Blog

Feb 27, 2024

Gear Break: Alchemy New Lycos Gravel Bike Option, Cycology Gravel Shirt, Primal New Spring Arrivals, FORGE+BOND Launch Revolutionary Recyclable Thermoplastic Carbon Wheelsets, Ibex Merino Layers & Ekoï Sunglasses

Gear Break: Alchemy Bikes launches new Lycos gravel bike option, Cycology Wisdom gravel shirt, Primal new arrivals fresh for spring, FORGE+BOND debuts with launch of revolutionary recyclable

Gear Break: Alchemy Bikes launches new Lycos gravel bike option, Cycology Wisdom gravel shirt, Primal new arrivals fresh for spring, FORGE+BOND debuts with launch of revolutionary recyclable thermoplastic carbon wheelsets made in Utah, USA, mud season Merino cycling layers from Ibex and EKOI PERSOEVO 8 Sunglasses.

Alchemy Bikes Launches New Lycos Gravel Bike OptionRenowned boutique brand offers two models of new Lycos line: Base model price is now $2500 lower than original; will ship within 48 hours of order

Just months after launching their flagship gravel bike, the Lycos Au, and just in time for the Sea Otter Classic bike expo, Alchemy Bikes – a leading fabricator-to-rider boutique bike manufacturer – is proud to announce a dramatic reduction in the entry price for the Lycos family of full-carbon gravel bikes. The base-model (non-Au) price for a Lycos is now just $4999, which is $2500 less than its initial iteration, and the new bikes will ship within 48 hours of order, as compared to weeks for the previous model.

Alchemy collaborated closely with a partner manufacturer who will fabricate the new non-Au frames using Alchemy Premium Factory Carbon to Alchemy’s precise specifications, quality standards, layup schedules, etc. for a considerably lower cost-per-unit than the original frames. As a result, they’ll remain virtually identical to the original base-model frames, which Alchemy previously produced in-house in Golden, CO, with no sacrifice in weight, performance, aesthetics, etc. Au models will still be entirely fabricated in-house by hand.

The above $4999 price is for the SRAM Rival GX AXS build, with the premium SRAM Red XPLR version coming in at $7999. They will also be available as framesets, including frame, fork and headset, for $3299. Along with this substantial reduction over the original US-made model, the new model is now around $3500 lower than the premium Lycos Au model with similar spec. As with the original, they will weigh around 300g more than the ultralight, US-made Au frames.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the original iteration of the standard Lycos, and the Au model too of course, and they’ve been extremely well received by consumers and the media alike,” says Alchemy’s Founder, Ryan Cannizzaro. “But we realized we could offer the model to a much wider audience if we could find a way to lower manufacturing costs by outsourcing frames – but only if we could still use our Premium Factory Carbon, and assuming there’d be no sacrifices to the overall quality or performance. After an exhaustive process, we’re completely confident that the new frames match up in every way, and the entry price for the Lycos is considerably lower.”

The new Lycos bikes will debut at the Sea Otter Classic, April 19-23, where Alchemy will have several units on display (booth S150), along with the Au version and their other road, gravel and MTB models. Consumers will be able to pre-order the bikes beginning April 14th, and bikes begin shipping as soon as mid May. Along with the two above versions, the new Lycos will also be available in SRAM Force XPLR and Shimano GRX Di2 builds (both $6499), along with a SRAM Force/XO1 build ($6749).

The new frames will be available in two new colorways: Midnight Prism/Ivory and Evergreen/Silver. Buyers can also choose between two logo schemes: Classic, matching the current Alchemy logo scheme; or Minimalist which features smaller logos.

Cycology Wisdom Gravel Shirt – $79.95

The Cycology Gravel Shirt is a truly versatile garment, made for gravel riding but also perfect for casual wear or simply taking it easy.

Made from a technical fabric and featuring a traditional shirt collar and a button-down casual relaxed fit for comfort and style. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, with added stretch so it fits and performs beautifully both on and off the bike. The shirt has two lower-side pockets with zippers and a front pocket that provides storage space for necessities.

Graffiti-like graphics are a trademark of Cycology kit

Chuck Peña PEZ sez: The Cycology Gravel Shirt comes in a number of different designs. PEZ got the Wisdom Gravel Shirt. I’ve ridden gravel but don’t consider myself a gravel rider. Nonetheless, I LOVE this shirt! The material is not quite as stretchy as what you’d find in a cycling jersey, but it still has some stretch. But like a cycling jersey, it’s lightweight and wicking.

Definitely not a race collar

Gravel shirt or resort wear … you decide

One way to describe the Cycology Gravel Shirt is that it’s a polo shirt you can ride in (size small fit me the way I would expect a polo shirt to fit). With its relaxed fit, this is a great shirt for casual, around town bike rides. Perfect for a social coffee ride.

It’s not a jersey so no rear pockets, but two “hidden” zip-up side pockets

But the Cycology Gravel Shirt is more than a bike shirt. It’s also great for casual wear sans bicycle. I’m down in Bluffton/Hilton Head as I write this and it’s perfect for the resort scene. My new “go to” shirt for just hanging out. Chapeau Cycology!

