Interbike '17 Outdoor Demo Finds

The last time I visited the Interbike Outdoor Demo was in 2015 and this year had quite a bit fewer vendors to visit.  Despite the smaller size, I did come across some cool finds that I wanted to share with you.

Skratch Labs is my favorite hydration mix for my water bottles and hydration pack and I was pleased to find that they have added two new flavors as well as a new package design.  I got a chance to try both of these new flavors in their Exercise Hydration Mix line.  They include Hydration Drink Mix with Strawberries and Hydration Drink Mix with Passion Fruit.  The Strawberry mix is light in flavor and sweetness but the Passion Fruit flavor is the one I liked and could see myself sipping on during an all day gravel or mountain bike ride.  Both flavors are now available from your LBS or from Skratch Labs in 16 oz. resealable bags, single serving 20 packs and single serving.

The Henty Enduro Backpack immediately caught my attention as I walked past the booth at the Outdoor Demo.  I saw multiple possibilities for this pack for use during mountain biking, gravel riding and especially winter fatbike riding.  This pack sits on the lower back close to a rider's center of gravity.  It is made from a tough Cordura 500D nylon to be lightweight (550 gr.) and for strength.  It provides lumbar impact protection and the molded foam used in this area is designed to have improved air ventilation for those hot days.

Not only does this pack hold a hydration bladder up to 3L. (not included) but has a bunch of  pockets for things like tools, tubes, nutrition and any other gear you need to bring along for the ride.  I see this as being a great pack for the fatbike crowd during the winter.  It can be worn underneath a jacket to be insulated from the outside cold thus using your own body heat preventing the bladder and water line from freezing up.  Comes in colors Black for $110 and Camo for $130 available direct from Henty.

Minnesota brand Otso Cycles was at the Outdoor Demo with a couple of new Voytek builds to choose from for 2018.  Co-owner Dan Dittmer took some time to tell me about the new Voytek Expert and Voytek Ultimate (shown in the picture above) models available.  These new 2018 models get a cool new paint scheme and can be upgraded to include a carbon wheelset (Voytek Expert), Rockshox Bluto, Lauf Carbonara or Fox F34 Factory (27.5 only) fork.  The Otso Voytek Ultimate is their top of the line build with a Shimano XX1 Eagle drivetrain, HED No Big Deal carbon wheels, Magura MT8 hydraulic disc brakes, Race Face Next carbon crankset, Race Face Next carbon seatpost and a Race Face Next carbon riser handlebar.  List price for the Voytek Ultimate is $8,099 and the Voytek Expert $4,099.  Available in October from Otso Cycles and look for them soon at Penn Cycle stores in the Twin Cities.

One thing I noticed in the e-bike class was camouflage fatbikes geared towards hunters.  These bikes included a camouflage paint scheme, racks or rack mounts to carry gear and have top speeds of 20 mph.  The Surface604 Boar Camo Fat Bike (pictured above) is budget friendly with a 750W (peaks at 1000W) rear hub motor and a torque sensing pedal assist with a throttle (range 35 miles), Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes, a SRAM X5 10 speed drivetrain with a 11-36T cassette and Kenda Juggernaut Sport (26x4.5) tires.  Comes in sizes S/M 17.5" & M/L 19.0" for $2199.

The Fatbikes of Interbike '15-Part 2

The large number of fatbike offerings at this year's Interbike and Outdoor Demo proves that fatbikes are not a fad.  Many new things were seen including new lightweight carbon frames, multiple wheel size options and new fatbike tech.  There was something here for every size, budget and ability.  Some of these bikes are now available while others are coming to your local bike shop in the near future.

Origin8

Origin8's Amarok XLT was introduced at Interbike and according to their Facebook page, it will retail for under $1000 but no further information could be found on the web or J&B Imports' website regarding details of the build and when it would be available.

The Scout XLT comes with SRAM X7 shifters, a 2X10 drivetrain with a SRAM X5 crankset and Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes with 6 bolt 180mm rotors.  Sizes are 15.5", 17.5", 19.5" and 21" and retails for around $1600.

Borealis

Borealis premiered their new carbon fiber model, the Crestone which they claim is the "lightest and toughest carbon fatbike on the market".  It comes in two color choices and two builds, SRAM XO1 or XX1 components.  The SRAM XO1 build lists for $5150 and the XX1 build lists for $6050.

The Borealis Flume "capitalizes on all the sweetness of the Crestone, but does so in lightweight, 6000-series aluminum".  It comes with SRAM GX components, a Bluto suspension fork, two color choices and hand-built wheels for $2399.

