Day two saw cooler temps at Outdoor Demo, but there were still plenty of new products to see and test.
Oakley
While there wasn’t anything too new at Oakley, attendees has the chance to try out their PRIZM lenses and the EVZero frames. We’ve been riding and running in PRIZM lenses for about a year now, and the clarity the different lenses offer in their targeted environments is incredible. I had a chance to get out in the EVZeros as well, and after a few minutes of riding, you forget they are there. The EVZeros come two shapes, providing coverage options for different faces sizes and shapes.
Hutchinson
New Jersey brand Hutchinson had a wide range of tires on display, including their Tiapan and Toro tires in the a new 27.5 plus size. These are some seriously wide tires in some of their more popular tread patterns. Hutchinson’s first official entry into the gravel scene was also on display with the new Overive gravel tire. It features a minimal file tread down the center with a more pronounced diamond tread on the shoulders. They will be available in 700×35 or 38mm and have options for tubeless or tubed versions. We’ll have some tires coming in after the show, so look for some reviews coming up later in the year.
Lezyne
Lezyne had plenty of shiny bits at the booth, but once I was able to move past the lust worthy tools, we had a chance to check out some of their new pumps and updated versions of their GPS computers. For the pumps, there is now an option for digital displays on their Road Drive and Pressure Drive hand pumps, and Shock Drive shock pump. The Pressure Over Drive pump that works as a tubeless seating pump and a regular floor pump also gets a digital gauge option. For the computers, Lezyne has added ANT+ and Bluetooth compatibility in some of their computers, along with two models of cyclocomputer smart watches that blend features of a fitness tracker with the capability of a capable GPS cycling computer.
Glukos
A relatively new brand in the nutrition world, Glukos has done their homework when it comes to fueling athletes. We’ll get into the history and theory behind their approach after the show, but the high level is that they concentrate on Glucose as their ingredient of choice. This building block of energy absorbs into the blood stream faster than other ingredients, which means you’ll feel the boost sooner. They offer a sports drink, chews, gel, bars, and tablets in a variety of flavors, along with a few recovery products. I’ll be using Glukos products for the Wheelers and Dealers event at CrossVegas on Wednesday night, and we’ll have a much more in-depth article after the show.
Alto Cycling
We caught up with Bobby Sweating to check out some updates and a new mountain bike wheel at Alto Cycling. Between seeing their solution to future proofing axle standard sizes, a new disc wheel for cyclocross, and the prototype mountain bike wheel, there is a lot going on for the brand. The disc wheels use a similar shape as the rim brake models, but drop a little weight with losing the brake track. We’ll catch up with them more at the show, and should have a set of the disc wheels coming in for review later this fall.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year