Gear Spotlight: Spring Innovations – Tifosi Optics Moab XC, SCICON Saddlebag 098 with Light, Polar Street X, Look X-One-G Ti, MAAP x KASK Protone, OPEN U.P. 2.0 Adventure

As spring approaches, a fresh array of cycling equipment and a new bicycle model are emerging to prepare riders for the season ahead. Leading this collection are Tifosi’s new lightweight, rimless, wide-angle sunglasses. SCICON introduces an updated version of their popular Saddlebag 098, now featuring a built-in taillight for combined utility and safety. Polar unveils an urban-themed smart multi-functional watch, while Look presents the exceptionally light, SPD-compatible X-One-G^Ti pedals. MAAP and KASK renew their collaboration with the newest entry in their limited-edition helmet line. Lastly, we introduce the OPEN U.P. 2.0 Adventure, challenging the notion that aerodynamic design can’t also offer supreme comfort.

Tifosi Optics Moab XC
Unobstructed Vision

The Tifosi Moab XC sunglasses are engineered for optimal vision and adaptability during high-speed activities. Their rimless design and interchangeable lens system make them perfect for cycling and various other outdoor sports.

Rapid Lens Change

At the heart of the Moab XC is Tifosi’s patented Interchange System, a tool-free, rimless lens replacement mechanism. This allows users to quickly adapt their eyewear to different light conditions. A standard three-lens kit offers versatility for bright, dim, or no-light scenarios, suitable for all times of day. Additionally, models with Fototec photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint based on ambient light, while Clarion lenses provide moisture repellency, ideal for intense workouts.

Lightweight and Streamlined

The Tifosi Moab XC’s rimless shield design offers an immediate sensation of unencumbered vision, allowing wearers to concentrate fully on their path with an expansive, clear field of view. Its ultra-thin, contoured temples minimize weight and air resistance, resulting in a refined, aerodynamic shape that ensures comfort throughout extended rides. Furthermore, adjustable nose and ear pads enable a personalized fit, enhancing stability and comfort during strenuous activity.

Versatile for Cycling and Beyond

Every aspect of the Moab XC is crafted for dynamic movement, whether cycling, running, or walking, supporting endurance activities by eliminating distractions from equipment. These sunglasses are also compatible with Tifosi’s new RX adapter, enabling users to integrate prescription lenses without sacrificing optical performance.

The Tifosi Moab XC is available starting at $79.95 / £79.99. It will be released in the US on April 7th and in the UK on April 15th. Pre-orders are already open at select retailers.

SCICON Saddlebag 098
Integrated Bag and Light Solution

SCICON introduces a saddlebag designed to eliminate the dilemma of mounting both a light and a bag beneath your saddle. This compact, essential accessory is engineered for every ride. By integrating a light into their Saddlebag 098, SCICON merges practicality with safety through a streamlined, user-friendly design. Despite its minimalist appearance, it is highly functional, providing ample storage for tools and riding necessities.

Enhanced Visibility as Standard

The Saddlebag 098 with Light offers an ideal solution for cyclists lacking a taillight or whose existing light is obscured by a conventional saddlebag. It provides generous capacity for all essential riding items. Constructed from durable, tear-resistant CrossGuard™ fabric and PVC RinforzTex™, this saddlebag is water-resistant, lightweight, and easy to clean. Its secure cable reel mounting system ensures stability beneath the saddle, preventing movement during any ride.

The integrated 30-lumen LED taillight includes a motion sensor and a USB-C rechargeable battery, offering up to 34 hours of operation and visibility spanning up to 1 kilometer for enhanced safety. The light module uses a magnetic quick-release mechanism, complemented by reflective elements for improved visibility in dim light. This intelligent, practical, and dependable saddlebag with a built-in light is suitable for road, gravel, or mountain biking.

Key Features

• 30-lumen LED taillight
• 1 km visibility, >220° viewing angle
• Magnetic quick-release light design
• Motion sensor (light turns off when stationary)
• USB-C rechargeable battery (cable included)
• Up to 34 hours runtime, 5 modes
• Tool-free installation
• Reflective details
• Internal compartments for organization
• Anti-sway rotor knob for seatpost

The SCICON Saddlebag 098 with Light is currently available for purchase. Its Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $88.00 / €80.00 / £70.00.

Polar Street X

Urban Durability

While performance cycling gear often aims for a sleek, competition-ready aesthetic, there’s a distinct advantage to a watch built to withstand rugged conditions. The Polar Street X, marketed for the “urban athlete,” offers a robust solution for cyclists who prioritize durability, especially on challenging gravel routes, without risking damage to high-end displays.

