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Words by Cam McRae
I love bikes. Big bikes, little bikes, dh bikes, road bikes - just about every kind of bike. I'm excited every time I come to Interbike and have the opportunity to scope out what's new in the world of the bicycle; from the simplest cruiser to the freakiest tandem recumbent. Here's a little sample of what we saw and rode on the first day of the Dirt Demo out at the Bootleg Canyon trails outside of Las Vegas at Boulder City.
I'm still amazed by the perpetual motion of Vegas. On our way to the dirt demo at 8:00 you see folks, drink in hand, still gambling from the night before. I'd rather ride bikes but I appreciate the lawless feel of it all. Photo ~ Cam McRae
Kevin Calhoun from Rocky Mtn spotted this sign in the airport. It's perfect. I wonder what's in the purse Photo ~ Cam McRae
Here we are in the cattle truck having just loaded for the
shuttle. Every year I imagine the sides of the truck breaking and
everyone tumbling out like dominoes Photo ~ Cam McRae
Don't tell anyone you saw my wheels off the ground.
I'll deny it. Rolling the new Rocky Slayer which has some surprising
upgrades. Photo ~ David Ferguson
The new New Slayer has room for a Fox DHX Air rear shock that gets pushed around by beefy looking carbon fibre stays. Photo ~ David Ferguson
This was one of the nicest looking bikes out in the desert. The white Syncros components complimented the return of Mountain Cycle nicely. More on these bikes once we get inside. Photo ~ David Ferguson
I think I ran into Bender in exactly the same spot last
year. He's returned from his back injury stronger than ever - recently
stomping a 25 footer for a commercial - but his ankle is going to need some
time to get back to 100%. Bender has been building
trails at Keystone and he was stoked to be back upright and in the lower
48. Atta boy Bender! Photo ~ Cam McRae
David Ferguson makes friends easily. This fetching
young lass was working security at the Air Conditioned Crankbrothers Chill
Lounge. Despite her efforts to keep out the riff raff we managed to
sneak in anyway. Photo ~ Cam McRae
I was stoked to finally meet Brent Thomson (centre) who
along with Dan Haskin (left) is responsible for the fantastic trails at
Bootleg Canyon. It was Brent's birthday yesterday and he and Dan
were driving the trucks anyway. Thanks lads!. Photo ~ Cam McRae
Knolly was showing a new bike and creating lots of buzz
at the Dirt Demo. Photo ~ David Ferguson
Here's a closer look at the Knew Knolly Linkage. Expect
to see a few more subtle changes on the frames when they start rolling off
the line. Photo ~ David Ferguson
It's not luxury shuttling but it does the job perfectly.
Photo ~ David Ferguson
It was nice to see Chris King back at Interbike - if only
at the Demo. They were trying to make sure everyone knows they make
hubs for more than just XC - road, freeride and dh too. No word on
150mm rear hubs though. They also have a charity initiative rolling with
their Pink
Hubs Photo ~ Cam McRae
Fergs was impressed with these tasty hubs from Industry
Nine. Photo ~ David Ferguson
Felt's Equilink design caught Fergs' attention as well.
Is it a six bar? The pink beam is meant to counter-act pedal forces
and David thought it did what they claimed. Photo ~ David Ferguson
Downtown Dirt Demo has a wild west feel. Photo ~ David
Ferguson
"Are you trying to bamboozle me?" This Calfee
Designs work of art had Bamboo tubes, wooden rims and an actual longhorn
for a handlebar. Photo ~ David Ferguson
The lap I did on a Cove Shocker was a blast. The thing
just wants to go fast - encouraging you to pedal over everything and
pump whenever you can. Photo ~ David Ferguson
Today more DH bikes we hope. I'd also like to try the new Specialized Enduro with the dual crown fork. The new DH bike from GT looks interesting as well. Time to line up for the bus to Boulder City and the Bootleg Canyon Trails.
If there is anything you'd like us to try and track down please let us know here.
