Randoms - Frostbike 2017

Feb 18, 2017
by AJ Barlas  


Frostbike 2017 took a slight spin on the event compared to previous years. In an effort to continue to educate and inform their dealers, Quality Bicycle Products (QBP), the distributor that puts on the show, altered the format slightly, bringing a range of dealer-centric seminars into the fold, each of which were well attended. The second day of the event was the more traditional show, with a range of brands heading to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to show off their products for 2017. While the event is usually held during ice cold temps that the Midwest is commonly known for at this time of year, it seemed that Mother Nature had plans to change it up too. Rather than freezing cold, Frostbike 2017 could have easily being mistaken for a spring show, with mild temperatures and sunny days lifting the spirits of those in attendance. Dive in below to get a look at some of the key pieces that were on display.


New Tires from Michelin
Michelin had their latest mtb tire offerings on display and while details are thin with the official launch only weeks away they include new casings and updated compounds
Michelin had their latest MTB tire offerings on display, and while details are thin (the official launch is only weeks away) they include new casings and updated compounds.

Michelin s Wild AM tire features updated compounds but the idea is similar to their current Gum and Magi-X compounds. The casing is said to be a completely new one for this category in the Michelin line for this category tire.
Michelin's Wild AM tire features updated compounds and a new "ground-up" casing for the brand.
The Jet XCR far left is the brands XC racing tire.
The Jet XCR (far left) is the brand's XC racing tire.

Five Ten Freerider Pro and Updated Hellcat Shoes
Five Ten s new Freerider Pro was on display
Five Ten's new Freerider Pro was on display.

The Freerider Pro includes an elastic lace hook to stash your laces out of harms way
The shoe includes an elastic lace hook to stash your laces out of harm's way...
The updated S1 dotty outsole of the Freerider Pro.
...and features the updated S1 dotty outsole.

The Hellcat Pro right won the first DH World Cup that it was worn in with Greg Minnaar winning at Fort William in June of 2016
The Hellcat Pro (right) won the first DH World Cup that it was worn in, with Greg Minnaar winning at Fort William in June of 2016.

The Hellcat Pro and regular Hellcat include the updated sole and cleat recess.
The Hellcat Pro and regular Hellcat include the updated sole and cleat recess.
The 2017 Hellcat.
The 2017 Hellcat.


Race Face Steel Cinch DM Ring
Raceface have a new steel Cinch direct mount chainring coming. The ring will initially be available in three sizes 28 30 32t and has an MSRP of 19 USD. It s finished with a corrosion resistant coating and is for the rider looking to get the best lifespan out of their front ring. Available in black.
Raceface have a new steel Cinch direct mount chainring coming. The ring will initially be available in three sizes (28/30/32t) and has an MSRP of $19 USD. It's finished with a corrosion resistant coating and is for the rider looking to get the best lifespan out of their front ring. Available in black.

Cane Creek's Dropt and Opt Levers
Cane Creek s new dropper post lever was on display. The lever works with any cable actuated dropper post regardless of cable orientation
Cane Creek's new dropper post lever, the Dropt, was on display. The lever works with any cable actuated dropper post, regardless of cable orientation.

The dropper post lever features plenty of adjustability including an adjustable lever throw.
The lever features plenty of adjustability, including an adjustable lever throw.
It s Matchmaker compatible as well
It's Matchmaker compatible as well.

Cane Creek s Opt shock remote lever and parts that replace their shocks pedal assist lever
Cane Creek's Opt shock remote lever and parts that replace their shocks' pedal assist lever.

Cane Creek Opt shock remote lever adjustability
The Opt shock remote lever's adjustability.
The Opt remote lever can be integrated with the dropper post lever for a less messy bar setup.
The Opt remote lever can be integrated with the dropper post lever, for a less messy bar setup.


SRAM were on hand conducting a number of quick workshops. They had a solid audience.
SRAM were on hand conducting a number of quick workshops. They had a solid audience.

Lizard Skins' New Danny Macaskill Signature Grip
Lizard Skins had their new Danny Macaskill grip out for all to see. It s a single clamp design and the clamp has been streamlined. The outer edge of the grip has four polyurethane ribs that make it tighter granting some piece of mind for those that are worried about single clamp grips Danny does put some force through the bars . T
Lizard Skins had their new Danny Macaskill grip out for all to see. It's a single clamp design and the clamp has been streamlined. The outer edge of the grip has four polyurethane ribs that make it tighter, granting some piece of mind for those that are worried about single clamp grips (Danny does put some force through the bars...).

