The Bicycle Heaven Crew has returned from Interbike and are ready to show off some new products. Once again when I thought there was not much left to change in bicycle technology I was wrong. It seems as if every company producing bicycle parts has out done themselves this year. Many things really stood out to me this year from the component manufactures.
Shimano has produced their all new Dura Ace 9000, this new setup includes a incredibly fast shifting front derailleur due to more leverage from the cable mount as well as an 11 speed rear derailleur and cassette. Dura Ace 9000 uses a new asymmetrical crank design for added rigidity and a dual density hood on the shift lever for added comfort. This group set comes in standard mechanical and electronic (DI2). Sram has also incorporated a few new things along with the previously released 2012 Sram Red group set and 2012 Sram Red Quarq. Sram has added a new mountain group called 11 that is a single ring in the front with 11 speeds in the back. The rear cassette on this group incorporates cogs from 10 tooth to 42 tooth (yes i meant to say 10 tooth), and the chain ring in the front is a new design which they claim is almost impossible to drop the chain with no chain catcher needed. Sram also is releasing their apex group set in white for those dedicated to style. Campagnolo has decided it was time for a more affordable electronic group set so they are releasing a new Athena EPS group set. I was told at the Campagnolo Booth that the Athena EPS Group will have all the shift performance of the Super Record EPS with only weight differences, after riding an Athena EPS bike on a trainer I can attest it shifts like a dream the way only Campy can.
One thing unique to this years show is the use of disc brakes in other aspects of cycling besides mountain bikes. Many hybrids are offered with disc brakes as they have been in the past and that category of recreational bikes is only growing. The real difference was in the amount of manufactures making their cyclocross bikes exclusively with disc brakes. This change in the industry has driven a whole new line of products from many manufacturers. One item born from integrated STI brake levers being used with disk brakes is the TRP Parabox. The Parabox is a converter that mounts under the stem and allows a standard mechanical brake lever to change to a hydraulic line with a hydraulic brake. This product was not only shown at the TRP booth but was also shown on many manufacturers bikes. Think converting a mechanical brake is too far or too much work? Well if so maybe you should check out whats new from Formula Brakes. Formula is the first company to launch a STI Lever that has a full blown master cylinder for a hydraulic brake inside the lever. Benefits are that it is definitely a step toward the future of disc brakes on non-mountain bikes and it does not require a bulky heavy converter. Draw backs are it is only compatible with Shimano DI2 or Campagnolo EPS because the lever would be too large to incorporate a mechanical shifter.
We saw many exciting new frame changes and paint jobs from our favorite house brands. I have added a few pictures I snapped real quick with my phone (sorry if they are not the best of quality). The pictures below are all from the Bianchi, Marin, and Jamis Booths.
