We’re not going to pretend that this week hasn’t already been full of tech. What we will say, however, is that there’s even more that we haven’t been able to cover. That starts with a sub-10 kg (22 pounds) e-bike from a company called Ponomarets, though the biggest thing here might only be for the braking system nerds among us (anyone?).
Elsewhere, Cadex finally released an updated version of its Aero Cotton tire that we’ve spotted earlier this year. Fitness tracker company Whoop released its fifth generation of wearables with new – and more expensive – subscriptions and hardware. State Bicycle Company partners with the NFL for new bikes and jerseys AND drops a new YouTube video in its popular series.
Ornot drops a new riding tee it says can be worn without washing for several days in a row. BMC releases a ready-to-paint version of its Teammachine R aero bike. Old Man Mountain releases a new Divide XL rack, and Josh tries a THC sparkling water for ‘unwinding.’
Here is what’s new This Week in Tech.
Ponomarets unveils a sub-10 kg e-bike with a custom braking system
If you’re the kind of rider who obsesses over grams and aesthetics, AND you’re looking for electric assist, the Ponomarets Eidolon might be the flat bar e-bike solution you’re looking for. Tipping the scales at a claimed 9.9kg, this bespoke build from Dresden-based Ponomarets is a minimalist’s fantasy with a price tag to match.
The Eidolon pairs a Mahle X20 hub motor — offering up to 55 Nm of torque — with a choice of SRAM Red wireless or Ingrid mechanical drivetrains. Interestingly, the bike also gets a custom-made-in-Germany braking system designed specifically for Ponomarets in collaboration with 612 parts and VoyagerCo. Together, Ponomarets says this is “the world’s lightest bespoke e-bike.” We suspect the HPS Domestique might have a word here.
Each Eidolon is made to order, allowing for personalized paint and component finishes. But exclusivity comes at a cost: prices start at €12,600 before VAT and shipping. For more details, visit ponomarets.com. -Alvin Holbrook
Whoop Unveils new hardware, new software, and new subscriptions
This feels like a lot to unpack, and it is, but the way Whoop works makes it a lot more seamless than you might expect. The first part to understand is that there are new subscription plans.
The least expensive is Whoop One and that offers “Core fitness and recovery insights, Strain & Sleep tracking, Strength Trainer, VO2 Max, AI Coach, Journal & Behavior Impact, Trends. Pricing for Whoop One is $199/year.
Next up is Whoop Peak, priced at $239/year. This one adds “Health Monitor, Stress Monitor, Healthspan (Whoop Age & Pace of Aging).” It also includes a nicer band plus a wireless power pack for charging.
Then the last option is Whoop Life for $359/year, and this plan is the one where you get some interesting hardware changes. In terms of the subscription, Whoops says it’s “Everything in Peak + Blood Pressure Insights, Heart Screener (ECG & Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications)” but it’s that last bit that’s interesting.
It’s interesting because part of this announcement is that there’s new hardware. Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG (medical grade) are offering a 7% smaller form factor with better power efficiency and better sensors. The MG tag gets you an actual FDA-approved ECG feature and that’s the hardware you get as part of the more expensive subscription.
Of course, there’s also a bunch of app updates that work with the new hardware. TIt’s a bit much to go into here but check out the Whoop website to see everything that’s new. -Josh Ross
Cadex launches new Aero Cotton Tire
Sometimes with Cadex launches, you have to read between the lines a little. The brand often launches products that functionally discontinue existing products without saying it. I’d say that’s the case here, even though we spotted this new Cadex aero tire at this year’s Tour Down Under.
Cadex has an existing aero tubeless tire. It’s available as 700x25c and 170 TPI, but the aero part is about the shape. According to Cadex, it’s got “a taller sidewall that creates a smooth, oval shape for optimal aero performance” and integration that “reduces drag and enhances airflow across the tire-rim interface, helping save watts at high speeds.” Seems cool, but 25mm width?
It seems like Cadex got the memo and is updating things. The new tire is being offered with the same aero shape, but now there’s 700×28 or 700×30, 320 TPI Cotton Race Casing, and a new compound.
There’s no compromise mentioned either. Moving from 25mm to 28mm actually saves 12 grams per tire (278g for the new 28mm) while jumping to 30mm only costs 15 grams 305g for the new 30mm). Then the new RR-S2 compound is actually sporting a quoted 30% less rolling resistance and there’s a “Race Shield puncture protection” using “a lightweight Kevlar® center patch to guard against cuts and flats without adding unnecessary weight.”
As always, Cadex tires are both tubeless and hookless compatible and don’t require pairing with Cadex wheels. If you want to try something new, the pricing is $110/€110, and you can find more info at the Cadex website. -JR
BMC’s new VAR0 program gives you a ready-to-paint program
Swiss bicycle manufacturer BMC (which, by the way, is an abbreviation of Bicycle Manufacturing Company) has launched a new program it calls BMC VAR0. Unfortunately, it isn’t a fully custom paint program like what one might find from a Black Magic Paint or VéloColour, much less a program like Orbea’s MyO. This program is a bit more… hands-on.
BMC says that the VAR0 program is a complete frameset available, with the ‘0’ indicating that there’s no colorway. It’s essentially a raw frame with just enough of a coat over it to protect the frame and give it a full manufacturer’s warranty. This gives riders the lightest version of the frame, should you want it, with a clear view of the carbon found under the paint of most other bikes.