9:Zero:7

9:Zero:7 debuted their new carbon race model, the Whiteout Team Edition fatbike.  The build they had at the Outdoor Demo weighed in at an incredibly light 18 lbs. 15 ounces.  No word yet on when it will be available but I was told that the frameset would list at $3100.

KHS

KHS was at the Outdoor Demo and the show with several models from their 4 Season line.  The 4 Season 3000 (shown above) comes with a 2X10 drivetrain with SRAM X9 Type 2 rear derailleur and SRAM X7 front derailleur with SRAM X7 shifters.  This model also sports Hayes Prime Sport hydraulic disc brakes and Vee Rubber Snowshoe XL 4.8" folding bead tires.  Retail price is $2199.

For the more budget-minded rider there is the 4 Season 1000 which also comes with a 2X10 drivetrain but with a SRAM X7 rear derailleur and SRAM X5 front derailleur with SRAM X5 shifters.  Hayes Dyno hydraulic disc brakes and knobby 4" folding bead tires round off this build which lists for $1399.

Fatback

Fatback introduced their new carbon Skookum trail-ready fatbike at the Outdoor Demo.  This bike optimized for 1X drivetrains comes with a 197mm rear axle, Bluto suspension fork and 4.8" tires but can also accommodate 27.5+ and 29+ tires.  Pricing and availability are not available yet but Fatback is expected to release that information soon.

Devinci

Canadian bike company Devinci enters the fatbike market with their 2016 Minus RS.  This is an aluminum frame build with a 1X10 drivetrain, Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes and Vee Bulldozer 4.7" tires.  This bike will be available in small, medium and large.  No information yet on availability but the list price is $1599.

Surly

Surly introduced their new "OmniTerra" bike, Wednesday to riders at the Outdoor Demo.  With Surly's proprietary 4130 CroMoly steel frame, this new offering boasts a centered 170/177 mm rear end, is Bluto-ready, comes with the new My Other Brother Darryl 80mm-wide tubeless compatible rims and 3.8" Surly Nate tires.  Wednesday's new one-piece cast Surly Dropout allows for more clearance that will fit 4.6 ̋ tires.  The fork will accommodate tires up to 5.25".  Comes in Robins Egg Blue for only $1499.

The Fatbikes of Interbike '15-Part 1

The large number of fatbike offerings at this year's Interbike and Outdoor Demo proves that fatbikes are not a fad.  Many new things were seen including kid's versions, tandems, trikes and new fatbike tech.  There was something here for every size, budget and ability.  Some of these bikes are now available while others are coming to your local bike shop in the near future.  More bikes will be highlighted in part 2 of this post.

Norco

Norco brought their new Sasquatch and Bigfoot 24" to the show demonstrating they are also getting into the 24" fatbike market.  The Sasquatch ranges in price from $1875 to $2575 and the Bigfoot 24" for $860.

Momentum

Momentum by Giant introduced the iRide Rocker.  This very affordable fatbike features 26 x 4.0 tires, a 1x7 Shimano drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes.  It is available in Small and Regular sizes and three color combination options for only $590.  Available from Penn Cycle and other Giant dealers in just a few weeks.

Cannondale

Cannondale introduced their new fatbike, the Fat CAAD at the Outdoor Demo.  This model comes in two builds, the Fat CAAD 1 (shown above) with the new Lefty Olaf suspension fork (100mm of travel) and Fat CAAD 2.  The top-tier CAAD 1 lists at $3730 and the more affordable CAAD 2 at $2130. 

Turner

Turner was at the Outdoor Demo with the King Khan full suspension fatbike.  Turner's fatbike kit build lists from $5364 to $5614 depending on shock choice and frame only $2695.  It is available from Turner dealers and direct to consumers from the Turner website.

11nine

11nine showed off their fixed pivot full suspension Epicyon.  This fixed pivot suspension is designed to have "more of a traditional mountain bike feel".  Comes in green/blue and orange/black.  Complete build lists at $4599 and frame for $1999.

Framed

Framed added the Wolftrax Alloy SRAM Series with multiple colors, sizes, drivetrain and fork choices.  A 24" version (shown above) is for older kids and smaller adults that may not fit right on 26" wheeled fatbikes.  Penn Cycle is now carrying the new Wolftrax in several models.  Stop by one of their locations for more information and a test ride.

