B&W, Alex Rims, Giro - Interbike 2016

Sep 22, 2016 at 16:58
by Mike Levy  
Interbike 2016


Interbike 2016


B&W's Mega-Light Bike Box

Do you travel with your bike often? Appreciate fancy things? B&W's Bike.Guard Curv travel box is a super light solution that offers the hard shell protection that a soft bag can't but at a total weight of just 18lbs. That number could be important depending on which airline you're flying with and how heavy the bike and gear you're putting in the box is, or you might just be tired of dealing with a heavy box at the other end of your travels once your bike is out of it and reassembled.

The Bike.Guard Curv box looks like it's made out of carbon fiber, which is why it first caught my eye, but it's actually a lightweight self-reinforced polypropylene composite material, and a criss-cross strap layout squeezes the two halves together securely. The bike is attached to one side of the box with adjustable frame holders that can be repositioned to work with any shape bike, and a few different storage bags, as well as two wheel bags, are included.

I expected the Bike.Guard Curv travel box to be quite pricey given its low weight and faux-carbon appearance, but at $950 USD it's actually less expensive than some other travel solutions.
Interbike 2016

It's still pricier than a cardboard box, of course, so how much you decide to invest in a bike travel box will probably come down to how often you fly with your mountain bike and how nervous you are of seeing a crushed or cut open cardboard box at the baggage claim.




Interbike 2016
Interbike 2016


Alex Rims' Upcoming Carbon Wheelset

Alex Rims has always taken a more low-key approach with their products, which is a good thing, but that understated method saw me almost miss a rather nondescript, prototype carbon rim that they had sandwiched between a bunch of other dark gray rims. No flashy decals or crazy colors, but it sounds like the final product could be worth shouting about: a carbon fiber wheelset with a price tag of around $1,100 USD when it does reach the market sometime in 2017. The weight? Just 1,300-grams for a 29'' wheelset with a rim that has a 25mm inner width. Sure, that width isn't ideal for really big tires, but it'll work just fine for 2.35'' trail or all-mountain rubber. The rim itself weighs 430-grams and is drilled for twenty-eight spokes.

All of that sounds pretty good, especially the proposed cost, so here's hoping that the numbers stay the same once the wheelset hits the shelves.




Interbike 2016


Giro's Terraduro Mid Shoe

Giro's Terraduro Mid shoe is all about keeping the same practicality of the standard Terraduro shoe, including the grippy Vibram outsole that should keep riders from looking like they forgot how to walk when faced with a scramble up some rocks, but with some added protection compared to the low-cut profile of its namesake. The other bit of news is hidden under a protective cover - laces. While the original Terraduro employs buckles, you won't find them on the Mid.

The Mid also has some built-in protection against the elements, with a water-resistant Ariaprene ankle cover that's designed to keep scree and moisture out of the shoe, and there's also a water-resistant shield employed above the cleat zone to keep water from creeping in from below. Their nylon sole is certainly stiff, but it's also not racer-boy stiff, with a flexible forefoot that's used to make off the bike excursions a bit easier on the feet.

Giro says that pair of Terraduro Mid shoes in 42.5 weigh 435-grams, which is lighter than some other walkable, protective kicks out there. MSRP is $190 USD.
Interbike 2016

MENTIONS: @GiroSportDesign


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74 Comments
  • 46 5
 "25mm inner width. Sure, that width isn't ideal for really big tires, but it'll work just fine for 2.35'' trail or all-mountain rubber."
Huh? 25mm internal width actually works really well with large 2.4 or 2.5 rubber and many would call it ideal.
  • 15 24
flag jclnv (Sep 22, 2016 at 20:40) (Below Threshold)
 Naah 30mm inner is spot on for 2.5" IMO.
  • 13 17
flag stiingya (Sep 22, 2016 at 21:47) (Below Threshold)
 it works well, but closer to 30 wide is much better and would be considered the new "norm".

This is like somebody coming out with NEW 685mm enduro bars... Smile
  • 25 1
 I was about to quote the same statement.

