Randoms Round Two - Taipei Show 2016

Mar 4, 2016 at 0:54
by Mike Kazimer  
Taipei Cycle Show header


Taipei Show 2016
This OEM had everything from hub shells to 3D-forged fork crowns on display.


Taipei Show 2016
Get low. Zoom Components' Tequila stem will be available in 40 or 50mm lengths with a -12 degree rise for 35mm bars.


Taipei Show 2016
If you're looking for a sweet head scarf to go with your arm and leg warmers, U-Join has it covered.


Taipei Show 2016
7iDP's new lace-up ankle brace uses a piece of thin, flexible fabric that sits along the top of the foot to provide additional support.


Taipei Show 2016
Somehow this Mondraker Dune RR didn't make it into yesterday's bike and frame roundup article, but better late than never.


Taipei Show 2016
FSA is updating their line of cranks to make them more versatile. The cranks can be run with or without a spider, and a spacer is available that sits between the chainring and the crank arm in order to create the correct chainline for either 142 or 148mm rear spacing.


Taipei Show 2016
These flashy hubs were created by Hubsmith, and are available with up to four different anodized colors. Claimed weight for the rear hub is 250 grams, and 142 grams for the front.


Taipei Show 2016
Fouriers' clean looking direct mount stem.
Taipei Show 2016
Fouriers also had their new silicone rubber grips on hand.


Taipei Show 2016
And the award for the biggest lens goes to...

Taipei Show 2016
I've had flat pedals with float before, but that was usually a sign that the bearings were in drastic need of an overhaul. It's a different story with Funn's Hover pedals - they have 8 degrees of fore and aft float, thanks to a spring loaded mechanism that allows the body to pivot. The float is intended to help alleviate the knee strain that could theoretically arise from using tall pins and sticky rubber on traditional flat pedals.

Taipei show 2016
Gub isn't a common brand, at least in North America, but the Chinese company is hoping to change that in the near future. Shown is their CE-certified XX7 helmet.


Taipei Show 2016
That looks uncomfortable.


Taipei Show 2016
There's probably at least one color on these bars from Acros that matches your bike.


Taipei Show 2016
Can't get enough carbon in your life? Lezyne's Carbon 10 multitool uses carbon fiber side plates and titanium hardware to keep its weight down to only 80 grams. It even comes with a custom aluminum container and a leather band to prevent the stainless bits from opening up and poking your Prada hydration pack. MSRP: $100 USD.


Taipei Show 2016
Saddles as far as the eye can see at the Velo booth. Velo Saddles makes more than 10 million saddles a year - that's over 1,000 saddles an hour, all day, every day.


Taipei Show 2016
This was right around when I started to think my jet lag induced sleep deprivation was causing hallucinations.


Taipei Show 2016
HT has a new clipless pedal on the way called the M1. It uses the same clip-in mechanism as their T1 trail pedal (and the same cleats), but in a smaller package. MSRP will be $129 USD when they become available in April, and the weight with a chromoly spindle is a claimed 298 grams. There will also be a version with a ti spindle that will shed 46 grams.


Taipei Show 2016
HT is updating the internals of their popular AE03 flat pedals, replacing the outer cartridge bearing with a needle bearing to help improve durability. The same internals will also end up in their clipless pedals.


Taipei Show 2016
Apex Creative's CF6-209 may not have the catchiest model name, but the full carbon frame has 208mm of travel, a tapered head tube, and can be set up with either internal or external cable routing.


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163 Comments
  • 178 2
 I wanna kill myself for actually liking those Acros bars....
  • 36 0
 get in line
  • 31 30
 If they do them in a 35mm clamp I'll be first in line for a pair.

