Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 ($150, available now)

Introduction

Jeff: The Ultraventure 3 was a massive step forward from the previous version, with a higher and wider stack of new midsole material making the biggest shift to create a truly great non-technical trail cruiser. Two years later, the Ultraventure 4 is still a great non-technical trail cruiser, with seemingly only a minor change to the upper, keeping the midsole and outsole unchanged. Have the years been kind to Topo’s biggest trail shoe? Please read on.

Garmin Edge 1050 ($699.99) and Varia UT800 Smart Headlight ($99.99)

Pros and Cons

Pros: 

• Incredibly bright AMOLED screen
• Accuracy
• Improved user interface (intuitive and FAST)
• Bell/Speaker
• Navigation features and ease
• Electronic groupset integration
• Sensor compatibility
• Safety features (including Varia radar/light integrated ecosystem)
• Battery life (considering the brightness level of the screen)
• Price ($699 is a lot, but when considering the price of Fenix/Epix and even Enduro watches, can be considered a really good value).

Cons:

• No operational buttons (like on the 840)
• Battery life (which I also listed as a pro for most users, multi day long distance riders will see this as a con)

Introduction:  

The 1050 is Garmin’s latest flagship GPS cycling computer, featuring an all new bright and vivid 3.5” AMOLED display with 480x800 pixel resolution, a built in speaker, bike bell and a host of other software updates over the Edge 1040/840/540. 

 Having very recently reviewed the Edge 840, I can say that the 1050 is a HUGE upgrade and advantage over any of their transflective display models, not just the bump in screen size from the 840 (2.6” to 3.5”), which IS a big difference, but the AMOLED display makes a night and day difference in my ability to easily read in all light conditions.  

The bell is also a super nifty feature, where you can activate by touching a button on the screen, or, even better yet, can be triggered by remote shifter buttons).  

Of course, like the other Edge units, the 1050 has every training, fitness, navigation and modern bike sports tech feature that you can imagine, as well as the very best GPS accuracy, Smart features and Sensor compatibility.  

While battery life takes a significant hit compared to the Edge 1040/1040 Solar (less than half), I personally find that to be a fair trade for my day to day riding (though it could be a concern for those who ride multi day bikepacking tours or the like). I am easily able to get about a week of riding (4 rides per week of 2-3 hours) without having to charge and even then it is still not much less than 50%. 

COROS PACE Pro (€399,00/$349,00)

Einleitung

Die COROS Pace Pro ist ein bedeutender Schritt in der Weiterentwicklung der COROS-Produktlinie. Mit der Einführung eines hochauflösenden AMOLED-Displays und einer Vielzahl von Verbesserungen in Hard- und Software positioniert sie sich als starker Konkurrent zu Premium-Modellen wie der Garmin Forerunner-Serie oder der Polar Vantage-Serie. Hier ein detaillierter Einblick in die Funktionen, Stärken und Schwächen der COROS Pace Pro.

COROS PACE Pro Review (€399.00/$349.00)

49g with Silicone Strap, 37g wit Nylon Strap

Introduction

The COROS Pace Pro is a significant step in the further development of the COROS product line. With the introduction of a high-resolution AMOLED display and a variety of hardware and software improvements, it positions itself as a strong competitor to premium models such as the Garmin Forerunner series, Polar Vantage series, and Suunto Race. Here is a detailed insight into the functions, strengths and weaknesses of the COROS Pace Pro.

Brooks Glycerin Max (200,00 €)

Einleitung

Gute Laufschuhe, die Komfort und Performance gleichermaßen bieten, sind selten – doch genau hier setzt der Brooks Glycerin Max an. Als Modell, das maximale Dämpfung mit einem überraschend lebendigen Laufgefühl kombiniert, richtet er sich an alle, die sowohl bei entspannten als auch bei schnelleren Einheiten auf nichts verzichten wollen. Mit durchdachten technischen Features und einem bequemen Sitz macht der Glycerin Max schon auf den ersten Blick Lust auf die nächste Runde. Aber hält er auch, was er verspricht? Ich habe den Schuh auf Herz und Nieren getestet – hier sind meine Eindrücke.

Pro & Contra

Pro:

• Sehr komfortable Passform mit großzügigem Platz im Vorderfuß

• Hervorragender Halt im Mittelfuß und an der Ferse, auch ohne besondere Schnürtechniken

• Weiches, atmungsaktives Mesh-Obermaterial

• Maximale Dämpfung dank DNA-Zwischensohle mit abgestimmter Struktur

• Dynamisches Laufgefühl trotz der Dämpfung – auch für schnellere Einheiten geeignet

• Gutes Abrollverhalten durch den Vorderfuß-Rocker

• Stabilität bleibt trotz weicher Dämpfung erhalten

• Leichte Außensohle mit guter Traktion

Contra:

• Schnürung und Zunge wirken etwas klobig

• Gummi-Brooks-Logo wirkt deplatziert und stört den hochwertigen Gesamteindruck

• Für Minimalisten möglicherweise etwas schwer (326g in EU 44,5)

Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx ($180)

Introduction

Mike P: Merrell follows up their highly rated Matryx models (Long Sky 2 and Skyfire 2) with a new MTL (Merrell Test Labs) labeled model - the MTL Adapt Matryx. Not as racy as the aforementioned lightweight speedsters, the Adapt focuses on longer distances and smoother cruising. Top features including the Matryx upper and Vibram Megagrip are maintained to match the MTL lineup. I’ve tested this shoe in the dry conditions close to home as well as out in the wet and mud of forested Oregon. Does the Adapt keep pace with the rest of the MTL lineup?

Gorewear Winter 2025 Reviews: Concurve Thermo Tights, Thermo ¼ Zip and R3 Gloves

It’s finally winter and Jen, Ben and Jana got in solid cold weather testing of Gorewear’s Concurve Thermo Tights ($120), Thermo ¼ Zip ($100) and R3 Gloves ($45) for their reviews below.

adidas Adizero EVO SL ($150/150€)

Introduction 

The time has finally come: the Adizero EVO SL has arrived! I've been waiting a long time for this shoe, which adidas announced at the Berlin Marathon in September. It could also be that I have annoyed my dear contacts at Herzogenaurach more than once about this - sorry! But the Adizero EVO SL is just such an exciting shoe. adidas themselves have fueled the hype even further with the early announcement, coupled with extremely limited, small releases. Extended availability is not expected until March. It remains to be seen whether they are doing themselves a favor. On the one hand, the EVO SL is being talked about everywhere - on the other hand, the voices are not always positive, especially regarding the release strategy.

But back to the shoe itself: It is being touted as the supposed little brother of the Adizero Pro Evo 1, which set the women's marathon world record just over a year ago and made headlines: Extremely light, extremely fast but also extremely expensive. Fortunately, the Evo SL does not share the high price tag with its big brother, but it does share the successful design. The classic three stripes not only look stylish, but also convey speed. In addition, the geometry of the midsole is based on that of the Evo 1. The forefoot rocker sits at 60%, i.e. in exactly the same place as the 500-euro competition shoe. In the course of this test, I will find out what this means for propulsion and running feel in the EVO SL.