Thank God there are still manufacturers out there catering for 2,35" tyres. Such a narrow tyre, who would ride such a thing? *scarcasm*
  • 12 1
 Hahaha... A lot of people (World cuppers included) used to run 2.5 Muddy Marys on 21mm DeeMax's. So did I. They were big tyres, worked fine.
  • 18 1
 DT Swiss EX471, which is on a lot of top racer's bikes in both DH and Enduro has 25mm internal width. I'd say 25mm internal works fine.
  • 2 5
 personalllllll preference.
  • 3 10
flag masonstevens (Sep 23, 2016 at 6:48) (Below Threshold)
 @jclnv: I don't know why you're getting neg props, your right. I've run 2.35 on the narrower rims and you get way to much flex in the tire from side roll, and the rims are not adequate for the type of riding most people with 2.35 tires do. I honestly won't even consider buying any rim under 28 mm wide
  • 3 1
 @masonstevens: I think people are trying to make the point that a ton of pros are on 25mm internal rims and do just dandy with tires up to 2.5. I agree with you that I feel tire roll on rims that size and I don't like tire roll. But I think some people are ok with their tire "conforming" more.
  • 2 3
 @jclnv: I agree 100%. I ride 2.4s with a 28.1mm inner width and I LOVE it! Sooo much support and I'm running a lower tire pressure than with the same tires on more narrow rims. I don't know why the neg props. "Universal truth is not measured in mass appeal". Immortal Technique taught me that!
  • 7 3
 @masonstevens: Don't worry about it. Pinkbike is full of idiots.
  • 6 1
 @jclnv: can you describe a place that is not full of idiots? Other than the table at the bar where you sit with your buddies...

@masonstevens - an old style tyre on a new wide rim will theoretically add rolling resistance due to the side knobs pointing up more. Then it will theoretically lose grip earlier, when leaned hard. The reality is though that us mere mortals don't lean the bike that hard. Ever. 2.35" tyres should be theoretically worse with that.

But to get even closer to the reality I know that KOM on one of the most pedally of my local courses has been done on 2.5" Magic Marys EVO (read 2.7 Minions) beating seasoned XC racers on 29ers... so I don't really know where do regular folks look for those marginal gains, but definitely not on the gym or on rolling bike Big Grin
  • 3 7
flag masonstevens (Sep 23, 2016 at 20:22) (Below Threshold)
 @WAKIdesigns: You should theoretically shut up.
  • 1 0
 @hifiandmtb: i ride tiny tires .... fast rolling . on everything but dh , too bad these rims arent 27.5
  • 27 0
 An $1,100 carbon wheelset from a major manufactorer?? It's finally happening.
  • 17 1
 But it's not "ideal for really big tires" so forget about enduroing around with these.
  • 7 30
flag Marcusthefarkus (Sep 22, 2016 at 18:35) (Below Threshold)
 It's 25mm internal width... pretty much useless.
  • 22 0
 The EX471 rim that tons of WC DH and EWS racers ride have 25mm internal width. You still calling it useless?

They work fine with a bit of magic, unless you're all about plus sizes and complain about square tires online.
  • 3 8
flag Marcusthefarkus (Sep 22, 2016 at 19:37) (Below Threshold)
 @theminsta: yes. Even Rude had to go bigger. You won't catch him on a ex471 again.
  • 4 2
 @Marcusthefarkus: "Even Rude" LOL!
  • 22 0
 @Marcusthefarkus: If we're going to be name dropping, Sam Hill is fast enough to win EWS events on 23mm rims. We better tell him he's doing it wrong!
  • 1 1
 @panaphonic: Not much longer though. The new 2017 Mavic Deemax Pro "Enduro" wheelset is 25mm internal in the rear and 28mm internal in the front, so I guess Sam gets an update soon Big Grin
  • 2 1
 @Marcusthefarkus: Pretty sure Rude had a 471 on the rear for last weeks EWS. A 511 up front though.
  • 15 2
 @B&W if that case said "worlds biggest golf bag" i might buy it, because then we could get past airline fees and it'd eventually pay for itself. Writing "bike" on it is like writing "charge me unreasonable fees please". No thanks.
  • 14 1
 That's pretty obviously just there to get people's attention at the show. I really doubt the version you buy will have that (or the weight) printed on the side
  • 6 0
 Sharpie it out?
  • 9 1
 Funny that you say that. A lot of kitesurfing bags are disguised as golf bags so that you can slip past the airlines. It's saved me hundreds of dollars over the years.
  • 1 0
 @Dustfarter: pro BMX guys all breakdown their bikes to fit in golf bags for this very reason. Somehow golfers get a free pass. Once you disclose that you are flying your bike; you will get the fee regardless of how super light your box is.
  • 7 0
 DK used to sell a bike bag that looked like a golf bag. I think it even said "DK Golf" on the side. It was pretty slick.
  • 9 3
 Yo Pinkbike, is there any chance shoe reviews could mention if the shoes are flat or clipless. I see the cleat mention, so I figured it out, but there have been many reviews which leave me wondering. Also, it would be helpful to mention if the shoe has a flat version, thanks
  • 3 1
 If there is a lace cover you can count on them being for clipless pedals. For some reason manufacturers think those on flat pedals don't need lace protection.
  • 1 0
 @digitalsoul: my kids shimano's have the cover and they are flats and the new impacts have the cover(I think). It's not just Pinkbike, some of the bigger online stores make no mention of it either and if there isn't pictures of the sole you'd never know. There should be a picture of the sole when introducing or reviewing a shoe.
  • 17 8
 A thousand dollar box....Dentists get your credit cards out.
  • 36 11
 Im much happier being the person who can afford this stuff and referred to as a "dentist" than someone who cannot afford it that then attempts to shame others. So, "dentist" me all ya want, bud!
  • 20 15
 @Marcusthefarkus: oh screw off
  • 9 3
 @Marcusthefarkus: translation: we are jealous of your money
  • 21 1
 @Marcusthefarkus: translation. Markus don't be a farkus
  • 12 1
 "I was expecting it to be really expensive but then I saw it was ONLY $980."