The end cap for the Danny Macaskill grip is plastic and is integrated into the grip. The grip weighs in at a claimed 88g and is 135mm in length.
The end cap for the Danny Macaskill grip is plastic and is integrated into the grip. The grip weighs in at a claimed 88g and is 135mm in length.
The grip features a common knurled pattern with some added ribs at the ends. The grip is slim with a 29.5mm diameter at the ends tapering in to a 30mm diameter in the centre.
The grip features a common knurled pattern with some added ribs at the ends. The grip is slim, with a 29.5mm diameter at the ends, tapering in to a 30mm diameter in the center.


Virtual riding is huge right now. Kinetic were one brand that had their trainer hooked up to the virtual cycling world for participants to try out.
Virtual riding is huge right now. Kinetic were one brand that had their trainer hooked up to the virtual cycling world for participants to try out.


Orange Seal Tubeless Sealants
Orange Seal s regular tubeless sealant is also said to last longer and the brand recommends checking on it every 3 4 weeks with the dip-stick . The regular can be run in temperatures down to 11 f
Orange Seal's tubeless sealant is poured into a tire through the valve stem (with the core removed), and the brand provides a 'dip-stick' for when you need to check whether there is still a sufficient amount of sealant in the tire, something they recommend doing every 3-4 weeks with their regular formula.

Orange Seal s Endurance tubeless sealant is said to last longer and the brand recommends checking it every 6 8 weeks. The whole system is set around using the valve with the core removed to insert the sealant and the brand provides a dip-stick for when you need to check whether there is still a sufficient amount of sealant in the tire.
Their Endurance tubeless sealant is said to last longer. The brand recommends checking it every 6-8 weeks.
Orange Seal also had their 18mm and 24mm tubeless rim tape on display
Orange Seal also had their 18mm and 24mm tubeless rim tape on display.


Box Components' .one. Carbon DH Bar
Box Components .one. Carbon DH bar. The bar comes in 15 or 30mm rise. The 15mm features a 7 backsweep and 5 up while the 30mm is 9 back 5 up. Each are set around a 35mm clamp and are 800mm wide.
Box Components' .one. Carbon DH bar. The bar comes in a 15 or 30mm rise. The 15mm version features a 7-degree backsweep and 5-degree upsweep, while the 30mm is 9-degrees back, 5-degrees up. Each is set around a 35mm clamp and are 800mm wide.

Box Components .one. Carbon DH bar and the unique shape.
Box Components' .one. Carbon DH bar has a somewhat unique shape on the bend.
The bar features a unique section of added material at the top of the bend. It s said to change the flex at this point making it stiffer. .
The bar features a unique section of added material at the top of the bend. It's said to change the flex at this point, making it stiffer.


100% 2017 Celium Jersey
The 100 Celium jersey looks low key for those that want something with the tech but not maybe not the over the top glitz.
The 100% Celium jersey looks low key, ideal for those that want something with the tech, but not maybe not the over the top glitz.

It features an engineered neck for added comfort.
The shape of the neck opening was designed with comfort in mind.
 00 just launched their 2017 line and they had some of the gear on display. This is one of their new colors for the Aircraft helmet.
Having just launched their 2017 line, they had some of new colors on display.

Wolf Tooth also had their top caps on display. Colours for all and a range of different sized integrated spacers and top caps
Wolf Tooth also had their top caps on display. Colors for all and a range of different sized integrated spacers and top caps.
Wolf Tooth Components chainring options cover a lot of crank options including e thirteen and Cannondale
Wolf Tooth Components' chainring options cover a lot of crank designs, including e*thirteen and Cannondale.