Might even make me 10% more enduroooooooo!!!
  • 13 0
 Don't get your hopes up, Acros have been showing bars with this color scheme in bike shows for years, you can also order them, but I don't think they ever acutally delivered one to a customer.
  • 36 0
 buying one for my wife, ok, ok it is really for me
  • 1 0
 @FuzzyL
They are marked as available and ready to ship at acros.de shop.
  • 4 0
 i would buy them
  • 6 0
 www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=126933;menu=1000,2,89 - 35mm clamp and also claiming to be in stock!
  • 5 0
 I wanna kill myself for thinking those braces, might just be what I need for my raved out arthritic ankles..
  • 11 0
 so ugly I want them
  • 9 0
 Bring on all the crazy colors bike world we love them. Everything matches black.
  • 3 0
 there bizarre but I don't know why, but I do like the craziness of them
  • 2 0
 Whats wrong with that brace? Nothing at all and it looks like it does an awesome job.
  • 1 0
 They do sell it. Take a look here : shop.acros.de/lenker/3680/acros-handlebar
  • 1 0
 @sweet-bike : Right on! In a sport with a high possibility for ankle injury, why would something be wrong with those braces?
  • 1 0
 Yes - they are perfectly ghastly!!!
  • 2 0
 I'm plumping for the hot pink stockings,everyone gotta have a tranny bike buddy.
  • 4 0
 @Mrstamper How about just pink bows?
www.pinkbike.com/photo/13191359
  • 2 0
 @properp ha ha...could snag up on my dropper line..
  • 5 0
 remind you of something? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmer_the_Patchwork_Elephant
  • 2 4
 My lens is as big as my...well you know..
  • 1 1
 Get one of these down your neck son...tangerine mitsu's..fecking bangin mate.
  • 1 0
 Those would look great on the Partridge Family's bus.
  • 1 2
 i nearly bought them, look amazeballs! but they were carbon.
  • 4 0
 @rrsport how 'bout this? img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2011/1108/top10_partridge_bus.jpg

Yeah I'm old . . .
  • 1 0
 @dzeeboy yea that's before my time Wink
  • 2 0
 I want those Funn Hover pedals. I have knee problems and i am searching for a solution. I have read in other comments that their knee problems get better when they ride with clipless pedals because they also offer some flex. But i dont want to ride clipless. PLEASE FUNN, give me a pair to test it. If it works, i will instantly by a pair for each of my bikes.
  • 60 1
 If they removed the microsoft word text from the downtube, that Apex rig would be one tidy bit of kit.
  • 4 1
 The geometry is really sick IMO
  • 9 0
 but word art is the most creative kind of text. you can tell. it says in the company name!
  • 14 0
 Plus that seat angle hurts my eyes.
  • 5 0
 And your choad.
  • 2 1
 I think it looks rad...but arent Santa Cruz/Intense gonna have issues with those vpp style contra rotating links? After seeing the "20 frames from taipei" article yesterday, I figure they may as well call it the "lawsuit waiting to happen show"
  • 1 0
 Love to see the non drive side for a peak at the linkage
  • 2 0
 ^Agreed. There's gotta be another link down low, otherwise it simply doesn't work. Last I knew, carbon fiber doesn't flex so well...
  • 1 1
 The design is a vpp but so is the banshee linkage, mondraker, giant. Theyre all just short dual link system. So no real ip infringement.
And are you serious about the swingarm? It's got a huge bridge between the chainstays, id bet it's solid as a rock
  • 4 0
 VPP patent has expired, non which is why there is a sudden increase in similar designs
  • 1 0
 @MTBrent ...carbon doesn't flex??? Don't tell Trigon!
  • 1 0
 Yep, and don't tell the frame manufactures who use flattened CF stay to eliminate a chainstay/ seatstay bearing Wink Different thing but daft to say CF "doesn't flex so well"
  • 1 0
 Checked out the frame of this bike... BB is a main pivot for lower link, so it looks interesting. Design like a Demo 8, but with a variation of VPP suspension design. I'm very interested, how it really rides, it may be some sort of genius design, or it is just a monster, that kills all benefits from having it, with a bouncing suspension, even with a best platform- of course it doesn't imply to slopestyle bikes, where rear shocks are very hard, and this kind of action isn't anything annoying. However, didn't throw a leg over, so I can only speculate. If someone is going to buy, or even has an opportunity to ride it- I would very appreciate any comment describing feeling of ride, getting from this idea.
Of course, something new, and of course number 2- new not always mean better.
Interesting design, though.
Check it out: apexcreative.com.tw/products/Details?kid=1&kid2=32&pid=85
  • 2 0
 Plus, the link is very short, but provides some rearward axle path, what is a good thing. But, personally, I'd lengthen it a bit, not to have a BB-main-pivot-a-bit-VPP-DH-bike. With a rearward movement like, half an inch.
  • 2 0
 A concentric main pivot and bb makes no real difference to the ride, compared to one that pivots elsewehere. It has more effect on weight placement than anything else. In theory it shouldnt affect the kinematics at all. Also it is extremely difficult to tell what effect lengthening the lower link would have just by eyeballing it. Yes it would probably make for a slightly more rearward axle path at some point in the travel, but it would also have an affect on the lever rates, progressiveness, total travel, pedal and brake feedback, etc etc etc.
  • 29 0
 nice bulge.
  • 10 0
 you just can't un-see some things...
  • 2 0
 Was that what the super lense was for?
  • 5 0
 For looking inside the bikes...
  • 1 0
 He can't stop looking. Spank tank filled, didn't even need to rent that huge lens.
  • 14 0
 Nice solution to freehubs eaten by small cassette cogs:
lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lk_CNWij9l0/Vtlpb9WQwxI/AAAAAAAAZ6w/yDa09evR80s/s800-Ic42/hub.jpg

