Gear Break: Topeak Essential Toolshop, Q36.5 Dottore Bib and Jersey, CADEX 3D Saddle, Moots Gravel Bike, Helmets by fizik & Ass Savers New Win Wing

Gear Break: Topeak essential toolshop, Q36.5 Dottore Pro bib shorts and jersey, introducing the CADEX Amp 3D saddle, Moots unveil limited edition “California Dreamin’” gravel bike, some things just come naturally: Helmets, by fizik and more room for rubber—Ass Savers introduces new Win Wing MTB.

 

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Topeak Essential Toolshop

Stephen Cheung PEZ sez: For many cyclists, maintaining and tuning of your bike is one of the side benefits and joy of the sport. Plus bike maintenance means the opportunity to indulge in buying tools!

A big workbench of tools is awesome. But sometimes, you just want a greatest hits package that has 90% of what you might need to get most typical bike maintenance tasks done. For example, you might be living in a smaller space and need something compact. Or you want something you can toss in your car. Or you may be travelling with your bike and want something you can put into your bike box/bag and build up your bike with.

That’s where the Topeak Essential Toolshop comes in. Weighing in at a scant 635 g, the kit is packed with tools. This includes:

• 9 hex bits from 1.5 to 10 mm, so you’re covered even for pedal and many cranks.
• Flathead and 2 Phillips (PH1 & 2) screwdrivers.
• 6 Torx bits from T10 to T40.
• A ratchet tool rated to 60 Nm along with an extension sleeve when longer reach is needed (e.g., water bottle cages).
• A torque bit rated from 2-6 Nm, covering what’s typically needed for stems, handlebars, and seatposts.
• A chain tool for single speed chains up to 12 speed chains (not compatible with Campagnolo 11 speed hollow pin chains).
• A disc brake spacer useful when swapping wheels with different width rotors.
• A two-part “Power Lever II” set that functions as chain link installers/removers as well as tire levers.

That’s definitely a lot of tools for a lot of situations. Of course the Topeak Essential Toolshop is never meant to be comprehensive and can’t accommodate some situations (e.g., removal/installation of centerlock disc rotors, bottom brackets, cassettes). For those tasks, there’s just too many different standards and the need for specific large tools for a compact greatest hits package.

So your mileage will vary in terms of how comprehensive you find the Essential Toolkit depending on your needs and how many bike maintenance tasks you’re comfortable with doing anyway.

Part of the fun with the Essential Toolshop is the opportunity to bring out your inner Transformers fan. There’s lots of different way to combine the ratchet, torque tool, and extender. The same is true of putting together the chain tool, as you’ll use both the extender and the ratchet tool with it.

Final Verdict

With 4 decades of cycling, I have high quality version of all of these individual tools in my workshop. So it’s not “essential” in the sense that I actually need these tools.

But the Topeak Essential Toolshop remains a really useful setup. For me, it’s the perfect kit to take with me whenever I’m driving to a ride or an event, without having to take my tools off my workshelf into a toolbox and then put them back again. Also, for me it’s perfect for putting into my bike box whenever I travel and have peace of mind assembling and disassembling my bike.

I’m also moving out to British Columbia on another yearlong sabbatical this coming fall and renting a fully furnished townhouse, so I definitely anticipate leaving my individual tools behind and having the Topeak Essential Toolshop as my bike maintenance mainstay.

 

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Q36.5 Dottore Pro Bib Shorts and Jersey

Italian style – The clothing, not the rider

Q36.5 Dottore Pro Bib Shorts
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: I’ve been reviewing a lot of top kit recently, which is great, but I have to look for the differences and advantages and disadvantages in each set of clothing. This gets more difficult at the top end as they all use the best materials. This time I’m lucky to have a set of Dottore Pro bib shorts and jersey from Q36.5.

