I spent two days looking at all the new offerings from the bike industry and what a better place to see them first and test some of them out than at the Interbike Outdoor Demo. While my posts concentrate on the fatbike and gravel scene, I came across some products for those that also share my interests. Below are some of my finds.
Vee Tire Snowshoe XL
Vee Tire is introducing the Snowshoe XL Studded fatbike tire for 2016 with a 120 tpi folding bead (shown above) and a 72 tpi wire bead with a silica compound that is designed to hold traction at lower temperatures. This 4.8 inch studable version has 240 carbide-tip studs and a Vee rep told me the folding bead will retail around $200 putting it more affordable than 45NRTH's folding bead Dillinger 5 and Bontrager's 3.8" Gnarwhal.
9:Zero:7 Whiteout Team
The 2016 9:Zero:7 Whiteout Team carbon limited edition frame/fork combo to build up was displayed at the Outdoor demo as a super lightweight build of 18 lbs. 15 oz. $3100 price tag to start your build. This bike was crazy light and is expected to be the fatbike racing choice coming into this Winter. Get one before they are all gone.
Raleigh Roker
For the gravel enthusiast, Raleigh has taken the Tamland to the next level with two lightweight carbon choices. The Raleigh Roker LTD is their top-notch carbon gravel/adventure bike with clearance for tires bigger than 40c, hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting. MSRP on the Roker LTD is $5299.99. For the budget-minded cyclist that wants the same lightweight carbon chassis there is the Raleigh Roker Comp. This model features the new Shimano 105 shifter and hydraulic disc brakes with a price tag coming in at $3299.99.
Crank Brothers Candy 7
Crank Brothers introduced its new Candy 7 pedal for 2016. Although not yet available, the Candy 7 is "competition-oriented with new integrated traction pad" with an all new body shape. This pedal has upgraded the Candy 3's inner needle bearing with an igus LL-glide bearing and an enduro cartridge outer bearing that the rep told me would not have to be rebuilt as often as the Candy 3. When available, the Candy 7 will retail for $165 a pair.
SKS Fatboard Fender Set
Coming in January from SKS is the Fatboard Fender Set. The quick-release rear fender with an adjustable two-hinge arm to accommodate your bike's geometry and a downtube front fender with straps, they quickly and easily attach to to the bike. Made of rigid plastic, they have plenty of coverage to keep you dry on those messy Winter/Spring rides. MSRP is $54.99 for the set.
GoPro Hero4 Session
GoPro introduces their new Hero4 Session, which is their "smallest, lightest, most convenient camera yet". It shoots video in 1080p60 and photos in 8MP. This tiny camera weighs in at only 74 grams and has an easy one-button control to capture video or time-lapse photos. Use it with the free GoPro app for your smartphone or the Smart Remote to access most of its modes. It is compatible with all GoPro mounts, is waterproof to 10m and has Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote app control and social media sharing. Available now for $399.99.
Surly Wednesday
I had a chance to ride Surly's newest offering, the Wednesday fatbike. It's a 100% Surly 4130 CroMoly steel frame bike who's geometry I felt really comfortable with. I test rode a small frame and it felt really good out on the trails at Bootleg Canyon. I don't have a chance to experience the elevation changes and climbing like Bootleg Canyon has to offer and this bike made me feel right at home on trails that are much more technical than those back in Minnesota. The Surly Nate tires grabbed the loose terrain nicely proving that they are not just a snow tire.
With its 2X10 drivetrain, I never felt the need to shift into the smallest chainring on some of the steeper climbs where converting the Wednesday to a 1X10 drivetrain is definitely an option. This bike is Bluto-ready and comes with the new My Other Brother Darryl tubless-ready rims for the affordable price of $1499.
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