MENTIONS: @michelinofficial / @FiveTen / @CaneCreekCyclingComponents / @LizardSkins / @ride100percent



Author Info:
AJBarlas avatar

Member since May 8, 2011
74 articles

102 Comments
  • 189 4
 $19 for a chainring. I'll take one and don't care how much it weighs.
  • 45 3
 Steel rings weigh about twice as much, 30t will only be like a 60 to 70 gram penalty. Good option considering its only $19 and will probably last three times as long, end up saving well over $100.
  • 72 1
 This is the most exciting thing I have ever seen in one of these bike show posts. I have $19 and a worn-out AL chain ring, it's like someone up there is listening to me.
  • 22 2
 The existence of this might prevent me from buying a bashguard
  • 24 55
flag feeblesmith (Feb 19, 2017 at 1:35) (Below Threshold)
 @AviMoore: bashguards are actually for knee and groin protection rather than chainring damage and i cant see how a naked steelring would help you with that...
  • 17 0
 @feeblesmith: reference?
  • 4 1
 i moved from xt chainring to blackspire steel, because of durability, dont care about the weight penalty in this case.
  • 60 4
 @alexblayden: Without bashguard your chain will be damaged before the sprocket, and a damaged chain will snap in the most unconvienient places when you are putting most power into your drivetrain.

A snapped chain can put you in a world of pain without any warning, adjusting your stemcap with your balls or smacking a knee into your fork crown is not unusual in that scenario.
  • 3 19
flag Ryanrobinson1984 (Feb 19, 2017 at 5:06) (Below Threshold)
 @feeblesmith: what??
  • 3 0
 I was just holding onto my sram s1000 cranks solely because they had steel chainrings available for $15. Good to see more options, i might have to jump on the DM bandwagon.
  • 1 0
 @ryetoast: 7075 FTW. :/
  • 1 0
 I've been using 9 euro steel Deore middle rings since I started riding mtb. As I didn't have a big ring and rarely used the granny (also steel but never replaced so I don't know what it costs) these were used pretty much exclusively. I only quit using those recently as I wanted to run an oval chainring. No issues with that one yet (Blackspire) but I don't expect these to last that long nor are they as cheap. The granny is still there but I no longer run a front mech (as it wouldn't work with the oval ring) so I'm pretty sure it will last forever.

It strikes me indeed why people keep using wear parts made out of aluminium instead of steel. If someone releases a steel oval chainring I'll get that.
  • 122 2
 Why the F-can't someone make a shoe that has the velcro strap and have a normal sole, not clipless?
  • 46 187
flag kungfupanda (Feb 18, 2017 at 19:41) (Below Threshold)
 Because riding flats is stupid, and you should clip-in. DUH!
  • 102 19
 @nuttypoolog: Sorry to hear about your lack of riding ability.
  • 6 1
 I guess they just want to make us buy more shoe laces. But I end up tucking the lace in back under itself to get it out of the way. Would be great to have a velcro strap honestly.
  • 2 0
 @Knife-in-the-dark Check out @sixsixone Filter shoe
  • 17 2
 Why doesn't five ten release a shoe with inner ankle bone protection? I want to buy a pair of five tens but my ankle bones always get twatted on my cranks if I wear low shoes or flip flops
  • 1 0
 @jaame: They had this feature in their Karver and Raven shoes in the past. Are you sure that it is not present in any of their current offerings? I agree with you, it is a useful thing to have.
  • 4 0
 @Knife-in-the-dark: Shimano has such shoe. It is called the AM7. It has a lot of great features, however the sole is not like 5-10, but still works very well. www.shimano-lifestylegear.com/gl/fw/products/offroad/030sh_am7.php?pSccontentsPro
  • 4 4
 Really, the strap is bs because you really you only apply marginal force on the upstroke. I'll take the laces.
  • 5 0
 @Knife-in-the-dark 5.10 FREERIDER Etc, best shoe I've ever owned, weather resistant, super durable but sticky sole, laces stay clean and out of the way.
www.fiveten.com/us/catalog/product/view/id/3750/?___SID
  • 1 0
 @jaame: Gotta roll with the Hightops...which they have
  • 1 0
 @loopie: I'm hoping to get hold of the new ION shoes. They have the high inner cuff thing. Not cheap though.
  • 5 0
 @Knife-in-the-dark
Have a look at the recently released Adidas Terrex Trailcross Protect, they had been reviewed just a week ago here on pinkbike. I have the same problem with my ankles and I'm gonna try them out.
  • 5 1
 I want a 510 with dial laces and a plain sole
  • 1 0
 @jaame: Hightops. You don't have to lace them all the way up either.
  • 8 0
 @jaame: are flip flops something different in mother england? because if not, i think i see your problem…
  • 1 0
 @jaame:
FiveTen does have some high top options that do the trick. I'm actually wearing a pair right now.
  • 1 0
 I asked the five ten rep at a demo the same question. He told me it had to do with manufacturing cost and demand amongst flat pedal riders. It just reduces their profit margins. Also said that it wasn't as necessary on flats. I would love this but He said it won't be happening.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: Checked out the ION shoes at Eurobike, check that cleat pocket it looks really far forward relative to most brands and might be hard to get the cleats back far enough.
  • 1 0
 @bicycle019: I mean for flat shoes. I am using Shimano for clips, but I don't really like their flat pedal shoes.

