The annual biking commerce present in Frankfurt is one thing of a colossus, each in its significance throughout the trade and the sheer measurement of the positioning. Due to this it is nigh on inconceivable to see every thing at Eurobike, such is the variety of merchandise on present. However I’ve executed my greatest within the pursuit of offering you with some intel on what to anticipate in the best way of product launches within the coming months.
Here’s a rundown of these gadgets that actually caught my eye…
Imaginative and prescient Metron 37 wheelset
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
Imaginative and prescient has developed a brand new 37mm deep climbing wheel, the aptly named Metron 37. Along with the ‘all-rounder’ Metron 45 and deep-section aero Metron 60, Imaginative and prescient now has a trio of just lately launched Metron wheels to cowl most bases.
The Metron 37 includes a full carbon rim, a P.R.S. 72t ratchet-style hub with 5 levels of engagement (God bless DT Swiss…), and alloy, bladed straight-pull spokes – 21 up entrance and 24 within the rear.
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
The rim is hooked, and has an inside width of 21 mm. Weight is 1,200g, which is roughly 150g lighter than the Metron 45. Value is €2,149 Euros.
FSA Powerbox Staff Version
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
The Powerbox has been round for a couple of months now, however we couldn’t resist getting a closeup of these tooth. Sprinters are well-known for dropping chains within the warmth of battle, a problem the Powerbox, which is a part of FSA’s MegaTorq vary, is claimed by FSA to alleviate.
The 2X tooth profile appears to be like impressively shark-like to us, however aesthetics apart, FSA says the fillet radius has optimised to supply a contact ‘candy spot’ between chainring and chain curler. It additionally reckons that Tour-level sprinters at the moment are placing out as a lot as 350kg torque, however chainrings are hardly ever examined past 300kg. To supply a wholesome margin, MegaTorq rings are examined to 450kg.
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
The Powerbox Staff Version additionally options left/proper energy meter cranks with Bluetooth connection. It’s presently being ridden within the Tour de France by Israel – Premier Tech and EF Training Easypost. Value is €1,349.
PRO Stealth Superlight saddle
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PRO has up to date its Superlite saddle, shaving 15 grams and making potential enhancements to consolation.
“We’ve managed to cut back the burden barely, however have additionally elevated the width of the central channel, and up to date the EVA padding distribution, to assist keep away from soft-tissue points,” says Mark Kikket, Staff Supervisor, Product Growth, Shimano. “Initially, we developed this short-nosed saddle for aggressive aero positions however we’ve discovered that many highway riders have adopted it as a result of they recognize the consolation.”
The Stealth Superlight includes a handbuilt carbon base and rails, and now weighs simply 130 grams in 142mm width. It is usually obtainable in a 152mm measurement.
PRO Vibe Aero Cockpit
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
PRO has made basic modifications to its Vibe Aero carbon bars and matching stem. The general form has been fully overhauled, with a 10-degree flare on the drops enabling a lot narrower tops for improved rider aero positioning. The highest profile has additionally been revised, not only for direct aero beneficial properties, but additionally to supply wrist help once you’re tucked however gripping the hoods.
Moreover, these bars have been optimised for Dura-Ace and Ultegra shifters, with an ultra-smooth stepless transition from hood covers to bar high. There are completely no lumps and bumps to be felt right here. The bars have additionally been designed in order that Dura-Ace levers will be tilted inwards as a lot as potential with out contravening UCI laws.
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
Cabling, together with hydraulics, is internally routed however intelligent little ‘aero covers’ positioned the place the bars meet the stem permit cabling to interrupt out for bikes that don’t characteristic totally internally routed built-in headsets. These aero covers will also be fully eliminated to supply area for tri-bars, or saved in place to cover Shimano satellite tv for pc shifter buttons.
PRO has retained a separate bolt-on stem to provide riders extra flexibility when selecting one of the best bar width and stem size combo for his or her wants. Accessible bar widths are 37, 39 and 41cm.
Shimano RC703 highway sneakers
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
Shimano has rebooted its RC703 highway shoe, reworking it right into a extra premium product with options which have trickled down from the Japanese big’s S-PHYRE professional highway sneakers. The truth is, it’s now virtually indistinguishable from the top-tier RC903 (see under). If the RC903 is Dura-Ace stage (our phrases, not Shimano’s) then consider the RC703 as comfortably becoming throughout the Ultegra line.
The breathable artificial higher is now extra premium to the contact, and the seams across the midfoot and forefoot are, effectively, virtually seamless in building.
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
The carbon outsole is identical because the outgoing RC702 – it’s considered one of Shimano’s stiffest, scoring 10/12 on the model’s scale – however a revised midsole has considerably lowered the stack top.
The ladies’s final, which is narrower than the lads’s, has been overhauled to supply a greater match for extra riders. Half sizes and large choices can be found for the lads’s mannequin, whereas the ladies’s mannequin (RC703W) is barely obtainable in normal sizes.
Weight is 244 grams for a measurement 42, and worth is £230/$250/€229
Related enhancements have additionally been made to Shimano’s RC302 line (assume 105) and its entry-level, three-strap closure RC102 line. Most merchandise will begin transport from August.
