Eurobike round up, part three

Bionicon
Bionicon now has a depth of 144 models in its catalogue, but it’s not the bikes that the firm was interested in discussing with trade this time around.
Going live with a new direct distribution retail concept, the brand is to shun the normal distribution model in favour of a central warehouse into which a group of retailers will crowdfund. The strategy is designed to present less risk in stock holding and cash flow to the retailer, enabling the store to buy in just the bikes they can sell. Other benefits include the level playing field created where products cannot be sold cheaper online by competitors. Also particularly appealing is the lack of paperwork needed with all transactions. Even if a bike is not sold or eventually needs to be discounted as the shelf life expires – the burden of the loss will be spilt between the retailer, the brand itself and the country’s agent for sales. The consumer places their order via smartphone (or other electronic means) directly with Bionicon. The agent will be a point of contact for customer service but won’t have to finance a warehouse full of goods. A minimum investment of four bikes is required to participate.
Bionicon’s Andi Felsi has designed the pioneering ‘brand cloud’ software, while UK agent Roger Seal is the go to contact for interested parties. For more information contact Seal on 07966 102963

Clarks
There were a few fresh goods kicking around the Clarks Cycle Systems booth, most notably the new CPP-10-T pedal. While the name may not be the most memorable, the price tag could be for many of us. For a pair of the 285-gram pedals your customer need only fork out only £65, making them one of the cheaper performance flat pedals alternatives that are on the market at present.
Two new disc rotors were shown to the crowds too, the higher-end of which carries a removable braking band, meaning replacement surfaces will become the norm, as opposed to entirely new rotors. A replacement band is likely to cost under £10, while the original CFR-BRR rotor will retail at around £40.

Cane Creek
With rear shock technology looking more complex than ever, Cane Creek has come in with a simplification of the current products on its CS Shock.
With the inclusion of a ‘climb switch’, the brand has managed to control both compression and rebound from one flick of a lever. When off, you’ll have the full double barrel, when on, a valve is engaged that eliminates all sag, thus allowing the rider to climb while remaining in the saddle.

FSA
The big news that leaked prior to Eurobike was arguably FSA’s venture into mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes.
Utilising both tool-free stroke and reach adjustability, these brakes can be set-up on-the-fly for a wide range of bite control and hand sizes. Each brake is offered with front and rear specific hoses, which, according to FSA, results in exceptionally balanced braking performance. The flip flop lever features a integrated asymmetrical reservoir making them extremely compact on the handlebar and easy to bleed.
The build makes good use of magnesium castings, carbon composite levers, and titanium hardware, which results in individual wheel weights of around 300 grams.
An Afterburner branded version for trail use is also soon to come to market.

Brompton
The Brompton aficionado will have spotted some colourful additions to the London firm’s range in the form of new aftermarket saddles and foam grips in five shades. The saddles are a simple ergonomic unit, with hollow Crmo rails, but a stylish and vibrant cover.
Retailers may have noted new point of sale units. The modular squares on show at Friedrichshafen will be available soon and come supplied with either a flat or peg board back plate.

Surly
If you’ve an Ison trade account, look out for the Surly Straggler – one of the more versatile 4130 steel cyclocross rigs we’ve seen to date. With larger than normal clearance for fatter tyres, the frame and fork will house up to a 77 x 42c tyre with mudguard fitted.
Capable of being run as a geared build or alternatively as a singlespeed, the frame’s built in chain tensioner simply switches sides in the dropout to accommodate whatever set up is required. Stock of the Straggler will be in the UK this October.

Yeti
Eurobike confirmed the rumours that Yeti were to embrace the 27.5-inch wheel and it’s the SB75 that gets the trending wheel size. The five-inch travel bike is to be available in four build kits from Silverfish when it hits the UK in October, two of which will be Sram and two Shimano. With a 67.5 degree head angle and a lower bottom bracket, this one should feel planted on the trail, especially given the retention of the Switch Technology that sees the pivot rotate first counter clockwise, then clockwise through the stroke, varying based on the impact taken.
The 575 also goes 27.5 for 2014, with an overhaul of the tubeset the main change. The frame price remains £1,599 though. Likewise, the SB66 carbon gets a value upgrade with the price dropping to £2,599, plus the swingarm is now made from carbon fibre.

Formula 
Formula has both new top of the range and entry-level units joining the 2014 catalogue. The R1 Racing brake is the new flagship, with a newly developed master cylinder that generates more power through a piston that pulls. This has an effect of lowering the pressure needed on the lever too. Stock will be with Silverfish during October.
At the entry-level, Formula will also be shipping a sub £100 disc, dubbed the C1. This caliper cartridge system will sit below the current RX.

X-Fusion
X-Fusion showed its new downhill fork at Eurobike. Dubbed the RV1 HLR, the model will be both 26 and 27.5-inch compatible and can be run on either 180 or 200mm travel. The coil sprung unit weighs in at 2,900 grams and the dual tube damper cartridge will give the rider externally adjustable high and low compression and rebound adjustment.

To view our full gallery of photos from Eurobike, including more from the brands above, see here.