Factor is reimagining the gravel segment with the launch of its new SARANA, targeting the “ultra” gravel scene by offering front suspension options with up to 30mm travel, as well as a rear triangle that incorporates leaf spring-style seat stays that are designed to further reduce vibration.

“The SARANA represents our deliberate expansion of the gravel spectrum. It’s been created for ultra-distance racing, events measured in days rather than hours, where riders are entirely self-supported and performance depends as much on efficiency and resilience as on outright speed. Races that stretch across countries, through days and nights, where riders are their own mechanics, navigators, and occasionally, their own worst enemies. As our interpretation of what a true ultra race bike should be, the SARANA reflects the same instincts that drive every Factor: curiosity, precision, and the belief that speed is something to be felt as much as measured,” says Factor.

Additionally, Factor says it designed the bike’s geometry with high-speed and variable terrain in mind, with each size dialed in with a fork trail of 60mm, 425mm chain stays and a 73 degree seat angle, while the head tube is 71.5 degrees with a bottom bracket drop of 80mm. Plus, the SARANA also provides dropper seat post compatibility, as well as a wide range of cockpit options from its Black Inc components brand.

Aerodynamics also played an important role when developing the SARANA, treating it an aerofoil-shaped fuselage, along with waterproof frame and top tube bags with welded seams that are designed to further smooth out airflow in the area of the head tube.

Designed around 1x drivetrains only, the SARANA can accommodate tires up to a hefty 57mm, along with chainrings as large as 52T.

“The speeds, durations, and demands of ultra racing were unlike anything Factor had optimised for before, yet the principles were the same: efficiency, responsiveness, control. Working directly with Canadian ultra racer and 2025 Unbound XL champion, Rob Britton, the engineering team began translating his racing mindset into design parameters. British Columbia became the SARANA’s testing ground: vast, rough, and relentlessly varied. Each prototype was ridden, refined, and redefined by feedback from the field. Over months of riding in British Columbia, through heat, rain, altitude, and isolation, Rob pushed each iteration of the SARANA through the kind of punishment only real ultra events deliver. Every ride produced a set of numbers, but more importantly, a set of sensations that shaped the next version,” adds Factor.

Sarana is available in five sizes, across four different build options.

Here’s how the models break down:

Rigid bikes:

• Sarana – SRAM Red XPLR / Black Inc 46 wheels: $9,599
• Sarana – SRAM Force XPLR / Black Inc 46 wheels: $7,899 

Suspension bikes:

• Sarana – SRAM Red XPLR / Black Inc 46 wheels: $10,199  
  Sarana – SRAM Force XPLR / Black Inc 46 wheels: $8,499 

Frameset only:  

• Sarana: $4,699 / £4,599 / €5,599
• Sarana + suspension: $5,299 / £5,199 / €6,399

To coincide with the launch of the SARANA, Factor has also rolled out a new gravel wheelset called the Black Inc 46, which, as its name suggests, features a 46mm deep rim with a 27mm inner rim width and 33mm outer. Also, the wheels use bladed steel spokes with brass spoke nipples for durability, while things spin on stainless steel bearings and a three-pawl freehub body with a 30-tooth engagement ring for $1,699. 

Factor

BMC is debuting an updated version of its Kaius 01 gravel bike, touting an all-new frameset with not only some new geometry tweaks such as a steeper head tube angle, more stack, a shorter reach and longer fork trail, but clearance has also been increased to now accommodate tires up to a hefty 54mm.

Additionally, aero improvements come courtesy of BMC’s new AS10 seatpost and ICS Carbon one-piece cockpit that are borrowed from its latest Team Machine SLR 01 road bike, as well as the new aero-enhanced “Halo” fork.

The Kaius also gets the same integrated Aerocore cages as found on the Swiss brand’s Team Machine.

Naturally, weight and stiffness have also been bolstered by a claimed 4% and 3%, respectively, with a size medium frame tipping the scales at 998 grams.

