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Interbike show
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, August 31-September 3, 2008
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Part 12 - October 2: Cool urban bikes
By Gary Boulanger, Bikeradar.com US editor
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High fuel prices and a shaky economy has catapulted urban and commuting bikes into the forefront, as was evident in the volume of stylistic, asphalt-munching bikes and accessories shown at the 2008 Interbike trade show in Las Vegas September 22 - 26. There were several tastey urban commuters and fixies on display.
There's an obvious influence cascading through the industry from the North American Handbuilt folks, as integrated lights, racks and sweeping lines were seen in every corner of the show. And, Brooks leather saddles were adorning more bikes than ever in Las Vegas, a testament to the power of reto chic and function. Internal gearing, bamboo racks and fenders, swept-back handlebars and colour options never seen on street bikes has everyone getting ramped up on simplicity once again. Here's Part One of our urban coverage from the Sands Convention Center.
Breezer Bikes
One of the biggest news items relating to commuting was longtime bicycle advocate and mountain bike pioneer Joe Breeze's company, Breezer Bikes, being acquired by Advanced Sports, Inc. (ASI), owners of Fuji, SE Bikes and Kestrel. Farifax, California-based Breeze will expand the commuting line that's been his forte for 10 years, and expand it with mountain bikes. We especially liked the tricked out Breezer Finesse, specced with Shimano Alfine gruppo and disc-brake wheelset.
Electra
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Electra, long known for its beach cruisers and recently the Amsterdam line, have expanded into the delivery boy and iPod-listening market, with racks and storage galore. Not only can one choose from a range of retro commuter style bikes, one can also pick a colour to match your latest iPod player.
Civia
The Civia line debuted at last year's Interbike, and has expanded generously for 2009. Alongside the Hyland platform comes the Loring. Ortlieb-made waterproof panniers and a full line of wooden fenders, baskets and accessories have also been added.
Schwinn
The company that got its start in 1895 is keeping with the times, reflected in its Earth urban commuter made of natural fibers.
Raleigh
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Raleigh's heritage stretches back almost as far as Schwinn, and the Superbe
Roadster is a blast from the past with modern updates, including disc brakes
and wood fenders.
Felt
Felt's curbside mixes bike messenger sensibility with bmx protection.: felt's curbside mixes bike messenger sensibility with bmx protection.
Felt's Cafe line falls in nicely with the needs of the coffee-shop crowd. The Curbside urban fixie reflects the bike messenger and BMX influences running rampant on Fixedgeargallery.com and on the mean streets of big cities worldwide.
Masi
The Italian heritage comes full circle with Masi's expanded line of Soulville cafe bikes for 2009. The California company has also generously expanded its urban fixed-gear offerings, including the Speciale Fixed Ltd.
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Gary Boulanger/Bikeradar.com
- Electra continues its retro vibe with a stout paperboy delivery looking bike.
- Joe Breeze, mountain bike pioneer and commuting guru.
- Breezer commuting accessories are essential, and work nicely with the line of Breezer bikes.
- Need a bike to match your new iPod?
- My favourite colour has always been red, just ask my mom.
- Civia has added the Loring to its model line for 2009.
- The Civia Hyland gets some new spec and a lower price point model, this time with three speeds.
- Bamboo racks and fenders, naturally.
- Civia has partnered with waterproof pannier makers Ortlieb.
- The Schwinn Earth urban commuter... a delight to commuters and Pandas alike.
- It appears sustainable materials like bamboo are becoming a serious alternative.
- Raleigh's heritage returns with the Superbe Roadster.
- Felt's Cafe 24 leaves nothing to chance for coffee lovers and pedal pushers.
- Felt's Curbside mixes bike messenger sensibility with BMX protection.
- Masi's Soulville cafe line has been expanded to include this mixte.
- Masi's flagship fixie, the Speciale Fixed Ltd.
