We are still pouring through all of the audio files, photos, brochures, and everything else we picked up at Interbike, so here is our next installment of our quick recaps from the show. We’ll have full articles coming soon, and here are links to some of out earlier installments. Outdoor Demo Day 1, Outdoor Demo Day 2, Interbike Part 1
Boa Technology
If you have shoes with reel and cable on them, chances are it is a Boa system. New for 2016 is their L6 dial, which clicks in one direction to tighten and pulls to release. Though the L6 is considered a “price point” dial, it is an upgrade on their low power system, and is featured on the Lake CX301, the brand’s lightest shoe at a claimed 181g (size 44). The IP1 dial will is also featured on many new shoes this year, including the Shimano S-Pyre and Giro Factor Techlace. The IP1 allows you to tighten and loosen your shoes in 1mm adjustments by turning the dial left or right, or you can pull and release the dial for rapid release. When compared to a traditional ratchet system which adjusts at 3mm increments, the Boa dials allow for much more subtle adjustments to find the perfect fit.
Darn Tough Vermont
We’ve reviewed Darn Tough Vermont socks before, and I’m still wearing their socks to the office almost exclusively. Their socks are durable to say the least, but they have gone back to the drawing board to re-engineer their socks specifically for various activities. For cycling, that means a thin sock across the top, incorporating various sizes of mesh, and a little padding across the two and heel. You still get all the great features that DTV is known for, including the seamless toe and a lifetime warranty. They sent us home with a pair of their cycling crew socks, so watch for a full article with review.
Coros
Before the show, we gave you a preview of the Coros Linx helmet, and we are continuing to test it out for a full review. We had a chance to meet with Coros president Chuck Frizelle, and talk about the helmet and the successful Kickstarter campaign that is bringing the Linx helmet to the masses. Read the preview to learn more about the helmet, and we’ll have a full article covering the story behind the helmet and features we might see in the future.
Campagnolo
There were two things I was hoping to see at Interbike from Campagnolo, disc brakes and a cyclocross crankset. They had a Team Movistar Canyon with their hydraulic disc brakes on it, but it’s still not available to the public yet. What Campy was highlighting at Interbike was their updated wheel range. For the Shamal Mille, the rims went wider (14mm to 17mm) to accommodate today’s wider tires and also received a plasma electric oxidation coating to enhance braking. We’ll cover the wheels and group set changes in the full article in the next few weeks.
ISM
For ISM, the new PN3.0 saddle is the highlight of the show for the saddle brand. It’s still in the prototype stage, but they aim to bring benefits from the PS1.0 and PN2.0 to create a saddle that can cross over all disciplines of riding, but is geared towards the road. At the show, they had a version with padding, and a full carbon version without padding. The new PN3.0 saddles should be available early 2017.
Effetto Mariposa
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Giustaforza torque wrench, Effeto Mariposa had a special edition on display at Interbike that is available this month. Beyond the special gun metal gray color, it comes in a plastic case for better storage and easier access in a shop. Along with the Giustaforza, Effetto Mariposa also had some new items in their Shelter line, along with some new tubeless rim strips in the Caffelatex line. Look for more from our meeting with Effeto Mariposa’s owner Alberto DeGioannini in the coming weeks.
Boyd
After revamping the full line in 2015, 2016 was all about refining. At the show, Boyd launched their new Quest disc brake hubs. These hubs allow for easy swapping of end caps to fit all of the current thru-axel standards. They will be available on road disc and mountain wheel sets. Also available as an upgrade is White Industries T11 and CLD hubs. We are hoping to get a set of the 44mm road wheels with the Quest hubs for review later this fall. Boyd’s disc wheels feature disc specific rims without brake tracks, and have been drilled specifically with disc hubs in mind.
Handlebar Mustache Apparel
Always one of our favorite brands, the HBStache crew continues to put out some great shirts and some of the best socks for your sock doping needs. Two of the shirts we particularly liked were the Stop Hitting Cyclists and Vote Dirt shirts. Make sure to order your Vote Dirt shirt now to represent on election day. On the sock side, it was tough to narrow down our choice for the best socks, but we eventually went with the Decade Pro in pink and blue (because it matches our kit the best). With plenty of style and color choices, you are sure to find the right sock to match your style.
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