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Interbike 2016 Part 1 – Shimano, Elite, POC, Axiom

by Paul Newitt

September 23, 2016 (Las Vegas, NV) – Interbike, North America’s biggest cycling trade show, returned to the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas, Sept. 21-23, with the glitz and glamour of the cycling industry’s latest and greatest technology. Pedal was on the ground to deliver the goods on what’s on tap for 2017 in the ever-changing world of bicycles.

Shimano RC9 shoe  ©  Paul Newitt

Shimano’s S-PHYRE RC9
The S-PHYRE RC9 is the pinnacle of Shimano’s performance cycling footwear and for 2017 it gets some major upgrades to improve efficiency, and performance. Also highlighted this year are Shimano’s lower-priced RC7 and off-road XC9 shoes.

The RC9 features a one-piece upper to provide a snug fit and an ultra-light carbon outer sole for maximized power transfer. Shimano has also eliminated the lasting board to reduce weight and allow for a lower stack height (3.2mm lower than last year’s R321) to help stabilize the foot. The upper is a supple, stretch-resistant and highly breathable Teijin Avail microfiber synthetic leather, optimized with dimple perforated drainage/vent holes.

The curved Heel Cup construction suppresses foot twist and roll and comes with a replaceable heel pad. The Cleat assembly now allows for an extra 11mm of cleat adjustment vs last year’s model.

Closure on the RC9 is controlled by a pair of BOA IP1 dials with Powerzone wire guide lacing which allows quick and precise micro-adjustments while maintaining stability. Foot stability is also enhanced by use of a “cat tongue like” fabric that prevents heel lift.

The RC9 comes in 4 colour ways, including white, yellow, black and blue and comes in a full range of sizes. The shoe can also be combined with Shimano’s new S-PHYRE Tall Socks, which the company says also improves the shoe’s performance.

Elite Drivo Trainer  ©  Paul Newitt

Elite’s DRIVO Trainer
As the outdoor season cools down trainer season is heating up and Elite is stoking the fire with the new top-of-the-line DRIVO, a new interactive trainer for 2017.

The DRIVO is an interactive, direct transmission home trainer with integrated power measurement utilizing a 24-point laser optical power system that measures watt output to within a +/- 1% accuracy. It has a power output of 2,000 watts at 35Km/h and can simulate a 24% grade. The electronically managed magnetic resistance is directly related to the training program or course that is chosen in the software.

Elite Drivo Trainer  ©  Paul Newitt

DRIVIO comes with Realsoftware and the MyTraining App, and is compatible with SWIFT, Kinomap, and TrainerRoad. It is also compatible with third party apps and software, computers, smartphones, tablets, and cycle computer systems that run Ant™, Power Ant™, Speed & Cadence, and Bluetooth Smart. Hub compatibility includes 130-135 x 5mm with quick release and 142 x 12mm thru-axle.

POC’s Resistance MTB Apparel
POC’s Resistance line of MTB apparel was designed to offer off-road riders specific performance and protection to meet the needs of their specific discipline.

POC Resistance MTB Line  ©  Paul Newitt

The Resistance line makes use of technically advanced fabrics and materials to protect the garment from many off-road risks, such as impacts, penetration, friction, abrasion, and UV damage.

For 2017 a Cross-Country category joins the existing DH and Enduro Resistance offerings. The XC line-up includes everything the XC enthusiast could ask for including; Zip Tee and jersey, wind vest, splash jacket, Bib shorts, shorts, gloves, caps, leg and arm warmers and socks.

One of the highlights is the Resistance Pro XC Short which is constructed with a combination of 4-way stretch material and light, highly breathable mesh in strategic locations. The shorts are longer at the knee and offer an adjustable velcro waist and higher back side. Other features include a hidden security pocket with zipper on the side and Tra-in front security button with zip fly. The Pro XC Short comes in sizes XS to XXL.

Axiom Seymour Bag Line
Every once in a while you come across a story at Interbike that makes you smile. Axiom’s Seymour bag line is one such story. The brain child of Andrew Belson, manager of proprietary brands for Axiom parent Live to Play Sports, the Seymour story actually begins with a child.

Axiom Seymour Bag  ©  Paul Newitt

Belson’s young son, an avid reader of all things science and nature, came across a story of sea turtles getting caught in abandoned fishing nets in the world’s oceans. Once Belson saw the photos and how upset his son was to come across such images, he decided to do something about it. Belson explains that, “The idea was to salvage the discarded fishing nets, help clean up the ocean floor and protect marine life, while at the same time produce a product useful to the cycling industry.”

A South Korean company was enlisted to collect the nets, break them down for recycling by removing harmful heavy metals and other volatile substances and reducing them to pellet form. Axiom fabric-makers then incorporated the melted pellets into a polyester weave that is used to create their Oceanweave fabric.

Axiom is now using that fabric in the entire line of durable Seymour bags which feature seat and handle bar bags, panniers and trunk bags. All bags come with Axiom’s lifetime guarantee and go a long way to protecting our marine habitats.

Interbike 2016 part 2 here.
Interbike 2016 part 3 here.





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