen
When the cyclist decelerates, their rear light will automatically switch to a distinct “brake light” mode to signal a decrease in speed to anyone behind, enhancing visibility and safety while riding.
Engineered Precision
The threaded waterproof cap of Saddle Drive 250 light ensures a secure and watertight seal, protecting the internal USB-C charging port from moisture and environmental elements.
Alert Intelligence
We developed our Ai Alert lights through machine learning, our Ai Alert software filters for actual braking events, making it the most accurate and best cycling brake light on the market.
Our Ai lights are an enclosed software system, and do not collect rider data.
More info at: ride.lezyne.com.
Mission Workshop Acre Series Vest and Jacket
Acre Series Vest – MSRP: $230
The Acre Series Vest is designed to be fast and light. Performing well under high energy activities such as cycling, running, and hiking. The Pertex shell and 40g Primaloft Gold insulation allows excess heat and vapor to escape while maintaining a radiant layer of warmth close to your core.
Pertex® Quantum face fabrics are BLUESIGN certified and utilize an environmentally friendly PFC-free water-repellent coating that sheds light rain and snow.
Insulated with PrimaLoft® 40g Gold Active+, the Acre Vest provides warmth without bulk, is breathable, and utilizes 55% recycled fibers.
Details:
Packs down into the front hand warmer pocket allowing it to be highly compressed and easily carried in a jersey or side pocket
The vest makes for a great insulating mid-layer under any of Mission Workshop’s waterproof shells
Large rear stow pocket
Hand warmer pockets
Two-way separating YKK front zip
Reflective details
Soft microfiber collar for comfort
Pertex® Quantum face fabrics
Insulated with PrimaLoft® 40g Gold Active+
PFC Free DWR [Durable Water Repellent] Coating
Made in Vietnam
More info at: missionworkshop.com.
Acre Series Jacket – MSRP: $275
The Acre Series Jacket is designed to be fast and light. Performing well under high energy activities such as cycling, running, and hiking. The Pertex® shell and 40g PrimaLoft® Gold insulation allows excess heat and vapor to escape while maintaining a radiant layer of warmth close to your core.
The Pertex® Quantum face fabrics are BLUESIGN certified and utilize an environmentally friendly PFC free DWR water-repellent coating. Insulated with PrimaLoft® 40g Gold Active+, the Acre Jacket provides warmth without bulk, is breathable, and utilizes 55% recycled fibers.
Entire jacket packs down into the front hand warmer pocket, allowing it to be highly compressed and easily carried in a jersey or side pocket. The jacket also makes for a great insulating mid-layer under any of Mission Workshop’s waterproof shells.
Product Features:
Pertex® Quantum BLUESIGN certified fabric
PFC Free DWR [Durable Water Repellent] Coating
PrimaLoft® 40g Gold Active+ insulation
Performance fit – Size up if you are in between sizes
Made in Vietnam
More info at: missionworkshop.com.
Classified and TRP unveil VISTAR // Powershift 1X16 Electronic Groupset
Pioneering brands reveal their first collaboration at Eurobike bringing high-performance
1x gearing to road and gravel riders
Classified, trailblazers in advanced drivetrain technology, and TRP, leaders in precision cycling components, have joined forces to unveil the VISTAR // Powershift electronic road and gravel groupset at Eurobike ahead of its full launch at the end of Q3 2024.
This groundbreaking 1x setup – available in a 1×16 model for road and a 1×15 version for gravel – sets a new precedent in high-performance drivetrains, providing superior efficiency and durability, and the widest-range road and gravel groupset on the market.
Next-level drivetrain
Born from the need for a simpler drivetrain with more functionality, the strategic collaboration between Classified and TRP redefines what riders can expect from their equipment.
VISTAR // Powershift’s unique and innovative setup combines new, intuitive QuantumShift gearing with Classified’s integrated Powershift Technology, enabling cyclists to enjoy the ease of a 1x drivetrain with all the advantages of a 2x system.
This hard work and dedication has already been recognised, with VISTAR // PowerShift winning the Components category at the Eurobike Awards 2024.
Revolutionary setup
The groupset’s 1x configuration simplifies gearing. The single front chainring and close ratio, 12-speed cassette creates a clean and low-maintenance setup, and by utilising QuantumShift, riders can enjoy smart, virtual shifting using integrated buttons on a single brake lever, taking them though 15 or 16 unique gears. The choice is also available for riders to shift the Powershift hub and derailleur independently, enabling all 24 gear options.
A range of >530% (using a 11-40T cassette) is truly unrivalled, the widest on the market, and ensures riders always find the right gear, whatever the gradient.
Working together to make something better
Both the Classified and TRP teams came together through thoughtful collaboration, creating a brand-new type of groupset; a unique, fully integrated ecosystem in which all components have been designed to function as one, giving more gears, more range and more riding.
Shifting for the entire groupset, including Classified’s two-speed Powershift Hub, is wirelessly controlled by VISTAR’s brake levers via TRP’s wireless CMD (Command) protocol. This combination produces a new type of precise and responsive shifting.
Superior braking performance
TRP has over 35 years experience producing advanced braking systems which bring cutting-edge capabilities to cyclists around the world. VISTAR’s innovative, ergonomically designed hoods and levers enable powerful, one-finger braking, irrespective of hand size, enhancing riders’ safety and confidence on the bike.
