The annual biking commerce present in Frankfurt is one thing of a colossus, each in its significance inside the trade and the sheer measurement of the location. Due to this it is nigh on unattainable to see all the pieces at Eurobike, such is the variety of merchandise on present. However I’ve accomplished my greatest within the pursuit of offering you with some intel on what to anticipate in the best way of product launches within the coming months.
Here’s a rundown of these gadgets that actually caught my eye…
Imaginative and prescient Metron 37 wheelset
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
Imaginative and prescient has developed a brand new 37mm deep climbing wheel, the aptly named Metron 37. Along with the ‘all-rounder’ Metron 45 and deep-section aero Metron 60, Imaginative and prescient now has a trio of just lately launched Metron wheels to cowl most bases.
The Metron 37 contains a full carbon rim, a P.R.S. 72t ratchet-style hub with 5 levels of engagement (God bless DT Swiss…), and alloy, bladed straight-pull spokes – 21 up entrance and 24 within the rear.
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
The rim is hooked, and has an inner width of 21 mm. Weight is 1,200g, which is roughly 150g lighter than the Metron 45. Worth is €2,149 Euros.
FSA Powerbox Crew Version
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
The Powerbox has been round for a couple of months now, however we couldn’t resist getting a closeup of these tooth. Sprinters are well-known for dropping chains within the warmth of battle, a difficulty the Powerbox, which is a part of FSA’s MegaTorq vary, is alleged by FSA to alleviate.
The 2X tooth profile appears impressively shark-like to us, however aesthetics apart, FSA says the fillet radius has optimised to offer a contact ‘candy spot’ between chainring and chain curler. It additionally reckons that Tour-level sprinters are actually placing out as a lot as 350kg torque, however chainrings are not often examined past 300kg. To offer a wholesome margin, MegaTorq rings are examined to 450kg.
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
The Powerbox Crew Version additionally options left/proper energy meter cranks with Bluetooth connection. It’s presently being ridden within the Tour de France by Israel – Premier Tech and EF Training Easypost. Worth is €1,349.
PRO Stealth Superlight saddle
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PRO has up to date its Superlite saddle, shaving 15 grams and making potential enhancements to consolation.
“We’ve managed to cut back the burden barely, however have additionally elevated the width of the central channel, and up to date the EVA padding distribution, to assist keep away from soft-tissue points,” says Mark Kikket, Crew Supervisor, Product Improvement, Shimano. “Initially, we developed this short-nosed saddle for aggressive aero positions however we’ve discovered that many highway riders have adopted it as a result of they admire the consolation.”
The Stealth Superlight contains a handbuilt carbon base and rails, and now weighs simply 130 grams in 142mm width. Additionally it is out there in a 152mm measurement.
PRO Vibe Aero Cockpit
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
PRO has made elementary adjustments to its Vibe Aero carbon bars and matching stem. The general form has been utterly overhauled, with a 10-degree flare on the drops enabling a lot narrower tops for improved rider aero positioning. The highest profile has additionally been revised, not only for direct aero beneficial properties, but additionally to offer wrist assist if you’re tucked however gripping the hoods.
Moreover, these bars have been optimised for Dura-Ace and Ultegra shifters, with an ultra-smooth stepless transition from hood covers to bar prime. There are completely no lumps and bumps to be felt right here. The bars have additionally been designed in order that Dura-Ace levers might be tilted inwards as a lot as attainable with out contravening UCI laws.
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
Cabling, together with hydraulics, is internally routed however intelligent little ‘aero covers’ positioned the place the bars meet the stem permit cabling to interrupt out for bikes that don’t function absolutely internally routed built-in headsets. These aero covers will also be utterly eliminated to offer area for tri-bars, or stored in place to cover Shimano satellite tv for pc shifter buttons.
PRO has retained a separate bolt-on stem to provide riders extra flexibility when selecting the very best bar width and stem size combo for his or her wants. Out there bar widths are 37, 39 and 41cm.
