Topeak
Lots of new stuff from accessorymeister Topeak. We’re intrigued by this inflatable mudguard (or “fender” in US-speak) – with 10psi in it it’s pretty rigid, but let all the air out and it’ll roll up…
…like so. We think it should come with a tube so you can blow it up on the fly, like one of those squeaker things you get in crackers. If it squeaked as well, that’d be top.
Also of distinctive appearance is Topeak’s new Allay saddle range, complete with hammock-style centre section. Pedersen, anyone?
A revised light range features stem-mounted battery packs and microprocessor controls in halogen…
…HID…
…and LED flavours.
Giro is branching out into footwear, but not riding footwear – it’s shoe and sandal range is for walking about in. Some of the items signal Giro’s bikey roots, though, like this Helmethead sandal.
Spot is under new ownership and was attracting a lot of attention with its lovely airbrushed paint jobs. This big-tyred singlespeed looked like a whole lot of fun.
Sidi
Sidi had a display of championship-winning shoes, including these rather spangly sneakers as used by World XC Champion Julien Absalon.
For the rider who has everything – Sidi “casual” shoes.
Ventana’s range has been rejigged, with a couple of new models and a cohesive appearance across different bikes. From bottom to top, we have the 3.5in travel El Fuego, 4in El Saltamontes and 5in El Ciclón. Need more travel? There’s also the 6in El Terremoto, 7in La Bruja and 9in El Cuervo. Plus hardtails and 3 and 4in travel 29er frames.
All of a sudden the market seems to be awash with carbon fibre rigid forks. They’re mostly carbon legs bonded into aluminium crowns, but Ritchey has gone the other way and revived the retro curved-blade unicrown look. Sleek.
FSA
FSA is pushing ceramic bearings hard for 2007. The high-tech balls are a bit lighter and are claimed to have considerably lower rolling resistance. FSA’s test transmission certainly felt very free-running. It’s offering ceramic bearings in hubs…
…plus bottom brackets and even derailleur jockey wheels. It’s using redness to indicate which products have ceramic bearings in them.
Catlike’s Shield helmet has a highly distinctive look that we rather like. Big choice of colours, too.
Showing that it’s not just for XC racing, Shimano’s XTR group includes a 20mm through-axle front hub.
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