Interbike 2015 Cool Bike Gear-Part 1

After spending five days in Las Vegas for Interbike and the Outdoor Demo, I came across a lot of cool new bike stuff that I wanted to share with my readers.  These are products that are now available or in the case of some of them, will be available soon from your local bike shop.  This is part one of a three part series where I will highlight some of the items that caught my attention.

Sticky Fingers

Sticky Fingers are rubber brake lever covers that add extra grip and confidence while braking.  In chilly conditions, especially Winter riding, they provide some protection from that cold metal brake lever so your fingers can stay warmer longer and also make it easier to grab onto when wearing gloves.  Installation is easy and they can be placed in a horizontal position to increase the surface area of the brake lever for an easier grip or in a vertical position (shown above) that increases the thickness of the brake lever and provides more cushion.

Sticky Fingers come in Black, Grey and Neon Green for $10.99/pair direct from the company.  Visit Sticky-Finger.com for more information.

Crank Brothers Double Shot

Crank Brothers' new pedal, the Double Shot is a hybrid pedal design that allows riders to clip in or use it as a flat.  One half of this new pedal features "moulded traction ribs & pins and a diamond plate traction area" while the other half allows for clipping in like on it's Candy and Eggbeater models.  This dual design makes it a perfect choice for Winter commuters and fatbikers that don't want to switch out pedals from flats to clipless depending on the riding conditions.

This pedal features an  igus LL-glide inner bearing and an enduro cartridge outer bearing just like the new Candy 7 that was also introduced at the show.  While the Double Shot is not available yet, look for it coming this Winter at your local bike shop or supply your email on the Double Shot page under the "notify me" section of the page to be alerted when it is available.  The Double Shot retails for $89.

Wolf Tooth BarBag

Wolf Tooth Components introduced their new BarBag after several years of prototype development.  This bag which comes in left and right mounting options for nutrition refueling during races but also is ideal for commuters that want easy access to keys, wallet or cell phone.  This flat bar only bag installs securely to the bar/stem and clears the top tube in the event of a crash so it won't be torn off.  A magnet/velcro fastener makes for one handed opening/closing of the bag allowing the other hand to be kept on the bars.  

The BarBag also comes with a bumper for spacing the bag away from the stem to use with a gps device or bike computer.  Bars must have 30cm of bar space available between the stem and grip.  Comes in Black with a clear top and has .6 Liters of capacity and only weighs 98 grams.  While not available yet, pre-sales will be opening in a few weeks and it is expected to be in stock in November for a list price of $39 each.

Pickle Juice

Muscle cramping has long been a problem of cyclists and now the Pickle Juice Company has come out with Extra Strength Pickle Juice Shots and Pickle Juice Sport to stop muscle cramps.  Containing 10 times more electrolytes than other sports drinks and with a scientific study that reveals that "pickle brine might be more effective than sports drinks at treating muscle cramps, confirming a longstanding assumption in the sports world" this may be the cramp buster you have been looking for.  Available direct from the Pickle Juice Company online shop.

Surly My Other Brother Darryl

Surly showed off their new My Other Brother Darryl 80 mm wide tubeless-ready rims in three options.  They are 170 grams lighter than the Rolling Darryl putting them at the same weight as the 65 mm Marge Lites.  These rims will accommodate 3.8 to 4.8 tires and come in Black or Polished Silver.  MSRP is $150 and they are expected to be available in late October or Early November.

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.

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.

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.

Interbike Outdoor Demo: Day 2 Demo Rides

Day 2 of the Interbike Outdoor Demo was my opportunity to test out several bikes that caught my eye the day before.  First stop was Minnesota's own Surly Bikes.  I have been wanting to test ride the Pugsley and Krampus in the dirt and the trails at Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park would provide some riding conditions unlike those back in Minnesota.
 

First up was the Surly Pugsley.  For all of the rocky terrain out on the trails, those low pressure tires really absorbed the the bumps providing a smooth ride especially when picking up speed on the downhill runs.  It was equipped with Nate 3.8" tires that were inflated to about 8 lbs. psi and they provided the traction needed for the loose rocks and sand that make up the trails in the canyon.  The 2X9 drivetrain and those Nates made it easy climbing those challenging hills.

Next was the Surly Krampus with its 50 mm rims and 3" Knard tires.  While it's not technically a fatbike, those are some wide 29'er tires.  With a 1X10 drivetrain, I could easily handle any elevation changes along the trail.  The Knard tires had excellent traction in the loose dirt with a lot less rolling resistance than the Nates on the Pugsley, but with plenty of cushion on the rocky stuff.

While returning the Krampus back at the Surly booth another cyclist was also returning from a demo ride on one of the new bikes for 2014, the Surly Straggler.  He stated he only takes each demo bike out for one loop to get in as many bikes as possible each day of the demo.  He had to make an exception for the Straggler and go around a second time.  He raved about its performance and handling.  When I asked him how it handled gravel he said "Great!".  The one he was returning was my size and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see for myself.  I took it for a long ride that included paved roads and a variety of gravel conditions.  The Knard inspired tread pattern on the tires rolled fast and quiet on the pavement while giving me the traction I needed on the gravel.  It definitely made the top of the list for my next bike.

The last ride of the day was on the Santa Cruz Bantam. A 27.5'er with full suspension and 5" of travel. I loved it!  It was a smooth ride in some very rocky conditions and handled better in switchbacks and sharp turns than my 29'er.  It seemed to be a perfect fit between 26" & 29". Now I see what all the buzz about the 27.5" size is all about.

Riding in Bootleg Canyon was quite a different mountain biking experience than what I am used to back in Minnesota.  The 2600' altitude, rocky trails, a temperature hovering around 100º and rapid elevation changes made each ride challenging, but what a better way to test a bike.  It was a good day, I just wish I had more time and energy to demo a bunch more bikes.