Hope to see more brands using this simple patent.
  • 3 0
 Hope? I see what you did there. . .
  • 4 0
 american classics has been doing it for ages, I think
  • 3 0
 I'm Hopeless when it comes to Hope. Smile
So much nice CNC and no thought given when it comes to durability of both alu and steel freehub, e g.
rs141.pbsrc.com/albums/r57/caerant/P1_zps39b781d0.jpg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip
  • 1 0
 @Blablablup123 - highly unlikely considering first hub was manufactured in 1938 but didn't get popular until 1978 when first Shimano freehub hit the market. (Yes, I got the irony) Smile
  • 1 0
 @bikebert I know what you mean, Easton is like that as well. You'd think someone would have sent a memo, or two.
  • 14 0
 I'm getting fed up seeing pictures of Maxxis (and Continental) stands at bike shows with all of their new tyres on display - GET THEM IN THE FEKIN SHOPS SO WE CAN BUY THEM!!!
  • 4 0
 100% correct
  • 11 6
 GUB. Why is it that all the asian brands try to duplicate all the big brands? Like I only take 2 seconds to buy something then get it in the mail and realize..."oh it didnt say GT, it said GUB." Or "oh I thought I was buying a TREK not an ITEK!"
  • 53 2
 If you go through with a transaction of buying an Itek thinking is a TREK you deserve it cause your are an I diot
  • 7 0
 Following your logic you may also be disapointed when you get a rad Sam Hill bike and think
"Oh this is not the horse made of iron i was expecting!"
  • 6 1
 Are you saying you somehow confused GUB with GT?!
  • 3 0
 Not that you're necessarily going to confuse GUB for GT, or ITEK for TREK, but they are purposely using the fonts and styles of those companies' logos in order that you associate them with other established, well-known and successful brands.

It's because Asia is the Wild West (Wild East?) of brand, patent and copyright laws. What are you going to do? Take them to court? In China? Yeah, that'll work. And not to mention, they probably make all your frames anyway.
  • 1 0
 @fercho25 i believe its not being an idiot but it is called dyslexia. you get me?
  • 2 0
 Not saying I would do it or fall for it, thats my point, how dumb do they take the market to be?
It just seems like a ridiculous and easy way to instantly make your brand look like junk.
  • 3 0
 Can someone help me out with a quick technical question: what's the advantage of a tapered head tube?

