The 2026 TdF Week One is nearly complete as we go to press. The Tifosi Moab XC with Fototec photchromatic lens leads in breakaway position. Following closely is a rare Richard Mille timepiece, favored by cyclists like MvdP and Pogi. Shimano has introduced the DURA-ACE WH-R9370 wheel lineup, already in use by some teams. Chuck reviews an updated Sweet Protection aero lid, worn by Torstein Træen. The new MAAP Advanced_Optics eyewear collection is also featured. Lastly, the Colnago TT2 time-trial bike, used by UAE Team Emirates XRG in Stage 1 Team Time Trial, will be ridden again for the ITT on Stage 16 during Week 3.
Come on along, let’s dive in.
Tifosi Moab XC with new Clarion Pink Fototec Lens – $89.95
All-day protection and utility
An all-day ride means constantly battling changing light conditions, especially on a partly sunny/cloudy day. Starting in the low light of dawn requires clear or low-contrast lenses, but by noon, those same lenses leave you squinting in the sun. To eliminate the hassle of swapping lenses, the new Clarion Pink Fototec lens is now an option for the Moab, Moab Lite, and Moab XC.
Key details and specs
- 46% VLT: In early mornings or dim evenings, the lens stays exceptionally clear and high-contrast
- 13% VLT: Under harsh, direct sun, the lens automatically darkens into a glare-blocking shield with a hydrophobic coating that repels sweat and water
Chuck sez: “The Moab XC isn’t a new model from Tifosi. I reviewed it earlier this year. And the Clarion (mirrored) Fototec (light adaptive tinting) lens isn’t new tech. I have a Tifosi Rail with Clarion Red Fototec lens and a Rail XC with Clarion Blue Fototec lens. But Pink is a new lens color. So if you’re like me, i.e., the Giro is my favorite of the three Grand Tours and #realmenwearpink, then the new Tifosi Moab XC with Clarion Pink Fototec lens is the ‘driod you’re looking for.”
One-lens to do it all
What I said about the Moab XC when it was released earlier this year is no less true of the Moab XC with the new Clarion Pink Fototec lens:
Chuck sez: “IMHO, Tifosi has a winner with the new Moab XC. It’s definitely got the current trend oversize shield pro look. And they’re pro in terms of their functionality and quality. The lens real estate provides more than enough UV and wind protection. I don’t have a way to measure optical clarity, but my aging (although Lasik corrected) eyes can’t discern any real difference between Tifosi lenses and the lenses in other high quality (and more expensive) sunglasses (that are part of my rotation).”
It’s just that now you have a new lens choice. If you’re riding under changing light conditions, e.g., in and out of shade, Tifosi’s Fototec lens is a one-lens solution.
Real world use
In low light conditions, the lens has less tint (but not completely clear). In brighter light, the lens darkens (but not quite as dark as a dedicated full-sun lens). It’s a one lens solution that does it all: I can ride in light conditions ranging from dawn to bright daylight to dusk Being that the tint range never is totally clear, it is not recommended for night riding with little/no ambient light. It may also not be clear enough a sudden downpour with darkened skies. NOTE: For my eyes, when at its lightest tint, I could ride at night in an urban environment with ambient light. YMMV.
The Clarion Pink mirror effect adds a cool factor IMHO. #realmenwearpink
I will let the photos do the describing. Some of the colors may be a bit different in person than on the screen, but you can get the idea.
Richard Mille RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago
Tadej’s timepiece
Colnago and Richard Mille present the RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago, a new limited-edition watch created by Richard Mille and inspired by Colnago’s technical, aesthetic and sporting language. Produced in only 50 pieces, the timepiece is the result of a collaboration between Richard Mille and the historic Cambiago-based company, with the aim of bringing some of the most recognisable codes of the Italian brand into the world of high watchmaking.
The RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago was conceived as a tribute to the architecture of a Colnago bicycle. The skeletonised movement recalls the structure of a racing frame, with bridges and components arranged according to a visual logic that evokes tubes, geometries and drivetrain. Gilco tubes–one of the most recognizable design signatures in Colnago’s history–inspired the star-shaped sections of the bridges. The micro-lugs pay tribute to the C Series, the iconic line of bicycles handmade in Cambiago. While the white, blue and gold color palette echoes the language of the brand’s most exclusive creations from the recent past.
