Mining the Last Gold from Vegas
Interbike Leftovers - Even Tastier!
We always see more bikes and gear at Interbike than we are able to write about. Here are some notable bikes, parts and accessories that I think are worthy of your attention.
Maxxis
Maxxis keeps cranking out new sizes and new tires to satisfy mountain bikers' increasingly broad range of tastes and applications. Here are a few highlights.
The Forekaster has been available for a little while but a 29 x 2.6 version was just released. For an aggressive XC loose/wet condition tire this could be a nice addition. Because they are nice and light the Forekasters could mesh well with Cushcore or one of the other tire liners.
There is an Aggressor in 29 x 2.5 Wide Trail as well as a Minion DHF and a Shorty. You'll also be able to get a 29 x 2.6 Rekon. For little shredders Maxxis has launched a 24 x 2.40.
If you are going to get your fat bike on this winter these studded Moosetrak 26 x 4.8 will keep you digging in when the ice comes.
Most of these products aren't yet up on Maxxis.com.
SQLab and SKS
A few products from SQLabs have been through our office but I wasn't aware of how many interesting products they make. Their sized saddles are particularly cool.
To find out your sit bone width SQLab has designed a stool with a textured seat. Using a piece of paper that is not unlike carbon copy paper under your ass, you pull your weight down on the stool to get an accurate measurement.
Pete's ass print. That combined with the kind of cycling you do (the width narrows when you are bent over further like you would be on a road bike) gives a formula for your saddle size.
You can choose from 12-15 cms in 1 cm increments for the Ergowave saddle. The saddles shown are 11 cms and 13 cms in width.
The Ergowave 611 saddle has a unique profile with a wave-like shape and a supportive rear section. The nose is relatively wide and flat but it drops down to provide optimal support while reducing perineal pressure.
SQLab was sharing a booth with SKS USA. In North America SKS distributes SQLab parts - and they both use orange in their branding so it's a nice fit.
SKS has an updated version of the classic mudguard with stiffer plastic through the middle to provide more shape and add durability. I know it looks completely flat but I swear it's not.
SKS is producing a cageless water bottle system that works with magnets.
Just give it a twist...
And start slurping. This could be a great option for bikes without a main triangle bottle mount option. A much better solution for days when you don't need your bottle.
7Mesh
The Squamish brand, fresh off a cash infusion from lululemon, was showing a couple of new jackets.
The Guardian is a roomier riding jacket than 7Mesh's flagship Revelation jacket. The hood will also go over a helmet. It's 3 layer Goretex. Expect it to be awesome - and for US$400 , it should be.
This lightweight hooded jacket - the Northwoods - would be a great emergency shell that won't take up much room. It won't keep you bone dry but it'll deal with a chilly breeze and deflect some liquid sunshine. And it weighs only 112 grams despite having zipper pockets and a drawstring hem. It's available in the spring for $225 CAD or $175 US. I've been wearing the unhooded version and it's incredibly versatile -perfect for days that might get a little cool and damp.
Aaron Gwin's YT Tuesday
Aaron Gwin rolled into Interbike with two race bikes from World Championships - like the consummate pro he is. This one lived at the ODI booth.
What country is Aaron from again? (sick looking machine - you don't have to be a US patriot to love it but it helps). Click right for more images.
Lizard Skins
Sure they make cool grips and now gloves, but the coolest things Lizard Skins was showing at Interbike were two novelty cheques - one for Moab and one for the North Shore. Lizard Skins has also been making a rubberized bar wrap for roadies but it's been co-opted by Major League Baseball players to wrap their bats with. Apparently hockey players have been using it as well.
Geoff Kabush accepted a cheque for $3500 (US!) for the North Shore Mountain Bike Association. Rad!
Any order of 25 grips includes free laser etching of a shop or website name. Hmmm... The grips look great. and they have Danny MacAskill and Darren Berrecloth signature versions.
Lezyne Direct X-Lock Mount
If you need to be able to mount a computer and a light or a POV camera to the front of your bike, Lezyne's new mount system, licensed from F3 Cycling, allows you to cleanly mount any two of the above at once without any straps or zip ties.
Just use your stem's two bottom bolts and some spacers and voila! She's done!
You can mount any combination of two items: computer, GoPro or light.
Ergon Tubolito
Most sane people would never put $35 US tubes into their tires, but what about in your pack? The Tubolito is much lighter but also stronger than a conventional tube. Ergon is also producing an even lighter version that will be closer to 50 grams. This would be great for living inside my pack or strapped to a saddle. Pulling out half a pound from your bike's weight in any other way is going to be much harder and vastly more expensive. More at ergon-bike.com
2018 Shimano Pedals and Shoes
Shimano sent out a release earlier but this is the first time I've seen these new products. The shoes are likely excellent performers if a little dull looking.
Flats on top, SPD on the bottom. Don't expect the flat shoes to be as high grip as the stickiest Five Tens - but this is preferable for some riders.
Two sizes of XT flat pedal.
Finally a Saint pedal for the Dh and Enduro crowds.
Various Items
Roy from Ryders was showing a cool set of shades that he had 3D printed. The entire unit was printed as one piece, including the hinge.
The lattice like structure is made from flexible nylon. You could probably step on these shades without damaging them.
I have a few more bits to add to this article throughout the day so check back in.
Comments
Poz
6 years, 6 months ago
The Lyzene mount is a “why didn’t I think of that” product.
Saint clipless may drag me back to clipless again. Look good.
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Endur-Bro
6 years, 6 months ago
A new pair of gravity pedals from Shimano! What's it been, ~20 years since the last model? Likely order a pair when they're available later this month.
I really need to measure my sit bone width before buying another saddle instead of just winging it like I've done all along.
The Guardian, with it's roomier cut must be geared more towards mtn bikers than the Revelation jacket?
Reply
Cam McRae
6 years, 6 months ago
The Guardian is indeed designed for 'Trail' category while the Revelation was more XC and/or road. If you are slim the Rev is likely fine but for larger builds the Guardian will be more appropriate.
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tashi
6 years, 6 months ago
I need to replace my 29 x 2.35 Minion DHF front tire, want something good for the upcoming wetness and am kinda curious about 2.6" volumes. The DHF at that size is just too much tread for my needs. Anyone have experience and thoughts about the Forekaster on the front and in the slop? Could it be the tire to give additional volume (relative to the 2.35 DHF) without too much drag and weight? Does it still hold on tight when leaned over like a DHF does?
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Cam McRae
6 years, 6 months ago
The Forekaster is a pretty light single ply tire. What casing Minion were you running?
Reply
tashi
6 years, 6 months ago
EXO casing, which for me has been flawless for front tires but has resulted in a couple early retirements for rear tires but that's a trade off I've been willing to make so far.
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Meister
6 years, 6 months ago
Ergon lite tubes go to website and says US only. What gives no Cad. shopping allowed?
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Brad Sedola
6 years, 6 months ago
Nice to see 7mesh listening to us. Was more than a year ago where they were actively on one of these forums asking for input. Under helmet hoods aren’t very good since you are constantly taking your helmet, glasses, etc on/off every time the rain starts/lightens up. The Guardian is on my list.
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