San Juan Capistrano, CA - Celebrating urban, fixed and track bike culture, Interbike is installing Portland Design Works' Circulus, a 132-foot circumference (40.2m), 45-degree wooden mini-velodrome inside the Sands Expo and Convention Center.

Sponsored by Paved magazine, Yakima, All-City Cycles and Portland Design Works Circulus Poster(PDW), Circulus will be the site of multiple events at the Interbike Expo in Las Vegas September 14-16.

Circulus will be setup next to the Urban Lounge, home of the Interbike City Style Fashion Show, and The Pub, a new beer garden and bar located on the show's street level expo space. Show attendees will be able to hang out, ride All-City Cycles bikes on the track and compete in events on the first and second days of the show, including the PDW/Paved Pro-Am Classic at Circulus.

"Circulus will add something completely new and unique to this year's show," said Interbike Brand and Communications Director Rich Kelly. "We're placing a big emphasis on urban cycling and the brands that support it and having Circulus there will be a big draw for that segment of the market. And, of course, I can't wait to take a spin on it myself."

Normally housed at PDW's headquarters, Circulus will be dismantled, transported to Las Vegas and reassembled for the 30th edition of the bicycle industry's annual trade show.

"Over the years, we've watched urban cycling grow to be on par with any other segment of cycling. We love that, and believe the universal appeal of Circulus is a reflection of the passion and vibrant growth of urban cycling," said PDW Co-Founder Dan Powell. "We can't wait for folks to hop on and turn some hot laps on the show floor."

The circular track was originally conceived and built by Claremont, Calif. Pomona College art student Samuel Starr as part of his 2010 senior thesis. Circulus was later purchased by PDW and all 39 sections of the track were shipped to the company's Oregon warehouse where it was reassembled.

"Since I first heard about Circulus, I knew Paved magazine had to be involved in some way," said Paved Editor Joe Parkin. "Circulus combines design and a passion for bikes, but with a light-hearted demeanor - kind of like what we try to do with Paved. I can't wait to see peoples' reactions to the events at Interbike."

To view a brief video of Circulus being ridden at PDW, click here. For more information about Interbike, visit www.interbike.com.

Excitement builds as brands prepare for the industry's annual gathering

San Juan Capistrano, CA - Interbike, the cycling industry's annual flagship trade event for the last 30 years, is quickly selling out as exhibitors large and small lock up their space for the September 14-16 show at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

"Interbike 2011 is already shaping up to be one of our biggest shows ever," said Show Director Andy Tompkins. "The mix of established brands that exhibit every year and companies new to the cycling industry or just new to the show provide retailers with the opportunity to see the latest offerings from every corner of the cycling world, something that can only happen at an event as broad based and well-attended as Interbike."

Among 2011's new exhibitors is outdoor apparel giant The North Face, which will join the apparel collections of long time exhibitors such as Canari Cyclewear, Champion System, Gore Bike Wear, Hincapie Sportswear, Louis Garneau, Pearl Izumi, and Primal Wear.

"We're steeped in mountain heritage and that doesn't stop in the summer time-- when the snow melts we love to bike," said Aaron Carpenter, Vice President of Marketing, The North Face. "We are launching a Spring 2012 product line built around the concept of protection from the elements. Interbike is the best avenue for us to reach the independent bicycle retailer channel and we're looking forward to participating in the bicycle industry's annual gathering."

In addition, several key brands are returning to the show after short absences including Easton-Bell Sports and Kona Bicycle Company. Santa Cruz Bicycles returns for 2011 after rejoining the show in 2010.

"Coming into 2011, we have a number of new products and initiatives to roll out for 2012, and we see Interbike as a critical component to telling those stories," said Pat Hus, Director of Sales for Easton Bell Sports. "We were pleased with the date and location changes that Interbike brought to the table this year, which made our decision to come back very clear."

These returning brands join cycling's biggest names exhibiting at Interbike in 2011 including Advanced Sports International (ASI), Electra, Gita, BH Bikes, Raleigh, SBS/Redline, Scott USA, Pivot Cycles, SIDI and Specialized.

This year Interbike celebrates its 30th anniversary of producing trade events for the bicycle industry. Last year's edition of the show was attended by 24,700 industry professionals, of which were 12,200 retail buyers from every state in the U.S., along with more than 1,800 international retailer buyers from 67 countries and 560 journalists.