Also, I don't like high tops.

I will have a look at those adidas ones.
  • 1 0
 Oh no! They're massive!
  • 2 0
 @jaame: Or.......FlipFlops??!!??!!!!! please do not bike in flip flops, you're just asking for trouble. an unprotected foot can become fubar real quick like.
  • 2 0
 Just swap the laces out for some elastic cord and cord stops....
  • 2 2
 Because clip-in riders don't know how to handle laces just like they don't know how to handle a bike.
  • 1 0
 @HenRen: couldn't recommend them more. I have the first iteration of them in black and they're fantastic. I've had 5:10's teva and shimano's in the past.
  • 43 0
 It's a virtual world, and the cyclist STILL has to ride in the garbage lane, on a boring, flat, highway. Sheesh.
  • 33 0
 IKR? You should be able to program in your name and then there's your preferred gendered cheerleaders and the crowd cheering your name, which is written on the road on climbs. That way every cyclist can experience what it's like to be me. Smile
  • 8 0
 Imagine if they made you have to clean and lube the chain on your virtual bike to make it more realistic. A GTA style fight with drivers would be funny.
  • 1 1
 More than a roadie deserves. :/
  • 32 1
 I like the 100% tee but I'd feel guilty wearing it as I only give, you know, like 98% when I'm riding
  • 36 5
 Dear Cane Creek I am remotely interested!
  • 33 5
 â€śThere's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on, shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again.”
  • 8 1
 @nuttypoolog: I hope bushisms become a thing on PB, that'd be hilarious
  • 2 0
 @TBLeldarado: we will not tire. we will not falter. we will not fail.
  • 1 0
 @nuttypoolog: "Brownie, you're doing a heckuva job!!"
  • 19 0
 So the grips are ribbed for pleasure?
  • 5 3
 Depends, are you are a woman?
  • 5 0
 They are...and they give you "piece of mind" but no peace of mind when dropping off a roof.
  • 4 0
 @Kiwiplague: real men love ribs.
  • 14 2
 Tried orange seal recently. Im a convert!! No burping or overnight deflating in same wheel tyre combo that I previously ran Stan's in. Love it!
  • 1 0
 I tried using their fat bike rim tape to convert my wheels. Pretty hard to use. Not sure if it was because it was fat bike tape, but I'm wary all the same.
  • 2 0
 @Gassymagee: you dont use their tape. use gorilla tape and orange seal. i go months without having to add sealant.
  • 1 0
 @adrennan: Some weight weenie said it would be too heavy. Looking back on it, I realize it's a fatbike so it's heavy regardless. And the tape worked fine, haven't needed to add sealant yet.
  • 24 12
 FiveTens look like orthapedic shoes.
  • 7 10
 and you my sir look like you need glasses
  • 16 4
 I agree..... Their new stuff looks weird.
  • 17 3
 Five ten going downhill since adidas bought them
  • 11 2
 Five tens have always been, and continue to be, ugly. But that sole...
  • 5 2
 @colemanb: thats why i wear Adidas Terrex SL's...same sole and much nicer look...and protection as well!
  • 4 1
 Lol! Big clumpy heavy ugly things. Thought it was just me....
  • 2 0
 thank you for speaking up, totally agree, those freerider pros just make me cringe.
  • 1 1
 I won't buy anymore 5.10's until their sole is redesigned and doesn't fall off in 1-2 months.
  • 1 0
 @dirtbagluvin: the Adidas are coping really well, specially after all the abuse and mud they get. Only the laces didn't last long, but Adidas sent replacements very quickly!
  • 2 0
 The freerider pros are not heavy, & the sole is a harder rubber than the MI6 stuff (S1 is the same rubber that was in their older shoes)that was disintegrating, & the toe is fully sewn. So far, they are my favorite 5.10 since the original impacts from 2005. You can hate all you want, but these are the shoes where they listened to people, & fixed a lot of the problems with the newer impacts & the VXi series.
  • 7 0
 You know, I snagged a Kinetic a few months back, mainly because I liked the color of it; however, after using it a handful of times, I had to rid myself of the damn thing. WTF am I using a trainer for? I ain't no racer.
  • 3 0
 I like that i can ride longer and clear more shit when i'm in shape... that means maintaining my fitness. It's investing in future happiness.
  • 2 0
 @scottzg: I hear ya man, but that's kinda-sorta what I was trying to do too... Cept it reminded me of being on a treadmill, in which that makes me hate life. If you can rock out on that thing, more power to ya!