One of the best pads

Starting with the very important sitting area. I’ve ridden in the Q36.5 seat-pad before and it is one of the best. It is made with a very soft material against the skin and what feels like a double or maybe triple layer of padding, which is thicker where you need it: on the sit bones and between the legs. The material is thinner at the front. It passes the home trainer test. The bib straps are wide and very strong and attached at the back to a section of mesh for extra breathability. The front is fairly low for an easy ‘call of nature’. The sides are a bit higher.

You can see the ‘silver threads’

The shorts are made up of many panels of different materials and is shaped for a very comfortable fit. One panel goes from front to back, then there are two leg and two side sections. The legs are made with ‘silver thread’ which you can read about bellow, they also have a certain amount of compression built in, this adds to the comfort and gives you a feeling of support. The leg gripper is very subtle and won’t leave grip marks or constrict your legs. The leg length (for me) is just right, not too long or too short. There is a Q36.5 logo on the left leg and the back and a thin reflective strip on the back of the left leg.

Small logos on the left side

How do they feel on the bike? The main thing I noticed with the Dottore Pro bib shorts was the shape, they have be designed to fit when you are on the bike, when you use them the most, and not for walking about. I guess sitting the cafe is a similar position to riding the bike. Anyway, the shape and fit is just right, with no creases or fold when riding. The pad was as I had found with the other Q36.5 bibs, comfortable without being cumbersome. They need a long ride test, which I hope will happen soon. These are a good pair of bibs and have been very thoughtfully designed and made.

Comfortable wide straps

Q36.5 Dottore Pro Jersey
I like a red jersey, so I was happy as soon as I opened the Q36.5 box. It’s not bright red, as is the fashion with cycling kit at the moment, we have a subtle ‘rust’ red, certainly not in your face. There are fifteen different colours to choose from in the Dottore Pro Jersey range, so something for everyone.

Normal collar at the back

Starting at the top and there is a proper collar, well at the back, the front does drop down. On the inside there is a lining round the neck, which you don’t see on many jerseys. As with the other Q35.6 jerseys, there is a small Italian flag on the back of the collar – Nice touch. The shoulders are shaped at the back with two panels, there is also side panels, which also extend under the sleeves, this all helps the neat fit.

Italian flag and shoulder panels

Obviously there is a full zip in a contrasting light grey colour. It has a solid zipper that seems to be spring loaded, another smart little touch. There is a slim reflective strip next to the zip, similar to the back of the shorts. There is an elastic band round the waist, which has a gripper texture at the rear bellow the pockets.

The very handy small rear zip pocket

The pockets are a work of art. Most importantly there is a small zipped pocket for your important card or cash, plus it has a hole on the inside of the little pocket for an earphone cable. The three rear pockets are lined with contrasting black material and there is a flap on the top of each pocket. There is another slim reflective strip on the left side. There is also a small Q35.6 logo on the left sleeve

Gripper strip and cable hole

As I have already said, the jersey is made up of many panels, which does give a good fit, but the material used is ‘pinstripe’ smart temp. This looks good and keeps you cool or warm, depending on the weather. As you would expect, I couldn’t find any manufacturing flaws. All the seams are double stitched and more on the pocket areas. This well made jersey should last and for sure, it’s comfortable to wear.

Temperature control material

My Overall Opinion: Q36.5 kit is well designed and made, and the cut of the materials fits very well. It all feels nice to wear. The temperatures has not warmed up here much yet, so I can’t say how the clothing performs in the heat, but I have worn clothing with the same material and it does work in hot and cold conditions. I can’t find fault and have looked hard for something negative. The prices are not cheap, but average for top end cycle clothing. Very nice.

Red and black – Good combination

I also used the Q36.5 Short Sleeve Base Layer 2 – Ice Grey, you can read the review HERE.

