Week in Tech: Felt eTap, Rapha Brevet, 7mesh
Felt is one of the first companies to offer bikes with SRAM eTap, Rapha unveils updated Brevet kit, and 7mesh shows off spring apparel.
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Here’s the Week in Tech — all the gear news, tips, and announcements you need and none of the marketing gibberish you don’t.
Felt cuts the cord with eTap AR1
Felt Bicycles unveiled two new models equipped with SRAM’s wireless, electronic road groupset, Red eTap. The AR1 aero road bike and the IA 1 triathlon bike are among the first complete bikes available with the new groupset. The new AR1 features Felt’s UHC Advanced and TeXtreme carbon fibers and the complete bike includes a full SRAM Red eTap group, as well as Zipp 404 carbon clincher wheels, a handlebar and stem combination from 3T, and a Prologo Zero II saddle. The AR1 retails for $9,999 and is available in six sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm.
Rapha gets adventurous with Brevet collection
Rapha expanded its Brevet line of apparel with updates to make the clothing better-suited for long days in the saddle. The collection is aimed at long-distance adventurers and touring cyclists with quick-drying chamois, reflective details, and lightweight, packable pieces.
Chamois production explained
Ever wonder what goes into the production of the cycling chamois in your Rapha or Assos bib shorts? Elastic Interface, the first company to introduce the elastic chamois design, digs into the full production process from computer 3-D modeling to the thermo-molding process in this video.
PeopleForBikes recaps a successful 2015
PeopleForBikes, the cycling advocacy organization that works to make riding better for everyone, released a yearly review of progress from 2015. In the review, PeopleForBikes calls 2015 the year of mobilization because of its efforts to connect more people, more places, and more influencers. The organizations now has over 1.1 million members and provides community grants to improve cycling infrastructure across the country.
7mesh getting warmer with spring and summer collection
7mesh reminded us that it’s almost spring, with the release of the Canadian apparel company’s new spring and summer collection. The men’s line grows this year with the addition of several cycling shorts including the AK1 undershort for layering beneath baggies. 7mesh also includes new outerwear like the Resistance vest and Northwoods jacket. The spring and summer collection also includes a complete lineup of women’s gear with the addition of the WK1 shorts and Glidepath overshorts.
Basso’s Purple Label is all about the ladies
Basso introduced a new line of women’s products called the Purple Label. The ladies’ line includes clothing, bikes, and accessories. The Venta women’s specific bike will be available in six sizes ranging from 48cm to 61cm.
Polar entices buyers with Strava membership
Polar announced a new Strava bundle promotion for customers who purchase its V650 GPS cycling computer. Through April 30, customers will receive a two-month Strava Premium membership that will begin after users register their V650 in Polar Flow, the company’s activity-tracking mobile app. Customers can choose between two bundle options. The first includes the V650 cycling computer, heart rate strap, and Strava membership for $270 while the second option adds a speed and cadence sensor for $320.