Prominent Features

This device features a vivid 1.28-inch AMOLED touchscreen, protected by scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 3.0, ensuring readability even in bright sunlight. Encased in a reinforced polymer chassis with visible screw details, it is built to endure harsh impacts. The watch also incorporates Polar’s Precision Prime Optical Heart Rate Sensor, providing accurate and consistent heart rate data.

An integrated LED flashlight offers both a white beam for general utility and a red-light mode for discreet illumination, useful for night navigation without disrupting others. While full topographic maps are not included, it provides breadcrumb navigation. Users benefit from Polar’s comprehensive recovery suite, which monitors heart rate variability (HRV) and skin temperature, offering insights into how lifestyle choices affect sleep quality.

Technical Specifications

The Polar Street X is available through Polar’s official channels and authorized retailers. With an MSRP of US$249.99 / £219.00 / CA$409.99, it provides advanced features for training without the premium price of professional-grade models. Initial color options include Night Black and Snow White, with a limited-edition Forest Green variant exclusively available on Polar’s website. Pre-orders for Canadian customers are currently open.

Look X-One-G^Ti

Instinctive Speed

Engineered for gravel racing, the X-One-G^Ti pedals convert each pedal stroke into powerful acceleration. Crafted for ultimate speed, they reflect a meticulous focus on detail and an unyielding commitment to performance. These pedals are lightweight, stable, and precise, ensuring immediate power transfer across diverse terrains. Designed in collaboration with athletes, their distinctive single-sided engagement and sleek, aerodynamic profile optimize them for competitive use.

Unmatched Lightness

With a mere 120 grams per pedal, the X-One-GTi sets a new benchmark for lightweight performance. This engineering marvel enhances efficiency with each rotation, providing elite riders with unparalleled responsiveness and precise control.

Superior Power Transfer

Boasting a 650 mm² contact surface and 67 mm width, the X-One-GTi guarantees comprehensive energy transfer. Its platform is precisely contoured to align perfectly with shoe lugs, delivering impeccable stability and instantaneous acceleration across any landscape.

Streamlined Functionality

Featuring SPD compatibility, LOOK Cycle’s patented single-sided mechanism simultaneously reduces weight and enhances aerodynamic efficiency. This robust and well-established system provides a precise, adjustable engagement, allowing riders to fine-tune release tension for various riding styles and terrains.

Technical Specifications

For purchasing information and to locate a nearby dealer, visit Look Cycle’s official website. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $365.00.

MAAP x KASK Protone Icon
A Revitalized Collaboration

MAAP, a prominent premium cycling apparel brand, and helmet manufacturer KASK have rekindled their partnership to unveil the newest special edition Protone Icon helmet. This release represents the third collaboration between these two brands, both known for their dedication to performance, design, and meticulous detail. The iconic Protone Icon is now available in two fresh, limited-edition color schemes: Charcoal and Silver.

Harmonizing Creativity and Performance

In developing the Protone Icon, MAAP aimed to integrate KASK’s core performance engineering with their own distinct creative flair. The design draws visual cues from fluid aerodynamic patterns, complemented by vibrant Lavender and Blue accents and webbing for a striking aesthetic.

The MAAP x KASK Protone Icon is equipped with an advanced internal strengthening frame, a vertical stabilizer for ergonomic neck support, and KASK’s OCTOFIT+ adjustment system, ensuring enhanced safety, comfort, and stability. Its design prioritizes performance, utilizing seamless technology to merge the helmet shell’s upper and lower parts for superior aerodynamics. A COOLMAX® inner fabric lining regulates temperature and boosts comfort. For added safety, a prominent reflective insert is located at the rear.

Minute attention to detail is evident in the new Protone Icon, particularly in its enlarged rear rotation cap. This cap features a specialized rubber coating, improving grip for effortless, rapid adjustments while in motion.

Availability and Pricing

Combining style and performance, the new MAAP x KASK Protone Icon is offered in two color options: Charcoal / White / Purple Webbing and Silver / Blue / Blue Webbing. The helmet is priced at AUD $495, €355, USD $375, £295.

OPEN U.P. 2.0 Adventure
Aerodynamics Meets Comfort

OPEN introduces the U.P. 2.0 Adventure, a new addition to its Unbeaten Path series. This model expands upon the aerodynamic and comfort features of the U.P.|U.P.PER. 2.0 frame, incorporating robust cargo capabilities and an enhanced comfort fork. The core philosophy behind the entire U.P.|U.P.PER. line is to deliver the fastest possible bicycle across all terrains. While aerodynamics are crucial, comfort is equally important, as an unsustainable fast riding position negates any aero advantage. Optimal fit, handling geometry, and tire configuration are all harmonized. The U.P. 2.0 Adventure advances these principles even further.

