BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The world’s largest trade show is almost upon us. Eurobike takes over Friedrichshafen from August 31st to September 3rd, with the Demo Day taking place today (Tuesday August 30th). Here’s a hint of some of the products you can expect to see at this year’s Eurobike…
3T (Hall A1 – Booth 419)
The innovative brand will be blending technology with cycle components in the form of the Mercurio and Accelero wheels. Star of the stand is likely to be 3T’s Integra.
ASHIMA (Hall A6 – Booth 509)
Ashima CEO Wayne Moore will explain the latest in the world of Ashima to stand visitors, such as the upgrades to the PCB-MTB, including an insert to deliver a more defined bite point and limit modulation for those riders who prefer more of a snappy feel. There will also be a sneak preview of mid 2012’s totally reworked master-cylinder, as well as sight of a road specific version of the PCB disk, which is more aerodynamic with reduced caliper section. Pre-production versions of Ashima’s stainless, aluminum, carbon disk, cables and new plastic sealed ferrules will also feature on Booth 509.
CamelBak (Hall B5 – Booth 500)
The full range of 2012 bike and multisport packs will be on show, including the new Ultralight Charge LR, the Agent, Asset and the trans-alpine Hawg NV 30. Director of international sales and marketing Massimo Fregonese will be on hand to tackle questions.
ControlTech (Hall B4 – booth 102)
The components firm’s Eurobike line-up will include a new titanium monocoque stem for mountain bikes as well as a Tria and Chrono integrated bar. The firm will also have a new crank-set on show, dedicated to road racing.
Cycleops (Hall A3 – Booth 102)
The new G3 PowerTap and Pro hubs, with re-designed head units and wheels, will appear at Eurobike. With a smaller hub shell and wider hub flanges to improve wheel stiffness, the system will be the lightest Power Meter system on the market, according to UK distributor Paligap. The hub also features new electronic developments that allow for easier servicing.
Also redesigned, the Pro hub will appear too, offering the same new features as the G3, in a more cost effective package. Hubs start at £675 and rise up to £1,350.
The new PowerTap hubs will be available as complete wheelsets for 2012. They’re built using Enve’s 45mm and 65mm carbon rims, with the G3 hub and matching front hub.
There will also be alloy training wheelsets available, starting from £865. The Carbon wheels begin from £2,400.
Finishing the range off, the new Joule GPS Computers now come with integrated GPS and historical reporting.
Dahon (Hall B4 – Booth 304)
Dahon’s press conference takes place on Tuesday September 1st from 11am in the Conference room Liechtenstein. If you can’t make it then the firm will be showing its wares in Hall B4 – Booth 304.
Ison (Hall B3 – Stand 406)
Ison Distribution will be unveiling the brand new direct mount Down Hill stem from Renthal to Eurobike (as well as many other bits, BikeBiz is told).
Current UCI DH World Champ, Monster Energy Specialized’s Sam Hill has been testing them all year and the finished product is now ready to be rolled out.
Knog (Hall B1 – Booth 501)
Last year Knog’s Eurobike stand was distinctly ‘not safe for work’ with a fairly bonkers (and inflatable) stand showcasing its latest ranges. BikeBiz has contacted Knog to get a hint at what to expect this year, but the firm was tight lipped, revealing that the stand is “super top secret”. We did manage to find out that Knog will be unveiling a ‘super secret light’, however.
Lupine (Hall A2 – Stand 400)
Visitors to the Lupine stand will be able to try out the new ultra compact and wirefree Piko TL. Stefan Kraus will be on hand to answer development questions.
Michelin (Hall A1- Booth 307)
Michelin will present two new mountain bike tyres at Eurobike; the Wild Grip’R2 and Wild Race’R Ultimate. Both are scheduled to launch to the market in early 2012 – and in autumn 2011 for certain sizes of the Wild Grip’R2.
The Michelin Wild Grip’R 2 is a new multipurpose tyre designed to deliver superior performance on dry and muddy terrain. This fresh version has a new design, tread, tubeless and tubeless-ready casings, rubber compounds and sizes, which includes a 29-inch model.
Three sizes will be available in the autumn – the 26×2.10 Wild Grip’R Advanced, 26×2.25 Wild Grip’R Advanced, and 26×2.10 Wild Grip’R – with the other sizes scheduled for market launch in early 2012.
Meanwhile the Michelin Wild Race’R Ultimate is available in early 2012, is pitched at the cross-country market. The tyre’s strengths include its low weight, speed, grip and puncture-resistance. In 26×2.10, the tubeless-ready version of the tyre weighs just 415 grams. This exceptionally low weight is achieved without sacrificing the tyre’s ability to withstand punctures. Top-three World Cup finishes by riders Fabien Canal and Fanny Bourdon attest to the tyre’s impressive performance levels.
Motorex (Hall A3 – Stand 202)
Motorex’s Fork Oil, designed and manufactured in Switzerland, will be available in five different viscosities and on show in Friedrichshafen. The Oil Low Friction Technology offers ultra-low friction coefficients, prevents foaming and corrosion, and treats and protects seals, BikeBiz is told. Developed with Motorcross teams the Oil is used by motorsport teams too, benefitting the cycle industry with motor expertise, Motorex says. All weight fork oils will be available in 1l containers.
Ratio (Hall A3 – nr Booth 800)
Ratio will be introducing a full 29er set, including dedicated frames and components. The firm will also showcase a new clip-on bar and a new innovative road racing handlebar with ‘a very special shape’.
SKS (Hall A5 – Booth 400)
SKS’s Eurobike line-up will include the new Aeron hand pump for mountain bikes. Offering pressure up to 73psi (aluminium tube), the Aeron retails at £22.99. The German firm will also be showing off the AirKompressor 12.00 floorpump. Aimed at a diverse market, the pump produces pressure up to 174psi (extra high steel barrel, plastic base) and will retail at £29.99.
There’s more on Eurobike here.
