This article showcases the latest cycling gear releases for spring 2026, covering developments across modern gravel and road cycling. Highlights include BlackHeart’s versatile Road Plus bikes, Q36.5’s collection honoring Vincenzo Nibali, Hammerhead’s Karoo Share technology, Northwave’s Extreme X cycling shoes, Apidura’s redesigned Expedition Series bags, and the introduction of the new Salsa Flyway gravel bike, replacing the Warbird.
BlackHeart Bike Co. Road Plus: Road Everywhere
BlackHeart Bike Co. has launched its new Road Plus line, available in Titanium and Aluminum. This model combines the aerodynamic design of their Road series with the versatility of their Allroad models, offering a balance of speed and adaptability beyond traditional cycling categories.
Versatility for Any Road
Both the Titanium (Ti) and Aluminum (AL) Road Plus bikes accommodate tires up to 700x42mm. This allows riders to easily switch between a fast road bike and a capable dirt road machine with just a wheel change.
Titanium vs. Aluminum
The Titanium model features a 3D-printed seat tube section for enhanced tire and fender clearance (up to 700x42mm). Other Ti 3D-printed details include an expanded bottom bracket shell for internal brake hose routing, an easier-to-install chainstay brake port, and redesigned rear dropouts with integrated fender and rack mounts.
The Aluminum Road Plus AL offers ride quality and weight comparable to carbon bikes but at a more accessible price. It also boasts aluminum’s renowned durability and recyclability.
Product Details
All frames are factory-prepared for assembly. BlackHeart prioritizes industry-standard components, avoiding proprietary parts for ease of use. Every Road Plus frame comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original owner.
Road Plus Ti
- Frameset – $3,399
- Includes frame, ENVE fork, seatpost, headset
- +$300 for custom Cerakote fork paint
- BlackHeart Core Build – $6,799
- Includes BlackHeart Carbon barstem, SRAM Force AXS XPLR groupset w/ power meter, and Hunt 40 Carbon wheels
- 9 sizes to fit riders from 5’0” to 7’0”
- 100% recyclable premium 3/2.5 double-butted titanium tubing
- 3D-printed updates that enhance real-world usability
- Removable direct mount front derailleur hanger
- FSA ACR headset, T47-86 bottom bracket, Round 31.6mm seatpost, UDH
- 2x/1x electronic compatibility
Road Plus AL
- Frameset – starting at $1,699
- Includes frame, ENVE fork, seatpost, headset
- +$600 for custom Cerakote frame and fork paint
- BlackHeart Core Build – $4,049
- BlackHeart Carbon barstem, SRAM Rival AXS XPLR groupset, Hunt 40 Carbon wheels
- 8 sizes to fit riders from 5’0” to 6’7”
- 100% recyclable premium 6066 double-butted aluminum tubing
- FSA ACR headset, T47-86 bottom bracket, Round 31.6mm seatpost, UDH
- 2x/1x electronic compatibility
These new Road Plus models are available for pre-order for 2026 delivery.
Q36.5 Nibali Collection: Heritage of a Shark
Q36.5 has launched the Nibali Collection, featuring two new jersey designs to honor Vincenzo Nibali, often called ‘The Shark of Messina’ and considered the greatest Italian rider of his era. This collection celebrates Nibali’s legendary career, including his decisive victory at Milano-Sanremo in 2018.
The collection embodies Nibali’s instinctive, fearless, and distinctively Italian style, combining modern performance with his iconic racing heritage and passion for speed.
Two Iconic Jerseys
The collection includes two designs, both based on Q36.5’s Gregarius Pro platform, optimized for warm weather and intense cycling:
Gregarius Pro Nibali Racing Stripes (White): A race-ready jersey blending retro aesthetics with a contemporary, technical fit.
- Sizes available: XS-XXXL
- Price: $190.00
Gregarius Pro Nibali Nazionale (Light Blue): A tribute to Italian racing, designed to be both classic and fast, reflecting Nibali’s unique style.
- Sizes available: XS-XXXL
- Price: $190.00
Both jerseys feature a modern raglan cut, ribbed sleeves for aerodynamics, highly breathable front panels, and a honeycomb mesh back to support thermoregulation during strenuous rides. Luigi Bergamo, CEO & Head of R&D at Q36.5, stated that the collection aims to capture Nibali’s blend of elegance and aggression through designs that are both modern and steeped in cycling heritage, providing high-performance equipment for demanding rides.
Hammerhead Karoo Share: Effortless Connectivity
Hammerhead introduces Karoo Share, a new feature allowing users to instantly share routes and riding profiles between Karoo devices. This functionality works without requiring a smartphone app or an internet connection.
Karoo Share enables riders to transfer routes or customized profiles in seconds, facilitating quick setups for group rides, races, or remote excursions. This feature streamlines the process of getting ready to ride together.
Additionally, Karoo Share enhances Karoo’s extensive customization capabilities. Users can now share their finely tuned data fields, screens, and layouts with friends, allowing for a more integrated and shared riding experience.
Northwave Extreme X: Off-Road Performance
Northwave introduces the Extreme X, a new high-performance shoe designed for off-road cycling, including gravel, marathon, and XC disciplines. This launch builds on Northwave’s long history in off-road cycling, which includes an Olympic MTB gold medal in 1996.