I see it brought up a lot-- like in this article's section on the Apex Creative's CF6-209-- but I've never known what the advantage is and why every bike doesn't have one if it's so great.
  • 2 0
 @brendanbohn Tapered is much stiffer than a straight 1 1/8" (the old standard) and retains one normal headset cup over straight 1.5" (the new semi-standard). In contrast, straight 1.5" permits reach customization as well as HA adjustment using matching offset cups (like Minnaar's Buzzworks headset), which is why it turns up on high-end DH bikes (i.e. the only bike class that still uses a lot of adjustable geo).
  • 11 1
 It's stiffer than a straight 1" 1"/8, more manly, reduce issues of ovalizing the steering tube of your frame, makes old frames incompatibles with new forks, abd is cheaper than a straight 1.5" steerer. And tapered tubes looks cool, more "enduro".
  • 2 1
 Slightly off on a tangent but it's a real shame adjusting a tweaking geometry on our lowly trail bikes isn't more common. You can add or subtract 5mm of reach and up to 2°+/- in the head angle with a 44/56 tapered head tube. Shame you can't do both without using offset bushings...because that would be quite a range of adjustment. If more bikes had adjustable chainstay length as well we could tweak almost any bike to our preference. Tapered head tubes make the frame stiffer too as there's more surface to weld to but as was eluded to so do full 1.5" head tubes. But they also allow lower stack heights over the old 1 1/8 tubes which could only use external headsets - particularly good for longer travel 29ers.
  • 17 1
 Hi Guys, Im the ingeneer of the CF6-209. There are wrong information. The Headtube on the frame its 1.5, it allows to mount headsets to adjust the headangle.
  • 3 1
 @faul: "makes old frames incompatibles with new forks" - unless you're talking about 1 1/8 headtube frames, it doesn't; 44mm (zerostack) with an external bottom cup (e.g.: Hope pick'n'mix h cup, also cane creek) should be perfectly compatible.
  • 3 0
 You can use angle adjust and reach adjust headsets in other head tubes - even 1 1/8 ones. Just saying. But thanks for the info @Swissracetech
  • 2 1
 If there are parts available for it, you should be able to adjust it twice as much on this bike. I like
  • 2 1
 PS: please let me know if they are available, I currently ride a frame with a 1.5" headtube and wouldn't mind some extra slackness in my HA
  • 3 0
 @Mattin check out www.workscomponents.co.uk for affordable anglesets.
  • 2 1
 Thanks for sharing @SintraFreeride! Still not cheap, but at this price point it does get interesting Smile

I also like how they have a 2 degree option instead of only having a maximum of 1,5 degrees like the Cane Creek that costs 3 times as much.
  • 2 0
 @Swissracetech
That Apex cf-whatever looks lovely. I really do like it. But have you had any conversations with Santa Cruz/Intense about their Vpp patents?
  • 2 0
 @Mattin the Works Components headsets are rock solid, you won't be disappointed.
@gabriel-mission9 didn't I read that those patents were now expired just like the Horst link patents? I'm not big on linkages so genuinely curious, I may well be wrong?
  • 1 0
 Yep, my understanding was VPP use is now free and open
  • 1 0
 Yup, patents expired recently apparently. Which is cool I guess as this bike looks pretty nice. Most new bikes from companies I've never heard of before seem to have at least one weird design feature that can be picked out as the obvious weak point of the frame, but this just looks pretty well sorted. As long as it comes with some sort of rear fender for the shock Razz
  • 6 0
 I swear that apex dh bike just looks like a carbon solid strike?
  • 6 0
 I'd ride it. Once that horrible font has been removed
  • 2 0
 yeah i like it! would look sick murdered out in black I reckon. might just be me but looks like its got angleset in sharpening the head angle too...
  • 3 0
 check out the developing of the frame: www.pinkbike.com/u/swissracetech/album/dead-rabbit-splendid-replica-carbon
the CF6-209 frame its the serial production frame result from the dead rabbit splendid, check out here: www.pinkbike.com/u/swissracetech/album/2014-DR-Splendid-DH-650B
  • 1 0
 you sure @samar
  • 1 0
 no not in the slightest. haha, just looked a bit steep from the top of the headtube and the upper fork crown. probably just me tho
  • 1 0
 Possibly a daft question (as I'm not massively clued up on this area yet) but with those FSA cranks that can be run without a spider, does that mean in theory you could use them on a jump bike that normally takes BMX type cranks?
  • 2 0
 Not any easier than any other mtb crank. Google mtb cranks in Spanish bb and you should get some options. Doesn't look too difficult. It would let you run a smaller chainring though.
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the info, I'll go have a look
  • 2 0
 Depends on the BB, really. I'm running old RaceFace Diabolus on my DJ. spider vs spiderless isn't really the issue.
  • 3 0
 "208mm of travel and a tapered head tube"

