SQlab, ABUS, and Easton - Interbike 2013

Sep 21, 2013
by Mike Levy  
Interbike

SQlab's formula for comfort lies in their measuring system that determines the width of the rider's pubic bones, and therefore the saddle width that corresponds with what SQlab refers to as the "seat bones". The concept of measuring a rider's pelvic area isn't new, with other companies offering similar solutions, but German brand SQlab does make use of a very simple system that utilizes a corrugated square of cardboard placed on
a hard surface, which the rider then sits on firmly to leave an imprint that can be measured. There are four saddle widths in their lineup, with 12, 13, 14, and 15 centimetre options available, and SQlab uses a formula that sees them add between zero and four centimetres depending on the rider's intentions: zero for a very aero position, one centimetre for a stretched position that you might see with an aggressive cross-country stance, two or three for a moderate and slightly bent forward position that you would likely see on an all-mountain machine, and four centimetres for a casual layout.

We gave the measuring system a go and found that we have a relatively narrow seat bone structure that, after adding a single centimetre to accommodate for the long position that we prefer, sees us on a 13 centimetre SQlab 611 seat. Will their system make for a comfortable ride? We'll see, as we've taken the seat home with us to put some long miles on it.

www.sq-lab.com




ABUS is a big name in security, offering everything from industrial to home locking solutions, as well as a wide range of bike locks that go from lightweight to practically unbreakable. Their folding uGrip Bordo 5700 slots into about the middle of that range, with a design that ABUS describes as offering "good protection at low to medium theft risk''. Rather than a chain or u-lock layout, the uGrip Bordo 5700 consists of six steel bars, each 5mm thick, that are riveted to one another to allow for it to be folded up into a relatively small package. The rivets themselves sit just below the the height of the steel bars, and a rubberized coating available in black, pink, lime, blue, or orange prevents the bars from scratching your bike's paint. The lock's head also rotates to allow for easier key access.

The 830 gram lock folds up into a small rectangle which can then be slid into its rattle-proof plastic case and bolted to your bike's bottle mount, and a one-hand release button allows it to be removed quickly without any fussing about with clamps or levers. MSRP$69.95 USD.

www.abus.com




Interbike

Easton's Vice XLT 650Bs are a new addition to their wheel lineup for 2014, although they do employ existing components in the form of stealthy black aluminum rims lifted from the Haven series, as well as spokes and nipples. The 21mm wide (internal width, 26mm external) rims use a UST certified inner profile and a completely sealed rim bed that doesn't require any kind of rim strip to be setup with or without a tube. The difference between these and an actual Haven wheelset comes down to the hubs, with the XLT 650Bs being built around new hubs that see the front compatible with both 15mm and 20mm thru-axles, a move that makes sense due to the lack of 650B compatible forks that feature a 9mm QR axle. The Easton X4 rear hub is completely new, with a design that forgoes Easton's adjustable preload system in favour a set and forget layout that the company says offers improved durability. Both standard and SRAM XD driver bodies are available, and the claimed weight for the complete wheelset sits at 1,750 grams. MSRP for the new trail/all-mountain wheels is $700 USD.