A perfect fit

Q36.5 Dottore Pro Bib Shorts
Q36.5 sez: The Q36.5 Dottore Pro Bib Shorts for Men are the world’s leading high performance woven bib shorts, using technologies pioneered by Q36.5 and continuously refined over the last ten years. From the very first pedal stroke, riders will appreciate a feeling of superior muscular support, comfort, and on-the-bike stability. This unique feeling is achieved through the use of four different proprietary woven fabrics as well as our patented Q LAB Air Chamois, which provides total comfort and superior moisture management. The use of a high-density woven material with gradual compression along the leg panels in particular ensures a superior alignment of muscle fibers during the repetitive action of lengthening and contracting the legs, creating an important performance advantage over long distances. The Silver yarn found in the leg panels reduces the negative impact of naturally occurring electric charges produced by the body during exercise as well as boosting the blood flow and increases oxygen supply to cells.

Q LAB Air Chamois
Q LAB Air Chamois technology evolution uses stitching that allows two separate layers to move independently to adapt to a rider’s position. The open air construction reduces friction typically caused by stitching and material overlap.

Gradual Compression
Using a high density woven proprietary fabric, gradual compression stimulates blood flow and reduces muscle fatigue. The exclusive and innovative woven fabric is supportive without being restrictive.

Silver Thread
Silver thread is woven into the weft of the fabric offering not only fast drying times as well as antibacterial and conductivity advantages, but the thread also protects against electro-magnetic smog, reducing muscle fatigue.

Elastic Strap Construction
Thanks to the soft elasticity of the straps, the bibs follow the torso’s contours ensuring essential stability and security while introducing no pressure points.

Proprietary Leg Hem Finishing
The raw-cut leg hems support without squeezing since they don’t employ uncomfortable elastic and silicon strips. They stay in place with no pressure points no matter the intensity of the effort.

Q36.5 Dottore Pro Jersey
The Q36.5 Dottore Pro Cycling Jersey for Men is a jersey for design purists, with a unique sleeve cut that entirely eliminates the use of shoulder seams creating a perfect on-the-bike fit. Constructed from a 3D-woven fabric with silver thread, the jersey offers superior thermoregulation and ultra-fast drying times. The texture of the fabric is aero-optimized, providing the greatest advantage to riders at speeds between 40 and 59km/h.

Quick-Dry Technology
Our proprietary Pinstripe PRO lightweight material wicks moisture from the skin and moves it to the exterior of the fabric 50% faster than any other polyester.

Silver Thread
Silver thread is woven into the weft of the fabric offering not only fast drying times as well as antibacterial and conductivity advantages, but the thread also protects against electro-magnetic smog, reducing muscle fatigue.

3-Season Jersey
The unique material and ergogenic fit make this jersey versatile and comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. The breathability and moisture management help the jersey to excel in 3-season conditions.

Pre-shape fit
The Dottore Pro Jersey features a unique sleeve construction that we have been continuing to refine since 2013. The jersey is cut to eliminate all shoulder seams and pre-shaped to suit the natural riding position of the arms.

• More info on all the Q36.5 clothing at: www.Q36-5.com.

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Introducing the CADEX Amp 3D Saddle
New Amp 3D Saddle Features Innovative New Materials and Design to Enhance Comfort, Efficiency and Overall Performance.
Exclusive 3D-printed gyroid padding, ultralight carbon base, and precision shaping combine for smooth-riding compliance at a superlight weight.

CADEX, a leading brand of high-performance cycling products, introduced the Amp 3D, a new saddle made with 3D-printed gyroid-shaped infill padding and an ultralight carbon base. Designed for performance-driven cyclists, this lightweight saddle provides superior pressure distribution, optimized support, and race-proven design.

Gyroid Structure: 3D printed gyroid structure features intersecting 2D wavy lines that form a framework with a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to other 3D printed patterns. By distributing load and stress evenly in all directions, it ensures consistent support and better durability

“The Amp 3D represents the next evolution in saddle technology,” said Jeff Schneider, Global Head of Product for CADEX. “By integrating a high-resilience, 3D-printed gyroid structure with a precision-engineered carbon shell, we’ve created a saddle that dynamically adapts to the rider, minimizes weight, and maximizes power transfer without compromising comfort.”

