{"id":574199,"date":"2025-11-16T13:32:50","date_gmt":"2025-11-16T13:32:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/574199\/"},"modified":"2025-11-16T13:32:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-16T13:32:50","slug":"dt-swiss-abandons-steel-spokes-in-its-flagship-climbing-wheels-enve-drops-a-cheaper-bar-and-colnago-expands-its-steel-frame-range-in-a-topsy-turvy-round-up-of-the-weeks-tech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/574199\/","title":{"rendered":"DT Swiss abandons steel spokes in its flagship climbing wheels; Enve drops a cheaper bar; and Colnago expands it’s steel frame range in a topsy turvy round up of the week’s tech"},"content":{"rendered":"

While steel and carbon might seemingly sit at the ends of the spectrum when it comes to materials used in bike frames and components, they really are just bedfellows. It’s all about how they are used, rather than any inherent properties, that defines their performance; steel frames are famed for their liveliness and comfort, but this only achieved by matching quality tubing with an effective design. Similarly carbon is heralded for its light yet stiff properties but without a thoughtful application these attributes are wasted.<\/p>\n

Which brings me on to our headliners this week. We have a steel bike from Colnago, a set of climbing wheels with carbon spokes, and a thoroughly modern race bike that’s doffing its cap to the first carbon bike to win le tour. All three showcase said materials and their ability to blend performance with desirability, a marketing person’s dream.<\/p>\n

Colnago Steelnovo<\/p>\n

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\"Colnago\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Colnago)<\/p>\n

The Steelnovo was first released to celebrate Colnago\u2019s 70th anniversary. Showcasing both the brand\u2019s heritage and its framebuilding expertise, the limited-edition model<\/a> (70 made), was as beautiful as it was expensive.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

While the exclusivity of both availability and price likely added to its appeal for some, Colnago has decided to offer the Steelnovo in a slightly more accessible and affordable guise; this time around the frame retails at $6,250 and is limited to 400 pieces.<\/p>\n

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\"Colnago\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Colnago)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s debuting in two colorways – a light blue and a pastel orange – and like the original is made entirely in Italy from a blend of Columbus tubing and 3D-printed components, all blended together with impressively seamless welds. And clearly it\u2019s a bike to be ridden now and into the future; it boasts clearance for 35mm wide tyres and uses the T47 BB and UDH<\/a> standards.<\/p>\n

DT Swiss ARC 1100 Spline 38 CS<\/p>\n

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\"DT\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: DT Swiss)<\/p>\n

At first glance the DT Swiss ARC 1100s look like just another pair of high-end lightweight carbon wheels. And, to some degree, they are. Built for climbing the 38mm deep hoops weigh less than 1,200g for the pair. But it\u2019s how DT Swiss attained such a weight that makes them interesting. It\u2019s the spokes.<\/p>\n

DT Swiss\u2019 Aerolite steel spokes have been the standard for some time, used not just on its own wheels but on numerous sets from other manufacturers, too. But in the pursuit of the lightest possible wheel there has been a clear shift to carbon spokes, leaving DT Swiss as something of an outlier. Until now.<\/p>\n

The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n

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\"DT\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: DT Swiss)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a rational argument for why steel trumps carbon as the best material for spokes, and it\u2019s likely one that kept DT Swiss from making the switch in its lightest wheelsets.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a counter argument that it simply had to, given that all its nearest rivals had made the jump some time ago. We\u2019re hoping to get a pair of the wheels in to test.<\/p>\n

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\"DT\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: DT Swiss)<\/p>\n

Until then, here\u2019s the details: the hand-built wheels feature an aero optimised 38mm deep rim with a 20mm internal rim measurement, designed with the help of aero experts Swiss Side. There are 24 of the carbon spokes at the rear, and 18 at the front, laced in a new spoke pattern to the brand\u2019s superb 180 hub; here it\u2019s been specifically made for the switch to carbon spokes, with refined flanges.<\/p>\n

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\"DT\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: DT Swiss)<\/p>\n