www.eastoncycling.com

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

70 Comments
  • 164 34
 I am so seriously disappointed by Pinkbikes coverage of Interbike this year. Epic fail in my opinion
  • 23 5
 I agree I was sooooo excited to see all the new bike gear and components... Interbike seemed pretty lame this year.. The most exciting thing was the gold... on gold... On gold! X-Fusion fork. I was disappointed no XX1 competition from Shimano.
  • 57 4
 lotta middle fingers and 27.5" wheels though.
  • 19 2
 I like how after one finger they gave us 2 fingers! instead of more bike stuff
  • 9 1
 More bikes please...
  • 71 17
 @Dustyduke22 - Thanks for the kind words, always appreciated... There was quite a bit less to see compared to previous years, and the fact that we covered pretty much anything and everything new while at the Taipei show, Sea Otter, Crankworx, and Eurobike earlier this year means that not much is left. Glad you enjoyed the show coverage.
  • 15 4
 Hi Mike. I visit PB everyday and the site is great. It is understandable that there might not be as much to cover this year. However, Dusty does have a point, although I might not say it was an epic fail. The point that PB should get is that mindless photo epics don't cut it when Interbike rolls around, even if there is not much to cover. I love photos of all my favorite bike celebs, it was just not what I and others wanted out of the Interbike coverage. PB may not have hit it out the park this time, but you guys still rock!
  • 5 2
 Dusty has that unwavering support. The kind of guy that will always have your back, Mike.
  • 3 2
 Interbike: Best show in Vegas
  • 6 0
 For those of you unsatisfied:
I just checked mtbr out of boredom and they've got a ton of Interbike coverage.
  • 5 0
 Well, maybe Interbike and it's content would be more relevant if all the internet haters didn't need to see every detail on every new piece or prototype that comes out during the year.... Probably 3/4 of what they saw was old news, after Eurobike, Crankworx, every single god damn individual company product launch.... WTF are they supposed to write about then? Pinkbike is pretty on top of their shit, brings you all that coverage travelling the world throughout the year, so everyone should just go ahead and crap on them for how much they mailed it in from Interbike....

Mike, I know your a pretty lone wolf dude but soon I'm going to join you in the backwoods with only a hardtail....
  • 5 1
 Before we rag on PB's "lack" of coverage we should consider a few things: 1.) a lot of companies are no longer adhering to the "release our new stuff at the end of the year for the next year" system, therefore we have already seen their new product for the next model year; 2.) going to Interbike year after year after year gets real old real fast. What those of you who don't get to go to the show may not understand is that what you do at Interbike is walk around all day for 2 or 3 days and look at bike products. You're on your feet for about 3-5 hours every day. Now tack on having to go back to your hotel room and upload all the photos you took and write up an article using the notes that you took while you were walking around the showroom floor carrying all your gear and your bag of free swag (mine usually weighs about 15 lbs by the end of the day).
  • 4 0
 So epic fail was a little to the extreme side of things. All I know is that compared to years previous, this year was not the PB I am used to.
  • 6 2
 So let me get this straight... over 20 articles and a truckload of photos of unique and new products and you guys think that's an epic fail?

What sites had better coverage, and if you could, please link to said coverage.

The amount of self entitled elitists here is staggering. Classy pink bike community we have.
  • 2 1
 I think the bike lock is a very clever idea, the usual chains and steel bars are heavy and don't fit anywhere.. It is good to see reviews about bikes, but accessories/parts are as important as the bike itself. I mean really, make the math: how many bikes do you buy a year, or in five years? and how many accessories and parts do you buy in one month? Keep up the good work PB!
  • 1 0
 Yeah, I really like that lock too. My bike doesn't have water bottle mounts which would be a nice mounting system. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to find another simple way to carry it around since it folds up into a nice solid rectangle. I wonder if it's compact enough to just throw in a pocket.
  • 3 3
 I too thought I was going to be seeing ALOT more of the new bikes and components from interbike, granted they had some articles on here, but for as big as interbike is I imagined there would have been more.