Unlike traditional foam padding, the G3D padding actively adapts to rider movement for targeted support. The precision-tuned 3D-printed infill uses variable densities across key pressure zones for optimal support where it’s needed at a competitive weight of just 147g. The result is a responsive fit with even weight distribution.

Next-Level Comfort: The CADEX-exclusive G3D gyroid infill padding refines saddle comfort by allowing precise variations in padding density, creating a seamless transition between pressure zones for a more natural, adaptive ride

Pedaling efficiency is enhanced with a low-seated, Advanced Forged Composite base that minimizes flex. The rails are integrated with the base to eliminate traditional contact points, which helps relieve pressure and improves compliance. The combination of the G3D padding and integrated base also helps absorb road chatter with high-frequency vibration damping. An ergonomic center cut-out further reduces pressure on soft tissue areas, improving circulation for long-lasting comfort.

The saddle shape includes a crowned profile that drops away at the wings, resulting in increased pedaling space and a wider range of fit options. The truncated nose has smooth edges to minimize inner thigh interference and allow unrestricted movement for aggressive riding positions. The combination of these shaping elements ensures seamless power transfer without sacrificing stability.

Ultralight Performance: Weighing just 147g, the Amp 3D sets a new standard for lightweight performance in 3D-printed saddles. The precision-engineered G3D gyroid infill padding minimizes material use while delivering targeted support and cushioning exactly where it’s needed

CADEX Amp 3D Saddle Key Features:

• Exclusive Gyroid Structure – High-resilience EPU 3D-printed padding integrates a cutting-edge gyroid design, delivering superior pressure distribution, enhanced support, and maximum comfort at minimal weight.
• Precision-Tuned G3D Padding –3D-printed gyroid infill padding allows precise variation in density across the center of the saddle, optimizing support and comfort in key pressure zones while keeping weight to a minimum.
• Optimized Performance Shaping – A crowned profile that quickly drops away at the wings increases pedaling space, improving fit options and reducing clearance issues.
• Smooth-Edge, Truncated Nose – Minimizes inner thigh interference for unrestricted pedaling motion.
• Advanced Forged Composite Base – A low-seated, SMC carbon base eliminates flex, enhances support, and maximizes pedaling efficiency.
• Integrated Rail Design – Relieves pressure points while improving compliance for a smoother ride.
• Ergonomic Center Cut-Out – Reduces pressure on soft tissue areas for long-lasting comfort.

Maximum Efficiency: Advanced Forged Composite technology creates an ultralight carbon base with integrated rails that reduce flex while remaining compliant, effectively absorbing fatigue-inducing road vibrations

Technical Specifications:

• Weight: 147g
• Length: 245mm
• Width: 145mm
• Stack Height: 41mm
• Rail material: Carbon
• Shell: Advanced Forged Composite Technology (AFCT)
• Padding: G3D Gyroid & Lattice Structure

Pro Tested: Jayco-AlUla pro rider Ben O’Connor has been on the CADEX Amp 3D since the pre-season, finding the balance of comfort and support exactly what he needs for long days in the saddle

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Moots Unveil Limited Edition “California Dreamin’” Gravel Bike
Moots, the uncompromising authority in titanium bicycle craftsmanship, proudly announces the release of the limited edition “California Dreamin’” Routt CRD gravel bike.

A celebration of the West coast, vibrant design, and Moots’ iconic quality, the California Deamin’ Routt CRD is a collaboration with Chris Johnston of OutdoorBros. Renowned for fusing cycling performance with compelling lifestyle storytelling, Johnston brings California’s adventurous spirit vividly to life in this exclusive build designed to “Outlast Everything.”

