The Interbike Outdoor Demo takes place in Bootleg Canyon, NV, a location nearly entirely devoid of shade, and where the temperatures typically hover at a level somewhere between "I'm melting" and "I'm going to die of heat stroke." Luckily, this year the clouds and rain arrived just in time to cool things off, and to prevent exposed skin from burning and blistering in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, the storm is supposed to blow through tonight, and the blast furnaces should be fired up again for tomorrow.
Wise words from the folks at SR Suntour.
In addition to shirts with sage advice on them, Suntour had their new Aion fork installed on a number of demo bikes. The Aion is a more affordable version of the air sprung
Auron all-mountain fork that was released last year. The two forks look visually quite similar, and internally they both use the same air spring and damper cartridge, but the Aion lacks the high speed compression adjustment of the Auron. To keep the cost down, Suntour uses a solid forged upper crown, straight gauge instead of butted aluminum 34mm stanchions, and a steel version of Suntour's Q LOC 2 quick release thru-axle system. Those changes do come with a 140 gram weight penalty, but they also allow the Aion to come in at a very reasonable $550 USD.
Marin had their full carbon 2015 Rift Zone on display. The 29" wheeled trail bike has 110mm of rear travel paired with a 120mm front fork. As shown, with a KS LEV dropper post, SRAM's X01 1x11 drivetrain and Guide brakes, and FOX suspension, the bike retails for $6600 USD.
Wait, didn't Eurobike already happen?
![Sony Action Cam Interbike 2014]()
Sony had their Action Cam mounted to a remote control boat, with a tablet set up to receive the signal the camera was broadcasting. A smaller version of the Action Cam called the AZ1VR will be officially unveiled when the show moves inside on Wednesday.
A departure from their flashy race kits, One Industries had their new Tech Casual line on display. The Tech Casual Hoodie is windproof and highly water resistant, and also has pit zips for temperature regulation, making it well suited for those late fall bike park sessions, or for tossing on after a chilly, rainy day on the trails. MSRP: $89.99. The Tech Casual Flannel ($79.99) is just that, a synthetic flannel shirt that can be work on or off the bike, or paired up with the Tech Casual Shorts ($60) if you're feeling especially grey.
![Smith Overtake and Forefront Interbike 2014]()
Smith Optics was showing off the rainbow of color options available for their Overtake and Forefront helmets. The 250 gram Overtake is meant for XC and road usage, and features massive vents and a wind-tunnel tested shape intended to be extremely aerodynamic. Like the Forefront mountain helmet, the Overtake uses Koroyd, the honeycomb-like material that's intended to help provide additional energy absorbtion. Smith will also be offering MIPS equipped versions of both helmets, adding on another bit of technology intended to help reduce the energy that reaches the brain during a crash. The Overtake retails for $250, and the MIPS version will be $310. The Forefront is $220, and the MIPS version is $280.
![Speedplay Szyr and Brass Knucles Interbike 2014]()
Speedplay has a brand new clipless pedal on the way called the Syzr. The pedals works with a very unique cleat whose design allows riders to choose any amount of float between 0° and 10°, and is equipped with four ceramic roller cams (two in the front and two in the back) that are meant to keep them from getting hung up in wet or muddy conditions. The pedal body itself rolls on both needle and cartridge bearings, and has a grease port on the outer portion of the spindle for quick maintenance. The two prongs that extend off of the cleat are intended to make finding and clipping into the pedal easier by acting as bumpers that help guide the front portion into position. Speedplay is expecting the pedals to be available by the end of 2014, and will be offering a 315 gram, stainless spindled option for $229, and a 275 gram, titanium spindled version for $420.
A titanium spindle is also on the way for the Brass Knuckles, Speedplay's 13.5mm thick flat pedals. The Brass Knuckles spin on two cartridge bearings and a needle bearing, and have ten star shaped pedal pins on each side for increased traction. The ti spindle will reduce the current 400 gram weight, but will of course cost more than the $175 cro-mo version.
View entire Interbike 2014 Product Gallery Here
Member since Feb 1, 2009
C'mon Suntour, why haven't you guys been sending those forks our way? Been waiting on those since you released them hahaha.
On the other hand, bring on the sturdy axles. I'm 150lbs and super light on the pedals and I've bent the axles of pretty much every single pedal sets I've ever owned. I feel bad for 200lbs+ riders.
www.amazon.com/Shimano-153054-Pd-Mx80-Platform-Pedals/dp/B007Q4PBO8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410389623&sr=8-1&keywords=saint+pedals
Many companies have discount outlets. I also like campmor. Decent prices and timely shipping. I actually have become quite fond of a croft & barrow flannel over-shirt my lady got me at salvation army for about $5. Not name brand but great around the farm.
Anyhow...at least the one damn Smith helmet has got some vents. Why the f$*C did the helmet manufacturers take away all our vents?!? now every enduro-wannabe bastard on their carbon bronson (me) is absolutely dying from sweat loss and heat exhaustion by the time they get to the top of their local trails. The heavy tld kit, dakine bag, knee pads and goggles make it all worse.
Where's ma fanny pack?!?!
It can't be very unique. It's unique or it isn't.
But national stereotyping is always fun, maybe thats why I like Top Gear so much?
...stupid raccoon jazz paws.