Today in Gear: Your Source For the Best Product News

Updates on Cannondale’s new road bike, the revival of Zenith’s “bank vault” watch and Ensembl’s unique approach to cookware.

woman riding cannondale bike Cannondale

In retrospect, it seems almost inevitable that Aimé Leon Dore would rise to the top of the menswear world. It’s that kind of hindsight-vision that makes LVMH’s recent investment in Aimé Leon Dore seem damn near obvious. Founded all the way back in 2014 (or, some might say, even earlier), Aimé Leon Dore has embodied a unique blend of streetwear-aesthetics and high-quality production to create a label that embodies fashion’s current obsession with street-smart luxury. LVMH’s investment comes as a minority stake through the conglomerate’s “Luxury Ventures” sector, with Aimé Leon Dore continuing to operate out of its current home in NYC. Clearly born out of Aimé Leon Dore’s ability to create must-have collections and insanely-hyped collaborations (its New Balance partnership alone has made it one of the most well-known crossover brands in recent memory) in equal measure, early predictions for this partnership project that LVMH will largely stay out of Aimé Leon Dore’s day-to-day. For fans of the label’s unique blend of prep, streetwear and NYC attitude this injection of cash (and international clout), this is only a good thing.

Today in Gear is our daily roundup of all the latest product announcements, drops and news. Want your question featured in our weekly “Ask an Expert” column? Send your most pressing product questions to [email protected].

Cannondale drops Synapse road bike with SmartSense safety tech.

cannondale bike with smart sense technology Cannondale

Cannondale’s new road bike isn’t just built for all kinds of roads, it’s also ready for whatever traffic you might find on them. The Synapse is built to balance between race speed and gravel bike durability, but the SmartSense tech is what sets it apart. Coming in a few different configurations, the tech doesn’t just provide rear lights, but operates rear-facing radar to make riders more cognizant of what’s pulling up behind (or around) them.

ROA launches its online webstore and debuts Katharina style.

person wearing roa hiking shoe climbing up log ROA

A hiking boot company in its own right, ROA has made a name for itself as of late thanks to a series of various high fashion collaborations. Now with the launch of its webstore, its take on hiking shoes is more accessible than your nearest luxury boutique. In lock step with the webstore revamp, ROA dropped the Katharina shoe; designed as a “ROA take on the classic approach shoe,” this Italian-made shoe is set up on a rugged Vibram Megagrip sole.

Rains weatherproof outerwear inspires new line of tech protection.

man holding rains laptop cover Rains

You’re already well-aware of Rains — a Scandinavian-inflected label that’s built a reputation for top-tier, weather-resistant outerwear. The brand is applying that legacy to a suite of tech accessories, giving your AirPods and iPad the same level of protection as your wardrobe. Ranging from PU-coated quilted phone cases to a microfiber fleece-lined laptop sleeve, these pieces should pair well the label’s equally minimalist apparel.

Zenith revives the “Bank Vault” Defy watch style from 1969

defy revival a3642 Zenith

Originally released in 1969, Zenith’s Defy wristwatch remains iconic thanks to its unique octagonal face design. It’s unconventional shape is what helped it earn the nickname as the “bank vault.” Zenith has revived this 1969 edition of the Defy, including Elite 670 automatic movement, a gray-gradient dial and another unique feature: the date window placed at 4:30.

Ensembl brings simplified approach to modern cookware: just stack it.

ensembl stackware Ensembl

DTC cookware is definitely a crowded market, but Ensembl is breaking through the competition with its own unique approach to handling… well, crowded kitchens: stacking cookware. Made from fully-clad stainless steel and aluminum, the stackable pots and pans’ (which come in sets of six, four, two or separates) designs are augmented by a removable handle and flat-lying lids for peak storage. Simple, functional and sleek — what’s not to love?