However, BMC also claims this is an opportunity for enterprising cyclists to take the frame and custom paint it. BMC will offer all of the logo file dimensions and decals, should one want to have a logo on their bikes. The BMC VAR0 program starts with the $4999 BMC Teammachine R 01, which itself gets a light clearcoat over its raw carbon frame. See more at bmc-switzerland.com. -AH
State Bicycle Company partners with the NFL
I’m not really sure what the Venn diagram of Velo readers and NFL fans looks like, but I’d guess that the overlapping area is bigger than you’d think. But for that still-small group of cycling fans also into the NFL, State Bicycle Company has announced a year-long partnership with the National Football League for joint-branded bikes and accessories.
No, there aren’t any Philadelphia Eagles-branded road or gravel bikes to be found here. Rather, the bikes are limited to the brand’s Core-Line singlespeed flat bar bike and Klunker bike. There are also a series of branded handlebar bags, Klunker frame bags, and a series of jerseys and cycling caps to rep your favorite team.
The partnership sadly does not extend to every NFL team, but there are ten to start. Bikes start at $499, while a branded jersey starts at $69.99. See more details on this partnership at statebicycle.com. -AH
Ornot’s new Merino Riding Tee is designed to be worn multiple days in a row (their claim, not ours)
Yeah, yeah, here’s another expensive t-shirt that promises to be really, really good at being comfortable both on and off the bike. This one from Ornot is pretty sweet, though.
Ornot says its new riding shift blends soft 19-micron Nuyarn Merino with nylon for a t-shirt that should be both comfortable on and off the bike and durable day in and day out. More specifically, Ornot claims the material is both 5 times faster drying and 8.8 times more abrasion resistant. And because it’s Merino wool, Ornot says you could wear it multiple days in a row… though we think your mileage may vary in that respect.
The cherry on top has to be its small built-in rear pocket to stash glasses or snacks. The $85 Ornot NuYarn Merino Riding Tee is available in two colorways in both men’s and women’s specific fits. See more at ornotbike.com. -AH
MyWhoosh Championships open with a massive $1 million prize pot
Virtual cycling platform MyWhoosh has announced a massive $1 million prize pot for its 2025 MyWhoosh Championships. The free-to-enter race series kicks off in August as one of the most lucrative events in cycling anywhere, e-sports or otherwise.
MyWhoosh says there are six race categories, equal prize money for men and women, and a global field of top-tier talent. If you’ve got the legs, a decent fan setup, and a device to ride virtually with, you’ll want to be ready.
Registration opens in June. See more at mywhoosh.com. -AH
State Bicycle Company brings back “Riding Fixed, Up Mountains, with Pros”
Years ago, State Bicycle Company had a regular YouTube series called Riding Fixed, Up Mountains, with Pros. In case it’s unclear what the concept is, someone from State—different people for different episodes—rides up a hill on a fixed gear bike with someone interesting while they talk.
That’s it, but it works. My personal favorite in the series was Gus Morton back in 2018 for episode 6. Then the series went dark three years ago with Lael Wilcox.
Now it’s back like nothing has changed. Episode 16 is in Indian Wells with Matteo Jorgenson. According to the description, the ride is 4,000 ft in under 12 miles while chatting about training, helmet design, crepes, and burnout. If it sounds interesting, it’s a free one and you can find it on the State Bicycle Company’s YouTube channel. There’s no playlist for the series, though so here’s the Episode 16 direct link. -JR
Old Man Mountain racks go even bigger with the Divide XL
Old Man Mountain is all about making it easy to carry cargo on a bike without cargo mounts by using the axle. It’s the kind of simple genius that’s hard not to appreciate, and the flagship product is a rear rack called the Divide.
Now there’s an even bigger version. The new Divide XL is a “longer decked version of their flagship rack, the Divide. On top of having a deck that is 3.5” (64mm) longer than their flagship Divide rack the Divide XL is made in California by Stinner Manufacturing.”
It’s possible to mount this new rack on either the front or rear of a bike. Then, once in place, the Divide XL has a “55lb/25kg carrying capacity when eyelet mounted and a 70lb/33kg capacity when axle mounted using one of their Fit Kits. The Divide XL fits up to 3″ tires with plenty of room for mud. With height-adjustable dropouts, the Divide XL has plenty of room for fenders, even with large tires. A low pannier rail makes it easier to take bags off with gear lashed to the deck. It also lowers the center of gravity, making the bike more stable.”
List price is $228, and for more information about this made in the US rack, jump to the Old Man Mountain website. -JR
Shift Naturals Launches Shift Cocktails as an alcohol free after-the-ride option
When I was wandering around Sea Otter, one of the brands I found offering an alcohol free after-the-ride option was ShiftNaturals. DownShift THC Sparkling Water is supposed to be a mellow buzz that’s also hydrating. Now the brand has a new option that’s a little punchier.
You will still want to check your local laws, but if you prefer 4mg of THC instead of 2mg, this is a new option. As before, the concept is better hydration and CBD for anti-inflammation, and it’s specifically targeted at cyclists who would prefer not to have alcohol. Now there’s more THC, and there’s also more carbs with Margarita, Paloma, and Ginger Sour flavors using sugar and fruit juice.
A one-time purchase (you can also subscribe) is priced at $69.99 for 12 cans. Find more info at the ShiftNaturals website. -JR