Tech News – September 21, 2007 Edited by James Huang Got tech? Send press releases, news, and tech questions to the Cyclingnews tech desk. Interbike set to kick off Monday with new OutDoor Demo Exhibition Area This year's OutDoor Demo event promises to be Photo ©: James Huang The 2007 Interbike show opens its 'doors' for business in Las Vegas, NV this Monday, September 24 with its now-customary OutDoor Demo. This year's show will see a new OutDoor Demo exhibition area, however, which promises to deliver easier access, a less dusty atmosphere, and an environment generally better suited to conducting business. The new setting, still located at Bootleg Canyon in nearby Boulder City, is situated just 275m (350yd) to the west of the original location and boasts new pavement and landscaping courtesy of Boulder City's Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as improved access to both road and off-road testing grounds. According to Lance Camisasca, Interbike's show director, "The new expo area is a huge improvement. We're excited for everyone to see and use the new area." The OutDoor Demo is scheduled to run September 24-25, followed by three days indoors at the Sands Convention Center in downtown Las Vegas. As usual, Cyclingnews will offer daily coverage so be sure to stay tuned for what's new and hot for 2008. Interbike 2007 set to be 'greenest' yet Interbike has taken steps over the past three years to reduce the environmental impact of its trade show and continues the practice for this year's event. This year's indoor expo will utilize recycled aisle carpeting (and the offering of recycled carpeting to exhibitors), recycled paper badges printed with natural soy ink, the collection of cardboard for recycling, and the increased use of electronic communication to cut down on print materials. At the OutDoor Demo, vendors will offer organic food and use biodegradable utensils and other foodware, and exhibitors will be supplied with biodegradable bags to collect refuse. Recycling bins will also be strategically situated throughout the new venues. Carbon emissions are a hot topic in today's environmentally-conscious world, and Interbike has also jumped on the bandwagon through its Green Steps Program. Through the program, Interbike calculates the amount of carbon emissions produced as a result of powering the show and purchases enough Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) to offset that figure. According to Interbike, this is the equivalent of having the show run entirely on renewable wind power. "That one step alone was the equivalent to taking thirty cars off the road for an entire year," said Camisasca. "Going green can sometimes mean some sacrifice, but many times the sacrifice has rewards and benefits that ultimately improve one's lifestyle." In addition, Interbike has asked attendees and exhibitors to follow suit through its new Carbon Neutral Travel program. After calculating the amount of carbon emissions produced as a result of traveling to the event, participants are encouraged to purchase sufficient credits to offset their own 'carbon footprint'. "In our efforts to reduce the negative environmental impact of the show, we knew the next natural step was to invite our exhibitors and attendees to join us in the effort," Camisasca said. "As a sign of our appreciation, on our Green Steps web page we will highlight industry members who are successfully working to decrease their environmental impact." SRAM reports positive impact of its 'Project Tsunami' initiative World Bicycle Relief's Project Tsunami Photo ©: Leah Missbach Day SRAM launched its ambitious 'Project Tsunami' to help in the monumental task of rebuilding the area impacted by the devastating tsunami of December 2004. The program, initiated through its World Bicycle Relief division, delivered 24,300 bicycles to residents of Sri Lanka as a means to help them "return to independence and livelihood" and facilitate the general recovery of the region. Two years later, TANGO International, an institution that provides "long-term technical support to organizations engaged with the on-going struggle to alleviate hunger and poverty", released its report on the impact of the World Bicycle Relief program which appears to have been enormously successful. According to the report, 88% of recipients continue to depend on their donated bicycle in day-to-day activities, and those households have also saved up to 30% of their combined income as a result of having an efficient means of reliable transportation. Interestingly, the report also states that the program has had a particularly profound effect on women of the region, as 82% of female recipients say that they use their bicycle to help generate income. World Bicycle Relief will present highlights of the study at this year's Interbike show as part of the "One Goal, Many Solutions: Empowering the World through Bicycles" forum. Other organizations participating in the forum include BikeTown Africa, CaliforniaBike, Project Rwanda, Sister Shops, and Wheels4Life. The forum is scheduled to take place in Conference Room 601 at 9am on Wednesday, September 26. First Endurance to introduce improved OptygenHP at Interbike First Endurance's new OptygenHP Photo ©: First Endurance Sports nutrition company First Endurance earned a loyal following with its Optygen supplement, which the company claims increases VO2max and anaerobic threshold while simultaneously decreasing lactic acid production. Whether you believe it or not, Optygen has convinced a number of high-profile ProTour riders, not the least of which include 'Fast' Freddy Rodriguez (Predictor-Lotto), Ben Jacques-Maynes (Priority Health), Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel), and teammate (and 2007 Tour de France champion) Alberto Contador. For 2008, First Endurance will launch a new version dubbed OptygenHP. As compared to the original, OptygenHP now also includes beta-alanine which is claimed to improve muscular endurance and general exercise capacity, boost strength, and delay muscle fatigue. In addition, First Endurance also says OptygenHP's more potent rhodiola formula better facilitates the body's adaptation to physical stress. Louis Garneau offers limited edition helmet to benefit fight against breast cancer Louis Garneau offers its limited edition Ride Pink helmet Photo ©: Louis Garneau Louis Garneau joins the movement to increase breast cancer activism and awareness with the introduction of its limited edition Ride Pink helmet. According to Louis Garneau, 100% of the profits generated from sales of the Ride Pink helmet will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The helmet is based on the company's 'Fast' model and is covered with a uniquely coloured shell and supplied with now-characteristic pink ribbon decals. The Ride Pink helmet also includes Louis Garneau's Spiderlock Elite adjustable retention device, internal reinforcement ring, Airdry Fusion padding, and a removable visor. Suggested retail is US$54.99. Former Answer Products/Manitou employee opens suspension service center Answer Products' acquisition by HB Performance Systems and subsequent relocation to Mequon, Wisconsin has, not unexpectedly, resulted in significant personnel changes at the former bicycle suspension giant. Among the 'casualties' who chose to remain behind is Bobby Acuña, who most recently served at Answer Products as Warranty Supervisor. Acuña will remain in southern California but will remain in the industry with the opening of his AcuñaTech mail-in suspension service center. Currently, Acuña is only accepting service for rear shocks from Manitou and Marzocchi (but plans to expand in the near future), and is also only accepting service enquiries from dealers and distributors for the time being. Available services include diagnosis and complete rebuilds using factory-specified seals. Further information can be obtained by contacting Acuña directly at acunatech@aol.com Photography For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com This year's OutDoor Demo event promises to be a little less dusty than in years past. Images by Leah Missbach Day/leahmissbach.com World Bicycle Relief's Project Tsunami delivered over 24,000 bicycles to survivors of the December 2004 catastrophe. Images by First Endurance First Endurance debuts its new OptygenHP formula at this year's Interbike show. Images by Louis Garneau Louis Garneau offers its limited edition Ride Pink helmet in support of breast cancer awareness and activism.