SunSeeker

From Sun Seeker comes the new Fat Tad CX fatbike trike.  With 20 x 4.0 tires, a 3x8 SRAM drivetrain, front mechanical disc brakes and front & rear suspension, this trike will go places that other 3-wheel recumbents won't go.  Available soon from bike shops supplied by J&B Imports.

Santana

For tandem riders, Santana is working on the Drop Fat Tandem.  These are the two prototypes of this bike seen at the Outdoor Demo that are designed for gravel and touring.  For more information on this bike, visit MTBR's Interbike 2015 Show coverage page.

SE Racing

SE Racing was at the show floor with their Fat Ripper 26 on 26 x 3.5 tires and disc brakes.  "BMX meets Fat".  MSRP $849.

Interbike 2015 Outdoor Demo Finds

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.

Winter Bike Expo Returns Bigger & Better Than Ever

The Winter Bike Expo presented by Freewheel Bike returns for its third year December 7th & 8th to the Freewheel Midtown Bike Center for two days of winter bike fun.  The expo draws hearty cyclists from all over to see and demo all that manufacturers have to offer for winter commuters & fatbikers.  Admission is free and the fun kicks off at 9 am each day.  For a schedule of events, click here.

Image Credit:  Freewheel Bike

This is your chance to demo ride the newest fatbikes from Surly, Salsa, Trek and Borealis on the fatbike specific demo course set up just outside.  This year's course promises even more features to really give you a feel for those big tires.  Watch the video below to get a taste of just some of what the demo course will have to offer.

Image Credit:  Freewheel Bike

The Expo is also a great opportunity to check out all of the latest in studded tires from 45NRTH, Nokian, Schwalbe, Continental and tires equipped with Grip Studs.  There will be a fleet of fatbikes and standard bikes with studded tires to demo ride on the icy patch outside the store.  See for yourself what kind of traction studded tires give you in the iciest of conditions.  Freewheel Bike will be giving out a free gift to all fatbike and studded tire demo participants as well as an entry for great door prizes.

Image Credit:  Freewheel Bike

Representatives will be on hand from Salsa Cycles, Surly, Trek, Borealis, 45NRTH, Lazer, Giro and more to show you their latest offerings and answer all of your questions.  Stop by the Wheelhouse to see all of the choices available for rims, hubs and rubber and chat with Freewheel's master wheel builders.

Image Credit:  Freewheel Bike

Learn more about winter biking at one of the many informative seminars. Topics include everything from Winter Commuting Basics and Winterizing Your Rig to Wheel Science and Where Only Fatbikes Tread.  Freewheel Bike is also pleased to announce that Polar explorer Eric Larsen, who attempted fatbiking to the South Pole last December, will be on hand for a special Fatbiking Antartica seminar.  Don Clark will hold a Winter Bike Camp Invite seminar where he will share his knowledge with fellow adventure seekers.  He will also announce an overnight camping trip hosted by Freewheel Bike for the weekend following the Winter Bike Expo.  Be sure to attend Don's seminar as space is limited for this trip.

Image Credit:  Freewheel Bike

Stick around after the Winter Bike Expo on Saturday night for the Superfat Crit, a criterium race for fatbikes set up on a feature laden course along the railroad trench of the Midtown Greenway.  Racers must have fat tires of at least 3.7" or wider and lights since the race will be conducted in the dark.   Get a second chance to win door great prizes by participating including the top prize of a pair of Dillinger Studded fatbike tires donated by 45NRTH.

The Freewheel Midtown Bike Center is located at 2834 10th Ave. S. in Minneapolis right on the Midtown Greenway.

Pictures from Interbike 2013-Outdoor Demo

Photos from the Outdoor Demo at Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, Nevada September 16 & 17, 2013.

 The new 9:Zero:7 Carbon fatbike weighing in at around 23 lbs.

 36'ers!

The new Borealis Yampa.  Carbon fiber frame, forks and wheelset.

Weighing in at a mere 21 lbs.

Calfee MTB Tandem.

Carbon frame and full suspension.

Plenty of Santa Cruz models to demo.

Here's the one I test rode, the Santa Cruz Bantam.

A 27.5'er with full suspension and 5" of travel.

 With temperatures hovering around 100° 

both days of the Outdoor Demo,

the Camelbak Oasis was a popular spot.

 A lot of new gear and bikes to see.

Time to demo ride some Surlys.

First up, the Pugsley.

Next, the Krampus with 29X3 Knards.

 And finally, the newest addition to the Surly line, the Straggler.

Out on the trails.

 Happy hour at the end of each day provided by

 Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.