September 28, 2006 — Last year carbon was the buzz word at Interbike and this year a few other trends are emerging. First is an expansion of 29″ mountain bikes introduced last year. More manufacturers have added 29″ bikes to their lineups and many are playing with the mix from single-speed models to a 69er style, meaning a 26″ wheel on the back and a 29″ wheel up front.

A second growing trend is cyclocross as the road bike segment cools off a bit. Options at the show ranged from basic models with alloy frames and low-end groups to full carbon fibre frames with SRAM Force and Shimano Dura-Ace grouppos.

Another developing theme is women’s specific products from clothing to bikes as most of the larger bicycle manufacturers now have frames designed for women. There is ongoing discussion as to the level needed for this market segment, but while some women are happy having more options, others don’t want to be typecast into only having pink or baby blue bikes with a suitable fit.

Here’s a look at Day 2 at the show.

Cervelo
The Toronto-based company keeps reaching new levels of success through its racing program. Proof of that came Thursday afternoon when the company received a bike box containing a Cervelo P3 Carbon – the 2006 Time Trial World Championship winning bike of Fabian Cancellara. It’s been that type of year for Cervelo. New 2007 products out of the minds of owners, Gerard Vroomen and Phil White, are the R3SL and the Soloist Carbon SL. The R3 is available in a frameset only for $3,300 US/$3,795 Cdn or with a Dura-Ace build for $5,500 US/$6,325 Cdn. The Soloist is available as a frameset only for $4,500 US/$5,175 Cdn .

Hayes
Hayes Bicycle Group is celebrating its 10th birthday by releasing a special-edition disc brake set. The company has taken its HFX9 Carbon system and covered it in chrome for one very shiny package. There’s also a special 10th Anniversary logo on the main lever body. Hayes’ new product for 2007 is the EC Trail brakeset designed for the XC and all-mountain category.

From Hayes’ Sun Ringle lineup is a new downhill/freeride wheelset appropriately called the A.D.D., with Sun’s Jumping Flea thru-axle hub and beefy rims – weighing less than 2,500 grams. The A.D.D. will sell for $450 US/$515 Cdn.

Park Tools
Two new workbenches and a home repair clamp are among the new offerings from Park Tool USA. There’s the folding portable workbench, a workbench with wheels that folds into a hand truck, and the home mechanic bench mount repair stand. Another unique product from Park is the Internal Seat Tube Clamp, a seat tube that slides into a frame to allow you to easily work on a bike while in a stand. The company also has a new professional mechanic floor pump, a handlebar holder for working with stands, a frame and fork alignment set and other small tools.

Yakima
For those looking for a versatile roof rack, Yakima is releasing the $189 US/$215 Cdn. Highroller. It will handle any size tire including 29″ers and holds the front wheel securely with two large arms. You adjust the tightness of the arms using a twist dial and it comes with an integrated cable lock that goes around the downtube.

Interbike Stars — Canada’s Geoff Kabush

Interbike is the place to be for anyone in the bike industry and the list of big names at this year’s show includes Eddy Merckx, Gary Fisher, Thor Hushovd, George Hincapie, Tom, Danielson, Levi Leiphemer, Cedric Gracia, Brian Lopes, Hans Rey and many more including Canadian stars such as Maxxis team rider Geoff Kabush.

Kabush, who just finished his cross-country season and is getting ready to start cyclocross racing, was having a busy time signing autographs at numerous booths. After Interbike he heads to Seattle on Saturday night for his first cyclocross race.

“I’m riding a new bike this year,” said Kabush, who just picked up his new white and orange Van Deisel Gin and Trombones. “It’s a beautiful aluminum bike with a carbon rear end. I’m almost afraid to get it dirty because it looks so nice,” he said.

Kabush said he always looks forward to this time of the year. “It’s been an up and down season for me so “˜cross is just fun. It’s a way to stay fit through the winter without getting too serious,” he said.