Pushing limits, preserving identity
The collaboration with Richard Mille stems from a shared vision: pushing the limits of mechanics without compromising identity. Like a Colnago bicycle, this timepiece is built around the idea that every element must have a precise function while also contributing to the overall character of the object.
Nicola Rosin, Colnago’s CEO, sez: “With Richard Mille, we have found a partner capable of interpreting our history, our codes and our idea of performance through an entirely new language. Beyond technical excellence, every Colnago product carries the authenticity of our brand: craftsmanship, heritage, and a constant pursuit of mechanical and aesthetic beauty. The RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago captures exactly that. It shows what it means to turn technique into culture.”
Design and heritage
The ace of clubs, Colnago’s historic symbol, appears on the crown, becoming one of the most immediate signs of the collaboration. From a construction standpoint, the RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago features a manual-winding tourbillon movement, a case in white and Azure Blue Quartz TPT® and details in 5N red gold. Craftsmen lacquered the grade 5 titanium bridges in white and hand-painted details in blue and gold to recall the identity of Colnago frames. The power reserve is approximately 65 hours.
The project comes at a time when Colnago continues to strengthen its role as a global brand capable of bringing together heritage, technology and contemporaneity. From the victories that have shaped the history of cycling to its most recent collaborations with leading athletes and teams, Colnago remains a reference point for those who see the bicycle not only as a tool for performance, but also as an object of technical culture and design.
The cycling context
The collaboration also sits within an already shared sporting context. Tadej Pogačar, one of the defining riders of contemporary cycling, races with UAE Team Emirates on Colnago bicycles and is also part of the Richard Mille universe. The connection with Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates strengthens the link between the project and competition at the highest level, where every detail can become decisive and where innovation, instinct and precision coexist in the same athletic gesture.
A timepiece that is hors categorie
The RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago will be one of the rarest gems, with a limited series of 50 pieces, uniting Richard Mille’s radical approach to haute horlogerie with Colnago’s legacy of racing innovation, Italian craftsmanship and uncompromising performance. For the full details, visit richardmille.com.
Note: Richard Mille has not disclosed pricing. Considering the exclusivity and the high price of Swiss watches at this level, we are presenting this for interest.
Shimano Dura-Ace Wheel Lineup
Engineered for modern racing
SHIMANO launched the DURA-ACE WH-R9370 road wheel series just ahead of the 2026 Tour de France grand départ. Developed under Shimano’s Science of Speed design philosophy, the new platform delivers improvements in weight reduction, aerodynamic efficiency, and structural stiffness for road, time trial, and triathlon racing. Optimized for 28–30C tires, the lineup retains Shimano’s adjustable cup-and-cone system while introducing replaceable bearings for improved serviceability.
The WH-R9370 lineup: C36, C50, C60, C99 (front), and Rear Disc, has been purpose-built to meet today’s racing standards, optimized for 28–30C tires, and tuned to the accelerating demands of elite competition. Shimano retained the venerable adjustable cup-and-cone system that facilitates optimizing rotational torque when installed to the bike. Engineers introduced replaceable bearings for improved serviceability. This means the rotational torque can be optimized for each individual bike, preventing energy waste and allowing your wheels to spin freely and efficiently.
Weight Reduction and Acceleration
Compared with the previous DURA-ACE R9270 generation, WH-R9370 reduces weight by up to 220 grams per wheelset, delivering a markedly more agile climbing feel and sharper acceleration—without sacrificing handling stability or durability.
Weight comparison (per set):
- C36: 1350g → 1170g (–180g)
- C50: 1461g → 1302g (–159g)
- C60: 1609g → 1389g (–220g)
This advancement stems from a fully re-engineered structure, highlighted by new carbon spoke technology, improved rim layups, and holistic system engineering across the rim, hub, and spoke architectures.