Also, for those looking for some white paper proof of the Kaius 01’s aerodynamic properties (aka “Aerosynthesis”), BMC says the new graveler grinder cheats the wind to the effect of a 7% improvement over its predecessor when shod with 45mm tires.

“A bike purpose-built for gravel racing, the Kaius 01 ONE proves you can be aero, responsive, and brutally fast on dirt. Generation two of this gravel race bike pushes this idea even harder. Aerodynamics are sharpened again, delivering a measured 7% gain at 40 km/h. Power transfer is more direct thanks to our 01 Premium Carbon layup, leading to a more responsive ride. Compliance, 51mm tire clearance and high-speed stability have all been refined so you can rip the turns and stay planted when corners come fast and the surface stops cooperating,” says BMC.

Elsewhere, the Kaius 01 has been treated to a third set of bosses under the down tube and top tube mounts, plus a cargo plate underneath the top tube, granting it bikepacking capabilities as well. 

The Kaius 01 is offered as a frameset only for $5,100 or in three complete builds, with pricing starting at $6,200.

Here’s how the models break down:

Kaius 01 Three

• SRAM Rival XPLR AXS
• BMC CG 40 carbon
• Fizik Venta Argo saddle

Kaius 01 Two

• SRAM Force XPLR AXS
• BMC CG 40 carbon wheels
• Fizik Vento Argo saddle

Kaius 01 One 

• SRAM Red XPLR AXS
• BMC CG 39 SL carbon wheels
• Continental Terra Competition Race tires
• Integrated BMC ICS carbon cockpit
• Fizik Vento Argo X1 carbon saddle

BMC

Finish Line has announced the launch of its new eco-friendly BOOSTED range of plant-derived lubricants and solvent-free degreasers

“BOOSTED is the culmination of a significant product development initiative to deliver ‘ecowithout compromise’. Riders can expect the same performance standards they enjoy with all Finish Line products, albeit with even better sustainable formulation standards. When I started Finish Line in 1988, one of our founding principles was to use ingredients that respect the environment. Using plant-based ingredients was not much more than a dream at that time. With our newfound ability to synthesize plant oils, BOOSTED is meeting and exceeding current petroleum and paraffin standards. We are truly excited to share these technologies with the entire bicycle industry,” says Hank Krause, Founder & CEO of Finish Line.

Eco Without Compromise

BOOSTED expands the Finish Line portfolio with a bio range that includes 2 different chain lubricants, a grease for suspension and ceramic bearings, and a solvent-free water-based cleaner degreaser, all without sacrificing performance, protection, durability, or reliability.

All BOOSTED formulations are:

• Petroleum and solvent-free
• Readily biodegradable
• Non-toxic and user-safe
• Free of PFAS, carcinogens, dyes, fragrances and hazardous ingredients

 BOOSTED Product Range

The launch includes four core maintenance products:

BioWax– Uses plant-based waxes that set up clean and dry, repelling dirt and abrasive contaminants. It delivers quiet, super-efficient drivetrain performance over extended riding intervals. BioWax is a liquid drip-on wax that will not disappoint.

BioWet– Made with synthesized plant oils to deliver a wet-film lubricant that is ultra-durable in wet and high-torque pedaling conditions. The thin hydrodynamic film lowers the coefficient of friction to extremely low levels, attracts fewer contaminants than conventional wet-film, lubricants and meets (or exceeds) conventional petroleum-based performance standards.

BioGrease– Made with synthesized plant oils, which are suspended in an aluminum base. BioGrease withstands 100% water submersion, is unaffected by temperature extremes, absorbs high loads for extreme durability and will not affect O-rings, gaskets or plastic parts. NLGI-1 grade is ideal for all suspension servicing, ceramic and high-speed bearings.

BioClean– A solvent-free, petroleum-free cleaner degreaser that breaks down grease, oil, dirt, and grime while remaining safe for the user, the environment and all bike components. Proprietary ingredients deliver a low dynamic surface tension, which ensures fast and thorough wetting of soils. This wetting action enhances speed and effectiveness, ultimately rivalling traditional solvent degreasers.