We reckon we’re going to see a whole lot of Shimano’s top-end monitor shoe, the RC903 Energy, on the Olympics. It’s been round for a bit over six months now, loads of time to fulfill Olympic regs. Notice the dearth of Boa on the midfoot, which gives room for monitor riders to strap in. A shoe designed to switch most energy over brief occasions, the higher is way much less compliant than the common RC903.
Shimano MW502
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
Additionally new on the Shimano stand was this winter wrap-over, SPD-compatible winter boot. It includes a breathable Dryshield membrane to maintain your toes dry and an opulent fleece liner to maintain them heat. The wrap-over closure reveals a pace lace system that’s simple to familiarize yourself with, even when sporting gloves.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Weight is 244 grams for a measurement 42, and worth is £$225/€159.
Unique – H_Cyclo sustainable carbon from Hunt
(Picture credit score: Future)
We got a really fast, extraordinarily covert have a look at a yet-to-be-released Hunt expertise its calling H_Cyclo. It’s a thermoset resin that works precisely like a standard epoxy, however will be damaged down by a selected cleaver that permits it to be recycled in a a lot much less energy-intensive means. In different phrases, Hunt has managed to discover a technique to make its carbon fibre rims recyclable, a problem the bike trade has struggled with for years.
The ensuing carbon strands are brief, however can nonetheless be used for ancillary merchandise similar to derailleur cages and tyre levers. Anticipate this new materials to be rolled out throughout Hunt’s total vary in time.
Parlee Taos gravel bike
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
A reinvigorated Parlee – the US model suffered some monetary hiccups final 12 months – was displaying off its new gravel bike. It’s named after the city and surrounding space in New Mexico, which is thought to be a peerless playground for all issues gravel.
The Taos neatly suits into Parlee’s factory-made line that already includes the RZ7 highway bike and the Ouray allroad bike.
The Taos is hanging for a few causes. Firstly, its carbon body is manufactured in Western Europe, relatively than the Far East – a small however rising pattern as manufacturers search to guard themselves from commerce tariffs and safety issues.
Second is the best way the body is manufactured. It’s a monocoque design, which suggests it comes out of the mould in a single piece. Curiously although, the ensuing carbon fibre is so {smooth} it wants subsequent to no ending. All Parlee does is add a coat of wax, there’s no paint, no lacquer.
It’s a really good-looking bike, observe the steeply pitched high tube – that’s partly for seat publish compliance and partly to extend stand-over top for feminine or smaller riders.
With its T47 BB, flip-chip and UDH dropouts plus clearance for as much as 50mm tyres, this can be a completely trendy gravel bike.
SRAM and Shimano builds can be found with costs ranging from round $6,500.
Enve Melee Staff Bike
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
That is no reproduction, however a bonafide Staff TotalEnergies of the identical batch that’s been raced within the Tour de France now. The Melee additionally occurs to have gained the ‘Most Fascinating’ class in our current Race Bike of the Yr shootout.
There’s nothing significantly new right here, and lots of TotalEnergies riders have already chosen to swap the bars out for a extra aero Enve mannequin. Nonetheless, observe the large Novaride Carbon Ceramic Derailleur cage and pulley wheels – a relative cut price at across the €200 mark.
Elite Sq.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Up till now, we’ve solely seen renderings of the Elite Sq. sensible bike, so it was fascinating to swing a leg over and take a spin. It’s a direct competitor to the Zwift Experience however the utility may be very completely different. The Sq. is extra brutal in look, way more masculine. The opposite apparent variations are the belt drive, which was fully silent in operation, and the adjustable cranks.
Elite says the Sq. is appropriate with each sensible coach, not simply its personal. It will likely be transport it by the top of the 12 months.
Maxxis Excessive Highway SL
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
Maxxis enjoys an extremely excessive profile within the MTB world, but it’s virtually unknown by roadies. It was pushing a model new model of its premium Excessive Highway SL highway tyre, surprisingly in a now unfashionably slim 25mm width.
Boasting a silica compound and elevated puncture resistance, Maxxis says the brand new Excessive Highway SL has 25% higher rolling resistance than the earlier model. Weight is 270g.
Noticed – Parcours Aero Gravel Wheel
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
What can we inform you about this new gravel wheel from Parcours? Not a lot as a result of it’s underneath embargo till subsequent week, we are able to’t even inform you its identify. Nonetheless, Parcours did permit us to take a photograph of a part of the wheel, from which we are able to inform that it has a 47mm depth. Meaning it virtually actually has an Aero focus, in all probability optimised for 40mm tyres if the mounted GravelKings are something to go by. We’ll be capable of convey you extra data subsequent week, so preserve checking again.
Continental Aero 111 tyre
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
This was probably the toughest product to {photograph} at Eurobike, as a result of there was all the time a crowd surrounding it desirous to get a glance. We introduced you information of this new aero-enhanced tyre a couple of days in the past, but it surely was fascinating to see the attribute sq. dimples within the flesh.