Aerodynamic Optimization for 28–30C Race Tires
Modern road racing has shifted toward wider tires to improve rolling efficiency and control. Shimano designed the WH-R9370 series accordingly, featuring:
- 23 mm internal rim width for optimized tire shape and stability
- Front- and rear-specific rim profiles tuned per depth
- External widths engineered to balance aerodynamics and crosswind stability
In controlled testing at 48 km/h (30 mph) on 30C tires, riders saved up to 2.7W in aerodynamic drag, combined with an overall weight reduction versus the previous generation. These saving achieved measurable gains in competitive scenarios. Each rim profile was refined using advanced computational simulations. Engineers then validated the profiles in controlled aerodynamic testing environments ensuring performance across real-world yaw conditions.
Carbon Spokes: Purpose-Built for Race Demands
A defining innovation of the WH-R9370 wheelsets is Shimano’s newly engineered carbon spokes, developed in two profiles to match specific performance objectives:
- Super Aero: 5.2 mm × 0.8 mm
- Aero: 4.0 mm × 1.1 mm
Spoke type, count, and configuration are tailored per model to deliver the intended ride character, featuring Aero and Super Aero profiles. Shimano tuned each wheel to achieve its target performance, delivering everything from agile climbing response to all-round racing balance and uncompromising high-speed rigidity for sprinting and flat stages. Engineers tuned the stiffness, aerodynamics, and compliance together using a system-specific approach.
Upgraded Cup-and-Cone: Faster, Serviceable, and Waterproof
For performance-driven riders who train and compete extensively, smooth rotation, precise adjustability, and long-term serviceability are critical. The new wheels retain Shimano’s adjustable cup-and-cone hub architecture, known for smooth rotation and precise adjustment under multidirectional loads. The system optimizes rotational torque when installed on the bike, and has evolved with replaceable bearings to support consistent long-term performance.
In comparative testing involving identical forces (500N vertical force, 200N thrust force, and 5000N thru-axle clamping force), Shimano’s updated cup-and-cone system demonstrated a 30% lower rotational torque than typical cartridge-bearing setups.
Key features:
- Replaceable bearing cups
- Improved waterproof sealing
- Enhanced long-term durability
Next-Generation Dura-Ace Wheels Lineup
WH-R9370-C36-TL: Lightweight for climbing
Key features:
- 1170 g per set
- 23 mm internal width
- Front: Aero, 18 spokes, 29.4 mm external width
- Rear: Aero, 21 spokes, 29.4 mm external width
Lightweight responsiveness is brought to a whole new level with the new C36 wheelset, the ideal companion for your rides in mountainous terrain.
WH-R9370-C50-TL: High performance all-round riding
Key features:
- 1302 g per set
- 23 mm internal width
- Front: Aero, 21 spokes, 31.0 mm external width
- Rear: Aero, 21 spokes, 32.0 mm external width
With the C50 wheelset, riders can expect an all-round race performance, balancing weight, aerodynamics, and stiffness for varied courses and changing conditions.
WH-R9370-C60-TL: Aerodynamic and with high stiffness
Key features:
- 1389 g per set
- 23 mm internal width
- Front: Aero, 21 spokes, 31.5 mm external width
- Rear: Aero, 24 spokes, 32.3 mm external width
The C60 wheelset is optimized for flat stages, breakaways, and sprint-driven racing where sustained speed and lateral rigidity are critical.
WH-R9370-C99-TL-F: TT and Triathlon Front Wheel
Key features:
- 99 mm rim depth
- Super Aero carbon spokes (16 spokes)
- 35.2 mm external width
- Wheel weight: 792 g
The C99 wheel is designed to minimize drag in sustained high-speed efforts for time trial and triathlon competition.
WH-R9370-D-TL-R: Rear Disc for Maximum Aero Efficiency
Key features:
- Full disc construction
- Aerodynamic profile derived from extensive simulation
- Designed to complete the C99 front system
- Wheel weight: 987 g
Together, the C99 and Disc form Shimano’s dedicated aerodynamic race configuration for solo efforts against the clock.