Limited to just 25 bicycles, the California Dreamin’ Routt CRD is handcrafted in Steamboat Springs, CO and expertly blends Moots’ hallmark precision and craftsmanship with inspiration drawn directly from California’s diverse riding terrain.

“Partnering with Chris was a natural fit,” says Elizabeth Reeder, Director of Marketing at Moots. “His passion for storytelling and cycling aligns perfectly with our dedication to crafting bikes that offer exceptional performance and timeless appeal.”

The inspiration behind the California Dreamin’ build began while Johnston traveled the West Coast, riding everything from the smooth stretches of Pacific Coast Highway to challenging gravel routes in the Sierras. “I wanted a bike that could adapt seamlessly to whatever terrain I encountered,” Johnston explains. “It needed to have both capability and personality, capturing the essence of California style and performance.”

This limited-edition Routt CRD build features:

● Moots Routt CRD titanium frame
● SRAM Red XPLR drivetrain
● ZIPP 303 XPLR SW wheels
● Premium components from Chris King and WTB
● MSRP: $15,899

Key features of the Routt CRD are clearance for up to 45mm tires, integrated cable routing, and the iconic Mr. Moots head badge.

But what truly sets this limited edition apart is the finish – a bold and meticulous anodizing treatment that transitions from high-voltage blue, to vibrant pink and is paired with checkerboard graphics and subtle skull details. Each frame is handcrafted by Moots and anodizing is also done in-house by Richard Jara, using a time-intensive process that creates smooth, seamless color transitions and striking depth. No two frames are alike.

“The anodizing process is like painting with voltage and Jara is Michaelangelo,” adds Johnston. “Every frame will have nuances, subtle color shifts, and intentional imperfections that add character and depth. It’s raw, refined, and thoughtfully detailed.”

Available as of April 10, 2025, the bike can be ordered directly from Moots.com or through select Moots retailers who can offer the California Dreamin’ as a frameset, or complete with SRAM Force and SRAM Red XPLR. Customers who shop through Moots.com can also finance their bike with “Ride Now Pay Later.” Fans and riders can view the bike firsthand at the SRAM booth during the Sea Otter Classic from April 10 – 13, 2025.

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Some Things Just Come Naturally. Helmets, by fizik

An entirely new chapter for fizik, meet our helmet collection. More than the sum of their individual designs or details, fizik helmets are equal parts progressive and inevitable—a natural next step. Covering every major riding discipline, from road to gravel, time-trial to trail.

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More Room for Rubber—Ass Savers Introduces New Win Wing MTB

The spray-stopping fender pros at Swedish brand Ass Savers have directed their expertise towards cycling’s most adventurous discipline with their latest launch, the Win Wing MTB. Researched, designed, and refined with the goal of providing “more room for rubber”, the Win Wing MTB builds upon the success of its Road and Gravel predecessors by making space for up to 3.0” tires on 26” to 29” wheels.

Based on the brand’s principle of “Tangential Coverage”, which places the fender at the precise point where mud and water leave a spinning wheel, designing the Win Wing MTB required a rethink, beginning with the wishbone frame. To comfortably fit broader, knobby tires, the updated wishbone frame is both wider and stronger. Of course, mountain bikes assume many forms, so the new wishbone is also adjustable, adapting to a variety of frame types and styles: hardtail, full-suspension, klunker, monster-cross, and more.

The blade has been similarly overhauled: longer, wider, and “structurally enhanced” with a crease at the side wall that adds integrity. For the initial launch, the brand is rolling out three unique styles that will feature on their new fenders: the all-black “Stealth”, popular “Detour”, and MTB-exclusive “Roks” colorway.

Like all Ass Savers fenders, the new Win Wing MTB is proudly produced in Sweden and weighs an ultra-light 114 grams. And, like all Win Wing models, the Win Wing MTB also ships with frame-protection stickers.

The Win Wing MTB costs from €33 and will be available from 15th of April at www.ass-savers.com or through Ass Savers dealers worldwide.

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