Interbike Bits
We're home but Vegas lives on
Words by Cam McRae. Photos by Cam McRae.
In the midst of the doom and gloom of the US economy one industry seems to be weathering the storm quite well. I didn't talk to a single pessimmistic person in the business. Maybe it's early, but it also might be that in this time of uncertainty and rising oil prices more people are turning to the bicycle for salvation. Hopefully it also means that riders aren't the ones forced to walk away from their homes because of mortgages they can't pay. I bet there are some riders among the 85,000 people who are destined to lose their jobs in New York City - a quarter of them on Wall St.
It was as cheerful as ever in the Sands with riders renewing sponsorship agreements, lines expanding and one brand - Evil Bikes - making a dramatic re-emergence (more on that soon). The news of Lance's return had his sponsors whistling a happy tune, as did the re-newed interest in DH racing thanks to the great coverage we and other sites were able to present this year thanks to Freecaster. Here's hoping this storm will miss the bike biz completely.
I'm happily back at home now but as usual we've got more tasty morsels from the show to serve up.
I've always cast a greedy glance on Mavic stuff. Their wheels always look amazing - and unlike many aspects of Vegas - I bet they perform just as hot. Dee Max wheels haven't turned my crank as much before this because they were a trifle portly. Those days are gone however and after a diet of 500 grams the pair now weighs in at 2160 grams (4.76 lbs). Mavic also describes the rim as 'more compliant' for 'better control over gnarly terrains.' You can pick up a set of Dee Max wheels in 135 or 150 x 12mm configuruations and 20mm front only of course.
Deemax wheels went on an impressive diet for 2009. And received a new engagement mechanism.
All Mavic wheels for our market get a new 4 pawl freehub system dubbed ITS 4, which is said to engage in 7 degrees or less. Deemax's little bro, the Deetraks, are all new this year as well. They have done away with straight pull spokes in order to make replacement easier wherever you are. At only 95 grams heavier than Deemax, and with the new pawl system, this might be the wheelset to score if you are on a budget - or if you work for Lehman Bros. 
Deetrak wheels lose the straight pull spokes and they are only 95 grams heavier per pair than Deemax.
The wheels that turned my crank most were the Crossmax SX. With fat but light Zicral spokes and white hubs these things will tart up anyone's ride. After losing 165 grams they will only add 1755 g to your precious steed. 
The Crossmax SX rim with straight pull Zicral spokes.
They too receive the new 4 pawl system and like the Deemax are UST tubeless compatible. That means if you run a tube you won't need a rim strip either - weight weenies take note.
This is not a hand grenade. White hubs pimp the Crossmax SX wheelset even further. You'll need a 20mm compatible fork to slip into a set of these - there is no 9 or 15mm option for 2009. The Crossmax SLR and ST sets offer both of those options.
Mavic is part of the Adidas group and until this year their clothing line has borne the three stripes. For 2009 Mavic is putting their own name on cycling apparel and shoes and they are launching with a complete line. One of the coolest innovations I saw was something I've thought about for years; a bootie that is cut out to match the lugs on the bottom of your shoe so you can walk in it without slipping or destroying the bootie. 
The Mavc Mantra shoe cover looks like a regular bootie until you look at the sole...
and you see that you can walk without destroying the bootie or sliding around like a fool. 
The Mavc Creek jacket is loaded with tech features - including a dual zipper. A secondary zipper reveals the yellow venting fabric to keep the sweat down. Expect to see this in the $400 range.
There are certain booths I look forward to every year because they seem to nail it - and roll in with new designs and improvements on old favourites. Fox Clothing is on that list and this year was no disappointment.
The Fox Rampage helmet gets this rowdy new graphic. 
And the Flux gets edgy as well. 
The Tecknik jacket would probably get as much use walking the dog or grabbing a latte - but when it really pours this could be the difference between riding and surfing the couch. 
The Ultimatum short comes with a window for your season pass and ventilation for your boys.
The big news at the Shimano booth was the new Durace with Electric shifting. It really sounds amazing - and the system only weighs 60 grams more than the conventional version. Shifts are instantaneous and the front changer trims automatically based on which rear cog you're running. If you crash and bend your rear changer the system will re-calibrate and you'll be back rolling without adjusting or bending anything. I don't think it'll be long before we see an electric version of XTR - and Saint will likely be next in line.
Some of the Yumeya parts save weight - like these above which will save you around 20 grams - while others provide a purely aesthetic advantage. Some of the Yumeya products will be less durable than those they replace - this is all about performance and 'stylish image'.
Speaking of XTR the new stuff on the mountain side was an after-market-type hop up kit for the top mountain group. Yumeya is bike jewellry taken to the next level - and installing the whole kit will save you a whopping 60 grams. It looks pretty though and that's half the battle when you're building a special steed.
The gold annodized Yumeya shift lever brackets look pretty but they don't save weight.
The complete Yumeya line includes a chain, brake line, shifter housing, cassette sprockets, a crank bolt, pulleys, resevoir covers, thirteen bolts and rear derailleur plates. No word on price just yet but expect to dig deep for Yumeya.
The updated version of Shimano's flat pedal shoe (also available for SPD) comes with a new Vibram sole - which seemed very grippy - and bowling alley styling. The inside ankle protection and lace wrap live on.
I've always been a fan of Shimano shoes - particularly their function over fashion approach. The old grey flat pedal shoes worked really well but they were stylish enough for a Star Trek fan gathering. The new shoes are an improvement in that regard and seem to have better soles as well. 
What have they been smoking in Japan? If these hemp shoes are any indication... While sharing the Vibram sole with the riding shoes, these are more about lifestyle than riding.
Shimano was doing a special for shop employees where they could purchase some custom fitted riding shoes for $100 and have them fitted right there. There were huge line ups every day and the fitters were hustling to get everyone set up. Devin Walton of Shimano USA pointed out that one of the fitters was none other than Kozo Shimano himself - who was until recently president of Shimano USA.
If you've got anything to say about this pipe up here on our Shore Forum - or here in the Article Discussion thread where unregistered users can post their comments.