Prior to the Interbike expo, more than 3,500 bicycle retailers and media will gather in Bootleg Canyon's world-class cross country mountain bike trails, downhill-specific courses, pump track, closed road course and eBike demo track for hands-on experience with the industry's latest bikes and accessories. This festive outdoor event is the leading bicycle industry demo event, imitated by many others around the world.

For more information about Interbike 2011, visit www.interbike.com or check for updates at www.interbiketimes.com.

Interbike reconsiders decision to move show to Anaheim, responds to Industry feedback and returns to Vegas for 2011

San Juan Capistrano, CA - In response to feedback to its announcement over three weeks ago that it was moving the show to August in Anaheim for 2011, Interbike announced last week that the 2011 edition of the show will stay in Las Vegas and will be held September 12-16.

"The announcement that we were moving the show dates and location elicited a very real response that surveys and discussions alone couldn't accomplish," said Andy Tompkins, Interbike show director. "Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to this year's show and the countless conversations we've personally had with exhibitors and retailers regarding the future dates and location of Interbike, we are reversing our earlier decision to move the 2011 show to Anaheim in August. We are hearing loud and clear that, at this time, the industry prefers September dates and the convenience of Las Vegas."

The indoor portion of the show will be held September 14-16 at the Sands Convention Center, with the OutDoor Demo being held in Bootleg Canyon September 12-13. The 2012 show also will be held at the Sands in Las Vegas September 19-21 with the Demo September 17-18.

The attention brought by news of moving the show to August allowed the entire industry to examine how it utilizes Interbike, what the show means to the marketplace, and helped solicit real and frank opinions from every sector of the industry. Based on this feedback and the success of Interbike 2010 (see press release), the show will move back to September in Las Vegas.

"Interbike has always been and will continue to be the industry's show," continued Tompkins. "We have heard the market's passion and commitment to this event and we want you to know that we are listening. We believe the new direction will best serve the current needs of the marketplace."

Most of us are guilty of it — using headphones on a training ride. The music not only offers a pleasant distraction from the pain of training, but can also serve as a means of motivation, or simply, as an aid to pass the time while out on a long solo jaunt. Unfortunately, most of us are also unaware of the health and safety issues associated with headphones or ear buds use when riding or worse yet, we simply choose to ignore them.

Noise-induced hearing loss has been well documented with long term use of a personal audio device, and the safety issues associated with headphones or earphones use has prompted more and more states, like California, Ohio, and Virginia to now enforce transportation codes making the use of them illegal while cycling.

But, with the debut of the cy•fi wireless sports speaker at Interbike last year, cyclists now have a safer and healthier alternative. The brainchild of Los Angeles entrepreneur and cycling enthusiast, Jeff Lotman, cy•fi is more than an extremely portable reinvention of the classic boombox.

Sleek and stylish designed, cy•fi is slightly larger than a deck of cards, weighs less than four ounces, and features Kleer(TM) wireless technology, a unique wireless audio technology that combines CD-quality digital wireless audio, best-in-class 2.4 GHz band co-existence, ultra-low power consumption, point-to-multipoint functionality, and interoperability with other Kleer-based wireless products.

The cy•fi can be easily mounted on any bicycle mainframe, backpack, boat or as a travel speaker and it is able to broadcast digital sound without the hassle of wires or an electrical outlet, allowing users the freedom to enjoy their favorite activities and music while keeping full awareness of their surroundings. Convenient and easy-to-use, cy•fi enables tracks to be changed, volume adjusted, and playlists selected with only one hand. Users simply charge the speaker before heading to the trails or streets to enjoy more than six hours of non-stop digital sound.

The cy•fi is available in three color schemes (red/black, silver/black, and black/black), and now comes in two models – one is compatible with the iPhone3G/3GS and iPod (classic, nano, and touch), which was introduced at this year’s show. The second model is compatible with all A2DP Bluetooth cell phones, PDA’s and MP3 players. With this feature, users can enable a hands-free speaker to command voice-activated calls as well as receive incoming calls while listening to music. The speaker can also be remotely controlled when adjusting the volume, skipping tracks or turning the device on and off.