Co-developed with DT Swiss and Swiss Facet, these ‘vortex mills’ permit for a smoother, extra managed airflow, from the tyre proper throughout the complete floor of the rim. The tyre is barely efficient on the entrance wheel – Continental recommends mounting a daily GP 5000 S TR on the rear. It’s pictured on a shocking Canyon TT bike, with DT Swiss PRC 1100 80 wheels – a pure pairing you’d assume, however learn on…
DT Swiss ARC 1100 DB 38 and Continental shock
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
I deliberate a go to to the DT Swiss stand to try its new ARC 1100 DB 38 climbing wheel. There have been no nice surprises, it’s a superbly made, sub-1,300 gram carbon wheel made for pointing uphill. Little question, it’s fairly agile on the best way down too – we’ll convey you a full overview quickly.
What did shock me is that DT Swiss is recommending the Continental Aero 111 to go along with it. Apparently, supplied common speeds high 30kph, the Aero 111 will profit any roadie, even one on comparatively shallow depth wheels, such because the ARC 1100 DB 38.
Ere Tenaci GT25
(Picture credit score: Future)
Ere has launched an entry-level, shallow-rim gravel wheel priced at £999/$999/€999. A set weighs in at 1566g and it includes a full carbon hooked rim with a depth of 25mm and an internal width of 26mm. It’s taken a belt and brace strategy to power, with 24 Sapim CX Chief spokes each entrance and rear.
The freehub includes a DT-Swiss impressed ratchet system, and compatibility choices embrace Shimano, SRAM and Campy.
ABUS Infinity Loop
(Picture credit score: Future)
Abus had a plethora of latest locks at its stand, together with the ingenious Yardo, which is activated by fingerprint, and the Bordo 6200K folding lock. The latter is means lighter than others in its class as a result of the folding segments are produced from I-beam profile members.
Nonetheless, the lock that caught my eye was Infinity Loop. Ordinarily, if you happen to purchase a 1m chain by the point you’ve doubled it again on itself to safe it you’ll find yourself with roughly 50cm of usable size. By including adjustable loops at each ends of the Infinity Loop, ABUS has liberated virtually the complete size of the chain to be used. Easy, however Genius.
The Infinity Loop includes a lined 6mm sq. chain and weighs 1400 grams
ABUS Helmets
(Picture credit score: Future)
ABUS was having a whole lot of enjoyable displaying its HYP-E city helmet, designed primarily for e-bike riders. Helmets with built-in lights are nothing new however the HYP-E takes the thought and runs with it additional than any helmet has executed ever earlier than.
There are lights back and front, plus a brake mild that may be rigged as much as work together with your levers. Moreover, there are indicators too, operated by way of a handlebar-mounted change pad.
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Gamechanger TT 1.1 is a contact extra restrained however simply as purposeful. The TT helmet has simply had a refresh and now includes a versatile delicate EVA collar/tail on the rear that conforms to a rider’s neck and shoulder space when they’re going full tuck. This reduces the possibility of gaps disrupting the movement of air. The helmet outer form has additionally been revised to make it barely extra aerodynamic.
KTM Macina Model FS
(Picture credit score: Future)
This can be a very intriguing bike that KTM politely refused to inform me something about. It’s a trekking/journey ebike with a step-through body. Unusually, it options each Di2 and rear suspension. I’ve by no means seen something fairly prefer it.
(Picture credit score: Future)
The explanation that the KTM crew had been protecting so quiet is that it additionally includes a yet-unreleased model of the Bosch Efficiency CX electrical drivetrain system.
Vistar Powershift
(Picture credit score: Future)
Vistar Powershift, a collab between Categorized and TRP, generated big curiosity at Eurobike. At occasions, it was inconceivable to maneuver on the Categorized stand for individuals.
Categorized had the brand new totally wi-fi 1×16 digital groupset arrange on a highway bike in addition to a Ridley that had clearly seen some motion at Unbound. The message was broadcast loud and clear – that is an ultra-efficient groupset that refuses to be typecast as only for TT or simply for Gravel. It has common enchantment.
Product supervisor Yannick Mayer was additionally eager to level out that Categorized is an open firm that desires to work with all people on this area.
“We’re not a groupset producer,” stated Yannick. “Powershift is appropriate with each groupset, the primary distinction with TRP is that shifting is solely included into the levers, relatively than having to make use of satellite tv for pc buttons like we presently should with SRAM and Shimano.”
It will likely be fascinating to see whether or not the 2 huge manufacturers will ever take into account totally embracing Powershift, or whether or not they take into account Categorized as an excessive amount of of a menace. Maybe a Categorized x Campagnolo collab is a extra lifelike proposition?
Avec
(Picture credit score: Future)
Avec describes itself as a “bike-fit first” model. It’s obvious within the Avec Sythe aero bike on show at Eurobike, which options its prototype ergonomic handlebars which are designed to assist the rider discover “their optimum aerodynamic place”. Vitally, the bars are additionally formed to help the rider in protecting this place – a small frontal finish isn’t a lot good if you happen to can solely maintain the place comfortably for a few minutes!
The bars additionally sported Avec’s new AerGrip that’s stated to supply 7mm of cushioning whereas on the identical time selling a extra ergonomic hand place that may provide help to save a couple of watts.