Shimano RC703 highway footwear
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
Shimano has rebooted its RC703 highway shoe, remodeling it right into a extra premium product with options which have trickled down from the Japanese big’s S-PHYRE professional highway footwear. In reality, it’s now virtually indistinguishable from the top-tier RC903 (see under). If the RC903 is Dura-Ace stage (our phrases, not Shimano’s) then consider the RC703 as comfortably becoming inside the Ultegra line.
The breathable artificial higher is now extra premium to the contact, and the seams across the midfoot and forefoot are, nicely, virtually seamless in development.
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
The carbon outsole is identical because the outgoing RC702 – it’s one among Shimano’s stiffest, scoring 10/12 on the model’s scale – however a revised midsole has considerably diminished the stack peak.
The ladies’s final, which is narrower than the boys’s, has been overhauled to offer a greater match for extra riders. Half sizes and broad choices can be found for the boys’s mannequin, whereas the ladies’s mannequin (RC703W) is barely out there in customary sizes.
Weight is 244 grams for a measurement 42, and worth is £230/$250/€229
Related enhancements have additionally been made to Shimano’s RC302 line (suppose 105) and its entry-level, three-strap closure RC102 line. Most merchandise will begin delivery from August.
We reckon we’re going to see a variety of Shimano’s top-end monitor shoe, the RC903 Energy, on the Olympics. It’s been round for slightly over six months now, loads of time to fulfill Olympic regs. Be aware the shortage of Boa on the midfoot, which gives room for monitor riders to strap in. A shoe designed to switch most energy over quick occasions, the higher is far much less compliant than the common RC903.
Shimano MW502
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
Additionally new on the Shimano stand was this winter wrap-over, SPD-compatible winter boot. It contains a breathable Dryshield membrane to maintain your toes dry and an opulent fleece liner to maintain them heat. The wrap-over closure reveals a pace lace system that’s simple to become familiar with, even when sporting gloves.
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Weight is 244 grams for a measurement 42, and worth is £$225/€159.
Unique – H_Cyclo sustainable carbon from Hunt
(Picture credit score: Future)
We got a really fast, extraordinarily covert have a look at a yet-to-be-released Hunt expertise its calling H_Cyclo. It’s a thermoset resin that works precisely like a traditional epoxy, however might be damaged down by a selected cleaver that permits it to be recycled in a a lot much less energy-intensive method. In different phrases, Hunt has managed to discover a method to make its carbon fibre rims recyclable, a difficulty the bike trade has struggled with for years.
The ensuing carbon strands are quick, however can nonetheless be used for ancillary merchandise resembling derailleur cages and tyre levers. Count on this new materials to be rolled out throughout Hunt’s total vary in time.
Parlee Taos gravel bike
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
A reinvigorated Parlee – the US model suffered some monetary hiccups final 12 months – was exhibiting off its new gravel bike. It’s named after the city and surrounding space in New Mexico, which is thought to be a peerless playground for all issues gravel.
The Taos neatly matches into Parlee’s factory-made line that already contains the RZ7 highway bike and the Ouray allroad bike.
The Taos is hanging for a few causes. Firstly, its carbon body is manufactured in Western Europe, somewhat than the Far East – a small however rising development as manufacturers search to guard themselves from commerce tariffs and safety issues.
Second is the best way the body is manufactured. It’s a monocoque design, which suggests it comes out of the mould in a single piece. Curiously although, the ensuing carbon fibre is so {smooth} it wants subsequent to no ending. All Parlee does is add a coat of wax, there’s no paint, no lacquer.
It’s a really good-looking bike, notice the steeply pitched prime tube – that’s partly for seat submit compliance and partly to extend stand-over peak for feminine or smaller riders.
With its T47 BB, flip-chip and UDH dropouts plus clearance for as much as 50mm tyres, it is a completely trendy gravel bike.