The ARC 1100s have been built around a specific tyre combination designed to make the wheel\/tyre combo the fastest possible when climbing; DT Swiss are recommending a Continental Aero 111 in a 26mm width at the front and a 28mm GP 5000 STR on the rear. This, according to the brand, offers an \u201coptimal combination of speed and grip, for fast ascents as well as descents in confidence\u201d.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The DT Swiss ARC 1100 Spline 38 CS are priced at \u00a32,899 \/ $3,727.<\/p>\n

Look 795 Blade RS KG Edition<\/p>\n

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\"Look\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Look Cycles)<\/p>\n

The 1986 edition of the Tour de France was certainly an historic race. Not only did Greg LeMond become the first winner from outside of Europe, he did so riding a carbon frame, another first. And now that frame, the Look KG68, is being celebrated by the French marque in the shape of the 795 Blade RS KG.<\/p>\n

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\"Look\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Look)<\/p>\n

Forty years separates the two bikes, and while much has changed, some things remain the same. At the time the KG68 was as innovative as it gets, with the monocoque carbon and Kevlar tubes bonded into aluminum lugs, making its steel counterparts look positively medieval by comparison. LeMond\u2019s complete bike weighed less than 9kg, ridiculously light for the time.<\/p>\n

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\"Look\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Look Cycles)<\/p>\n

The 795 Blade RS<\/a> is just as progressive, showcasing today\u2019s technical and manufacturing prowess that allows for such a stiff, light and aerodynamically efficient race bike. The lineage is clear, and Look has doffed its cap to both the KG68 and LeMond\u2019s achievements on it by decking out the 795 Blade in artwork that reflects the revolutionary original, using tri-colour motifs, silver accents and a raw carbon finish.<\/p>\n

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\"Look\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Look)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s available as both a frameset and a complete bike. The frame retails at \u00a34,600 \/ $5,800, while builds start from \u00a37,970 \/ $10,700.<\/p>\n

Both the old and new version were on display at Rouleur Live this weekend<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Santini winter jackets<\/p>\n

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\"Santini\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Santini)<\/p>\n

It wouldn\u2019t be a November tech roundup without some winter kit and fortunately Santini is able to oblige. The Italian brand has released a number of jackets that showcase Polartec fabrics, all designed to protect you from the seasonal elements.<\/p>\n

First up is the Pro All-Weather jacket that uses Powertec Power Shield. The PFAS-free fabric is both waterproof and breathable as well as being made from 48% plant-based materials. It combines here with a slim fit and a double zipper, alongside a waterproof rear pocket and reflective details on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

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\"Santini\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Santini)<\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s the Thermo Jacket which is made from Polartec\u2019s Power Wool fabric, which blends the properties of wool with synthetic fibres. Santini says it results in a garment that\u2019s soft and durable as well as being breathable. As such, it\u2019s designed to work across a range of conditions and temperatures, from 5\u00b0\u201315\u00b0C. Details include windproof inserts and three rear pockets, with a cut that\u2019s described as \u201caerodynamic\u201d.<\/p>\n

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\"Santini\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Santini)<\/p>\n

For the coldest conditions. Santini has given us another Themo jacket, but this time it’s made with Polartec Windbloc and Alpha fabrics. The former is there to combat the wind and then rain, while the latter is used internally to aid moisture management.<\/p>\n

Last, but likely not least, is the Insulated Jacket. It sees Polartec’s Alpha and Power Wool team up, with Alpha used for insulation, while Power Wool panels on the back and underarms are designed to keep your body temperature regulated. Details include four rear pockets, an elasticated hem and reflective elements. It\u2019s also offered in a gilet.<\/p>\n

Topeak E-Booster Digital Mini pump<\/p>\n

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\"Topeak\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Topeak)<\/p>\n

The march of the electric pump shows no sign of slowing down. We covered a few offerings in our handy guide<\/a> to these devilishly efficient gadgets but new models are seemingly arriving with each passing day.<\/p>\n

Topeak\u2019s latest is the E-Booster Digital Mini. The clue to its key credentials is in the name; measuring 5.4 \u00d7 3.4 \u00d7 7.2 cm and weighing 120g, it\u2019s designed to fit comfortably in a jersey pocket or saddlebag. However, despite its size it still features a full-colour LCD display, with readings in PSI, BAR or KG\/CM\u00b2 and a preset function that allows you to set your desired pressure.<\/p>\n

