September 17, 2004 – The 2004 ExpoCycle bicycle trade show staged by BTAC (Bicycle Trade Association of Canada) in Toronto from September 12-14, 2004, offered an exciting glimpse of what’s rolling our way in 2005, both in bikes and gear. Here’s a snapshot of what we saw at the show.

Specialized kicks 2005 into high gear with its revitalized S-Works line, including the super-fast Tarmac Dura-Ace bike (tested at this year’s Tour) and its Tarmac frame. The S-Works line for 2005 also includes the Fuse and Hemi BMX frames. The Rockhopper line features an all-new frame for 2005 sporting the same proven geometry as 2004, and just as light. The Hardrock line will include four rides: a pro disc, sport disc, sport, and sport women’s . These aggressive MTBs feature frame geometry and rider position that are appropriate for varied terrain, from challenging climbs to rocky descents.

Outdoor Gear Canada’s Opus line of road and city bikes has blossomed into a serious contender at even the top end price points, with their new Toccata and its carbon tubes and alloy lugs, with a choice of DuraAce or Ultegra kits. Their full-carbon Opus Staccato utilizes a stiff monocoque front triangle with wild shaping for maximum stiffness, and the Cresendo shares the same full-carbon frame with a more affordable component package.

Watch for Norco’s 2005 VPS Team DH Race, with hydroformed top tube and sweet parts kit. Norco is also leading the industry even further towards the aggressive hardtail genre they helped to pioneer; the Hardtail Shore models all feature burly frames, plenty of tough parts, and killer styling. Their entire catalog is peppered with incredible options for hucksters, XC racers, roadies, and there’s even a bitchin’ new chopper.

Rocky Mountain has added carbon rear ends to their top end XC suspension bikes, including the Element T.O. and the ETX-90, shaving weight off already-light frames. The cromoly Blizzard returns in a special 20th anniversary edition with an XT kit, and throughout the line, a limited number of special-edition frames with custom paint jobs will be available.

Finally, a newcomer to Canada deserves mention: the Felt line of road, tri, cross, and BMX bikes will now be available in Canada through Canadian distributor Spaso Sports, including top race models and even a tiny 24″ junior road race bike.

The tire offerings have gotten even more high-tech for `05, with Michelin introducing a host of new technology along with new names for every tread they offer, making it easier to identify which of their tires works in which conditions. Their new Pro Grip is perfect for race day, with 60% greater traction than the famous Pro Race (now available in more colors). Michelin MTB tires have taken dual compound technology in a new direction, placing the stiffer rubber underneath a coating of softer compound rubber to blend soft-rubber traction with hard-compound knob stability.

Continental adds 100 years of innovative snow-how to its newest winter weapon; the SpikeClaw. The tire combines Conti’s Endless Edge tread design with an open self-cleaning tread pattern which ensures no snow build-up between the lugs. The SpikeClaw, available in either 120 or 240-stud configuration, offers riders extra confidence and protection, regardless of what winter throws at you.

A couple of newcomers to the glove market include EVO gloves with their carefully shaped padding that reduces hand pressure, and the new XC and DH gloves from RockShox with welded armor and a unique 2-strap velcro wrist closure.

Time shoes have been revamped for 2005, with sexy carbon soles and carbon straps on the top MTB and road shoes, and for those seeking the latest in indoor trainers, the Tacx Fortisa works with your TV to provide a visual simulation of the ride environment, while a small motor on the trainer actually propels you during descents to better simulate riding conditions.

Paris Sport proudly introduces “fi’zi:k” brand saddles to its product family for 2005. These quality Italian saddles include a new Microtex synthetic nylon microfibr outer lining that has proven more durable and comfortable than leather. Also, special cover designs combine “thigh slide” areas with Microtex positive-grip holding features.

For 2005, Specialized’s new line of Optics, includes the San Remo, Cortina, Chicane, and Singletrack glasses for roadies and mountain bikers. All of the optics and lenses adapt to varying solar intensity, which provides optimal performance in low,
to bright, light conditions without having to change lenses. Also look for an increase in the apparel,
gloves, helmets, and saddles division in Specialized’s Designs For Women.

In the apparel department, Louis Garneau’s new base layer, Drytex 1000 offers a new way to keep cool and dry. A 100% micropolyester, its perforations create an air layer between skin and damp clothing, serving as insulation from body heat to keep you cool in hot weather. It’s available in an array of styles and colours, including sublimated prints.
Shorts also see an addition with the new Power Bib, with a higher lycra density fabric that increases compression and improves muscle support. This, in turn, reduces fatigue, and improves performance
over long rides. It features an ergonomic 10-panel cut, with Garneau’s Ergozone molded chamois.
Fox has introduced a sweet merino wool retro jersey, as well as their new Launch suit, a mesh armored jersey with integrated protection for shoulders, elbows, chest, and spine. Fox has also redesigned the styling of their MTB gloves, and for those riding in wet, aggressive environments, check out the Huck Jacket, with its zip-off sleeves and tough nylon construction.