Gear Break: Santini cold weather kit with help from Polartec®, rolling out adventure cycling digital routes on Ride with GPS, Assos unveils EQUIPE R and DYORA R collections, 3T updates Racemax Italia Range with UDH compatibility and introduces the EVO Special Edition, Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar powered by UAE Team Emirates XRG extends partnership with Ultrahuman and a new chapter: fizik x EF Education–EasyPost & EF Education-Oatly.
Santini Cold Weather Kit with Help from Polartec®
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: When I started going out with a cycling club and then racing in the late 70’s, the clothing was nothing like we have now. I’m sure the first race kit I had was made out of potato sack, and the chamois…. Soon after that, cycle clothing started to appear from Europe and one of the manufacturers I would dream of was Santini. At the time it was out of my price range and was not easy to get, but it was a dream that eventually came to fruition. Santini is still a top class Italian cycle clothing manufacturer, but I would say that the price isn’t over the top and considering how good the kit is, it is worth every penny/cent. Let’s look at their cool weather offerings made with Polartec® fabrics.
Euro style
Adapt Multi – Jacket with Polartec®’s Power Shield
Pro Fabric – €250, £240
We can start with the jacket, which I would call a jersey. Santini claim that Polartec’s Power Shield Pro fabric protects you from cold and wet conditions, which it does, but the feel of the material is very soft and stretchy and a pleasure to wear. That pleasure was multiplied when actually cycling in less than perfect conditions. The weather here in Spain has got a little cold and I actually went out in 8ºC (4ºC in the shade), which for me is ‘Baltic’, but with only a base layer I was ‘toasty’ enough. It hasn’t rained recently, so I can’t say anything about that, but I didn’t notice the cold breeze coming from the north.
High collar and Santini reflective shoulder
The jersey/jacket is very well made, all the seams are robustly stitched and also sealed on the inside. There is a long list of facets, I’ll try cover them all: Apart from the Polartec® fabric, which is stretchy and comfortable to wear, there is a high collar to keep you neck warm with a ‘Santini’ hanger for drying. There is a double zipper, for access top and bottom, very handy for ‘nature breaks’, and there is a protection flap on the inside. The zippers are easy to use, even when wearing gloves, as there is a ring on the top zip and a ‘Santini’ tag on the lower zip.
Three pockets + zip pocket
On the left shoulder there is a reflective strip and a subtle ‘Santini’ printed on the back which could also be reflective. Three very strong pockets and the thing all non-race jerseys should have, a small zip pocket, which in this case is waterproof. The seem round the base and cuffs is stitch-less and at the rear, under the pockets there is an elastic gripper strip to hold everything in place. Nice touch, on the inside of my jersey is the history of the Colle Gallo climb.
The Colle Gallo climb story
If you are looking for warm and water resistant jersey/jacket, with Italian style, you can’t go wrong with the Adapt Multi jacket with Polartec®’s Power Shield Pro fabric. Very comfortable, a nice fit and looks great. Santini has thought of everything, it also comes with a protective bag and is available in four colours. I’m struggling to find any faults.
What Santini sez: If you are looking for an incredibly versatile winter product, look no further. Adapt Multi is designed to fit and feel like a jersey but it works like a jacket! Constructed with Polartec®’s Power Shield Pro fabric, developed using an innovative new membrane made from 48% plant-based raw materials, and free of PFAS chemicals, which provides an impressive 20.000mm water column protection. Adapt Multi is fully thermosealed, and guarantees complete thermal balance in any climate conditions, although it is ideal for cold rides and wet weather.
A must: The small zip pocket
Featuring a slim fit, it is equipped with a double front zip to open both from the bottom and top. Reflective shoulder band for added visibility in low-light conditions and an extra waterproof zip pocket on the back, complete this unique garment that will change the way you layer up in winter. A fabric hook is positioned at the back of the collar to hang the jacket and let it dry. Little detail for the cycling enthusiasts is the unique label stitched inside the jacket that tells the story of the Climbs that surround our beautiful city of Bergamo; Boccola, Valcava, Selvino and Colle Gallo.
- Suggested for temperatures from 0°C to +10°C/32 to 50°F
- Polartec® Power Shield
Pro with 48% plant based membrane and PFAS free - 20.000mm water column
- Fully thermosealed
- Taped bottom and wrist finish
- Waterproof double-slider front zip
- Reflective shoulder band with Santini logo
- Back waterproof zipped pocket
- Made in Italy.