Finish Line 

As part of its MADSS (Mega Aerodynamic Speed Shell) range of apparel, Santini is introducing its latest MADSS Gravel skinsuit, an evolution of its iconic road model that was developed to meet the needs of gravel disciplines and long-distance riding.  

“The skinsuit is designed to offer maximum aerodynamic efficiency without compromising comfort and freedom of movement. The result is a garment that preserves the racing DNA of the MADSS line, reinterpreted to meet the demands of mixed terrain and endurance competitions,” says Santini. 

The upper part is made from a lightweight, highly breathable stretch microfiber, engineered to promote effective thermoregulation even during intense efforts, while the close, second-skin fit, combined with a low collar, helps reduce aerodynamic drag. Also, the sleeves play a critical role in managing airflow, which are constructed using a special ribbed fabric developed in a wind tunnel to optimize air interaction and enhance overall performance.

Additionally, the skinsuit features an integrated pocket for a hydration pack (up to 2 liters capacity) positioned on the upper back, while fabric loops on both shoulders allow routing of the drinking tube, along with an additional rear loop that enables secure attachment of the pack with a small carabiner (hydration pack and carabiner not included), ensuring a practical hydration management during demanding rides without compromising aerodynamics. In addition, five rear pockets complete the setup, ideal for carrying bars, gels, and all essentials for endurance racing.

Elsewhere, the lower part is made from high-resistance warp-knit fabric with a compact structure, designed to provide medium compression to support muscles without restricting movement. Plus, the extended leg length, with raw-cut hems and internal silicone grip, provides stability, comfort, and improved aerodynamic efficiency, keeping the skinsuit perfectly in place even on rough terrain.

Long-distance comfort was also a key element when developing the skinsuit, which relies on Santini’s C3 chamois, featuring anti-shock gel inserts and a 3D ergonomic surface that’s designed to absorb vibrations and provide optimal support during the most demanding rides and gravel competitions.

The skinsuit is available in a single colorway, featuring a printed top with a colorful graphic and a solid grey-dyed lower section for €240.

Santini 

Fizik is introducing its latest TONES collection, calling it a “seasonal approach to color”.

“Built around a one-off seasonal array of colors, TONES connects selected shoes, helmets, and accessories through a shared visual identity, offering riders a simple way to introduce colour into their on-bike outfits. At its core, TONES reflects a shift away from safe, long-life cycling colorways towards something more responsive and bold. Fizik’s designers will take inspiration from subjects like flora, weather, music, landscapes and more for these collections. Resulting in a fresh palette that feels current, without losing the minimalist aesthetic that defines Fizik,” says the Italian brand. 

This year’s TONE’S collection is “Aurora”, a name rooted in the Latin word for dawn and the Roman goddess of sunrise. Aurora represents the moments where light and the atmosphere align to create a fleeting, unique colour scheme made up of soft pinks and purples. The team at Fizik felt that its connection to the dawning of the new day made it a logical place to begin the TONES project.

Like the sunrise itself, Aurora and future TONE’s releases are designed to be enjoyed in the moment, so each release is limited to a single year. As inspirations change, so does the tone, with colours retired at the end of the year to make way for the next iteration. The result is a collection that feels timely and considered, while remaining closely tied to the rhythm of riding throughout the year.

Rather than replacing any classic colorways, TONES sits alongside them on an annual rolling basis. Riders can opt for a full, coordinated look or introduce a single piece from the collection as a standout point of contrast.

George Huzford – Fizik Senior Marketing Manager: “TONES came from a simple idea: cycling is constantly changing both in terms of where and how we ride, so why should colour be fixed as well?.  TONES will give fans of fizik and those new to the brand the option to bring a bit more personality into their outfits without moving away from the core products they already know and love.”

Helmets in the TONES collection 

• Kudo
• Kudo Aero
• Kassis
• Kyros

Footwear in the TONES collection 

• Hydra
• Powerstrap
• Vega
• Lyra
• Proxy
• Ferox 2
• Beat

Fizik

Campagnolo has decided to resurrect its famed Record groupset, and as usual, is treating it to most of the same trappings as the Italian brand’s Super Record 13 drivetrain, but at a more affordable price point.

