Randoms Round 1: New Pedals, Powermeters, and More - Interbike 2017
Interbike may no longer be the hotbed of new bikes and components that it once was, but a wander around the maze of booths did reveal a number of new accessories and components that were worth a closer look.
Ever wonder how those pro enduro racers get by without a pack or a water bottle? Oftentimes the answer is something like Alpinestars' Paragon bib short. The shorts hold a level 1 CE certified back protector, and also have removable hip pads for those extra-treacherous tracks. There's room to slide in a water bladder, and there's a back pocket for holding snacks or other small accessories.
Hope are best known for their lustworthy CNC'd aluminum goodies, but they've been expanding into the world of carbon over the last few years. This cutaway shows the inside of their made-in-the-UK carbon bar. The 225 gram bar has a 20mm rise, a 7-degree upsweep, 5-degree backsweep, and a width of 780mm.
4iiii's new Podiiiium powermeter (no, my keyboard isn't sticky - that's really the model name) is claimed to have +/- 1.5% accuracy, and is ANT and Bluetooth compatible. There are dual- and single-side options, and riders can either send in their cranks or purchase one of 4iiii's pre-built options. A single side install will be $399, and a dual-side install $749.
Kuat were showing off a blacked-out version of their NV Base 2.0. The 2" hitch version of the rack can be expanded to hold up to 4 bikes with a total weight limit of 160 lb. It can accommodate tires up to 4.8" wide, and bikes with a wheelbase of up to 48". Don't have a hitch? There's also a new trunk mounted rack on the way.
Sena's R1 helmet is aimed at the tech-savvy road and XC crowd, with a built-in camera (on the Pro model), Bluetooth communication system, and even an FM radio, so you can jam out to those Top 40 hits even in the middle of a heated Strava battle. Or something.
Yakima collaborated with Poler to create this camouflaged version of their SkyRise rooftop tent. The fabric has a 2000mm waterproof coating to ward off those summer storms, and has spots for hanging gear as well as tying the tent down when the wind picks up.
HT's new Supreme pedal measures 16.6mm thick, has a 100 x 100mm aluminum platform, and is available in veritable rainbow of colors, from basic black to pink. The price? $110 USD.
There's never any shortage of bright anodized colors at HT's booth, but it's the all-black version of their T1 clipless pedal that caught our eye.
Along with the Supreme, HT were also showing off the composite-bodied PA-O3, which retails for $60 USD.
Most major bike manufacturers have left Interbike in search of greener pastures, but not Pivot. They had an eye-catching version of their Mach 5.5 on display, part of a limited edition run to celebrate the company's 10th anniversary. The build kit includes a custom saddle from WTB, custom laser-etched I9 hubs laced to Reynolds carbon rims, along with a color matched fork, shock, and cranks.
Shimano bills their U4E as an 'enduro racepack'. The straps are a little different than a traditional backpack, extending towards the middle of a rider's chest to form an X-shape in order to keep the back from shifting on rough trails. There's a pouch at the top of the bag to hold a cellphone, a stretchy mesh outer pocket that could hold a spare layer or an extra water bottle, and buckles that make it possible to carry either a full face or half shell helmet.
It was arts and crafts time at Slime's booth, where attendees were able to assemble their own custom CO2 inflator.
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I guess my feet are pretty small though, so I might be completely off. I wear 8.5 freeriders and find my wellgo mg1s spot on in terms of size. Can't imagine having a huge platform with pins that I'll never use.
Looking at the chesters for replacement, but thinking of the xpedo sprys or the one up but the latter seems to big.
To get some pedals with good grip and a big platform is quite easy and since the nylon ones excist also cheap.
But all of them run on bushings at least on one side. They wear out faster and can start sqeaking.
I saw that the OneUp metal version you bought fullfill every single one of my criteria. They have four sealed cartridge bearings, they have a big plattform and are serviceable. So they are still high on my list for my enduro. For my everyday City bitch I now bought some 25 euros pedals with anfular contact bearings to have a cheap try. Like these www.bike-mailorder.de/reverse-super-shape-3-d-pedal
My question to you is now, if you can confirm to feel less drag. I think I do, but I can't measure it. Another one on this level are the race face atlas. but they are also very expensive.
Like treekilla said, if the bike comes off, it is usually user error. I don't think Kuat would say it fits a 48" wheelbase without proper testing.
As for their warranty, they will most definitely stand behind it. If the bike comes off because of a defect in the rack, they will replace whatever needs to be fixed.
- from me and other ladies who can't wear a men's small