Not full length legs
Unico – Bib Tights – €200, £190
Subtle Santini logo
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: The bib tights have a light fleece on the inside, which is warm enough in temperatures over freezing in centigrade, they maybe too light for sub-zero days, but personally, if it is that cold outside I would be on Zwift. The tights are also very well made and many of the seems are stitch-less for comfort, there is only one seem down the back of the leg and four panels on the body.
Reflective Santini on the leg
The legs don’t come down to the ankle, but stop after the calf muscles. I guess with the hight of socks these days, it’s not important. There is no seem at the bottom of the legs as the material has been ‘raw’ cut, giving a smooth finish. Santini is multi-colour printed at the back of the leg, which is reflective and there is small Santini label on the left cheek and a tiny Italian flag at the join between the body of the tights and the bib.
Nice wide and strong braces
The bib has wide straps made from strong and elasticated material with an open back panel. Of course the most important part is the seat pad. The bib tights use the Santini C3 insert, which has a lot of get where it is needed and a little less between your legs and just the material at the edges and the front. I’ve always found the Santini pad one of the best, lots of comfort. These are comfortable tights and perfect for the spring/autumn temperatures, but not if you like going out in the ice.
One of the best seat pads
What Santini sez: Unico is a one of a kind cycling bib tight. Taking inspiration from our best seller Unico bib-short, it is made of high-performance Italian microfibre for a soft and light feel on the body and unbeatable comfort. Unico bib tights are so light and comfortable providing just the right amount of warmth during mid season rides or mild winters. Incredibly stretchy, Unico provides light compression without restriction. Raw-cut finish for a perfect fit, the tights stay in perfect position while cycling without the need for a grip at the bottom of the leg. The Unico bib tights feature an exclusive 7/8 leg length.
The laser-cut braces and super-breathable panel on the back featuring the signature Unico colours, will adapt to your body and follow your movements in the saddle. The iridescent and reflective logo on the lower leg guarantees high visibility in the darkest hours. Designed for long distance, it features our C3 seat pad, with anti-shock gel inserts and ergonomic 3D surface to accompany you everywhere without discomfort.
- Suggestes for temperatures from +5°C to +15°C/41 to 59°F
- High performance Italian microfiber
- Raw cut finish
- 7/8 leg length
- Laser-cut braces with breathable back panel
- Reflective Santini logo on calf
- C3 seat pad with gel inserts
- Made in Italy.
Where is the rain?
Magic – Packable Waterproof Jacket Unisex with the Revolutionary Polartec® Power Shield RPM Fabric – €200, £200
Waterproof and Italian style
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: It doesn’t rain much in this part of Spain, but when it does, it really comes down. Also on descents, especially the longer ones, it gets very cold, so a lightweight, foldable jacket is a must. The unisex Magic waterproof jacket made with Polartec® Power Shield RPM fabric is a fancy piece of technical cycle clothing. It is so light and goes into its own zippered pocket, you forget you have it with you.
Folds up really small
It has the same high collar as the jersey and has the hanger for drying, the sleeve cuffs are elasticated to help keep the rain out, as it the waist. The back is longer for protection. There is a double zip for easy access from the top or bottom, with flaps on the inside. There is a reflective ‘santini – cycling’ logo on the back for safety and a small ‘Santini’ logo on the front. All the seems are sealed for the utmost waterproofing.
Light weight and with the membrane interior
The star of the show is the Polartec® Power Shield RPM fabric. It is elastic in all directions for a neat fit and the internal membrane makes it easy to put on over a jersey of any material on the move, even with cold or gloved hands. I’ve had ‘waterproof’ jackets in the past and you would get just as wet from condensation on the inside as if you were out in the rain. The Polartec® Power Shield RPM fabric is breathable with rain and wind insulation that will keep you dry and looking good in bad conditions. Only available in black.
Nice and elastic for a good fit
What Santini sez: The Magic packable waterproof jacket is the ideal choice for cyclists facing extreme rain conditions. Unique in its kind, the Magic Rain jacket is incredibly lightweight and easily storable in its own rear pocket, turning it into an indispensable ally against sudden rain. Equipped with the revolutionary Polartec® Power Shield RPM fabric, this jacket not only provides high-quality waterproof protection but is also eco-friendly, made with high-elasticity recycled polyester for both the external layer and the internal membrane. Polartec® Power Shield RPM (10.000 mm water columns/ 30.000 g/m²/24hrs) combines high breathability and waterproofing with sustainable production, featuring a PFAS-free DWR treatment and a fabric weight of 100 g/m2.