Developed and Validated with WorldTour Cyclists and Professional Triathletes
Throughout development, Shimano worked closely with professional triathletes and riders from Alpecin-Premier Tech Cycling Team and Fenix-Premier Tech Cycling Team to validate performance under race conditions. Feedback from elite athletes, including top triathletes such as Kat Matthews and multi-discipline World Champion Mathieu van der Poel, played a critical role in refining ride characteristics like acceleration response, sprint stability, and crosswind predictability to ensure the lineup delivers the intuitive ride feel demanded at race speed.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing in USD
- WH-R9370-C36-TL wheelset: $2,970
- WH-R9370-C50-TL wheelset: $2,970
- WH-R9370-C60-TL wheelset: $2,970
- WH-R9370-C99-TL-F front wheel: $1,595
- WH-R9370-D-TL-R rear disc: $3,030
Availability: Wheels will be available from September 2026 onwards.
Sweet Protection Tucker III 2Vi® Mips® Helmet – $350
Breakaway specialist
Editors Note: Torstein Træen (Uno-X Mobility) was wearing this helmet on Stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de France when he joined a breakaway that propelled him from 24th place in the GC to the maillot jaune. Unfortunately, on Stage 6, he contacted a teammate’s rear wheel shortly after beginning their decent off the summit of the Col de Tourmalet. Træen crashed hard at “high speed, striking his head on the tarmac. He remounted his bike after a medical check, though the yellow jersey was already lost. Sadly, team doctors determined after the stage that he had suffered a concussion and he was forced to abandon. We wish him a speedy recovery and are pleased that the helmet did its job and prevented more serious injury. It truly does provide “sweet” protection.
Born for the breakaway, the Tucker III 2Vi® Mips® Helmet blends next-level aerodynamics with standout comfort. A scientifically optimized ventilation system ensures outstanding airflow to keep you cool and focused for the final sprint. The 2Vi® helmet technology with Mips® Air Node Safety System delivers superior protection performance and comfort in a signature low-profile design. Save watts, take the lead, and believe in the breakaway.
Key details and specs
- 2Vi® Helmet Technology Platform enhances performance and comfort with the Mips® Air Node Safety System for effective protection against rotational forces
- 360 Occigrip Fit System offers a snug, secure fit with on-the-fly height and width adjustments
- Integrated eyewear grippers work seamlessly with Sweet Protection eyewear
- Snap-On Covers to close the eyewear grippers and further reduce drag
- Optimized for breakaway, solo efforts and sprints with a tailored design for maximum efficiency in critical riding scenarios
- Complex internal ventilation structure
- 4-Shell construction
- Front and back Impact Shields for increased protection performance
- Comfort pads allow for easy adjustments to ensure personalized comfort during long rides
- Rounded vents are designed to reduce airflow turbulence and enhance aerodynamic performance
- S/M, M/L & L/XL
The helmet range
PEZ got the Satin White, but the Tucker III 2Vi Mips comes in four other colorways:
Chuck sez: I have no way to measure of confirm how fast a helmet is, but how many other bike helmets have been developed with expertise from a Formula 1 aerodynamicist? And a helmet alone isn’t going to make you faster. But if you’re trying to squeeze every last watt out of your equipment, the Tucker III 2Vi Mips is a helmet that fits the bill. It’s the helmet of choice for Uno-X Mobility‘s fast men.
The protection
The Tucker III 2Vi meets CPSC 1203 (US) and CE EN 1078 (European) safety standards for impacts. For rotational protection, it employs the Mips Air Node system:
The Mips® Air Node system is a low-friction layer laminated onto the base of the comfort padding. Hook-and-loop fabric touch fasteners connect the Mips® system nodes to the energy-absorbing liner. At angled impacts, the nodes release locally, allowing the padding to slide and reduce rotational motion to the head.
I have not tested the Mips® system and can’t say if it is safer than not having it. But, I can say that nearly all high-end racing helmets use Mips®, or another rotational force dispersal system, to provide protection from rotational closed head injuries. PEZ readers will also know that PEZ is a fan of Mips technology. It’s your head, so your decision.
Test and observation
I went with size M/L based on my head measurement (I’m actually at the “big” end of their size S/M and the “small” end of their size M/L). This sizing matched my Sweet Protection Falconer Aero 2Vi is a size M/L. That said, try before you buy is always a good idea not just for fit but also comfort. If you can’t, make sure you are good with the retailer’s return/refund policy. If you buy directly from Sweet Protection:
- Return period: You can return items within 30 days of receipt.
