Interbike is held every year for the benefit of US retailers so they can handle product and meet with sales reps to finalise their stock orders for the coming year. It’s also a great opportunity for the industry and media to get an overview of the market. The range of exhibitors is overwhelming; imagine a middle eastern street market filled with all kinds of bikes, wheels, componentry, apparel, and nutrition, then add in bright lights, lots of banners, and a live dj or two, and you have the Interbike show. Everybody is here to do a deal.
Tomorrow’s theme will be components and power meters. Let us know if you have any requests…
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- Specialized has a high-end Allez is in the works but it will only be offered in limited numbers with SRAM Red. The aluminium frame employs some clever engineering around the tube joints to provide a little extra compliance.
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- (Top) Pinarello offers the MAAT Pista frameset for US$8500 and includes an integrated handlebar and stem. (Middle) The new Dogma Think 2 said to be lighter and accommodates electronic groupsets (Bottom) Pinarello Dogma XC 29er mountain bike with interesting crossover rear stays – $3499 US for the frame
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- This Sarto from Italy weighed 4.4kgs, took “125 manhours and is 110% handmade”
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- Dario Pegoretti’s frames are legendary, and it was a pleasure to take a few moments to marvel at some of his hand-built and -painted frames.
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- Look had its new 675 on display that features a distinctive stem that is integrated into the top tube of the frame to bring a new aesthetic to the market.
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- Richie always has elegant timeless styling. Their Breakaway (top left) is one of the best in the market for travel bikes
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- There were lots of new Fondriest models to look at but it was this old classic beauty that caught our attention
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- At the top of the Focus road bike range is the new Izalco Pro SL. The frame has been re-engineered to be lighter and comes in three versions for US$8800: Dura Ace Di2, SRAM Red (with Zipp wheels), or Campagnolo Super Record EPS, shown above. We came across quite a few CX bikes as we wondered the floor, but this Focus was the only model that featured an electronic groupset. The Mares CX2.0 with Ultegra Di2 retails for US$4190. The Rapha CX team is sponsored by Focus bikes, hence the Focus Team Rapha model shown here. SRAM Red groupset, Avid Shorty cantilevers, and Easton EC90SL carbon wheels, retail US$6440.
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- (Top Left) The Cinelli Laser Viba with Columbus carbon tubing and full internal routing. (Rest) The Cinelli XCR is made from Columbus stainless steel tubing and features a downtube logo in reverse so that the unpainted metal provides a stunning highlight.
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- Straight off the boat from Verona, Chesini (pronounced “Kesini”) has been around for 35 years and are just breaking into the US market. The also make carbon bikes but this one with Columbus Spirit tubing (steel) caught our eye
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- Cervelo’s P5 Six boasts hydraulic Magura brakes that are integrated into the chainstays and the crown of the forks to improve aerodynamics.
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- (Top Left & Right): BMC introduced its Granfondo range earlier this year that has been designed to appeal to endurance enthusiasts rather than racers. The GF02 features an all-aluminium frame, SRAM Red groupset, and Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels, and weighs in at 6.9kg. (Middle Left):BMC’s Time Machine TMR01 is an aerodynamic road racing frame with integrated brakes at the front and rear. The frame employs a similar strategy to the Cervelo P5 (and Ridley’s Noah Fast) by hiding the front brake caliper and cable behind a faring. (Middle Right): BMC had a few variations of the Impec on display including this highly limited Lamborghini edition that retails through Lamborghini dealers for around $20,000. (Bottom): Big George Hinacapie’s “Lucky Seventeen” SLR01 to celebrate his last Tour de France
