Eurobike 2002

Friedrichshafen, Germany, August 29-September 1, 2002

Eurobike Pt 2a

Maverick

By Paul Mirtschin

Monolink
Photo: © Bike2build

The Maverick monolink design has been with us a few years now, and has been gradually building a reputation as one of the best high-end suspension designs. Good enough in fact that Klein has decided to licence the design for its range of bikes. Quite a deal, and we bet Paul Turner doesn't mind the extra cash... We expect this move means we'll see a lot more Klein bikes out on the trail, too.

• Maverick bike with the legendary suspension design and Maverick's own fork
• The Maverick sure got some attention!
• Klein also has a 'Maverick' full suspension bike.

Time

The new Z Pedal
Photo: © Bike2build

Time have long been the leader in mud compatible clipless pedals, and for the last few years have been showing off prototypes of the platform pedal they had planned. But nothing ever made it to production, until now. Two pedals were on show at Eurobike, the Z Pedal and the larger Z Control. Both have large aluminium bodies, with the cheaper Z Pedal having a cast finish while the Z Control gets the full machined look. And both use the ATAC mechanism so they're compatible with the current non-platform pedals.

Time also had their new carbon composite stem on show, and it looks the goods. Nice flowing lines, and as little material as possible makes for the sort of stem you just need to own. The other guys at the cafe will be drooling over this one.

And speaking of drooling, cast your eyes over the Time road bike. They may be hard to find, but worth the search.

• Say hello to this Time roadbike. Used in the Tour de France by the Bonjour team, its very exclusive
• The Time bike again, it's made from carbon and we like it
• Time Freeride platforms
• Time carbon stem

Shimano

XTR V's
Photo: © Bike2build

The big S had a lot of new products at Eurobike, and even though we have had sneak looks at all the gear over the last few months, it was still nice to see it in all its glory.

First up was the big one, the redesigned XTR components that we reported on a few weeks ago. Amazingly lightweight discs, super stiff cranks and bottom bracket and an all new look meant that the Shimano stand had a constant flow of visitors. And with all the fuss over the discs, it's easy to overlook the XTR V-Brakes and non-disc hubs, but they still look nice.

Almost overshadowed by the XTR stand were the 2003 LX components Only a slight redesign here, and only really noticeable in the new crank design, the main point of interest is the new gold and black colour scheme. It seems that the new colour scheme has divided the punters, with some loving the new colour, and others hating it. Having seen it on a bike with matching colour scheme on the forks and frame, I think it's a winner. But if you are one of those who dislike the colour, it will still be available in the grey colour of 2002.

Looks good
Photo: © Bike2build

Sitting among Shimano's road components was the new Shimano PD-7750, also known as the Lance Pedal. We first got a look at the 7750 earlier in the year when it was spotted on Lance's bike, and now it's made it to production, earning the usual Shimano alpha-numerical product designation. I expect we will be seeing a lot more of this pedal in the coming year.

• Best crankset ever? It sure has the looks
• Smooth looking XTR rear disc brake
• Another pic of the new XTR disc caliper.
• The front caliper is a piece of art
• We won't say any more about it.
• The new 'look-a-like' Dura Ace pedals already seen on Lance Armstrong's bike this season
• Possibly the finest rim brakes ever made
• Long cage XTR mech
• The front hub looks very nice

More from Part 2