Once I sold it, I picked up some lights so I can hit the trails at night, and some Goretex boots for when it's snowy out; then I wouldn't have any excuses to not be able to ride!
  • 1 0
 @dangdang: Nice man, you're harder than me. I don't get snow here, so i spend the winter smashing around on my road bike. I'm not a fkn roadie, but i enjoy carving corners on this thing too when i hafta.
  • 4 1
 Dear Michelin, Seriously, is it really THAT hard to make the Rock'R2 in a 2.5? Seriously. I'm losing my fu*king patience. Oh, and make a 2.5 Grip'r too. I like the new tire on the left, low center knobs, stought side knobs but I doubt you even know tires can be made in sizes larger than 2.35. I hope your new sidewalls are for your single ply tires. Please don't change the Advance Reinforced sidewalls, those were like sex. Anyways please get a clue. I love the Rock'r and Grip'R combo but how many YEARS before you make a damn 2.5.? Seriously.
  • 1 0
 Michelins look good. That XC tire especially.
  • 1 0
 not just that they clearly suck at measuring - their 2.35 are more like 2.1 - if they made true 2.35 you'd prob wouldn't be asking for a 2.5, which with their current broke ruler would be like a 2.25
  • 1 0
 @Grmasterd: My 2.35 actually measures out to 2.346 according to my digital calipers. That's not a 2.1.
  • 6 1
 Virtual riding?? Sounds pretty lame
  • 9 1
 I'm now riding an Ebike on my virtual trainer and posting to strava. Sick
  • 1 0
 Wolf tooth components if you're going to require special Hardware to hold your rings on the bike it sure would be nice if they were a little more readily available. I order a ring through my local bike shop and then they cannot Supply the hardware WTF
  • 4 0
 How come steel chainrings are cheaper than alu? Are steel rings stamped and alu are machined?
  • 1 1
 most likely the cost of the raw material?
  • 4 1
 Box doin mtb now. They along with a couple of others pretty much own the bmx race scene! Should be good gear.....
  • 3 4
 Though i have never been to a proper bike show, it still seems all the same to me, don't get me wrong i LOVE the new stuff but i kinda hope that someone would make it a bit different somehow, more interesting for the worldwide viewers...
  • 3 1
 Does anyone ever check their sealant level??? As long as my tire is holding air then there is enough sealant, no?
  • 4 1
 Those red camo 100% goggles are so sick!!
  • 3 0
 Orange seal is amazing.
  • 1 2
 it is amazing expensive and you can't get it in Europe...
  • 1 0
 hopefully these newer 510s last longer, all my recently purchased one have died within a year
  • 1 0
 I'm not saying you're wrong (because I've had similar experiences with them,) but I got a pair at Sea Otter last year that went through a whole summer and winter and have hardly any wear on the soles.
  • 1 0
 Like 100 responses, and no comment on the tires?

OK, how about: "Meh, Meh, Meh, Oh look, a High Roller II"
  • 1 0
 Im definitely trying out the Box Components drive train and carbon bars this season.
  • 1 0
 Five Ten.... Bring back the KARVER!!!!!
  • 1 0
 the grips below the RF chainring, what are they? Cheers.
  • 1 0
 @raceface How long till we can expect to see a 34t steel Cinch ring?
  • 3 2
 Where's the raceface 170ish dropper?
  • 6 0
 It's been dropped. With that terrible pun, I will be on my way.
  • 2 0
 Looks like a knolly
  • 1 0
 I'd prefer the OPT to control my dropper.
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