Crankworx '05 - Rolling out the '06 product

Manufacturers showcase new items
for the coming year at the Whistler event


Words and photos by Stuart Kernaghan

The Interbike show in Vegas used to be the place where manufacturers rolled out their new gear. Then it was Interbike and Sea Otter in Monterey, California in the spring. And now, it seems that there's a summer coming-out party at Crankworx in Whistler.

Bike makers, component manufacturers, and accessory makers showed up in our little slice of heaven to display their wares, and nsmb was there, drinking it in like a mountain biker with a cold beer on the patio of the GLC.

So without further adieu, we bring you Crankworx '05 - The New Product for '06.

RockShox
There's always a lot happening at RockShox, and the fork manufacturer is really stepping up its double crown offerings. Recently unveiled at the Angel Fire race in New Mexico is the BoXXer World Cup.

The WC fork has 203mm of travel, and uses the Solo Air system. Adjustments include external rebound, external floodgate, external compression, and an internal high-speed shim stack.

The WC has magnesium lowers that are disc-compatible only, and it uses a 20mm axle. The crown is forged 6061 T-6 aluminum, and is direct mount stem compatible. Stanchions are 32mm 7000 series aluminum, and are low friction anodized. The colour? Athena white.

Coming back for more in '06 is the BoXXer Ride, an adjustable-travel DC fork with 5" to 7" of U-Turn controlled travel. All RockShox forks for '06 come with machined metal adjuster knobs.


The World Cup


The BoXXer Ride, complete with adjustable travel and Maxle



The Maxle - super easy, and plenty stuff. Note the red ano adjuster knob, new for '06.

RockShox's proprietary Maxle quick release through-axle technology isn't going anywhere, and it's available on the Ride as well as the Pike series of forks.

Whistler bike makers Chromag are also making a rear Maxle-compatible hardtail frame.

Truvativ

I already profiled a lot of the new Truvativ goods for the coming year after my trip to San Luis Obispo in March, but the boys from NorCal were holding out. One of the things they're working on at the moment - a pink bashguard with embedded gold sparkles. The nickel-plated Holzfeller cranks that you see below will be a reality for '06.


A prototype bashguard, along with shiny new Holzfeller cranks and the Shiftguide two-ring chainguide

Hayes
Hayes has been doing brakes for a long time now, but they're not resting on past accomplishments. They're also not immune to the bling factor, it seems. Spotted up at Crankworx was this special set of chromed El Caminos.

They look sweet, but don't expect to see them at the local shop. Just how many pairs are there floating around? Well, Bearclaw was the only rider in the competition to have a set.


A chrome master cylinder. What is this - American Chopper?


The very exclusive chrome El Camino caliper - to go with the chrome master cylinder, of course

The other special item in the Hayes pits this past weekend was a prototype DH brake that's being designed for the lift-riding crowd. It's still in development, so the details are still being worked out.

This particular version was fitted with a 9" rotor, stainless lines, and two pistons. But some, all, or none of that may change. The calipers will also be machined down a bit so they aren't quite as massive. Master cylinder and lever design is still up in the air, too; this set was hooked up to some Mags.

Hayes' goal behind this particular product is a brake that isn't as susceptible to over-heating or fade from super-long downhill runs. Kind of like the ones you find at Whistler... Keep your eyes open for these beefy stoppers in 2007.


The new Hayes DH caliper - one big chunk of aluminum

Camelbak
Hydration packs - Cam and I have already said a ton about packs in the past year, so I won't bore you with the benefits of one.

Either you use a pack or you don't, and if you do, you want something that will carry your crap and water without any hassles.

Camelbak released the Havoc last year, and while the intention was good, that version of the pack fell short of my expectations.

The company went back to the drawing board and has made huge advances for the '06 version of the Havoc. The helmet pouch is deeper, there's a padded video camera pocket at the top of the pack, the internal tool pouch is compartmentalized, and there are straps on the bottom for carrying armour.


The Havoc - featuring much better carrying abilities in '06

Look for more refinements before the new Havoc hits the trails, but this prototype version is miles ahead of where it was last year. Price on this pack should be the same - about US$100, or CDN$150. The higher Canuck cost is because of the distributor chain on this side of the border.


The Mayhem - room for an XC lid inside the pouch

Camelbak has expanded up its line of heavy-duty, armour-carrying packs. One step down from the Havoc is the Mayhem (see the theme here?), which comes in at around US$80.

Carrying capacity is slightly smaller, but it still has the same three litre reservoir.

You'll find armour straps on both sides, as well as the bottom, a video camera pouch, an external tool pouch, and sweet high-contrast red stitching.

There isn't room for a full-face lid in the pouch, but the top straps will fit through the mouth piece of a helmet and keep it snug.

This looks like a great pack for riders who want some pads and gear, but don't need to bring an entire shuttle suit with them on a ride.

SDG Saddles
Saddles can be boring, but they don't have to. Case in point - the new SDG Saddles for '06. Camo, zebra stripe, and tiger stripe are all options if you're looking to style out your ride.

Tiger was there the first time I went through the village, but when I went back to get a picture, it was out on the prowl.

Style that will undoubtedly be appreciated in the lift line

There are '06 bikes, too? You betcha!
Check it out...