Easy to put on
Fully thermosealed, it features a double-opening front zip. The slim fit, elongated back for extra protection from rain and dirt, and a high collar to prevent water infiltration make this garment a must-have for every cyclist. The reflective Santini logo on the back ensures visibility and safety during the darkest hours.
- Polartec® Power Shield RPM fabric
- 10.000 mm water columns / 30.000 g/m²/24hrs
- High-elasticity recycled polyester fabric and membrane
- Slim fit
- Fully thermosealed
- Double-opening front zip
- Elongated back for extra protection
- High collar to prevent water infiltration
- Reflective Santini logo on the back
- Pocketable in its own zippered pocket
- Made in Italy.
- More info at: www.santinicycling.com.
Rolling out Adventure Cycling Digital Routes on Ride with GPS
Adventure Cycling Association has partnered with Ride with GPS to offer cyclists a new and enhanced way to navigate the nonprofit’s iconic long-distance bicycle routes directly from their mobile phones, on an established digital platform with millions of users. The Ride with GPS desktop and mobile apps are the number one bike route planning and navigation tools on the web. This partnership makes Adventure Cycling routes more accessible to more people, a key strategic initiative as part of Adventure Cycling’s nonprofit mission.
In addition to the TransAmerica Trail, which cyclists have pedaled since 1976, Adventure Cycling’s popular Arkansas High Country and Southern Tier routes have been available on Ride with GPS since November 2024. Now, all 30 routes from the 50,000-plus-mile Adventure Cycling Route Network are available for purchase and use on the Ride with GPS platform, including the famous Great Divide Mountain Bike, Pacific Coast, and Atlantic Coast routes.
Adventure Cycling’s cartographers have replicated the experience of their comprehensive paper maps digitally for the first time thanks to Ride with GPS Experiences, a custom itinerary planner for tour operators within the Ride with GPS ecosystem that allows for estimated ride times, multiple base maps, audio turn cues, and route updates from other cyclists — all available in the palm of your hand. Bicycle-related service information along Adventure Cycling routes is now also available digitally with Ride with GPS. The quantity and quality of bicycle-related services on Adventure Cycling routes sets a high standard for traveling safely and confidently. Additionally, navigating the route can be done offline, to be used with your phone in airplane mode.
“Our members, and the bicycle travel community at large, have long called Ride with GPS their trusted technology platform for planning and navigating long-distance cycling journeys. We are proud to partner with Ride with GPS to take our extensive library of routes to the next level,” said Jeffrey Mizell, Interim Director of Routes for Adventure Cycling. “Ride with GPS’s stellar customer support and track record of frequent feature updates are also a real boon to cyclists who are taking their first pedal strokes into digital navigation.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Adventure Cycling Association and integrate our Experiences product into this meaningful and transformative project,” said Kevin Prentice, Director of Business Operations for Ride with GPS. “Providing software for the most iconic routes in the U.S. is an incredible opportunity, and from the moment we first discussed Adventure Cycling’s need to meet growing digital mapping demands, it was a natural fit.”
Adventure Cycling Association members enjoy a discount on premium Ride with GPS subscriptions. As a part of this rollout, Adventure Cycling Route Network digital routes are available at a special introductory price until March 1, 2025.
Assos Unveils EQUIPE R and DYORA R Collections
Men’s and women’s high-performance, race-ready collections introduce bold new bib short colours, along with fresh jersey styles
Designed for performance-focused riders seeking individuality and an alternative to traditional style, ASSOS introduces EQUIPE R and DYORA R. The latest men’s and women’s collections bridge the gap between technical excellence and lifestyle aesthetics at an accessible price point.
The EQUIPE R and DYORA R bib shorts are at the forefront of the collections, incorporating leading features from ASSOS’ premium EQUIPE RS Shorts S11. After more than 10 years, ASSOS’ iconic bib shorts are available again in bold new colours, breaking away from the brand’s classic black. The advanced construction — featuring raw-cut cuffs, minimal silicone grips, and lightweight, compressive Type.911 textiles — delivers unrivalled comfort and support on every ride.
The bib shorts are complemented by the EQUIPE R and DYORA R jerseys, engineered with ultralight, breathable AirCell fabrics designed to keep riders cool and comfortable during hot conditions. The sleeves and zippers are integrated with Bonded Tec for increased durability and comfort, offering reliability for all-day efforts. The sleek, second-skin fit and modern aesthetic ensure that cyclists perform at their best and reflect their individuality.