The cy•fi wireless sports speaker is not exactly a new product on the market, nor is the concept of a wireless speaker. Yet, the cy•fi is revolutionary simply because of its practical significance.

Extremely portable, safe and simple to use, and ever evolving (a small digital display with simple cycling metrics is in the works), the cy•fi brings hours of CD quality sounding music to your ears as well as for those within 30 feet of broadcast range. Considering the alternatives, the cy•fi should be required gear for any active outdoor enthusiasts.

For more information, visit www.mycyfi.com.

Too often, whether in life or in business, we are guilty of trying to find the next big idea; “a solution that is so elegant, so profound that it stuns by virtue of its brilliance.” But sometimes, just sometimes, big results come from the simplest or smallest ideas. Such was the case with Nicole DeBoom, who went on to found SkirtSports, a fitness-skirt specialty company, simply because she did not recognize her feminine self in the reflection of a store window she ran by while training.

What is in a name?

If Nicole’s last name is recognizable, chances are you are familiar with the athletic exploits of her husband, endurance athlete and two-time Ironman World Champion, Tim DeBoom. But regardless of her identifiable last name, Nicole is just as exceptional an athlete as her husband, and as dynamic and vivacious a person as I have ever met.

“Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Nicole became an accomplished runner and swimmer by high school, qualifying for the 1988 Olympic Swimming Trials in the 100m breaststroke when she was 16. From high school she went on to earn a degree in sociology at Yale University, where she swam varsity for the Yale swim team.

Nicole's triathlon career began in 1999 with a remarkable and quick climb to the upper echelon of elite racers, as she made her pro triathlon debut in 1999. The next year Nicole took her game to the next level as she competed in her first Ironman distance event, finishing third in the California Ironman and 12th at the Hawaii Ironman World Championship.

In 2002 she began focusing mainly on short distance triathlon racing, with great success, including first-place wins in major events in Boulder, Chicago, and Memphis. In 2004 she made a return to Ironman racing and won Ironman Wisconsin."

“Convert to Skirt”

The inception of SkirtSport may sound like some contrived story; a pleasant anecdote that Nicole shares to connect with her customers or would be merchandisers, but it is not.  While training one day Nicole glanced at her reflection in a store window and realized something was missing. Her apparel had no sass or femininity. Although her athletic prowess had allowed her to compete with the boys throughout her career, she did not necessarily care to look like one.

"In 2005, she founded the fitness-skirt specialty company, which featured pink-based fitness skirts, designed by a female athlete, for female athletes. The line launched under “TRIKS” and was designed for use in marathons, triathlons, during gym workouts, or post workout. Since the company launch, SkirtSports has made national and international headlines, growing from an online catalog to selling in specialty retail shops both nationally and within Canada under the SkirtSports name.”

And for all her insight and hard work, Nicole was chosen as a winner of the second annual, Sporting Goods Business (SGB) 40-Under-40 Award, from a pool of over 500 industry nominees earlier this year. She was one of only three women chosen in the top 40 nominated for this year’s award.

New for 2010

At Interbike, Nicole took the time to take me through the paces of their current line and the upcoming Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Although some of the 2010 designs were not readily available at the time of the show, the new collection combines the same technical fabrics with stylish designs for which  SkirtSports has become known.  The 2010 line includes the addition of the Tri Tank and Tri Bottoms to the Tri Collection and the new Breezer BikeGirl and FreeRide ShortSleeve Jersey to the Cycling Collection.

“The Spring/Summer line incorporates lightweight fabrics and bright colors perfect for warmer weather and sunshine. Most importantly, these pieces perform whether you’re training for your tenth triathlon or out on a picnic with your family,” said Nicole.

Two staples of the Tri Collection, the Tri Tank and Tri Bottoms, have been revamped for 2010. The Tri Bottoms are now available in a longer, 8-inch inseam as well as the standard 5-inch inseam, and feature the 4-way stretch mini Chamois and silicone grippers at the waistband and leg openings. With a new sash of color across the front, the Tri Tank contains a built-in bra with the convenient cleavage alley pocket and UV protection.

