by Velospeak | Oct 1, 2012 | Uncategorized
I somehow managed to miss the Ritchey booth at Interbike, but a friend purchased the Ritchey SwissCross frame set, and I had the chance to have a look over the weekend. It is made from a triple-butted heat treated steel to Tom Ritchey’s specifications. The weight is 5.18 pounds including the fork, and the price is $1300.00. This would be a really fun frame set to build up. I can already imagine the hours spent sourcing the perfect parts for the perfect build.
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by Velospeak | Sep 28, 2012 | Uncategorized
Buy tickets here.
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by Velospeak | Sep 27, 2012 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized
One company not exhibiting at Interbike was Nau, but I like to keep my eyes on them, as they produce a wonderful line of clothing and accessories. The latest product I have had the chance to use is the Courier Pack. This is a bag that can be used as a pannier on the bike-it attaches to almost any rear rack in a matter of seconds, but can then be taken off, and used as a backpack using the hidden straps. It’s a clever take on the pannier, and it is full featured. There is the obligatory padded 15″ MacBook Pro sleeve and plenty of organizer pockets. The shoulder straps are padded with wool felt for comfort, and the main compartment closure is a roll top with snaps and straps for security. The bag works well on the bike, and is equally at home in the office. It is solidly built, and should last a lifetime. Best of all, the bag is currently on sale on the Nau site. On a side note, the Nau website has been updated, and there are now collaboration products with the likes of Pendleton, Snow Peak and Klean Kanteen. Nau is pushing forward into the future with a fresh and clean take on design.
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by Velospeak | Sep 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
Another stand out product at Interbike was the Ultralite Cirrus Ti pedal system. The entire system weighs in at 112 grams, 72 grams for the pedals, and 40 grams for the cleats. This is crazy light, a weight weenie’s dream. I am really looking forward to trying these, as I suspect there will be a small learning curve as engagement is completely different than what I am used to. Production of these pedals is coming soon.
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by Velospeak | Sep 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
Meet the new BMC Granfondo GF02 Disc. This bike stood out among all the exceptional BMC bikes displayed. It is based on the Granfondo GF01 I reviewed earlier this year,with the big difference being the frame material and the brakes. For this version, triple butted aluminum is used for the frame, and the brakes are Shimano R-515 disc. The bike looks as if it is ready to tackle just about any terrain. It is not advertised as a gravel bike, but certainly fits within that mold. I really hope to be able to test ride the GF02 Disc in the future.
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by Velospeak | Sep 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
Lezyne is a company I’ve heard a lot about, and I have admired their products from afar. At Interbike, I was able to get up close and personal with their product line, and I came away very impressed. The first product I’ve had the chance to use is the CNC Floor Drive pump you see pictured above. My first impression of the pump is that it could hold its own with sculptures of the finest caliber. It is really beautiful to look at. It features all CNC aluminum construction and has a very solid feel. Not heavy mind you, just really solid. The hose is exceptionally long for reaching a bike on a stand, and there are connections for both Presta and Schrader valves. The gauge is 2.5 inches making for easy and accurate reading. The details of the design are well thought out down to the tiny rubber feet on the base of the pump. I look forward to using this pump, and will report back with more impressions once I’ve lived with it for a while.
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by Velospeak | Sep 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
My head is still in a fog from Interbike. For someone obsessed with cycling and all its bits, this is the ultimate candy store. Of course, we all know what too much candy does to a toddler, and I must say I feel a bit like a toddler after all this candy. There was so much to be seen, and I tried to plot my course of action before the show. One decision I made early on was to concentrate on the lower level first. The lower level seems to be largely ignored by many, and there are definitely some booths worth viewing. The first manufacturer that really made an impression was Mad Fiber. The wheel you see above is a mix of kevlar and carbon, and it is stunning. It is a prototype that should see a release in the near future. I was also able to see their carbon clincher which I am excited to learn more about. It has an aluminum alloy rim bed which alleviates my fears of using full carbon clinchers. They weigh in at 1300 grams for the pair, and have no rider weight limit. They are striking, and I will give my real world impressions once I’ve had the chance to ride them. The folks at Mad Fiber were incredibly gracious, and very passionate about what they do.
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by Velospeak | Sep 18, 2012 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized
Los Angeles has been insanely hot for the last month, so weekend getaways to the beach have been the best way to escape the heat. As a bonus, the water off the coast of LA is warmer than usual, so jumping in the ocean has not been the usual bone chilling experience. For all these trips to the beach, I’ve been using the Aether Apparel Button Swim 9 3/4″ shorts. The shorts are made from a Schoeller® microfiber fabric that dries very quickly. They are designed for the water, but are equally at home on land. They have the necessary pockets and belt loops for everyday use, along with features such as mesh inserts for drainage. They are incredibly comfortable, and the look is simple and elegant. I would have no problem wearing these anywhere shorts are appropriate. Aether Apparel produce an amazing selection of functional and stylish clothing suitable for all occasions, and the Button Swim shorts are no exception. On a side note, Aether has updated their website, and it looks even more beautiful than their previous site. There are also some new items on the site that are worth a look. One item in particular that caught my eye is the Field Jacket. Aether has gained a spot on my top ten list of companies to watch, and I will always look forward to seeing future releases.
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by Velospeak | Sep 16, 2012 | Uncategorized
From Paris to Vegas. Maybe not so much of a stretch, as I’ll be near the Eiffel Tower once again. Interbike promises to be larger than last year with more representation from the cycling industry. I am excited to see so many different companies, and I’m putting together my list, which I’ll post in the next couple of days. For now, I’ll enjoy the heat in LA before heading off to the heat of Vegas.
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by Velospeak | Sep 12, 2012 | Uncategorized
Yes, it’s true. When I travel, I see more bike shops than museums. Then again, I work in a museum, so it’s understandable that I would want a break to see 2 wheel objects of art. Today is my last day in Paris, and I discovered one more shop worth mentioning. It is called en selle Marcel and is located in central Paris. It is a very handsome shop with a decidedly English slant. They carry Brompton and Cooper bicycles as well as Rapha clothing and Brooks accessories. There is also a bit of Italy in the form of Cinelli and Abici. The Abici bicycles are really beautiful city bikes worth checking out. Everything is laid out in a manner that begs you to stay and linger. en selle Marcel is a well curated collection of bicycles and accessories.
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