Are there any mainstream high end bikes that DON'T have tapered head tubes these days?
  • 1 1
 Not anything newer than +-2010 when it comes to mtb.
  • 1 0
 Seems like a silly thing to use as a boasting point for a bike if it's pretty much standard
  • 5 1
 Is it just me or are stems getting so machined out that they look like they'd just snap in one crash?
  • 2 0
 It's called "tequila" because you'll need a lot of it when it breaks and you eat shit.
  • 1 0
 E13 had a DM stem just like this. It was horrible. Having a 2 piece set up removes so much rigidity, it twisted and creaked to no end. So I replaced it. This will be a flop.
  • 1 0
 I've always dug the idea of a good ankle brace. I've personally never needed them, but I'm still one of the old schoolers that wear's shin guards (or I guess 3/4 shins these days). What would be awesome IMO would be to provide some loops in an ankle brace like the one shown here to integrate the bottom of the shin guard. Ankle brace isn't going anywhere, guards don't slide down. Similar to Asterisk braces and moto boots. Win Win...Win?
  • 1 0
 I love how "hey look, these cranks can be run with or without a spider!!! totally new and versatile!" when Middleburn has been doing that for decades....with a crank that has a lifetime warranty (which will probably never get used.)
  • 2 0
 If somebody have questions about the Apex Creative's CF6-209, just send me a message to www.pinkbike.com/u/swissracetech I will like answer any quetions...
  • 1 0
 when you say serial production, do you mean apex creative have purchased the design to manufacture or is there some kind of agreement there?
  • 2 0
 The years ago I developed the splendid DH frame in my workshop. It was just a hobby for me. To step up and get a serial frame to sale I have a agreement and corperation with Apexcreative.
  • 1 0
 Either way, it looks great, so well done mate
  • 2 0
 Got as far as the 'sweet headscarf', immediately jumped to the comments; surely, to good an opportunity for PB'ers to miss....
  • 3 0
 Dat mannequin's package.

Remind me why women like men again? I don't get it.
  • 3 0
 Made me feel uncomfortable.
  • 5 0
 Show me on this mannequin where that bad man touched you.
  • 3 0
 Guy on ladder has helmet but it looks like a good big saddle would have been a better choice. Yeow... that fit looks tight!
  • 1 0
 Damn, you beat me to it. I was going to suggest one of those many Velo saddles on the wall.
  • 1 0
 "Shuz Tang", translation = "Ow my balls"
  • 1 0
 His tapered head tube will need some attention after that engineering feat of sign hanging.
  • 2 0
 three years now these pivoting pedals have been at the shows but not at market. I think they are a great idea and would drop money on them if I could
  • 4 0
 Who is this OEM?
  • 11 0
 Original Electronic Music. something you'll never, ever hear in the charts....
  • 14 1
 He is the a*shole who specs crapy hubs and STX shifters in your $5,000 bike.
  • 2 2
 The term "OEM parts" is used for parts that are not sold as seperate aftermarket parts, but can only be found on complete bicycles.