The newest additions to the Cycle Collection are the Breezer BikeGirl and FreeRide ShortSleeve Jersey. Featuring a looser skirt over compression shorts, the new Breezer BikeGirl (2009 Cruiser BikeGirl shown above) is perfect for the bike commuter or gym spin class. The shorts contain mini Chamois and an all-mesh skirt with a small slit that allows for movement. The new FreeRide ShortSleeve Jersey (2009 FreeRide Sleeveless Jersey shown above) presents a longer sleeve length, reflective half zipper and long torso.

These certainly are exciting times for the Ironman Champion and entrepreneur. Four years into actualizing her feminine intuition, Nicole has revolutionized the athletic apparel industry.  "SkirtSports continues to expand through a variety of avenues as they continue to push their “Convert to Skirt” campaign, where more and more women discover the power that comes from the Skirt!"

Photos: Courtesy of SkirtSports (first and second): Leonard Basobas (third - fifth)

Las Vegas, NV - If Outdoor Demo Days is the "heart" of Interbike, then the Expo is its dolled up exterior that draws your attention like a shiny new penny. 

In my third year of attending the annual bicycle trade show, it would be easy to presume that I might have an inkling as to how to cover it. But in truth, the task is just as complex as ever. While my past experiences have made the expansiveness of the show less daunting, I am still like that child who has just discovered, and then been let loose, in his first toy store. There is always something new to see, someone new to meet, and something new to experience. In that respect, Las Vegas is perhaps the perfect playground to hold the event.

This year's expo was no less flashy and was just as well attended as in years past. However, several of the larger bicycle manufacturers were noticeably absent from the showroom floor; no doubt a by-product of the sagging economy.

Component maker, SRAM, in contrast, was well represented at the show. As a former Chicagoan, I could not help but revel in the sheer size of their booth and the bevy of onlookers in it. Despite what seemed to be a fairly cornered components market, SRAM has slowly established itself as one of the industry's leaders. Their components are seemingly as ubiquitous as Campagnolo's and Shimano's in the professional peloton these days. And with the recent news that the Chicago based company has signed on as the component sponsor of Lance Armstrong's Team RadioShack, it can be argued that SRAM is now the foremost component manufacturer in the sport.

It certainly is a far cry from their Pentasport 5-speed hub and their original downtown office/factory, but it just goes to show how far "narrow minded yet forward thinking" can take you.

MORE: Code Red - Team TIBCO's Amber Rais reviews SRAM's Red components for the Triple Crankset

Boulder City, NV - Since its reappearance on the Interbike exposition floor in 2007, the Delta 7 Sports' IsoTruss frame has been a personal fascination, bordering on an obsession.  It is a startlingly visual oddity in the solid tubing world of cycling, and one that instantly appealed to my scientific and analytical senses.

Developed at BYU under the direction of Civil Engineering Professor David W. Jensen, Director of the Center for Advanced Structural Composites, the IsoTruss open lattice structures are made up of three-dimensional (3-D) pyramid-shaped trusses formed by combining two-dimensional (2-D) trusses, such as the kind commonly used in architectural design. The pyramid-like structure of an IsoTruss lattice utilizes the well-known geometry of a triangle with two equal sides (an Isosceles Triangle) to create a form with a superior weight-to-strength ratio. Hence, the name IsoTruss comes from the "iso" in isosceles, while "truss" comes from the architectural design known as trusses.

The fusion of 2-D trusses into the 3-D pyramid-shaped forms found within an IsoTruss structure has enabled Delta 7 Sports to build bicycle frames that bend less, twist less (torsion) and flex less (axial stiffness) than metal bike frames of comparable weight.

I had the good fortune to test ride Delta 7 Sports' Arantix at Bootleg Canyon during last year's Outdoor Demo Days. The ride was what I had anticipated, if not more. This year, it was time to try out their road offering, the Ascend.

I saddled up with a few hundred other Outdoor Demo Days attendees for the annual Tour de Lake Mead, a 24-mile round trip ride from Bootleg Canyon to Lake Mead, which has become known more as a speed fest rather than a tour these days.

The Ascend that I rode was kitted out with SRAM's Red components, a Reynolds' MV32C wheelset, an Alpha Q carbon fork, Ritchey's WCS carbon stem and handlebars, and a Specialized saddle. And although I regularly ride a 52 cm bicycle, I ended up riding their 54.

