Day one in the Desert and I got the least sunburnt-Check out the new bikes!

Sep 25, 2007

Well staying in the hotel has its perks-no need to get up earlier in order to be at the show on time, just roll out of bed, brush your teeth, grab your gear and walk downstairs. I think from a few groggy faces that I saw today (and they are only going to get greater in number as the week goes on) that others are loving the proximity too. Today and tomorrow are both the Outdoor demo days for the Interbike tradeshow and they take place at Bootleg Canyon, which is just a short drive from Sin City. Here's what we saw in the desert today:

Magura Menja in Pink

Make and Model:	Magura Menja XC Fork in Pink
Spec Highlights:	•Color of the year-PINK •XC fork with 85, 100 and 130mm travel options
Contact Info:	www.magurausa.com

Magura had a few of their little ditties on display at the outdoor demo but it was PINK Menja that caught my eyes. Look at that color! The Menja is one of Magura's XC fork offerings and it is available in 85, 100 or 130mm travel offerings. With PINK being the color of the year, there was also a set of Louise done up for our eyes to look over.

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Ellsworth Dare

Make and Model:	Ellsworth Dare
Spec Highlights:	•1 1/8" Steerer Tube •65 degree HA with a Fox 40 and a Kenda 2.7 Tire •Eff. TT on a small frame is 21.5" •73mm Bottom Bracket Shell and 135mm rear wheel spacing
Contact Info:	www.ellsworthbikes.com

The new 2008 Ellsworth Dare has been heavily refined from front to back. Three sizes with the smallest running an effective top tube length of 21.5". The static BB height is 14 1/4", while it sits at 12" under proper sag. Having a 73mm BB shell allows for more crank options, while running a 135mm rear axle keeps that chain line nice and straight.

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Bianchi CAMOS 8700 Carbon XC Flyer

Make and Model:	Bianchi CAMOS 8700
Spec Highlights:	•Handmade carbon Fiber frame (made in Italy) •80mm of rear travel •DT Rear shock with remote lockout •Full XT Drive train
Contact Info:	http://www.bianchi.com

The Bianchi CAMOS 8700 caught my eye due to its great looks-it stands out in its own unique way. The 80mm of rear travel can be made more supple or firmer with the flip of the chain stay. The 3 pivot points combined with the "Flex Point" at the BB make up this bike's XC race rear end. Hand laid carbon just means its going to be fast! This is a pure race XC rig and the new Shimano XT groupo confirmed that.

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Mongoose Khyber Elite

Make and Model:	Mongoose Khyber Elite
Spec Highlights:	•165 mm of rear travel •Marzocchi 55 Fork with 160mm of travel •SRAM X.7 Drive train
Contact Info:	www.mongoose.com

Named after Whistler's infamous Khyber Pass, this rig is more than capable of making the long climb up and then bombing the downhill sections with grace. The Elite uses the Freedryve suspension system to achieve 165mm of very effective pedaling power and plushness. Marzocchi does the suspension damping duties with a ROCO Air TSTA in the rear while a 55 TST2 soaks of the front hits. Hayes Stroker Trails are stopping the rotors and making the tires skid, while SRAM's X.7 drivetrain does the shifting duties. Spec'd to get the job done, the Khyber is a rider's bike.

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There was a lot going on out in the hot desert heat today and just as much can be expected tomorrow. Here is a link to my Interbike 2007 Album.