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Words and photos by Cam McRae
I know - it's almost November and we're still milking Interbike. I hate leaving content un-posted and even though it's a month since Vegas we're going to press on. The good news is the print folks are still weeks away so I guess it's not that late. This is my last update from the Sands but we'll have one more after this. Maybe even some more shots of Fergs with the ladies that everyone's been so pleased about. So here's some stuff that I saw that I thought you might like to see.
I had already seen some shots of the Dakine Trail builder's Pack but it was cool to see it loaded down in person.
Dakine was showing off some new pack patterns including this lumberjack themed Nomad.
Dakine always seems to strike the right balance. Always stylish but never too flashy. Still it takes a certain type of rider to wear gloves that match your jersey.
Pivot - founded by Titus founder Chris Cocalis. Not needing to re-invent rear suspension, Cocalis opted to license Dave Weagle's DW link technology for his first bikes. Anodized finishes and attention to detail means they look very sweet.
Race Face was showing off these burly looking d2 stems. This design seems to owe a lot to the world of bmx.
This was producing the biggest buzz at the Race Face booth. The new Next carbon crankset - weighing in at just 748 grams. Coming soon to a freeride bike near you.
I wish this was my basement. I always slobber all over the Park Tools booth at Interbike. Anyone who's ever worked in the back of a musty bike shop will tell you their stuff is great.
This was my favourite bike of the show this year. A completely original early 80s Ritchey with an original XT Gruppo. Even the tires looked original. This was hanging at the Shimano booth to commemorate the 25th anniversary of XT.
The Shadow rear derailleurs have been causing a stir. A secondary bolt attaches the unit to the frame so that the pivot can stay tucked in. It protrudes 11-18 mm less than other changers on the market according to Shimano. While that might not be much it's a very significant distance when you consider how exposed most derailleurs are to rocks and roots. The XTR version of the shadow - shown above - is incredibly light at 180 or 182 grams depending on cage length - thanks to a brand new carbon fibre cage.
The XT version of the Shadow shows less bling but it's just as low pro. Virtually nothing on the changer protrudes past the chainstay and you can see that even the female end of your QR pokes out further. Less busted changers? It looks like it.
Kona has jumped right onto the pro model bandwagon. Here's Cowan's hardtail dirt jumper..
I thought Paul Basagoitia's pro model was the prettiest. It's a short travel rig aimed at dirt jumping and slope style riding.
It doesn't look like Fabien Barel's pro model will see the light of day. This has become a collector because it looks like Fabien will join a Subaru-sponsored French team this year an he'll likely be saddling up a new bike brand.
A new suspension design from Kona? Quit lyin'! It's true - Kona was showing off this dual stage system at the show - designed in conjunction with Brake Therapy who specialize in floating brake kits. It's called the Coilair. - get it? The idea is that a coil is great off the top of the stroke while an air shock can work very well towards the bottom. In this system the coil initiates first giving supple small bump performance. Once a larger force is encountered the air damper takes over. Because of the way the coil is aligned the bike will slacked as it enters the travel making it more appropriate for going down hill. Under pedalling forces the coil is said to extend, aligning the frame more appropriately for climbing. The spring rate also changes depending what's happening. In the forward position - where things should end up if you are pedalling - the spring rate increases and the travel sits at around 6" while in the more rearward position the spring rate decreases and travel bumps to 7.4". I didn't ask what happens when you are pedalling and you encounter bumps but I'm sure Kona has an answer.
Here's a closer look at Kona's dual shock Magic Link system. You can find the Coilair models on Kona's Web site. Or to see an online demo of the Magic Link in action click here.
Sure, Las Vegas is mostly a soul-sucking pit of despair but occasionally you look around and you are just about knocked over by beauty. Whenever I leave the Venetian at night I'm awed by the illusion they have created.
We have one more Interbike report to come so don't touch that
dial.
What do you think of the new Konas? Pivot Cycles? Or the Shadow rear derailleur? Let us know here.