SRAM and Shimano builds can be found with costs ranging from round $6,500.
Enve Melee Crew Bike
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
That is no reproduction, however a bonafide Crew TotalEnergies of the identical batch that’s been raced within the Tour de France now. The Melee additionally occurs to have gained the ‘Most Fascinating’ class in our current Race Bike of the 12 months shootout.
There’s nothing significantly new right here, and plenty of TotalEnergies riders have already chosen to swap the bars out for a extra aero Enve mannequin. Nonetheless, notice the large Novaride Carbon Ceramic Derailleur cage and pulley wheels – a relative cut price at across the €200 mark.
Elite Sq.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Up till now, we’ve solely seen renderings of the Elite Sq. good bike, so it was fascinating to swing a leg over and take a spin. It’s a direct competitor to the Zwift Trip however the software may be very completely different. The Sq. is extra brutal in look, much more masculine. The opposite apparent variations are the belt drive, which was utterly silent in operation, and the adjustable cranks.
Elite says the Sq. is appropriate with each good coach, not simply its personal. It is going to be delivery it by the tip of the 12 months.
Maxxis Excessive Highway SL
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
Maxxis enjoys an extremely excessive profile within the MTB world, but it’s virtually unknown by roadies. It was pushing a model new model of its premium Excessive Highway SL highway tyre, surprisingly in a now unfashionably slender 25mm width.
Boasting a silica compound and elevated puncture resistance, Maxxis says the brand new Excessive Highway SL has 25% higher rolling resistance than the earlier model. Weight is 270g.
Noticed – Parcours Aero Gravel Wheel
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
What can we let you know about this new gravel wheel from Parcours? Not a lot as a result of it’s beneath embargo till subsequent week, we are able to’t even let you know its identify. Nonetheless, Parcours did permit us to take a photograph of a part of the wheel, from which we are able to inform that it has a 47mm depth. Which means it virtually definitely has an Aero focus, in all probability optimised for 40mm tyres if the mounted GravelKings are something to go by. We’ll be capable of convey you extra info subsequent week, so preserve checking again.
Continental Aero 111 tyre
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
This was presumably the toughest product to {photograph} at Eurobike, as a result of there was at all times a crowd surrounding it wanting to get a glance. We introduced you information of this new aero-enhanced tyre a couple of days in the past, nevertheless it was fascinating to see the attribute sq. dimples within the flesh.
Co-developed with DT Swiss and Swiss Facet, these ‘vortex turbines’ permit for a smoother, extra managed airflow, from the tyre proper throughout your entire floor of the rim. The tyre is barely efficient on the entrance wheel – Continental recommends mounting an everyday GP 5000 S TR on the rear. It’s pictured on a shocking Canyon TT bike, with DT Swiss PRC 1100 80 wheels – a pure pairing you’d suppose, however learn on…
DT Swiss ARC 1100 DB 38 and Continental shock
(Picture credit score: Future / Simon Fellows)
I deliberate a go to to the DT Swiss stand to try its new ARC 1100 DB 38 climbing wheel. There have been no nice surprises, it’s a superbly made, sub-1,300 gram carbon wheel made for pointing uphill. Little question, it’s fairly agile on the best way down too – we’ll convey you a full assessment quickly.
What did shock me is that DT Swiss is recommending the Continental Aero 111 to go along with it. Apparently, supplied common speeds prime 30kph, the Aero 111 will profit any roadie, even one on comparatively shallow depth wheels, such because the ARC 1100 DB 38.
Ere Tenaci GT25
(Picture credit score: Future)
Ere has launched an entry-level, shallow-rim gravel wheel priced at £999/$999/€999. A set weighs in at 1566g and it contains a full carbon hooked rim with a depth of 25mm and an interior width of 26mm. It’s taken a belt and brace strategy to power, with 24 Sapim CX Chief spokes each entrance and rear.