At the center of the new electronic Record is the same configurable 1x and 2x 13-speed architecture as its more costly brethren, with the key differences lying in materials, finishes and weight.

“Geometry, architecture and functionality now share a common design foundation across Record and Super Record, reflecting a new, simplified approach for Campagnolo. This ensures full component compatibility, greater system coherence, and most importantly, the same shifting speed. The differences are focused on material selection and finishes, enabling a new entry point into the platform without compromising performance. The result is just 208g to 342g additional weight depending on the discipline from Super Record to Record 13,” says Campagnolo. 

According to Campagnolo, Record is available in five guises across both 1x and 2x set-ups, which are supported by three different derailleurs across the groupsets; namely, a standard derailleur for the 2x variants, a separate version equipped with a nano clutch for boosted chain retention and an “X” version that’s fitted with a nano clutch as well that’s compatible with 42 or 48 tooth cassettes thanks to a longer cage.

In addition to inheriting the same drivetrain kinematics as Super Record 13, Record also sees carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide components on the front and rear derailleurs, albeit with some slightly different shaping and finishing on the front derailleur, while the shifters, Ergo Power controls, hydraulic braking system, cassettes and batteries remain unchanged.

Additionally, while the Record crank visually mimics the Super Record, there are some significant differences, such as a steel versus titanium axle, while the crankarms feature a low-density technopolymer construction instead of a hollowed-out carbon structure.

Record is also designed to work with the MyCampy app, allowing for full customization of the Ergopower controls and functions, with lots of factory presets and accessibility for one-handed riding. Moreover, it also offers seamless integration with bike computers such as Garmin, Wahoo and other major brands via ANT+ connectivity.

The new Record sells for 2700€ in a traditional 2× step-up for road, while the X version, configured in a 1x groupset with a nano clutch rear derailleur, is priced at 2130€. The all-road with either a clutched 1x or 2x configuration fetches 2129€ and 2335€, respectively.  

For those who want power readings, a Campagnolo PWN power meter can be added for 600€.

• Record 2×13 road: 2,783g
• Record X 1×13 gravel (specific rear derailleur with Nano Clutch. Compatible with 42/48t cassette): 2,777g
• Record 1×13 road (rear derailleur with Nano Clutch for both road and off-road. 36t cassette): 2,656g
• Record 2×13 all-road (rear derailleur with Nano Clutch for both road and off-road. 36t cassette): 2,806g
• Record X 1×13 road (specific rear derailleur with Nano Clutch. Compatible with 42/48t cassette): 2,820g

Campagnolo 

Scribe has expanded its range of Ultra wheelsets to include a new gravel-specific version aptly dubbed the Gravel Ultra, featuring a new construction that relies on robust T1000 and T1100 carbon fiber to bolster strength, while simultaneously reducing weight to as little as 1,258 grams for a set.

Additionally, the Gravel Ultra also comes equipped with a built-in Outrider pressure monitoring system, promising a claimed accuracy of +/- 0.7%, allowing riders to check their tire pressures in real time, while things spin on Scribe’s ULTRA hubs with a 45-tooth ratchet drive system and ceramic bearings for fast engagement and optimal smoothness.

The Gravel Ultra wheelset is available in two builds, one laced with Alpina Ultralite Aero Stainless Steel spokes for $1,199.00 that weighs in at 1,390 grams, or fitted with Berd Polymer spokes that bring the weight down to a feathery 1,258 grams for $1,999.00.

Both wheelsets can be spec’d with either HG, XDR, Microspline, or N3W freehubs.

Specifications:

• 46mm rim depth
• 30mm internal profile
• 35mm external profile
• Tubeless-ready design for increased puncture resistance, faster-rolling wheels and improved weight (works with standard tube also)
• Ramped rim bed for easy tre fitment
• Bead lock design for secure tire binding, even at lower pressures
• Optimized for 35-50mm tires
• J-Bend spoke design

Scribe