Hyperlight HT Sole Technology
The Extreme X incorporates the Hyperlight HT sole, derived from the Veloce Extreme road shoe, known for its efficiency and power transfer. This sole is constructed from 100% unidirectional carbon, engineered for maximum power transmission and minimal energy loss.
Key features of the Hyperlight HT sole:
- High Tail System: An asymmetric design in the external heel area that provides enhanced support and targeted stabilization of the inner foot, improving alignment and stability during intense pedaling.
- Increased Stiffness: The Hyperlight HT sole boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, with a 169% increase in torsional stiffness and a 41% increase in compressive stiffness. This results in greater stability and responsiveness during accelerations and varied terrain.
- PowerShape® Arch Support: A patented feature that enhances efficiency and comfort during long rides.
- Durability: Rubber/TPU inserts and replaceable studs ensure traction and extend the shoe’s lifespan.
Construction and Fit
The Extreme X features a lighter, volume-optimized upper with laser-cut ventilation zones for thermoregulation. Northwave’s Anatomical Reticular Support (ARS 3.0) provides internal foot wrapping for stability and pedaling efficiency.
The Underlap construction and dual SLW3 closure system offer a uniform, pressure-free, and precisely adjustable fit, even on the go, thanks to its micrometric release function. Riders can choose between two anatomical footbeds (5 mm slim fit and 3 mm regular fit) for personalized arch and metatarsal support.
Availability and Pricing
The Northwave Extreme X is available in white and black, in sizes 36 to 50 (including half sizes from 39.5 to 45.5). The recommended retail price is $329.99.
Apidura Expedition Series: A Decade of Evolution
Apidura celebrates ten years of its Expedition Series (formerly the “Dry” Series) with its first major redesign. The updated line focuses on three core principles: Stability, Waterproofing, and Durability. All packs are made from a new lightweight, three-layer, Expedition-grade fabric with fully seam-welded construction for complete weather protection. The redesign also improves contact points and expands sizing for better compatibility with modern gravel and all-road bikes.
Key Components of the Series:
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Expedition Handlebar System: This modular, clamp-free system uses BarSpace Modules to offset the pack, ensuring unobstructed access to handlebar tops. It includes integrated three-prong mounts for GPS devices and lights, reducing cockpit clutter.
- Volume Options: 9L and 14L capacities.
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Expedition Saddle Packs: Designed for maximum stability, these packs feature a new Stability Channel and silicone grip strips to prevent swaying (‘tail wag’). A Hypalon Cradle compresses the load towards the seatpost for improved balance on challenging terrain. An integrated mount allows for secure rear light attachment.
- Volume Options: 9L, 13L, and 16L sizes.
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Expedition Frame Packs: Updates include Internal Zipper Control Rails to prevent bulging and reduce strain on waterproof zippers when fully packed. New SoftVent Air Valves facilitate easy compression without additional hardware.
- Volume Options (Partial): 2.8L, 3.8L, 4.3L, 5.7L.
- Volume Options (Full Frame): 4.6L, 6.8L, 8L, 10L.
Pricing and Availability:
The new series is currently available, with the Expedition Handlebar System available for pre-order, expected to ship mid-April.
| Product | Capacity | USD |
| Handlebar Pack | 9L | $228 |
| Handlebar Pack | 14L | $248 |
| Saddle Pack | 9L | $213 |
| Saddle Pack | 13L | $228 |
| Saddle Pack | 16L | $241 |
| Frame Pack | 2.8L | $168 |
| Full Frame Pack | 10L | $261 |
Salsa Flyway: The New Era of Gravel
Salsa has officially retired its Warbird model after over a decade and introduced the Salsa Flyway as its successor. The Flyway represents a significant departure from traditional gravel geometry, adopting a “long and slack” progressive chassis with 50mm tire clearance and enhanced compliance designed to smooth out rough terrain.
The Flyway’s design, with a 70.5-degree head tube angle and extended reach, leans towards a mountain bike aesthetic, emphasizing capability for aggressive gravel riding. Local riders Matt Acker and Jill Martindale extensively tested prototypes, achieving podium sweeps at events like the Mega Mid South, underscoring the bike’s robust performance on challenging courses. The bike is praised for its blend of comfort and high performance, even in demanding conditions.
Specs & Details: Compliance Meets Capability
Beyond its progressive geometry, the Flyway features an updated carbon layup that significantly enhances compliance. The Class 5 VRS (Vibration Reduction System) is reportedly 20% more compliant than the previous version, reducing rider fatigue.
- Tire Clearance: Up to 700c x 50mm in the rear and 57mm in the rigid fork.
- Suspension Ready: Geometry is designed to be suspension-corrected for 40mm travel forks.
- Modern Standards: Includes a T47 threaded bottom bracket, UDH compatibility for SRAM Transmission, and internal headset routing.
- Sizing: Available in “T-shirt” sizing (XS–XL) to align with its progressive geometry.
Availability and Pricing
The Flyway is available in two carbon tiers: the lightweight Deluxe (DLX) and a Standard layup. They are currently available in stores.
- Flyway DLX RED (with Zipp 303 XPLR wheels): $11,999
- Flyway DLX Force: $7,999
- Flyway Rival Suspension (with RockShox Rudy XPLR fork): $5,499
- Flyway Apex: $4,499
- Flyway GRX 610: $3,499
- Flyway Frameset (DLX): $2,799