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Eurobike showGermany, August 31-September 3, 2006Eurobike 2006On a crisp clear last day of August, the 15th edition of Eurobike opened in Friedrichshafen, Germany. In a decade and a half, Eurobike has evolved from a small regional show to the world's leading bicycle trade fair, with 826 exhibitors from 38 nations packing all the available space at the 11 halls and open air grounds at the Friedrichshafen Messe. Although many observers noted that new and innovative products were few and far between at the Eurobike show, the crowds were big and enthusiastic; most manufacturers, dealers and industry insiders were cautiously optimistic about 2007 sales even if pre-season indications were for a soft market in next year's bicycle sales season. Part 1Look Cycle doubles up on top end frames & more Italian goodiesLook's new 595 frameset was first spotted beneath Crédit Agricole rider Pietro Caucchioli at this year's TdF. As expected, Look officially launched its carbon nanotube-enhanced flagship here at Eurobike, but it also released an additional variant as well. The new 595 Ultra shares the same integrated seat mast, very high modulus (VHM) carbon tubes and lugs, carbon dropouts, and Monobloc chainstay and seatstay construction as the original but is said to be 15% stiffer overall while adding only 20-30g. The original 595 was designed to strike more of a balance between chassis rigidity and rider comfort and is now dubbed "Origin". Look's extant 585 also receives similar treatment with the introduction of a stiffer Ultra version for that model as well. Ultra frames are identified by a unidirectional carbon sheet while Origin frames will be covered in a more recognizable 3k carbon fiber weave. Although the Ultra frames are slightly more expensive to produce, Look will keep the pricing identical between the two options within each respective model. Cyclingnews also had the chance to check out new goodies from De Marchi and Wilier, among others. More - lots more - from Eurobike over the next few days, but meantime, check the day 1 photo gallery for a taster. PhotographyFor a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews
Images by Tim Maloney/Cyclingnews
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