Interbike 2004

Las Vegas, USA, October 4-8, 2004

Dressing for dinner: Components, clothes and nutrition

Here's a final round-up of kit from Interbike, looking at more new components, clothing and nutrition products.

Crank Brothers finally makes cranks
Photo ©: Jon Devich

One of the biggest component announcements of Interbike was the news that Crank Brothers is finally making - ta-da! - cranks. The arms have a hollow structure with a striking brushed steel outer plate. In a world that seems to be being taken over by very similar-looking carbon cranks, they're dramatically different.

Speaking of carbon, Italy's Selcof had its line of carbon bars, stems and seatposts on show for ogling. The line features silver carbon - already a big hit in frames - and a very tidy one-piece bar and stem for the very deep of wallet. US importer Red Rose also had new carbon cranks and lightweight pedals from Miche.

Giordana’s new jersey
Photo ©: Jon Devich

The effect of dimples and bobbles on the aerodynamics of surfaces is well known - take a look at a golf ball or the surfaces of the latest deep-rim aero wheels from the likes of Zipp. Giordana is bringing the same idea to clothing with its new range of jerseys that features silicone texturing on the shoulders to smooth airflow over the rider. Giordana also has a new, smooth leg gripper, and a bibshort design that eliminates seams at the shoulders.

Also from Italy, clothing company Bergamo showed off its new design of shorts pad (since these things no longer even vaguely resemble a slab of leather, it's starting to feel silly to call them 'chamois') and Capo had some nifty socks.

Southern California clothing manufacturer Canari was spruiking its custom clothing - canari will make as few as ten of a special-order item, which is handy for small clubs and teams and special occassions.

On the nutrition front, Maxim and Extran, two of the bigger companies in the area, recently merged and had a combined presence for the first time. Both Honey Stinger - maker of honey-based energy gels - and Powerbar announced new flavours, with Powerbar's cookies and cream variety sounding like it can't possibly be good for you. It's still very much a Powerbar though.

Photos

Crank Brothers finally makes cranks Photo ©: Jon Devich	They're hollow Photo ©: Jon Devich	Lots of titanium Photo ©: Jon Devich
Crank Bros pedal range Photo ©: Jon Devich	The Quattra Ti cleat Photo ©: Jon Devich	Selcof carbon post Photo ©: Jon Devich
Selcof all-in-one carbon bar and stem Photo ©: Jon Devich	Cable routing Photo ©: Jon Devich	Silver carbon comes to bars Photo ©: Jon Devich
A close look Photo ©: Jon Devich	Two-bolt Selcof seatpost Photo ©: Jon Devich	Supertype by Miche cranks Photo ©: Jon Devich
Miche's new Supertype pedal Photo ©: Jon Devich	Giordana’s new jersey Photo ©: Jon Devich	A flat, smooth silicone band Photo ©: Jon Devich
Giordana continued the smooth lines Photo ©: Jon Devich	Bergamo displays Photo ©: Jon Devich	A new chamois was introduced by Bergamo Photo ©: Jon Devich
Capo showed its line of slick-looking socks. Photo ©: Jon Devich	Canari's custom men and women's design clothing Photo ©: Kristy Scrymgeour	Canari's custom clothing Photo ©: Kristy Scrymgeour
Canari's Arrogant Bastard Ale jersey Photo ©: Kristy Scrymgeour	Maxim and Extran become one Photo ©: Kristy Scrymgeour	Honey stinger at large Photo ©: Kristy Scrymgeour
Honey Stinger added flavours Photo ©: Kristy Scrymgeour	Powerbar also has a new flavour Photo ©: Kristy Scrymgeour