Interbike 2017 Cool Bike Gear-Part 2

This year's Interbike wasn't what it was in past years, there were a lot of big players in the industry that were no-shows at this year's show, however that didn't discourage me from finding some cool new bike products.  This is the second installment of my recap of the cool Interbike 2017 finds that I came across during the convention and if you ride like I do, I think you'll find these products as useful as I see their potential.

TOGS Flex Model

I have been a big fan of TOGS since first seeing them at Interbike '15.  TOGS was kind enough to set me up with a pair of hinged carbon TOGS at that show and they have been standard equipment on my bike ever since.  TOGS stands for "Thumb Over Grip System" which gives a rider multiple hand positions without the use of bar ends.  I found them most useful during long gravel rides and for climbing to keep my hands and wrists from becoming fatigued or to give me a little better leverage without loss of control for braking and shifting.

New this Fall are the TOGS Flex Model.  This design incorporates a raised hood with a flexible rubber tip that has a some give to it and provides a little shock absorption compared to the original models.  The Flex model will be available soon in numerous colors at bike shops that are supplied by QBP or directly from TOGS for $22.50.  To learn more about TOGS, watch the video below from this year's Interbike.

Wren Fatbike Suspension Fork

I got a chance to meet Kevin Wren, the founder of Wren Sports at Interbike '17 and discuss the Wren Fatbike Suspension Fork and what makes it different from other fatbike suspension forks.  The first thing I noticed about this fork is the stanchions are on the bottom which which I was told are lighter making the fork react quicker out on the trail.  The seals also face downward to help keep grit and grime from getting into the fork.  It has keyes to "perfectly align the stanchions in the uppers and are designed to shear should you take a really big hit. This protects the channels and your fork from damage. The fork will still function and the keys are easily replaced." 

This fork also has a TwinAir System that can be easily adjusted and fine tuned with an air pump.  A single positive air chamber is located in one stanchion that has a floating piston with valves on the top and bottom which allows pressure to equalize on either side of the piston as you add or release air.  "More air in the top chamber will increase its volume relative to the bottom chamber and the fork will exhibit a more plush ride. If the bottom chamber volume is larger relative to the top, the fork will exhibit a stiffer, more progressive ride."

The Wren Fatbike Suspension Forks come with carbon bash guards in hub widths 135mm with 110mm or 150mm of travel for $899.99 (add $50 for 150mm travel) and 150mm with 110mm or 150mm of travel (add $50 for 150mm travel) also for $899.99 directly from Wren Sports.  For you Winter fatbikers, there is an available new Winter Damper that I was told is good down to -20 degrees F. that can easily be changed out from the stock one.  Contact Wren Sports for more information.

Lezyne Micro Floor Digital Drive XL

Being a fatbiker, the Lezyne Micro Floor Digital Drive XL caught my eye right away.  Its compact size is just under 12 inches tall and weighs a little over 12 oz.  This pump was designed for fat and plus bikes due to its high volume chamber.  It has an integrated 1.6 inch digital gauge on the flexible hose that is said to be highly accurate.  A stainless steel folding foot peg helps keep it stable during use.  It also has a patented air bleed system built in and is Presta/Schrader compatible.  Available from Lezyne, local bike shops and Amazon for $89.99.