I picked up the KMC X10SL last year at Interbike. It is a very light chain that has held up quite well over the last year. I don’t normally do gold, but for some unknown reason, I do like the Ti Nitride coating on this chain. I’m hoping to pick up another this year.
The Gates Carbon Drive system is something I want to find out more about. I dream of the day of not having to clean and oil a chain, and this company seems to be doing something about it. Especially intriguing is the CenterTrack system. This is what is pictured above. It uses a center groove to keep the belt centered, allowing Gates to make thinner pulleys. Well designed product.
Chrome consistently has had one of the more entertaining booths at Interbike, and I’m sure it will be no different this year. They typically have a lot of product on hand, which is great fun to look through. I’ve placed a picture of their Southside shoe up top, as I’ve been trying it out for the last few weeks, and I have to say I really like this shoe. It is very well constructed, breathes well, is very comfortable for all day, and looks good in all situations. My other sneakers sit in my closet in neglect as these have become my number one choice. Chrome seem to continue to pump out product that works well. So as not to sound as if I’m on the Chrome payroll, I tried to come up with some type of flaw I could bring up, but to no avail. You’ll just have to take my word for it that I just plain like the shoes and Chrome.
A look at Phil Wood is always recommended, but seeing this prototype single speed crank makes their booth a must see affair. This crank would look very pretty on my upcoming project. A little more about the Phil Wood crank and other items from here.
Wheels Manufacturing is a company that makes replacement derailleur hangars among other things. They were recommended by a shop in SF for my Cervelo. Their hangar is a much stronger direct replacement for the stock Cervelo hangar. Now I am intrigued by what you see above. I am hoping to build up a single speed cyclocross bike in the next month, and I want to use my HED Bastogne road wheels for this project. Wheels Manufacturing makes this single speed conversion kit that should do the trick. The company is based in Louisville, Colorado, and all their product is designed and made in the USA.
Swrve Urban Cycling Apparel comes in number three on my list of “to see” booths at Interbike. I realize both of the last posts had no numbering, but that is changing now. Swrve consistently produces amazing garments, and I am looking forward to seeing what they highlight at Interbike. The Black Label shorts pictured above are my favorite commuting item, and get worn more often than I care to admit.
I seem to be starting my list with bicycles. This is the new BH Ultralight. The bike comes in at 11.24lbs. Impressive by any measure. Better yet, there is no rider weight limit. This Spanish company is beginning to make an impression on me.
The Specialized McLaren Venge will be one of my first stops at Interbike. It’s not often a cycle turns heads as much as this one. It looks amazing, and as I posted earlier, the final production version will come standard with eecycleworks brakes. It will most definitely be a beautiful bicycle.
Interbike is almost here, and I am very excited. I am not working in a bike shop, or directly involved in the cycling industry, so unlike those folk, I am thrilled to be going. “A kid in the candy store” is an understatement. It’s great fun seeing all the new product, and more importantly meeting the people behind the product. In the next couple of weeks I’ll highlight a few of the companies I’m most exited about checking out. This will serve two purposes. First, I can spread the word about the things I like and second, I’ll be making my “to see” list for the show. I’ll also try my hand at taking photographs while at the show. We’ll see how that goes.
I am looking forward to checking out this edition from Chronicle Books. The photography looks amazing, and the choice of bicycles is very interesting.