HAHAHAHAHA!
  • 15 4
 @Marcusthefarkus: Wow. Make one simple comment in jest that's not directed at an individual and some dick always thinks people's comments are about them.

Good on you for buying a $1,000 box. I won't sleep at night now knowing that I'll never be as humble as you.

Trust you'll be voting Trump.
  • 4 0
 Ozzies... No surprises there
  • 4 30
flag moutnbiker FL (Sep 22, 2016 at 23:55) (Below Threshold)
 @awm1: why does it matter who the hell he's voting for? What does voting Trump have anything to do with a 1K box? besides, your're an Aussie, what does it matter to you? Any vote NOT for Hillary is a good vote.
  • 1 1
 @Marcusthefarkus: I believe the word with D you were searching for was douche. Also, generally people with a reasonable amount of money make less noise about it. I would guess you have less than suggest...kind of like the guy with jacked up truck who just drives around town. It's called compensating...
  • 10 2
 My cardboard box is lighter than 8 Kg... And it cost nothing.
  • 6 1
 Sooooo, $200 for some shoes that are going to have the soles fall off of them in three rides? Happened on my last 2 pair of Terraduros. I'm really hoping the soles have had some extensive R&D attention.
  • 3 0
 Giro apparel - love it for 3 rides, then hate it for falling apart on the 4th! I've had that problem with every piece of Giro apparel I have ever purchased sooo done with them (expect for helmets).
  • 1 0
 @Grmasterd: I've gotten some pretty good use out of my Chambers and they still look and ride great. Ot was just the Terraduros that killed it for me. Awesome shoe, but the durability, holy crap.
  • 2 0
 @defineindecline: Never tried the Chambers, the Terraduros got me off of trying anymore of their footwear. My biggest complaint are their gloves, they fit my hands so well but between the stitching and the terrible non-sticky velcro I just can't justify purchasing them ever again
  • 1 0
 Yep, wondering if these will also come apart at the seam of inside heel from striking chainstays?
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: the soles on my first pair delaminated at the well for the cleat. Second pair has started to come apart where the upper meets the sole on the outer side of the toe box.
  • 1 0
 @defineindecline: my 1st pair came apart at cleat area too. Then giro changed the sole(redesign), i got warranty. Inside heel area is still a weak spot.
  • 8 1
 The moon called, they want their boots back.
  • 4 1
 Giro, give me some flat Shoes that don't have the soles fall apart after 5 days like they did on McDuff!
  • 3 0
 Which shoes? McDuff doesn't seem exist? Maybe you mean the Jacket, which was reviewed by McDuff?
  • 5 1
 Now from Giro. Bike shoes inspired by Aladdin!
  • 1 0
 And shimano
  • 2 0
 Here's another less expensive option which I've been reading a lot of recently: biknd.com/en/products/bike-travel-case/heliumv4

9 KG
$649.95

It looks good also...
  • 1 0
 road bike only though.
  • 4 0
 The Biknd Jetpack is 9kg / 19.8 lbs and takes mountain bikes quite well - $450. biknd.com/en/products/bike-travel-case/jetpack
  • 4 0
 And pay bike fees of 150 each way for it on delta
  • 1 0
 I find it ridiculous that so many of us, including myself, that just because something new is introduced and produced that it validates its' function.
  • 3 1
 Is B&W the S&M of the bike industry?
  • 4 0
 S&M is the S&M of the bike industry.
  • 1 0
 Hey Giro, Generally when you copy another companies product... Don't make it the same fucking colour...
  • 1 0
 BW Bike Guard... 18lbs.... then the scale was wrong because the scale it was hanging on said nearly 19lbs.
  • 1 0
 Is terraduro the new enduro?
  • 1 0
 Does this mean we will see Hope carbon rims soon?
  • 1 0
 Giro is making CROCS now? Who knew?
  • 2 1
 Damn.
  • 10 0
 son
  • 6 0
 Can I have your autograph Tom Brady?
  • 11 0
 @therealtylerdurden: sure do you want it normal size or deflated size
  • 5 0
 Supersize me bro
  • 1 0
 I see what you did there
  • 1 0
 Dang ol!







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