As soon as the tour started, I quickly garnered the reason as to why so many people had labeled the ride to Lake Mead a speed fest; the first few miles were all downhill. The rest of the tour was an up and down affair, and the trip back afforded me the opportunity to get a good sense of how the bicycle would, well, ascend.

Similar to its mountain cousin, the Arantix, the Ascend descended fast and stably.  Even though I had only been on the bike for a few minutes, I had no qualms turning it loose downward toward Lake Mead.  On the climb back, the lightweight Ascend did as its namesake intended.  Like many boutique carbon bicycles, the Ascend made the act of climbing less arduous.  The ride was comfortable and the bike responsive while in the saddle and the frame did not display any noticeable flex while out of it.

In comparison to other racing rigs, the Ascend is not the stiffest frame on the market. This fact may dissuade the hard core racer from even considering the Ascend, but that approach may prove to be a bit shortsighted. After the ride, I spoke to Delta 7 Sports' Marketing Director, Lester Muranaka, about the frame's stiffness, or the perceived lack thereof.

While preliminary data does show that the frame is not as stiff as some others on the market, the Ascend is a pleasantly contrived conundrum.  The frame may not be as stiff but it allows its riders to work more efficiently; exerting less energy while generating the same amount of power.

If you are one that requires more "proof in your pudding" then you need not look any further than the results of sprinters Rahsaan Bahati or Theresa Cliff Ryan, whose Verducci Breakaway team used the Ascend during this year's USA Cycling NRC, as each used the frame to ascend their respective podiums.

Additionally, one of the distinct advantages of the Ascend's web-like open lattice tubes, which may or may not be readily apparent, is its remarkable performance in windy conditions.  While solid tube bikes, and their riders, are often times left to the wind's devices, the open lattice tubes of the Ascend allowed me to put all my focus and effort forward rather than using any of it laterally; an attribute which would benefit any rider who deals with crosswinds on a daily basis.

Overall, the Ascend is one of the strongest frames in its weight class, at an estimated weight of less than 1000 grams. It is available as frame set only or as a complete bike with SRAM Red or Campy Super Record. Suggested retail: $5,995 (frame only), $10,995-$16,995 (complete bike).

Photos: Leonard Basobas

Boulder City, NV -  "From the Heart of the Pyrenees" to the dust of Bootleg Canyon. Surprisingly, Orbea is still a relatively new name in the North American cycling market despite its long heritage of bicycle manufacturing. The Spanish based company has been doing so since 1930, and it can actually trace its cycling roots all the way back to “1847 when the Orbea brothers began their metal tubing business in the Basque region of northern Spain.”

At this year’s Interbike Outdoor Demo Days, Orbea’s flagship bicycle, the Orca, was made available for testing. Vetted on the Pro Tour by the Basque region’s own Euskatel-Euskadi team, the Orca is full carbon frame made up of a combination of 70% high modulus Toray M40J and 30% high-strength M30S carbon fibers. The layup makes the Orca not only aesthetically pleasing, but provides it with exceptional performance qualities as well as.

The Orca that I tested was a hodgepodge of various components: Zeus C2 alloy stem and handlebar, Reynolds’ Solitude wheelset, Selle Italia’s SLK SE saddle, and Shimano’s brand new Di2 gruppo.

The first and most notable quality of the Orca is its stability. It is a well balanced bicycle, front to back, and comes off feeling like a very sturdy and comfortable ride, both attributes that may make it seems like a heavy and even stodgy frame. But when asked to respond or when attacking uphill, the Orca seemed as stiff, light and responsive as any other carbon frame in the high-end category.

In regard to Shimano’s Di2 gruppo, even though it was widely tested at the Tour de France, I was still skeptical of the electronic shifters. My preconceived notion was that electronic shifting is a bit like having electronically adjustable seats in your car; merely a luxury item. But with the whirling sound of the Di2’s motor, it was easy to see why so many high-end bikes will soon be sporting the gruppo. During the short time frame that I rode the Orca, I tried to make the Di2 skip or even sound clunky, but all I felt, and heard, was a smooth and exceptionally quiet transition from gear to gear.

As a frameset, the Orca weighs in at $2,999. If you choose the full carbon option, with Zeus carbon components, a pair of Zipp 404’s, and Shimano's Di2, the Orca will run you close to $10,000.  Orbea; however,  provides enough build options to help you stay within your budget.  If you are in the market for a sturdy, high performance machine, then Orbea’s Orca should definitely be on your short list.