Inspired by the demands of days in the saddle, EQUIPE R and DYORA R off high-performance kits designed to make every ride smoother, faster, and more comfortable. Built with sustainability in mind, ASSOS promotes the “buy less, buy better” philosophy with durable, long-lasting designs balancing function and style. Offering a mix of classic and contemporary colourways, neutral shades like Black and Terra Sand provide timeless versatility, while bold tones like Flame Orange and Halo Green embody the spirit of modern cycling. The collections are rounded off with a distinctive special edition SURFACE design, adding a refined yet striking edge.
Peter Hammerschmidt, Senior Director of Product Management at ASSOS of Switzerland, said: “The EQUIPE R and DYORA R collections bring an exciting change for 2025. We’re expanding the range of bib short colours, giving cyclists more options to express their style while maintaining peak performance. With advanced construction and carefully selected materials, the EQUIPE R and DYORA R ranges offer accessible kits built to enhance the ride like never before.”
EQUIPE R and DYORA R Bib Shorts Key Features
-
● Type.911: highly elastic with enhanced compression, stabilised insert without roll-bars, odorControl, quick drying, good abrasion resistance
● SkinGrip Finish: raw-cut leg openings with minimal anti-slip finish
● X-frame: reduced stretch in the lower back to stabilise the insert, high stretch across the shoulders, light and breathable on the front
● zeroPressure: waist construction
● goldenGate 2.0: new cut-out wings reduce volume and friction
● 3D Waffle: patented, three-layer, perforated foam for increased breathability and reduced weight
● High-density foam: 9mm in an improved shape
EQUIPE R and DYORA R JERSEY KEY FEATURES
● AirCell fabrics: ultralight circular knit with hexagon pattern for cooling air quick dry, odorControl, 4-way asymmetrical stretch, soft hand, UPF 15
● Bonded sleeves and zipper: low-volume, frictionless finish for increased durability
● Triple Ramp Pocket: classic construction in PushPull textile
● Lightweight and breathable textile band: with a microdot silicone treatment stabilising the jersey’s back panel and maintaining grip while wet
Sizing and Availability
EQUIPE R jerseys XS-3XL and DYORA R jerseys XS-2XL are available in Black Series, Terra Sand, Stella Lavender, Flame Orange, Halo Green, Future Dusk (exclusive to EQUIPE R) and a special edition SURFACE design. MSRP €150 / £130 / $175USD.
Both collections offer bib shorts in Black Series, Secret Blue, and Edge Green. MSRP €190 / £165 / $210USD.
The EQUIPE R and DYORA R collections will be available from ASSOS.com, ASSOS flagship stores in Lugano, London, and Frankfurt, and through trusted wholesale partners worldwide.
- For more information about ASSOS of Switzerland visit ASSOS.com.
3T Updates Racemax Italia Range with UDH Compatibility and Introduces the EVO Special Edition
3T announces a significant update to its Racemax Italia range: all models are now UDH-ready. This enhancement ensures compatibility with SRAM Full Mount transmissions, improving performance and reliability for riders navigating diverse terrains.
Presezzo, Bergamo, Italy, January 16, 2024 – The Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) standard allows compatibility with SRAM Eagle Transmissions in mullet builds and the new RED XPLR AXS 1×13 drivetrain. Additionally, the universal standard makes finding a replacement derailleur hanger easier worldwide, eliminating the dependence on proprietary solutions and ensuring greater convenience for riders if a replacement is needed.
As part of this update, 3T has introduced the Racemax Italia EVO, a special edition highlighting the evolution of the Racemax platform. This model features a refined olive-green colourway inspired by the tones of extra-virgin olive oil, with a unique design element—a carbon “window” on the rear of the top tube. The window showcases the advanced manufacturing processes employed at 3T, including filament winding and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).
The Racemax Italia EVO will be displayed at the Velofollies tradeshow in Belgium from Friday, January 17, to Sunday, January 19, at the Addict booth, 408A.
The EVO edition is now available on 3T’s official online store and through authorised dealers.
Pricing and Configuration
Frameset
Racemax Integrale EVO with 3T More Integrale stem and Aeroghiaia Integrale carbon handlebar:
EU: €5,799
UK: £4,279
Asia: US$5,467
USA: US$5,899
Canada: CA$7,899
Complete Bike
Racemax Integrale EVO with 3T More Integrale stem, Aeroghiaia Integrale handlebar, SRAM RED XPLR AXS 1×13 groupset (3T Torno Wide 42T or Sram Red E1 AXS Power Meter 42T crankset at the customer’s discretion), Zipp 303 XPLR SW carbon wheelset.