- Condition: The item must be in the same condition as when you received it, with all tags and original packaging intact.
- Refund: Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days to the original payment method, after receipt an inspection of the return.
Sweet Protection empty what they refer to as the 360 Occigrip Fit System. The wearer can adjust the retention system vertically at the rear of the helmet. This adjustment allows positioning the cradle for security and comfort. Like most helmets, there’s a dial at the back of the helmet to adjust fit/tightness. The dial adjusts a strap that wraps completely around your head on a horizontal axis. Instead of just pulling the helmet tight front to back, it tightens evenly around your head for a better — and more comfortable — fit. I am a fan!
Chuck’s final words: “If you’re looking for a pure aero helmet with World Tour pro cred, the Tucker III 2Vi Mips is all that. Not my first choice for summer riding in the SC Lowcountry 90-something/feels like 100-something heat and humidity, but I have and survived in it. My head didn’t bake like it was in an oven and I could actually feel air flow through the helmet at speed. I do have one niggle (but not a dealbreaker) with the Tucker III 2Vi Mips helmet: the helmet straps secure with a traditional two-prong pinch buckle rather than a magnetic Fidlock buckle that Sweet Protection uses in their Falconer Aero 2Vi Mips helmet. I know … First World problem.”
MAAP Advanced_Optics Collection
Premium eye protection on and off bike
Melbourne-based premium cycling apparel brand MAAP has announced its official entry into the eyewear market with the upcoming launch of Advanced_Optics
.
Designed to deliver exceptional clarity, protection and comfort, the collection combines technical optical performance with MAAP’s progressive approach to design. Four distinct styles are engineered to perform across changing conditions, demanding efforts and life beyond the ride.
Bringing MAAP’s signature design language into a new category, the collection balances advanced lens technology, lightweight construction and considered fit systems with a strong visual identity.
Ian Elliott, CEO of MAAP, sez: “We obsess over the details – always have. Eyewear isn’t new to our world, it’s part of how we live and ride. That obsession over details and design is what drives us into new spaces. It sharpens everything. Advanced_Optics is that obsession finding its form with room to grow and evolve.”
HALO
HALO delivers precision vision in an aerodynamic form, featuring a rimless frame, matched with a sweeping curved lens for peak visibility. The Galaxy colourway combines space-inspired blue speckles with a contrasting, interchangeable green TPE nose pad. Grey TPE grips complete the combo and deliver a secure fit over any terrain.
Choose from an interchangeable Silver Mirror Lens with 23% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for sunny days or the Yellow Lens with 79% VLT for low light conditions. Both high-contrast lenses offer 100% UV protection, backed by a premium suite of Hydrophobic, Oleophobic, and Anti-Fog coatings to ensure the road ahead remains crystal clear no matter how difficult the conditions become.
Constructed with TR90 frames and Polycarbonate lenses, the HALO ensures a featherlight, highly durable build that stands up to the rigors of high-speed racing without compromising on all-day comfort.
Weight: 21.8g
ORACLE
Engineered for the pursuit, ORACLE utilises a semi-rimless design that balances a lightweight frame with an interchangeable adaptive grip system. The minimalist silhouette is punctuated by a matte beige top frame, offset by light green temple tips and a contrasting dark blue TPE nose piece. Delivering unrivalled focus from dawn to descent, the sleek shield lens provides expansive, uninterrupted coverage.
Also available with two high-contrast lens options, including a dark green lens with 18% VLT for harsh sunlight or a contrasting pink with 57% VLT for duller days. The ORACLE guarantees 100% UV protection and shares the same premium suite of Hydrophobic, Oleophobic, and Anti-Fog coatings alongside the TR90 frame construction and TPE grips.
Weight: 23.9g
FUSE
Delivering full-wrap coverage, high-contrast optics and a secure stay-put fit, FUSE is designed for riders seeking maximum protection in changing conditions.
Engineered for a secure, stable fit for the alternate path and beyond, FUSE pairs its rugged construction with a 15% VLT lens. Blocking out glare and distraction when shifting between dappled forest light and wide-open fire roads.