Photos: Leonard Basobas (second-fourth)

Boulder City, NV - When BMC first unveiled what has now become their signature integrated skeletal frameset, the brand easily became the most provocative on the market, if not for the oddity of its design but in the fact that the distinctive frame performed as well if not better than anything on the market.

With their Racemaster SLX01, BMC seems to have once again broken the proverbial mold. The Swiss bicycle manufacturer’s unique engineering and design craftsmanship have created what is perhaps the perfect combination of carbon and aluminum, which won them the prestigious red dot design award in the "best of the best" category and also the design award of the 2009 International Design Forum in Hanover.

Visually similar to their high end full carbon Pro Machine SLC 01, the Racemaster SLX01 combines the rigidity of aluminum and the comfort of carbon using a lay up of materials in what they refer to as their “aluminum trident,” shown in silver below, and their “carbon arc,” shown in black.

The “aluminum trident” employs 7005 Aluminum alloy, hydro-formed and triple butted tubing to create a stiff, light, and highly power efficient bottom bracket area, whereas the overlaying Easton CNT “carbon arc” provides the Racemaster SLX01 with superior comfort and stability usually expected from a full carbon frame.

The aerodynamic integrated Streampost 73.5, with its tear-dropped cross section that continues along the airfoil down tube and its intelligent angle lock clamping system, which allows for a maximum degree of adjustability, is simply icing on a well-designed cake.

Having arrived to Bootleg Canyon rather late on the first day of Interbike’s Outdoor Demo Days, I took the BMC Racemaster SLX01 out on fairly deserted road demo course; the increased winds and dust most likely having taken its toll on most of the day’s attendees. The tester was kitted out with Fulcrum’s Racing 1 wheelset, Shimano's Ultegra components, FSA stem and handlebar, and Selle Italia’s Flite saddle.

Without the knowledge of its material makeup, the Racemaster SLX01 was just as plush, light, stiff, and responsive as any full carbon bike I had ever tested. I was honestly surprised to find out that it was a composite bicycle. I was even more impressed with the ride quality because the frameset was not masked by a pair of unusually deep-dished carbon wheels, which is sometimes the case with some other bicycle manufacturers out at Demo Days. As with any super light bicycle, I did get thrown around a bit by what I would later find out were 20-30mph winds, but as soon as I picked up the speed the ride smoothed considerably.

The SLX 01 is available in 6 sizes: 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 61, and in two colors, Blue and Yellow. It comes standard with an Easton carbon fiber fork built with an aluminum crown and steerer. At a price point of $1999 for the frameset, the Racemaster SLX01 should be the only alternative if you are not solely and completely enamored with attaining a full carbon monocoque machine.

Photos: Leonard Basobas (first, third - fifth)

Boulder City, NV – Interbike, the largest bicycle industry trade show in North America, is many things to many people. At the heart of the trade show, and perhaps in its purest form, is its Outdoor Demo Days. The two day event, partly trade show and mostly bicycle festival, was once again held at Bootleg Canyon, which lost its regular trail caretaker, Brent Thomson, earlier this year to complications from a heart bypass.

This year's event was a true testament to not only Mr. Thomson's years of meticulous work, but also to the bicycle industry as a whole as more people made their way to Boulder City for the event than in the previous year, and this was accomplished in spite of the sagging US economy.  The normal staple of mountain and road bikes were made available for demonstration, and the usual unusual effects of the event, such as Mongoose's Dunk Tank, were present.  But this year's Demo Days also reflected a shift in the industry. Because of the ever increasing number of Americans who have recently discovered the practicality of using two wheels, a great number of foldable commuter and electric bike manufacturers, such as Brompton and Ultra Motor, were readily apparent.

In many respects, Interbike's Outdoor Demo Days is a Woodstockian utopia, where mud is replaced by swirling dust, propped up on two wheels. It is microcosm of America where the various cross-sections of the cycling community converge to share in the experience, and joy, of turning a simple crank.  It may not be as glamorous or as glitzy as the exposition, but Demo Days is bound to leave you with a lasting impression, both good and sometimes bad.

Photos: Leonard Basobas