Things are really starting to get busy in the cycling world with ever more products hitting the shelves as the shops prepare for summer, and this week we’re telling you about Pirelli’s “fastest and most aerodynamic road tyre ever”, a saddlebag with an integrated rear light, and Chris Froome’s involvement with an AI training app, but we’re starting with a new helmet that promises speed, although it looks distinctly alien.
Take me to your leader: Limar’s Air Atlas UAP helmet is giving us alien vibes
Limar’s new Air Atlas UAP looks highly TT-esque, but this is a helmet that’s designed for road and fast gravel.
Its most unusual feature is the removable UAP extension, which Limar describes as “a refined elongation of the rear section designed to promote smoother airflow reconnection around the rider’s head and improve shell stability at high speeds.”
“Inspired by the most efficient forms in nature and engineering, Air Atlas UAP delivers superior aerodynamic performance while maintaining the key features that made Air Atlas iconic: extreme lightness, advanced internal ventilation, and outstanding comfort. The redesigned rear section, developed with aerodynamics at the core of the project, allows for more controlled interaction with airflow, reduces turbulence, and ensures maximum efficiency in racing conditions. Every detail has been validated in the wind tunnel and on the road, delivering tangible benefits without compromising breathability or weight.”
> Check out our Limar Air Atlas Helmet review
Limar is really playing up the alien looks of its aero helmets, the UAP – which stands for ‘unidentified aerial phenomena’ – following on from the existing Air Atlas UFO.
Limar doesn’t offer any aero claims comparing the Air Atlas UAP with helmets from other brands, although it does say, “Wind tunnel testing shows that at speeds between 40 and 50km/h (24.9-31.1mph), performance improves by 0.7 to 1.4 watts compared to its own Air Speed model.
> Read our review of the Limar Air Speed Road Helmet
Limar is also talking up the Air Atlas UAP as the most ventilated helmet in its range.
It says, “With Air Atlas UAP, ventilation is conceived as a continuous airflow that begins with air entering through the large frontal vents and moves inside the shell through a network of specially engineered internal channels, cooling the rider’s head. The Venturi effect generated by the UAP structure positioned at the rear of the helmet allows the internal airflow to be efficiently extracted and rejoin the external flow running along the helmet’s surface. In this way, vortices and turbulence are minimised, transforming airflow into pure speed.
It’s priced at £189.
One of the most secure bike locks just got lighter
Britain’s Litelok has launched its lightest grinder-resistant U-lock, the Litelok X1 Mini being a smaller version of the X1 that massively impressed us when we reviewed it last year, with a claimed weight of just 1.48kg. The Litelok X1 was the cheapest lock (by a long way) to survive our angle grinder test.
Litelok says, “The new variant has all the benefits of Litelok X1 but with a shorter reach shackle for riders who need a smaller and lighter lock with Sold Secure, being Sold Secure Diamond [rated] for both bicycles and motorcycles.”
The Litelok X1 Mini has internal dimensions of 99.5 x 136.65mm and costs £139.99. Litelok says that its success is down to the use of Barronium.
“Barronium is a fused composite armour made up of multiple, extremely hard ceramic and metallic materials, which make it tougher than an angle grinder disc,” says Litelok. “Barronium repels attacks by turning the grinder’s energy and force on itself.”
All we know is that the original Litelok X1 defeated our thief and his angle grinder attack. The angle grinder disc was totally worn out after one and a half minutes. We could have changed the angle grinder disc and carried on, but that would have taken time – which a thief might or might not have.
Storck unveils 5.3kg production road bike with discs
Storck has released the Aernario.3 Platinum Max Performance road bike – with disc brakes – at a claimed 5.3kg in a medium size. That’s a long, long way below the UCI’s 6.8kg minimum limit for racing, but you can buy it off the shelf. Of course, there are lighter bikes out there, but this is an off-the-shelf model, albeit from a mid to high-end brand (Storck’s road bikes start at €3,199).
2026 Aernario.3 Platinum Max Performance studio (Image Credit: Storck)
The new model is based on the existing Aernario.3 Platinum, but Storck has gone all out for reducing weight here with a 1x SRAM Red groupset (so there’s no need for a second chainring or a front derailleur) and 22mm-deep Scope Artech 2 wheels.
You get disc brakes and Conti Grand Prix 5000 tyres, although they’re pretty narrow (by today’s standards) at 25mm. The non-padded Alpitude Gardena saddle has a claimed weight of just 69g, and a rider weight limit of 85kg.
Price? Well, since you ask, it’s €12,999, which converts to about £11,257. It’s nice to dream, though, isn’t it?
Smart storage: Scicon Saddlebag 098 adds integrated LED safety light
If you always ride with a saddlepack and want the added safety of a rear light, Italy’s Scicon has released its Saddlebag 098 with Light out there for £46, and it looks pretty neat.
We’ve covered storage packs with integrated designs before – the PakBrite Carbon Capsule Pro Waterproof Storage and Integrated Taillight springs to mind.
Scicon says the Saddlebag 098 “offers ample room for your ride essentials such as an inner tube, CO₂ canister, multitool, patch kit, energy bars, gels, and more”.
“The built-in 30-lumen LED taillight, featuring a motion sensor and USB-C rechargeable battery, provides up to 34 hours of runtime and visibility up to 1km for maximum safety,” says Scicon.
The light lives in its own little pocket at the back and is mounted/removed with a magnetic quick-release system.
We’ve requested one for review.