Operation Dinner Out at our favorite restaurant in Bluffton: Olive & Fig Mediterannean Kitchen

Primal New Arrivals Fresh for Spring!

Shop the latest drop for spring! New arrivals are here, in every style, cut, and color.

FORGE+BOND Debuts with Launch of Revolutionary Recyclable Thermoplastic Carbon Wheelsets Made in Utah, USAFORGE+BOND Combines Performance, Sustainability, and Environmental Responsibility with Innovative MTB and Gravel Wheelsets.

FORGE+BOND, the manufacturer of recyclable thermoplastic carbon fiber bicycle wheels and components, debuted today by announcing the release of its first products: two new carbon wheelsets. The F+B 30 EM 29”, an enduro MTB wheel ($2,599 MSRP), and the F+B 25 GR 700c gravel wheel ($2,599 MSRP) will both be available today at www.forgeandbond.com and in select retailers spring 2023.

“At FORGE+BOND, we’re not just creating the best performing wheels on the planet, we’re also reimagining the way the world rides,” said Joe Wheadon, FORGE+BOND VP of Sales and Marketing. “From automated cutting and layup processes to delivering finished wheels, the production process is designed to save energy and eliminate waste at every step. FUSIONFIBER®, our proprietary advanced thermoplastic carbon fiber material, allows us to manufacture cycling components that can be recycled and made new again and again, forever. Our ultimate goal is to inspire others to join us in creating a world where nothing is wasted–not only in materials but also in resources and time.”

FORGE+BOND leverages an advanced thermoplastic composite material called FUSIONFIBER®, a proprietary material made with long-chain polymers instead of the brittle and toxic epoxies and resins used in typical carbon fiber manufacturing. The distinct characteristic of FORGE+BOND’s nylon based thermoplastic material means that the products are not only uniquely engineered and manufactured for strength and durability but can be recycled to be reprocessed in any number of ways. The material can literally be made and remade forever, and the net goal is to waste nothing.

Normally, improving strength requires adding more material, which increases weight and decreases performance. But FORGE+BOND rims made with FUSIONFIBER® offer a smoother, faster, confidence-inspiring ride, and much higher impact resistance without additional weight. FORGE+BOND rims have been tested to withstand a minimum of 275% of the UCI standard for impact resistance and microscopic flexing allowed by the nylon material in FUSIONFIBER® provides a 50% or greater increase in damping while maintaining lateral stability.

FORGE+BOND’s proprietary design and manufacturing process creates a lightweight wheel that is stronger and more durable, and a smoother ride without sacrificing trail feedback or control.

“With FUSIONFIBER®, we don’t have to sacrifice stiffness to improve ride quality,” said Global Marketing Director Travis Tomczak. “We target the stiffness we want for maximum control and performance and the thermoplastic matrix acts as a damper to the entire system. By constantly iterating and gathering feedback from our testing team and athletes, we’ve created a wheel that gives riders the ability to charge through any terrain with confidence and control.”

The team behind FORGE+BOND includes lifelong riders and racers to brilliant aerospace and professional auto racing engineers with over a hundred years of cumulative carbon composites expertise. FORGE+BOND athletes include Red Bull Gravity Athlete Jill Kintner, Monster Gravity Athlete Mitch Ropelato, Cannondale Gravity Athlete Iago Garay, and Imaginary Collective riders TJ Eisenheart, Sydney Neilson, Truman Glasgow, and Andrew Dahleim.

F+B 30 EM 29” Wheel Specs

F+B 25 GR 700c Wheel Specs

Mud Season Merino Cycling Layers from Ibex

Mud season cycling is here! Ibex designs durable merino gear to move with you through mud, rain, sun and snow. Equipped with all the benefits of merino, Ibex layers regulate temperature and wick away moisture to keep you pedaling through changing conditions.

Here are some great Ibex recommendations for mud season:

EKOI PERSOEVO 8 Sunglasses

As the successor to PERSOEVO7, our engineers have improved the field of vision and designed a more modern look for the eighth generation of this iconic model. The lens has a cylindrical, wrap-around shape. This provides better protection and comfort for the eyes. The screen is taller than the PERSOEVO7, allowing for a clear field of view. Of category 3, it is anti-UV and is appropriate perfectly for a use in full sun exposure. The thin temples are particularly light while ensuring a perfect fit.

Stylistically, they adopt a trendy line that refines and refines the product’s profile.The low frame contributes to the elThe 5 vents, including a central one above the nose that is 30 mm long, efficiently evacuate fog, elegance and originality of the glasses. It enhances the surface, size and shape of the screen. The low mount is also of practical interest in that it allows the PERSOEVO8 to be removed without fear of damaging them.

Distinctive style and protective power, PERSOEVO8 glasses are aimed at practitioners, whatever their discipline, in search of design and performance.

Product benefits

Note: PEZCyclingNews ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper / safe use, handling, maintenance and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.