For example a lot of suspension forks are not available for sale to the customer, but are only being sold in big batches to cycling companies to use on their complete stock bikes.
  • 3 0
 If La Roux made handlebars
  • 3 0
 Thanks @mikekazimer! Love your work!
  • 2 1
 That Apex bike looks alot like the Splendid from Dead rabbit racing @swissracetech ;

m.pinkbike.com/u/swissracetech

Or are these the same guys?
  • 2 0
 Hi, yes its the same. Apexcreative taking care the serial production. Saddly Im not there, otherwise the Saddle have a bit a different angle ; )
  • 3 0
 At least the guy on the ladder is wearing a helmet...
  • 1 0
 That Gub helmet looks a lot like O'Neal's Defender! Big Grin

www.oneal.eu/en/products/mountainbike/helmets/0502d-901_defender-helmet
  • 1 0
 I have the same helmet under a different brand name 'Spyder'.
  • 3 0
 Dune :O
  • 2 0
 Anybody has an Info which OEM is the one with the forgings at his booth?
  • 2 0
 So does that mean velo gets more ass than any other company?
  • 1 1
 They're not knock off products. They creates those products for the buyers putting their own label. It's called oem. Taiwan is a biggest bicycle industry in the world.
  • 1 0
 FSA cranks are garbage. The Mondraker may be the sexiest bike on the market...hot-dang!
  • 1 0
 Can we get some pants on terminator? And whats up with the camera guy, killing time before the game?
  • 1 0
 that dh bike looks fantastic !! It would be a drzam to see a pro rider win a WC on an absolut unknown bike brand ... !!
  • 1 0
 Wait, Maxxis and CST are the same company? Or owned by the same parent company?
  • 3 0
 Maxxis is a subsidiary of Chen Shin Rubber, the company that also makes CST tires.
  • 1 0
 That Zoom Tequila stem is aptly named. Whoever made it must have been pissed as a newt.
  • 1 0
 Wow, so I can run the FSA cranks even with a 150 rear hub, nice!
  • 1 0
 Provided you like their specific chainrings, because nothing they make works with anybody else's stuff. Womp womp.
  • 2 0
 Wow look at that lens
  • 3 0
 He just wants to take photos of bike parts from the other side of the street, why can't people leave him alone?
  • 1 1
 Clearly compensating for something...
  • 2 1
 This Apex creative looks like a Scott Gambler !
  • 5 0
 The Apex its truly a dead rabbit splendid DH: www.pinkbike.com/u/swissracetech/album/dead-rabbit-splendid-replica-carbon

www.pinkbike.com/u/swissracetech/album/2014-DR-Splendid-DH-650B
  • 1 0
 I was guna say I think the rear triangle would look great with an internal black wrap like the seatstay/toptube/strut section but looking at some of your CAD it looks like youve already got it covered Wink
  • 1 3
 Scott bought the design & put their own label on the bike. The Scott took the credit but Taiwan design & made that frame.
  • 1 0
 You sure about that? I mean the suspension seems similar, but the layout is different. Either way, I'm sure we'll never see the apex version in the US. I personally prefer it over the scott.
  • 2 0
 I am damn sure that the apex is swissy's ride. been watching the development for a while. Buildabike needs a learnin.
  • 1 0
 U-Join makes me want to U-Turn
  • 2 0
 "grips on hand" lololol
  • 1 0
 Negative stem angles #nextgottohavetoenduro
  • 1 0
 $100 mini tool. Haha...life is thieves selling shit to idiots.
  • 1 0
 either or cable routing, good. internal routing is dumb
  • 1 0
 It's not the size of the lens, it's how you use it.
  • 1 0
 You know what they say about guys with big lenses...small hands...Womp Womp.
  • 1 0
 This is the funniest article and comment section in some time
  • 1 0
 holy sh*t that u-john gear is rad!
  • 1 0
 Apex Creative?- must be Engrish.
  • 1 0
 $100 multitool haaaa nope!
  • 1 1
 Glad the dude on the ladder is wearing his helmet.
  • 1 0
 That lens is bogus!
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