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\"Topeak\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Topeak)<\/p>\n

Using a 500mAh battery Topeak says it’s good for six full inflations of a 700x40c tyre, which should be plenty for any ride unless you\u2019re particularly unlucky. Other details include a weatherproof storage bag, a built-in LED flashlight and an extended hose, which is designed for use with TPU tubes; electric pumps can overheat and are not typically well-suited to the inner tubes with plastic valves. The E-Booster Digital Mini retails for \u00a3109.99.<\/p>\n

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\"Topeak\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Topeak)<\/p>\n

Topeak has also released a new TurboFlow range designed to improve tubeless tyre inflation; the technology delivers around three times the airflow of traditional valves. It comprises three sets: adaptors, a valve kit and the combo. The first of these converts existing presta valves to TurboFlow, while the kit contains everything you need for a full installation. Lastly, the Combo offers the valves alongside Topeak\u2019s RapidHead, a pump head designed to work \u201cseamlessly\u201d with the TurboFlow valves; the pump head is said to be compatible with most floor pumps.<\/p>\n

Pricing for the sets is as follows: Valve Kits are \u00a334.99, the TurboFlow Valve Combo is \u00a329.99, and the Presta Valve Adapters are \u00a319.99.<\/p>\n

Enve SES AR One-Piece Handlebar<\/p>\n

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\"Enve\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Enve)<\/p>\n

Enve\u2019s range of carbon components are coveted for their clean aesthetics and their notable performance. But by making much of its gear in its US factory, the price was prohibitive for many. The SES AR handlebars are once such item, coming with a price tag of $1,200. Until now, that is.<\/p>\n

The made in the US cockpit is still available, but is now named the SES AR Custom one-piece. It\u2019s been joined by a matching bar that\u2019s produced in its overseas factory where it makes its range of two-piece bars. This bar has adopted the existing SES AR name, while the retail price has almost been halved, to $750 \/ \u00a3850. The change of factory should also increase availability, too.<\/p>\n

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\"Enve\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Enve)<\/p>\n

The bar\u2019s design and specs remain, with an aero profile and compound-flare drops, offered in 20 size combinations. Claimed weight for a 40cm wide bar with a 110mm stem is 340g.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s still a huge chunk of money for a cockpit, any time a premium brand seeks to address issues of affordability and supply should be saluted.<\/p>\n

Pirelli Cinturato tyres<\/p>\n

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\"Pirelli\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Pirelli)<\/p>\n

Pirelli has added to its Cinturato range of gravel tyres with the HP and P lines.<\/p>\n

The High Performance line offers updated versions of the existing H and M models. Made in Pirelli\u2019s Milan-Bollate plant they use FSC certified natural rubber and are designed, as the name states, at top-level performance. Details include a new SmartEVO GR compound and a 120 TPI casing with a protective ProWALL structure borrowed from the brand\u2019s MTB tyres. The H is created for hardpacked surfaces, while the M is for mixed terrain. Both claim to deliver improved puncture resistance and reduced rolling resistance compared to the previous designs.<\/p>\n

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\"Pirelli\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Pirelli)<\/p>\n

The Performance line features five models: the RH, the RM, the S, the H and the M. The first two are aimed at \u201cexpert riders\u201d, while the S is for loose terrain. The RH and the RM are designed for the same conditions as those in the HP Line but, like all the Performance Line tyres, feature a 60 TPI casing.<\/p>\n

All are available in 40mm and 45mm widths, with the HP tyres priced at $97.90 \/ \u00a374.99 and the P tyres at $78.90 \/ \u00a359.99.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"While steel and carbon might seemingly sit at the ends of the spectrum when it comes to materials…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":574200,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4104],"tags":[4230,79,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-574199","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling","8":"tag-cycling","9":"tag-sports","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115559648322854064","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/574199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=574199"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/574199\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/574200"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=574199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=574199"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=574199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}