@seraph - boohoo, you want a tissue? nobody every said work was easy, but walking around taking pics, getting free stuff is certainly one of the easier jobs around, so give us what we want, after all we keep the website relevant and profitable.
  • 1 0
 @erikthefatty, that would be awesome, specially for beer runs, or when having to leave the bike unattended for a couple of minutes.
  • 1 0
 Exactly. My main ride is a little dj/street style bike that I cruise around town on. It would be amazing to have something compact enough to carry on me without a pack. Normal locks just bang around when I'm hopping or whatever.
I can't say if this fits the criteria or not. I'm assuming it's fairly heavy and bigger than it seems, but either way it's a nice concept.
  • 2 0
 @dustyduke22 if you are "so seriously disappointed" then you can ask for your money back.
  • 4 2
 I love how everyone is pointing the finger at me for saying what the majority was thinking Smile
  • 1 1
 pinkbike do a great job, dustydick
  • 1 1
 @dustyduke, alot of haters and bashers and immature keyboard warriors on here, they don't understand what constructive criticism is, although your point could have been written a bit more eloquently I think alot of people feel the same.
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike is free for all of us. Constructive criticism is great when it's constructive and not insulting. Do you think Levy and Kazimer took offense? Looks that way. They're part of a team that puts out the best mountain bike site/magazine on the planet, and you insulted their efforts. You are "so seriously disappointed" with something you get for free? I was actually thinking that I'd seen enough interbike. But who am I to whine about something I get for free?
  • 1 0
 " they don't understand what constructive criticism is,"

Oh, I fully understand what constructive criticism is. His post was not constructive criticism at all, especially given how many articles and how much coverage we've actually gotten. His complaint had no merit. Especially if you look at the coverage from previous years. They covered a TON of stuff from so many different aspects of the sport of mountain biking as a whole.
  • 22 5
 MEH...HEH HEH....Hey Butthead, they said "pubic"
  • 7 0
 Those SQ lab saddles kick serious ass. it might seem like a gimmick at first glance but after riding one for an extended period of time, its safe to say they're the real deal. most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden with
  • 4 1
 Specialized Body Geometry has been sizing their saddles based on seat bones for years now.
  • 2 0
 Would "seat bones" and "sit bones" be the same?
  • 1 0
 Ya, maybe SQlab wanted use a different term to "standout" from the rest.
  • 2 0
 getting a spesh saddle fitted is expensive tho, this looks like its right up my street
  • 1 0
 We know its not rocket science as was stated, but it is nice to see someone else bring out products to bring specialized price point down. I like the look of these too, I'm interested, plus with the information the provided, sizing your own butt and buying the right saddle just got much easier.
  • 2 0
 @evomtb - The fitting from Specialized is free.
@ryancoonya - I agree. SQlab saddles do provide more options and in my opinion look better than Specialized saddles.
  • 1 0
 I actually ride a specialized saddle on my trailbike. The two designs are hugely different
  • 1 0
 Take a look at the ISM Adamo Peak (MTB specific) seat. Both my wife and I use one and they make ZERO pressure on the soft tissues. ; )

www.ismseat.com/how-to-fit-peak
  • 6 0
 Not a commentary specifically against Pinkbike, but it seems all the media outlets coverage was pretty lacking this year. Maybe a sign of the times that Interbike's usefulness is waning?
  • 6 0
 It sucks that we need such massive bike locks, I mean how much easier would it be if you could just leave your bike outside of work or uni without bothering with a lock that runs through your frame and wheels...
  • 11 1
 What would you propose instead of chain locks? Claymore mines?
  • 5 1
 Electricity
  • 20 0
 A world where you didn't have to worry about some piece of shit stealing your bike would be ideal.
  • 2 0
 YES!!!!
  • 2 0
 only in a utopian future, and I'm dreaming the same dream
  • 2 1
 @vroomvroompartystarter: unfortunately that would only happen when the costs of stealing a bike outweigh the benefits.
  • 3 0
 I commute to school 3 days a week and have a solid 15 or 20 min walk clear across campus which would be made much shorter on a bike. However i know how easy it is to strip down a bike even if it is locked up so i'd rather walk than risk what some douche could do in 10 min with a set of alan keys...
  • 3 0
 In Denmark there's no problem to let your bike somewhere and get it back later at the place where you left it. Just a question of respect and education.
  • 5 2
 Thank you Pinkbike for all the amazing coverage, videos etc from loads of cool events this year and all of this for FREE. I can't remember a day over this summer where there hasn't been something new and interesting to see on your site. Don't pay attention to all these haters who clearly have no idea what it was like not that many years ago when you got a handful of pics in a mag a few months after the event.
  • 2 3
 totally agree! ... those are little kids that just want to spit out something aggressive after they got they're arses kicked by mom.
  • 2 0
 This was my 1st time attending Interbike. After years of reading and looking at every detail of PB coverage of Interbike, I can say PB has covered the event in a far more entertaining way than the reality of this show.

