The 2018 Rouleur Classic was a veritable smorgasbord of beautiful bikes and the latest gear, from limited edition dream machines to cutting-edge smart trainer technology, and the latest aero whips to fresh threads designed with input from Fabian Cancellara.
Now it’s time to take a look at what Fizik, Mavic, POC, Endura, Pirelli and 4iiii brought to the party.
Fizik launched the Infinito R1 Knit shoe in 2017 and now offers the knitted design in an expanded range of four colours: black/red, grey/black, petroleum blue/yellow fluo and purple/blue. Not only are these some of the smartest kicks on the market but they’ve got serious pedigree, too. Geraint Thomas rode the grey/black shoes pictured to victory at the Tour de France.
The Infinito R1 Knit’s upper is said to combine a sock-like fit with high levels of breathability, while you’ll also find twin Boa dials for micro-adjustable closure and a carbon fibre sole.
Meanwhile, Fizik’s Versus Evo saddles use a pressure-relieving channel and the Italian firm’s ‘comfort core padding’, whereby the foam varies in density and depth, to provide a plush ride.
Now there’s good news if you’re putting together your dream build: the Versus Evo range has received Fizik’s top-end 00 treatment, with a high-modulus carbon fibre shell and a one-piece carbon rail that apparently improves support and weight distribution. All three of Fizik’s saddle shapes – Arione, Aliante and Antares – are available at 00 level, with standard and large widths on offer.
We’ve already shown you Gore Wear’s new waterproof jacket, which uses an insulated version of the superb Gore-Tex Shakedry fabric. Shakedry is also licensed to an increasing number of Gore’s partner brands, with Mavic the latest to get in on the act with the Cosmic Ultimate SL GTX Jacket.
The jacket uses Gore’s standard Shakedry fabric but is offered as a ‘system’ alongside Mavic’s new Cosmic Insulated SL Vest. Designed alongside Arc’teryx and inspired by the Haute Route sportive series, the gilet utilises ‘feather-light’ insulation to boost its thermal qualities beyond the windproof outer.
The idea is that you can wear the vest on its own for lightweight, breathable protection, pair it beneath the Cosmic jacket for waterproof insulation in variable conditions, or stuff the packable gilet and jacket in a back pocket when it’s not needed.
More clothing, this time from POC, and the Swedish brand has given a glimpse into the future with its Montreal gilet, set to be launched in the spring as part of the POC and Forth urbanwear line-up.
POC has never been afraid to innovate and that continues to be the case here, with the highly-reflective Montreal utilising a magnetic light that can be attached to the front or rear of the jersey.
However, there is also a clear pocket on the back of the vest to stow your mobile phone, which can then be turned into an oversized rear light by using POC’s app. Very smart. Also check out this stunning CHPT3 x POC sunglasses and helmet combination on display at the Rouleur Classic.
Alejandro Valverde finally stood on the top step at this year’s World Championships, having previously featured on the podium a remarkable six times. Valverde’s rainbow jersey was proudly presented on Endura’s stand – expect to see this on the back of the Spaniard when he starts his 18th year as a professional in January.
Performance tyre specialist Pirelli moved into the bike market in 2017 with the launch of the PZero range, comprising of the PZero Velo for road racing, PZero Velo TT for time trials and PZero Velo 4S for training and wet weather.
The Cinturato Velo was added to Pirelli’s tyre range earlier this year – becoming the Italian firm’s first tubeless offering, while also coming in a range of sizes (26mm, 28mm, 32mm and 35mm) for road or gravel use.
Finally, from Pirelli to power meters, 4iiii used the Rouleur Classic to showcase its Precision Pro (coin battery-operated) and Precision Podiiiium (rechargable) units. Both of the lightweight designs are available as single-sided or dual-sided power meters, with the Precision Pro Dura-Ace chainset pictured here coming in at £1,199.
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