New suspension technology, groundbreaking new frame designs, a lightweight, affordable and efficient gearbox.... Those are the things that I'm always searching for at trade shows, but so far there hasn't been anything in that realm at Interbike. I'll keep searching, but in the meantime, here are seven little gadgets that caught my eye.
Park Tool MTC-20The MTC-20 is a stripped down, bare bones multi-tool that looks like it could be ideal for shorter rides or races. It's equipped with 3, 4, 5, and 8mm Allen keys, a screwdriver that can work as either a flathead or Phillips, a T25, and a CO2 inflator head. It's said to weigh only 74 grams, and retails for $22.95 USD.
Garmin inReach MiniPlanning to head deep into the backcountry, into a zone where there are hardly any people, and definitely no cell service? Sounds like a good time, but what if something goes wrong? Garmin's inReach Mini is a pint-sized satellite communicator that allows its user to send and receive text messages, or even broadcast an SOS alert if shit really hits the fan. The text messages are sent via the 100% global Iridium satellite network, and the SOS call is handled by GEOS, who are on alert 24/7. The $350 inReach Mini can also be paired via Bluetooth to compatible devices to open up even more features, including access to maps and aerial imagery.
Lezyne Multi Drive LightNight riding season is almost here, and there are more tiny but powerful options on the market than ever. The days of toting around a heavy water bottle sized battery are long gone, and Lezyne's new Multi Drive light is a prime example of what's possible. The $170 light puts out 1000 lumens, and can be mounted on a helmet or handlebar. The external battery pack gives the light a claimed run time of 3 hours in max output mode, and up to 18 hours in economy mode, which is 150 lumens.
Slug Plug ToolThere are a handful of tire plug tools out there, but when the Slug Plug hits the market it's going to be an attractive option thanks to its $10 asking price. That price includes two strips of plugs, one thick and one thin.
EVOC Hip Pouch 1LEVOC's new smaller hip pouch is for those quick laps, where just a few tools, a snack, and maybe an extra layer are all you need. There's a zippered pocket on each side, along with a larger main compartment. MSRP: $60.
Feedback Sports Range Torque Ratchet ComboThe Range torque wrench is small enough to pack in tool kit for a road trip, where it can be used to torque bolts between 2-10Nm. It's a simple beam style ratcheting wrench - you'll need to look at the dial rather than waiting to feel a 'click' in order to know when the desired torque has been reached, but that's also how Feedback were able to price it at $79.95, which includes a small case and 14 bits.
www.thingiverse.com/thing:678170
And scare your friends by faking finding and eating dogshyte on the trailside. Tested on strangers as well.
(Also that sentence is weird.)
[...]
I like it.
cdn.thingiverse.com/renders/61/7b/e2/21/ec/85ff88021a6fa3dd88f8593000d43114_preview_featured.jpg
I’m going to mount that battery on my friends bike.
Riding Bootleg on all the new bikes, scared for your life to go down on all the can openers. Then participating in the show, seeing mind-blowing products and the excitement of the direction the industry was going, the Zocchi girls still doing their thing, a different whiskey every day, chatting with some of your idols you watched in the videos, day drinking, night drinking, morning drinking, lots of hi-fives...sleeping outside your hotel room at the door because you couldn't work the key card...I wouldn't trade those days for anything. Not even a $2400 carbon wheelset.
Full disclosure...I hate trends and enduro bros yelling ews strava shit while ripping hardtail trails...and I think the late 80s and 90s already proved fanny packs are a trend and more of a fashion statement than anything.
Maybe I had too many beers tonight....I just feel like anything labeled dakine or evoc or *insert trendy name which implies I've been to hawaii or traveled* bullshit is robbing the mountain from mountain biking. Sea to summit might as well get in the game. I want the next fanny pack which doubles as an inflatable neck pillow on my first class flight to Whistler...
Still true, or does the fact that they’re at Interbike mean they’ve fixed that?
Side bar: still have cash in hand waiting on you to sell volumes of Movies for your Monday on DVD. Would be fun to loop on my shop DVD.
I’ll show my way out...