EVO special edition finish:
EU: €11,999
UK: £8,852
Asia: US$11,311
USA: US$11,999
Canada: CA$16,099
Project X finish:
EU: €12,199
UK: £9,000
Asia: US$11,500
USA: US$12,199
Canada: CA$16,299
- For more information, visit 3t.bike, especially the dedicated blog post.
Tour de France Champion Tadej Pogačar Powered by UAE Team Emirates XRG Extends Partnership with Ultrahuman
Ultrahuman, a pioneer in health optimisation extends its partnership with the world-renowned UCI WorldTour cycling team, UAE Team Emirates XRG, which includes world renowned cyclists such as Tadej Pogačar, three-time Tour de France winner. The collaboration aims to further enhance the team’s training, recovery, and performance, leveraging Ultrahuman’s technology to unlock new levels of efficiency and athletic potential.
At the heart of this partnership is the Ultrahuman Ring, the world’s lightest sleep tracking wearable. This ultra-light design ensures it fits effortlessly into the team’s rigorous training regime.
The needs of cyclists rely heavily on precise training and recovery to be at their peak and to push their limits. Training is metered to the level of recovery of the cyclist and can also benefit from detecting early signs of fatigue, illness and stress.
Designed for performance and recovery tracking, the Ring AIR provides detailed insights into fueling, recovery, and endurance metrics through multisensor data streams. This data is leveraged by the UAE Team Emirates XRG coaches via a coaching dashboard to access crucial bio-insights. The coaches remotely access rider biomarkers, and use the insights to make informed decisions about the cyclists’ training and competition.
These insights include granular analysis of essential sleep phases — awake, REM and NREM, stress rhythm and cardio-tone for the cyclists which are critical to tailor precise recovery protocols.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with one of the world’s most successful pro-cycling teams, UAE Team Emirates.” said Mohit Kumar, Founder and CEO of Ultrahuman. “The Ultrahuman Ring’s advanced biomarker insights will continue to empower the team, helping them understand each rider’s unique training, sleep and recovery needs, and optimise them based on evidence-backed insights.”
By leveraging this technology, UAE Team Emirates gains a competitive edge through enhanced physical endurance, sustained energy levels, and sharper cognitive performance during races.
Mauro Gianetti, Team Principal & CEO at UAE Team Emirates XRG. “We are very pleased to renew our partnership together with Ultrahuman. Professional cycling is becoming more and more data driven and insights which Ultrahuman technology provides are invaluable when it comes to tailoring training programmes for our athletes. Not only is the Ultrahuman Ring a key tool for performance but also, crucially, to monitor the overall health of our athletes.”
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR integrates seamlessly with the team’s dashboard, giving access to crucial biomarkers, such as heart rate, heart rate variability, stress, temperature, VO2 max, and oxygen saturation, ensuring precision in training and recovery planning. In simple terms – heart rate and heart rate variability give an insight into athlete recovery, stress and temperature provide a window into the athlete’s ability to cope with the training demands, and VO2 max coupled with O2 saturation reflects endurance.
- More info on Ultrahuman at: www.ultrahuman.com.
A New Chapter: fizik x EF Education–EasyPost & EF Education-Oatly
RIDING FORWARD TOGETHER
We’re celebrating the start of a new season with EF Education–EasyPost and EF Education-Oatly.
We’re back on the saddle again for 2025 as we mark the return of our winning partnership with Cannondale, and start a new chapter with the men and women of EF Education–EasyPost and EF Education-Oatly. As official saddle sponsors, we look forward to lending our support throughout what promises to be a very exciting season of racing.
LIGHT, SUPPORTIVE, SPEEDY: RACING SADDLES
Blending performance with support, resilience with weight savings, our racing saddles act as an efficient platform from which to apply power to your pedals, transforming energy into momentum and effort into achievement.
BLUR LINES, BREATHE SPEED
Lightweight, breathable, and powerful, Proxy was born to move fast off roads, whether racing across the Flint Hills of Kansas or smashing world records while circumnavigating an entire continent.
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: Santini Kit with Polartec, Ride with GPS, Assos New Collections, 3T Racemax Italia and EVO, Pogačar with Ultrahuman & fizik x EF Education appeared first on PezCycling News.