It's a TRADE SHOW, not a consumer event.

Most of the people there are doing business, wether meeting face to face with their current suppliers, or trying to secure a distributorship deal with a new brand, companies small or big have invested cash to send people to vegas to make a business connection.

You see the stands with free beer on offer..... this is a chance to grab 5 mins time with a brand executive and hopefully exchange business cards with a direct email to that person and then move on to the next stand that might be of use to your business.

We were on our feet from 8am until 6pm back packs full of catalogs hats, pens and other swag to help remind you when your back in your room of who you were speaking to and what about!

The Troy Lee truck had a meet & greet session with Cam Zink and Curtis Keene, I went over to get a photo and in the 45mins I was close to their stand they must have signed posters for 6 or 10 people. Everyone is too busy to notice! The fact that PB has so many pictures of pro riders has amazed me as I figured if I was there I would see them all, it's just not like that.
The logistics of that event, the money pumped into that event, and the benefits to our industry from that event is absolutely impressive!

So all those people that say Interbike is dead or boring...... stand up, take a good, long hard look at yourself in the mirror and shut the f#%k up!
  • 5 1
 Awesome job as usual PB .........Perhaps you could work on disabling the ability to post comments?
  • 2 1
 My grandma taught me a great lesson of life,'If you can not say something good about someone, then say nothing at all'. Along the same lines.. Forever I did good for that I heard never, for once I did bad and for that I heard never.. Remember, Nobody ever kicked a dead dog.
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike, I have looked on other sites and they have many more pictures and stories from Interbike than you. For instance it wasn't until I looked elsewhere that I found out about the gold plated Ghost bikes! FML
  • 2 0
 Mtbr might have covered Interbike better but PB did a fantastic job on the WC. As of ladt night, no WC coverage from Mtbr... Congrats Stevie!
  • 5 6
 @mikelevy-Could have done with a whole less 1 and 2 finger shots and more pics of bike stuff. Even if there was not as many companies there as usual, it would be much more appreciated to have industry related pictures. You guys are better than this.
  • 10 2
 @dustyduke - There were over 24 articles generated from this year's Interbike trade show (www.pinkbike.com/news/search/?q=interbike+2013). Of those articles, three of them were pictorials with celebrities seen at the show. Seems like a fair ratio of product related content to lifestyle pieces to me.
  • 5 0
 I'm happy as always . Good job PB
  • 1 2
 I would say that the "lack of" coverage is partly do to the fact that the curve of innovation in the mountainbike industry has somewhat flattened out.
There seems to alot more recycled and revamped old ideas. The gold X-Fusion fork is just a revamped Marzocchi Shiver SC, which most of the young riders do not know of since they were not around for it. A singlecrown inverted fork is a horrible idea then and now and I really cant get my head around why a company would take that plunge.
The new big thing seems to be the 650 size wheels and Pinkbike covered that well. And I would say that a slightly bigger wheel is hardly innovative, but this is what the bike industry seems to figure is the best way to sell more stuff.
After all, everyone and their uncles have 26" mountainbikes as it is...Now everyone needs a bike with 650 hoops...
  • 4 0
 If you think that the Revel is a revamped Shivver SC then you have no idea the amount of tech and R&D that went into the design of the former. The Shivver SC was passable but we have come a long way in the technology of forks in the last 10 years.
  • 7 4
 The middle finger pictorial WAS garbage.
  • 1 1
 It wasn't a middle finger pictorial at all. It was like... a couple of photos out of a ton of others. And they show up every year.
  • 1 0
 I thought the Vice XLT front wheel was 15mm only...?
  • 1 0
 Is that $700 for the set, or individually?
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