The freehub contains a DT-Swiss impressed ratchet system, and compatibility choices embody Shimano, SRAM and Campy.
ABUS Infinity Loop
(Picture credit score: Future)
Abus had a plethora of recent locks at its stand, together with the ingenious Yardo, which is activated by fingerprint, and the Bordo 6200K folding lock. The latter is method lighter than others in its class as a result of the folding segments are comprised of I-beam profile members.
Nonetheless, the lock that caught my eye was Infinity Loop. Ordinarily, in case you purchase a 1m chain by the point you’ve doubled it again on itself to safe it you’ll find yourself with roughly 50cm of usable size. By including adjustable loops at each ends of the Infinity Loop, ABUS has liberated virtually your entire size of the chain to be used. Easy, however Genius.
The Infinity Loop contains a coated 6mm sq. chain and weighs 1400 grams
ABUS Helmets
(Picture credit score: Future)
ABUS was having a variety of enjoyable displaying its HYP-E city helmet, designed primarily for e-bike riders. Helmets with built-in lights are nothing new however the HYP-E takes the thought and runs with it additional than any helmet has accomplished ever earlier than.
There are lights back and front, plus a brake mild that may be rigged as much as work together with your levers. Moreover, there are indicators too, operated by way of a handlebar-mounted swap pad.
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Gamechanger TT 1.1 is a contact extra restrained however simply as purposeful. The TT helmet has simply had a refresh and now contains a versatile mushy EVA collar/tail on the rear that conforms to a rider’s neck and shoulder space when they’re going full tuck. This reduces the possibility of gaps disrupting the circulation of air. The helmet outer form has additionally been revised to make it barely extra aerodynamic.
KTM Macina Type FS
(Picture credit score: Future)
It is a very intriguing bike that KTM politely refused to inform me something about. It’s a trekking/journey ebike with a step-through body. Unusually, it options each Di2 and rear suspension. I’ve by no means seen something fairly prefer it.
(Picture credit score: Future)
The explanation that the KTM crew had been maintaining so quiet is that it additionally contains a yet-unreleased model of the Bosch Efficiency CX electrical drivetrain system.
Vistar Powershift
(Picture credit score: Future)
Vistar Powershift, a collab between Labeled and TRP, generated big curiosity at Eurobike. At occasions, it was unattainable to maneuver on the Labeled stand for folks.
Labeled had the brand new absolutely wi-fi 1×16 digital groupset arrange on a highway bike in addition to a Ridley that had clearly seen some motion at Unbound. The message was broadcast loud and clear – that is an ultra-efficient groupset that refuses to be typecast as only for TT or simply for Gravel. It has common attraction.
Product supervisor Yannick Mayer was additionally eager to level out that Labeled is an open firm that wishes to work with all people on this area.
“We’re not a groupset producer,” mentioned Yannick. “Powershift is appropriate with each groupset, the primary distinction with TRP is that shifting is fully integrated into the levers, somewhat than having to make use of satellite tv for pc buttons like we presently must with SRAM and Shimano.”
It is going to be fascinating to see whether or not the 2 huge manufacturers will ever contemplate absolutely embracing Powershift, or whether or not they contemplate Labeled as an excessive amount of of a menace. Maybe a Labeled x Campagnolo collab is a extra sensible proposition?
Avec
(Picture credit score: Future)
Avec describes itself as a “bike-fit first” model. It’s obvious within the Avec Sythe aero bike on show at Eurobike, which options its prototype ergonomic handlebars which can be designed to assist the rider discover “their optimum aerodynamic place”. Vitally, the bars are additionally formed to assist the rider in maintaining this place – a small frontal finish isn’t a lot good in case you can solely maintain the place comfortably for a few minutes!
The bars additionally sported Avec’s new AerGrip that’s mentioned to supply 7mm of cushioning whereas on the similar time selling a extra ergonomic hand place that may enable you to save a couple of watts.