Its translucent, smoke-grey frames are punctuated by vivid red geometric accent dots on the inner temples and, like the rest of MAAP’s performance eyewear range, the TR90 frames and TPE grips are matched with a full suite of Hydrophobic, Oleophobic, and Anti-Fog coatings.
Weight: 23.3g
Pricing & Availability
The three models shown above, along with a lifestyle off-bike set are available at maap.com. Please visit their site for full details and purchase. The HALO lists at €220 | £200 | $250 | $325AUD, the Oracle for €205 | £185 | $230 | $305AUD, and the FUSE runs €185 | £165 | $210 | $275AUD.
Colnago TT2
Lighter, faster, built for modern time trialing
Colnago has launched the TT2, a redesigned time trial platform engineered to tackle the technical corners and steep gradients of modern Grand Tour profiles. Developed to give UAE Team Emirates-XRG a lighter, more agile edge against the clock, the chassis debuted under Tadej Pogačar and company during the opening team time trial in Barcelona.
Rather than chasing diminishing returns in a wind tunnel with the already slippery TT1, Colnago focused its engineering efforts on trimming mass and sharpening handling characteristics for demanding race courses.
The primary objective was simple: slash frame weight while preserving absolute power transfer and aerodynamic efficiency. By streamlining tube intersections, eliminating structural sharp angles that require extra carbon reinforcement, and rethinking the front triangle, Colnago dramatically dropped structural weight. This provides UAE Team Emirates-XRG with a highly responsive, nimble machine when hunting for fractions of a second on technical descents and climbs.
Weight Loss, Slimmed Down, Structural Refinement
Massive Weight Reduction: The unpainted frame kit in size Small (encompassing frame, fork, post, and cockpit assembly) tips the scales at just 2,240g. This cuts 550g from the previous generation, making it easy to build a complete race machine right at the UCI’s 6.8kg weight minimum. Colnago also claim that they maintained the stiffness of the heavier previous version.
Aero Refinements:Though weight loss was the main goal, front-end optimization–anchored by the narrower head tube and a revised fork profile–yields an additional 2-watt aerodynamic advantage at 54 km/h.
Conventional Steerer Tube: Moving away from the proprietary bayonet fork design of the past, the TT2 adopts a standard 25mm steerer tube setup. This structural shift cuts 137g and allows for an exceptionally slim, hourglass-shaped 32mm wide head tube.
Geometry and Drivetrain Standards
Cockpit & Geometry: Colnago equipped the bike with a narrower, integrated 360mm (center-to-center) base bar. Frame geometry spans four sizes (XS to L), with the Medium and Large variants receiving taller stack figures to minimize the need for tall, flexy aerobar spacer stacks.
Bottom Bracket, UDH & Clearance: Adopting reliable standards, the frame features a threaded BSA 68mm bottom bracket shell and a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH). Tire clearance is optimized for modern high-volume rubber up to 30mm. The front triangle clears massive 1x chainrings up to 70-teeth without sacrificing 2x compatibility.
Fidlock® Integration: The frame layout pairs with a proprietary Colnago Aero Bottle System, utilizing Fidlock® magnetic alignment to maintain a clean, UCI-legal profile that seamlessly blends fluid storage with the frame’s aerodynamic silhouette. You may recall, we reviewed the Fidlock® system just a few weeks back.
Retail Availability and Pricing
Colnago plans to deliver the frameset module to authorized global retailers starting in late September 2026. They will price the complete frameset module, consisting of the frame, fork, seatpost, integrated cockpit assembly, and dedicated Fidlock® aero bottle system, from $7,500 / 7,040€ / £6,499
Note: If you have other experiences with gear or something to add, drop us a line. We don’t claim to know everything (we just imply it at times). Give us a pat on the back if you like the reviews. Or, call us out if you feel the need!
PezCycling News and the author ask that you consult the manufacturers if you have any questions about the 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.
The post Gear Break: TdF Week One – Tifosi MOAB XC Fototec, Richard Mille RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago, Shimano Dura-Ace Wheels, Sweet Protection Tucker III 2Vi, MAAP Advanced_Optics, Colnago TT2 appeared first on PezCycling News.