These fully adjustable components offer a personalised and comfortable experience, whatever the ride.
Efficiency and aerodynamics
The benefit of no front derailleur is that it enables maximum performance by minimising aerodynamic drag. VISTAR // Powershift’s 1x solution allows riders to push bigger gears and reduces friction and energy loss whilst optimising drivetrain efficiency through smarter, straighter chainline management. The Wave Technology built into the TRP cassette ensures direct and quick shifting.
Shifting is possible when stationary or even when sprinting at full power, changing how riders interact with their gears and simplifying their overall riding experience.
Durability and reliability
Constructed using the highest-quality materials and advanced engineering techniques, VISTAR // Powershift is built to withstand the rigours of intense cycling. Its durable design enables long-lasting performance, providing cyclists with a reliable and resilient groupset that can handle the very toughest conditions.
Those capabilities were proven at the very highest level at UNBOUND Gravel 2024 when Classified Ridley Factory Team professional Arno Van Den Broeck rode it for nine hours, over 200 miles of harsh gravel terrain.
The ability to ride with one large chainring meanwhile, also reduces the load on the chain, cassette and bearings, improving the lifetime of each component.
Cross-discipline versatility
Thanks to its unique drivetrain topology, VISTAR // Powershift is designed to excel on road and gravel, providing consistent, ultra-reliable performance and the right gear choice on either terrain.
Riders can choose between two new chainsets: the Classified aero chainset, which offers increased aerodynamics and efficiency, or the gossamer styling of the VISTAR chainset.
Classified CEO Mathias Plouvier said: “We have spent two years collaborating with TRP on this groundbreaking product and are excited to showcase the VISTAR // Powershift groupset for the first time. Both Classified and TRP share the same strategic vision about pushing the boundaries of drivetrain technologies and we have achieved our goal of creating a pioneering product that not only is fast, efficient and durable, but also offers the widest gear range on the market.”
TRP CEO Leo Chen said: “We’re proud to have joined forces with Classified on our first electronic drop bar road and gravel groupset. Both companies are driven to disrupt the market with innovative, new technologies, and with VISTAR // Powershift, we have delivered a unique groupset that provides top-tier 2x performance with all the benefits of a 1x system.”
More information on Classified at: classified-cycling.cc.
More information on TRP at: trpcycling.com.
Litespeed Launches Titanium Bike Trade-In Program Benefitting Bearings Bike Works
Litespeed Bicycles is excited to announce the launch of the Litespeed Titanium Bike Trade-In Program, offering cyclists the opportunity to upgrade their ride while supporting a worthy cause. Existing owners of any titanium bike or frame can now trade in their old bikes to earn credit toward a new bike from the current Litespeed range. The used bikes will be sent directly to Bearings Bike Works, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization.
Bearings Bike Works rebuilds used bikes—anything from kids bikes to mountain bikes, road bikes and more—into serviceable, rideable condition bikes for sale to the Atlanta community, in the process providing inner-city Atlanta kids and young adults with valuable life and work skills. These skills include bike service and repair, customer service, local trail stewardship and more, helping these youth earn credits towards their own bikes.
Supporting a Great Cause: By participating in this trade-in program, you not only get to enjoy a modern titanium bike but also contribute to a program that empowers youth. Bearings Bike Works teaches industry skills through the refurbishment of used bikes and helps get more people involved in cycling. Your old bike will be refurbished and rehomed, providing accessible cycling to the Atlanta community, while providing deserving youth with opportunities to learn and grow.
Litespeed is proud to partner with non-profits like Bearings Bike Works that focus on teaching industry and personal growth skills to Atlanta area youth. “For years, cyclists have approached titanium bicycles as a lifetime investment. But in the past few years, advancements in the industry have resulted in new standards that date those wonderful bicycles,” says Litespeed and American Bicycle Group COO Christopher Pascarella. “We felt it was important to give cyclists an avenue to capture some of the value their old bikes hold while providing the opportunity to take advantage of the new trends in cycling, like gravel riding. The best part of the program is that titanium truly is a lifetime material, and these old bikes still provide a wonderful riding experience for people. Bearings Bike Works programs allow these used bikes to benefit the community in multiple ways; teaching skills, providing new riders access to high-performance equipment, and sustaining what we consider an important non-profit.”
“We’ve admired Litespeed and the American Bicycle Group team for years,” said Bearings Bike Works co-founder Becky O’Mara.”We love that they’re a neighbor that has worked with us in so many initiatives over the years—and of course we love the amazing work that comes from the Litespeed shop. With this trade-in initiative, we’re excited to see more bikes that can be fixed up so they have a new life in someone else’s hands, while providing skills for the kids in our program. We admire and are simply grateful for Litespeed’s creative ways they support our work.”
More info on Bearings Bike Works at: bearingsbikeworks.org.
More info on American Bicycle Group at: quintanarootri.com, obedbikes.com, and litespeed.com.
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: Rudy Project Astral X Super-Lightweight Glasses, Zwift Celebrates 10 years, Lezyne Ai Alert Rear Lights, Mission Workshop Vest and Jacket, Classified and TRP Unveil VISTAR // Powershift & Litespeed Launches Titanium Bike Trade-In Program appeared first on PezCycling News.
