Specialized Recon EVO Brings Road Features to an Off-Road Shoe

Specialized Brings Its High-Tech Shoe Construction to Its Off-Road Line With the Recon EVO

Specialized has unveiled the Recon EVO, its latest shoe and an upgrade to its off-road line, with a new premium offering that borrows a lot of technical features from the Ares 2 road shoe. Like the Ares 2, the Recon EVO uses a new foot shape that rearranges the front of the shoe to better match the natural foot shape of most riders. Additionally, it uses two Li2 Boa Dials along the side of the foot to tighten the shoe using a wrapping upper. What is new from the Recon EVO is that the feature now has a name: the PowerHug.

The patented system uses low anchor points and a robust wrap to create more foot to upper contact, while still providing precise fit and feel to allow for a comfortable and connected system. That PowerHug is paired with a slew of Body Geometry features like the Metatarsal Button, Natural Last, and Varus Wedge to try and eke out as many performance features as possible in an off-road shoe.

The big changes between the Ares 2 and the Recon EVO are, naturally, related to the sole of the shoe and the added features for off-road demands. The sole itself still uses the same very still, carbon outsole construction but adds rubber toe and heel lugs for traction for a few steps off the bike and protection from flying rocks or other hits. Additionally, the shoe has interchangeable TPU pontoons alongside the cleat mounts to fine-tune feel, improve cleat interface, and provide additional pedal stability.

Like the Ares 2, the big hurdle here for many will be price, with the shoes listed MSRP coming in at $550 USD. Nevertheless, with a lineup of the best off-road riders in the world across disciplines, it isn’t a surprise that the shoe is one of the priciest options on the market.

You can learn more about the Recon EVO from Specialized website.

SunGod Launches New Velans 2 Sunglasses, Redesigned for a Better Fit

INEOS Grenadiers, SD-Worx ProTime, and the Unibet Rose Rockets will have some new sunglasses for the upcoming races, as their eyewear sponsor, SunGod, has released a new version of its Velans sunglasses. The Velans 2 are an update to the now five-year-old model that the British brand launched as it emerged onto the scene, famously “forcing” Geraint Thomas to abandon his iconic all-white Oakley Racing Jacket glasses the Welshman wore for over a decade. While the Velans were not the model that Thomas used, they were a favorite for pro riders as they offered a reliable fit and comprehensive protection.

The new Velans 2 doubles down on those aspects, adding a new “ergonomically remodeled arm and temple profile” and new “stability fins,” according to the press release. The new Velans are specced SunGod’s proprietary 8KO nylon-based lenses that are 70% clearer than the industry standard polycarbonate lenses.

Like all SunGod sunglasses, the Velans 2 come with a lifetime warranty and is available in seven colors. The Velans 2 are available now for  $160/£125/€155, with the option to customize the glasses for $25/£10/€25 extra.

Check out the SunGod website for more information.

Santini and Mads Pedersen Unveil the “Momentum Series,” a Collection of Kits that Weld Speed and Style 

Mads Pedersen and his Lidl-Trek kit supplier Santini have teamed up for a bespoke kit collection that provides WorldTour tech in a fashion-forward design cosigned by the Danish cycling star.

The Momentum Series, as it is called, is a collection of jerseys, bibs, a baselayer, a vest, a skinsuit, and a wide range of technical accessories that employ Santini’s high-end racing tech to provide the basis for a set of designs that meet the current fashion moment of color-blocking and subtle patterns.

Santini is promoting the series as a true partnership between the tastes and priorities of Pedersen and the tech provided by Santini’s racing legacy. “The Mads Pedersen Momentum Series is a collection focused on aerodynamics and speed,” the press release read, “the result of the collaboration between Santini Cycling and Mads Pedersen, the line sees the athlete expressing his determination through an authentic and powerful design, blending his identity with Santini’s cutting-edge technology.”

The main technology that underscores the performance credentials of the collection is the MADSS (Mega Aerodynamic Speed Shell) concept that has underpinned Santini’s aero kit. Complete with light, tight material and aero tips along the arms that boost the aerodynamics of the jersey. The bibs are built to have gentle compression, breathability and quick drying properties.

Beyond the main pieces, the collection also has overshoes, a vest, socks, and arm sleeves that are both aerodynamic and offer UV protection. You can find more details on the collection and pricing details on Santini’s website here.