Synergy of Aerodynamics and Comfort

Comfort has always been a key focus for OPEN, a philosophy maintained even by co-founder and technical director Gerard Vroomen, despite his extensive background in aerodynamic bike design, including the founding of Cervélo. Vroomen emphasizes, “Aerodynamics without comfort is counterproductive. A harsh ride significantly impairs a rider’s position on extended journeys more than any aerodynamic benefit can offset. With the U.P. 2.0 frame, we’ve integrated effective aerodynamic elements while rigorously preserving frame comfort, truly offering the best of both worlds.”

Engineered for Adventure

OPEN bicycles serve a diverse range of users, from day-long excursions to multi-day bikepacking trips. The U.P. 2.0 Adventure is designed to excel in both scenarios without compromise. Vroomen highlights OPEN’s design tenets: “Light, simple, smart. Our goal was to maintain the U.P.’s core identity — speed across all terrains — while ensuring it is fully equipped for bikepacking.”

The frame incorporates three eyelets beneath the toptube, facilitating the direct mounting of a strapless frame bag—an innovation OPEN previously pioneered for the top of the toptube within the gravel segment. Custom bag manufacturers can craft compatible bags, and OPEN plans to release a dedicated aero frame bag, co-developed with Apidura, later this year.

The updated U-Turn Adventure fork enhances comfort through a refined leg profile and introduces an exceptionally lightweight cargo system. Its integrated slots allow soft bags to be directly strapped to the fork legs, utilizing the fork’s structure for support, thereby eliminating the need for a separate cage. Riders can use bags with built-in straps or opt for external cargo straps or bungee cords. For those who prefer cages, the fork’s cargo mounts are compatible with any standard cage.

OPEN A.I.R. Geometry – Agile | Integrated | Refined

OPEN’s A.I.R. (Agile | Integrated | Refined) Geometry aims to achieve a symbiotic relationship between rider and bicycle. This includes responsive steering for lively handling on any surface, integrated components that function cohesively with the frame geometry, and advanced adjustment capabilities to fine-tune riding position for both comfort and aerodynamic efficiency. Reflecting the evolution of gravel riding, OPEN’s new frames feature slightly increased length and height compared to previous models, accommodating riders’ growing demands for endurance and performance.

The steering geometry adheres to a fundamental OPEN principle: to ensure the bike maintains the agile and responsive feel of a road bike, even when equipped with significantly larger, profiled tires. This often-underestimated factor is crucial for optimal performance on mixed terrains. Each U.P. 2.0 frame size features unique geometry and tube profiles, and every fork size is individually calibrated to deliver OPEN’s signature handling characteristics across the entire size range.

OPEN B.A.R.

Achieving a perfect fit extends beyond the frame and fork; the cockpit plays an equally vital role. The OPEN B.A.R. addresses a common issue riders often tolerate: one-piece handlebars that offer limited sizing and adjustment options, often leading to a compromised riding position. As CEO Andy Kessler notes, “It’s peculiar how cyclists meticulously adjust crank length by millimeters and saddle height by five-millimeter increments, yet accept stem lengths that change by ten-millimeter steps. Our integrated handlebar resolves this.”

Available in 10 distinct sizes, the OPEN B.A.R. enables precise stem length adjustments within a 15mm range, in 5mm increments. This adjustment is quick and straightforward: simply loosen the clamps, reposition the components, and retighten.

Optimal Tire Clearance

Over a decade ago, OPEN revolutionized the gravel cycling landscape with the original U.P., establishing the first performance gravel bike. Subsequent extensive testing on tire rolling resistance and aerodynamics consistently indicates that 50mm tire width represents a suboptimal compromise. Tires of 45mm or smaller offer aerodynamic advantages, particularly with wide aero gravel rims, while those 55mm or larger provide superior rolling resistance for maintained speed. Despite an inexplicable market trend towards 50mm tires, OPEN adheres to established physics. Their product range caters to riders on either side of this 50mm threshold: the U.P. 2.0 for tires up to 45mm, and the forthcoming WI.DE. 2.0 for 55mm and larger. The U.P. 2.0 Adventure, with a maximum clearance of 46mm, aligns with this philosophy, designed for swift riding and nimble handling, whether carrying cargo or not.

Availability and Pricing

The U.P. 2.0 Adventure is currently available through Open Cycle’s official website and authorized OPEN retailers. The initial launch color is Orange Pearl, and the frame is also offered in custom colors or a Raw Ready-to-Paint finish. It can be purchased as a frameset or a complete bicycle, with the following pricing:

Further details and purchase options can be found on the Open Cycle website.