For the VIPs of Outdoor Demo. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Didn't expect Outdoor Demo to be overcast with clouds and rain but it sure made for a nice pretty photo. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Road? Aero road? Light action? Mountain? Platform? Speedplay has got you covered. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Everybody loves the new SRAM RED eTap wireless drivetrain. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Hans Rey (L) shakes hands with Vittorio Brumotti after Brumotti's trials show (on a road bike) at the Crank Brothers booth. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Camelbak Palos 4LR pulling double duty as a water gun holster. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Camelbak's Outdoor Demo pool party. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
There's a pump track at Outdoor Demo if you want to jump around ... Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
... Or you can take the shuttle to shred. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Alchemy Arktos: More than happy to take one home. It's beautiful. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Tufmed's athlete body care products. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Lugs! Who doesn't love lugs?! From the Torelli booth. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Wahoo's new ELEMNT computer: A new entry to the bike computer segment. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Flexible and adjustable visor on the Maya helmet from Keli Protectives. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
The CYCLIQ Fly 6 taillight with integrated camera ... was the bike cut in half for this demo rig? Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Going to Interbike is a fun job but it's still a job. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Really digging that comic jersey/bib combo. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Riding for a cause. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
Thule's Chariot CX: You can put wheels and skis on it AND it comes with disc brakes for all you outdoor lovers with a little one. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
I think he was selling fog-resistant sunglasses. Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
The Element.ly crew Photo: Stephen Lam/Element.ly
I survived my first Interbike.
If you’re a bike nerd, Interbike, or IB for short, is one heck of a bike show. New gear is displayed, deals are made, swag is given (and taken). Plus, free beer. I love bikes and gear just like many of you but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by a three-day bike show. Now that the dust has settled, here is my recap in bullet points.
E-Bikes
Whether you like it or not, e-bikes are going to be around for a while. Plenty of e-bike exhibitors, an indoor test track, plus they somehow work their way into just about every conversation.
Socks
Oh so many different colors. I am pretty sure I could wear a different pair a day for a year straight if I was given a pair of everything.
Abbey Tools
Abbey tools are totally drool-worthy. It was a small booth off to the side but I actually want every single one of the tools shown. Great guys to chat with too!
Ortlieb bag
Roll-top messenger backpacks have been around for a while but what I dig about Ortlieb’s latest offering is its clean lines and simplicity. No more gazillion pockets. It’s waterproof too. (Check out their current bags here.)
Convertible mountain bike helmets
The latest rage for the mountain bike world. Is today a full face or a regular helmet day? Bell, Uvex, and Lazer have got you covered. So enduro, brah.
Vittoria Corsa Speed tubeless
The G+Isotech Graphene tire compound is said to be faster, grippier and more resistant to wear. The other cool story is the fact that Vittoria has figured out cotton casing for tubeless road tires. Yes, it looks classy badass but perhaps it’ll be one step closer to bringing the tubular “feel” to tubeless. Can’t wait to test them.
Sir Bradley Wiggin’s hour record Pinarello
Absolutely gorgeous.
Strong Lanyard Game
Manual For Speed has the best decorated convention lanyard.
Questionable Products
Not going to name names, but it’s a hard sales pitch when your electrolyte supplement is essentially rebadged sea water (no lie, I read the label).
Sapim CX-Carbon spokes
Time will tell whether carbon spokes are here to stay. Priced at about $16 for a 3 gram Sapim CX-Carbon spoke, it’s probably the most expensive way to shed grams off your bike and the quickest way to lighten up your wallet ’cause who buys a single spoke anyway. But my, they are pretty and cool.
Schindlehauer Ludwig
Totally stumbled upon one that was leaning against a wall on the last day. Maybe it’s the Brooks saddle, maybe it’s the seattube cutout. Not only did it look stylish but it was also packed with plenty of tech like a belt drive and your choice of an 8 or 11 speed shimano Alfine hub. Slick.