Pirelli releases its “fastest and most aerodynamic road tyre ever” with new patented technology
Some of you may have already spotted the new Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SL-R tyre being ridden by the likes of Mathieu van der Poel, labelled as a ‘prototype’. This week, the Italian company has officially launched its flagship tyre, claiming it to be “the fastest and most aerodynamic road tyre ever developed within the P Zero Race road racing range.”
Pirelli says it has achieved this without compromising rolling resistance, comfort, or handling, thanks to its new PAAS (Pirelli Advanced Aerodynamic System) technology. “PAAS reshapes the tyre to improve its interaction with the rim, smooth airflow and maximise the sailing effect of the wheel–tyre system”, says Pirelli. Visually, the P Zero Race TLR SL-R has a standard profile with a slick tread, though the technology is designed to add rubber to the tyre’s sides, filling the space above the rim.
This results in claimed savings of up to 5 watts in crosswind conditions, with peaks of up to 15 watts under specific conditions, according to the brand.
The P Zero Race TLR SL-R also features the SmartEvo compound already used in the RS models, so you can expect similar levels of grip in both wet and dry conditions.
The tyres are available in widths of 28-30mm, with the black sidewall option priced at £94.99 and the yellow “Team Edition” at £99.99. The range is expected to expand to 32mm widths after summer.
HJC launches the Bellus 2, calling it “the only helmet that most need”
HJC has been making bicycle helmets for over 20 years, and the Bellus 2 is its updated ventilated option for road and gravel riding.
2026 HJC Bellus 2 helmet riding shot (Image Credit: HJC)
HJC feels that ventilation and comfort are a priority for most riders, so the brand has focused on what it calls “heat management at real-world speeds ridden by real-world cyclists”. HJC argues that the marginal aero gains of aero helmets at lower speeds are outweighed by reduced airflow and increased heat build-up, so the Bellus 2 is designed to allow heat to escape effectively at speeds below 20km/h.
We reviewed the previous-generation Bellus and were impressed by its low weight, sleek styling, high level of adjustability, and effective airflow from its well-designed ventilation channels. This time around, HJC claims improved cooling performance, stating it outperforms not only the previous Bellus but also “competitors’ products costing double the price.”
The Bellus 2 also uses HJC’s proprietary SLID (Sliding Layer Impact Distribution) system instead of MIPS, which is claimed to provide additional protection against both rotational and direct impacts associated with concussion.
Sitting below the Furion 3 and Ibex 3 in the range, it’s priced at €179 (around £154), with delivery expected from April 24th.
Chris Froome starts a new part-time role with AI training app
Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome has taken on a new part-time role, joining AI-powered coaching and training platform Vekta as Chief Innovation Officer.
He hasn’t raced since August, and is currently without a contract, but Froome is yet to publicly confirm his retirement from professional cycling.
Vekta is a French training platform working with both amateur and professional riders and combines “advanced sport science” with “real-time AI insights” to offer a detailed view of training, recovery, and readiness.
In his new role, Froome will contribute to product innovation, performance modelling, feature development and long-term platform strategy. He will also join the leadership team and lead the newly established Vekta Athlete Advisory Board, helping ensure the platform’s data-driven insights reflect real-world athlete experience, according to the company.
“For me, this is about rolling up my sleeves and helping build what comes next in performance,” Froome said. “I’m very excited to get stuck in.”
You can read more about it here.
Wireless tyre pressure gauge blows past Kickstarter funding goal
If you’re interested in keeping an eye on your tyre pressure while you’re out on the road, you’ve just got time to pledge money to the Outrider TL Mini: wireless tyre pressure sensor project on Kickstarter.
2026 Outrider TL Mini Wireless Bicycle Tyre Pressure Sensor (Image Credit: Outrider)
The project has just a few days left to run and has already smashed its £3,750 target.
The team behind the design says, “It fits securely inside of your tubeless tires and gives real-time pressure readings and alerts to your preferred display interface.”
Outrider has apps for displaying your data on mobile, Garmin and Hammerhead devices. If the pressure falls below your set threshold, you’ll get audible and visual alerts. Outrider claims a weight of 3.7g, accuracy of +/-2%, and 2,000hr battery life. The device is compatible with wheels with an internal rim width greater than 19mm, and with tyre inserts. It mounts directly to your existing tubeless Presta valve stems.
2026 Outrider TL Mini Wireless Bicycle Tyre Pressure Sensor in rim (Image Credit: Outrider)
“With a maximum pressure rating of 125 PSI, sealant-proof cover, and a low-profile mounting point, the TL Mini is designed to work with virtually any tubeless setup out there,” says Outrider.
To be in line for a pair of Outrider TL Mini pressure sensors, you need to pledge about £42. Various other options are available. As always with a crowdfunding project, rewards aren’t guaranteed.
Shipping is pencilled in for June.
Check out the Outrider TL Mini Kickstarter project.
Behind on your cycling tech news this week? Here’s what you’ve missed:
- “The fastest gravel wheel family ever built”: Roval launches Terra Aero CLX and Terra CLX III, claiming aero gains and sub-1,100g weight
- Stiffer (but not too stiff) and more user-friendly: Fox launches freshly updated 38 suspension fork, and it’s impressed already on our first ride
- £85 Assos aero socks, Rapha and Santini hot-weather jerseys, plus more summer kit from Quoc and Madison
- From the wrong saddle height to poorly inflated suspension: mountain and gravel bike setup mistakes to avoid
- Behold the Infinity Cycle, the world’s first double-decker touring bike
