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Interbike show
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, September 22-26, 2008
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Part 16 - October 9, 2008: Dressed from head to toe
By James Huang
Shimano pushes Thermo-Form in Las Vegas
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It’s not hard to be convinced by Shimano’s Thermo-Form argument once you have had the opportunity to spend some time in a pair of properly-fitted kicks. After all, the idea of a production, off-the-shelf shoe that can be quickly and easily custom-shaped around your foot is awfully compelling.
Even so, we were entirely unprepared for what awaited us as we approached the sizeable Shimano booth at Interbike.
From show open to show close, there was a line of show attendees easily stretching up to 20-deep waiting patiently for some Thermo-Form shoes of their own. Shimano offered special show-only pricing and had ovens and fitters at the ready, both of which appeared to be logging an uncomfortable amount of working hours.
Shimano wasn’t able to provide figures on exactly how many pairs of feet it made happy during the three indoor days of this year’s Interbike show, but if this is any indication, even former Shimano North American president Kozo Shimano (and yes, there is a relation) was on his hands and knees fitting shoes in a fruitless hope of shortening the reported near two-hour wait times.
Still sceptical?
Pearl Izumi revisits high-end with new P.R.O. Octane line
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Colorado-based cycling apparel maker Pearl Izumi aims to re-establish its position at the upper echelons of the market with its new made-in-Italy P.R.O. Octane line. As the ‘Insanely Anatomical’ tagline suggests, the Garmin team-inspired fits are decidedly more oriented towards racers, compared to the mainstream cuts Pearl Izumi has more typically resorted to as of late. The garments will include a number of top-end features shared by some of its headier competition.
Shorts will include a new preshaped ‘4D Pro’ stretch chamois with fully welded construction, wide leg bands with laser-cut edges, minimal silicone gripper dots, and open mesh upper bib sections. The matching form-fit jersey will use strategically-placed mesh panels, a siliconised lower hem and asymmetrically cut sleeves for more even coverage on the bike. According to Pearl Izumi, the Meryl microfibers used also provide UPF50 protection.
Peal Izumi will offer the P.R.O. Octane pieces in both men’s and women’s-specific versions.
Pearl Izumi’s shoe range will also grow with the introduction of an Elite model that will slot in between the P.R.O. and Attack lines. The Elite will share the P.R.O.’s carbon sole but match it with a more traditional three-strap hook-and-loop upper fortified with generous helpings of nylon mesh to aid ventilation.
Sidi gets formal
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The shiny new ‘Vernice’ finishes (think patent leather) on Sidi’s top-end shoes perhaps look better suited for a black-and-white ball but Interbike attendees seemed excited about them regardless. The road-going Ergo 2 will be offered in black or white versions while the dirt-loving Dragon 2 SRS Carbon will be available in an eye-catching red Vernice. If nothing else, we expect that the slick surface will be easy to wipe down after a ride!
XTerra racers finally get some attention with the new Terra which is purpose-built as an off-road triathlon race shoe. The two-strap multisport-specific upper uses a reverse-pull notched upper strap and generously sized finger pulls for faster transitions while a brushed interior provides sock-free comfort. The non-replaceable sole mimics Sidi’s Dominator tread and optional toe spikes can be fitted up front.
In other developments, the Genius 6.6 now sprouts a wider Mega variant complete with the standard version’s full carbon sole and Heel Security System, while the more value-oriented Zephyr and Spark models get upgraded to stiffer Millenium 3 soles.
New looks from Capo(forma)
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Capo, formerly known as Capoforma, knows that its garments don’t fit everyone but it’s unabashedly unapologetic in its dedication to producing race-ready gear. For 2009, it continues with its proven formula of providing high quality ‘bridge’ clothing that sits somewhere in between more US-centric kit and the ultra-pricey Euro brands but freshens things up with a wealth of new, co-ordinated colours.
The Modena range should appeal to those seeking a more subdued look with its bold black-and-white (or white-and-black) pattern and new ‘Drop’ fabric while the Ronde kit suggests to onlookers that you’d rather be sitting in the cold rain somewhere watching ‘cross and eating frites. Alternatively, the new Verde kit isn’t just green in color; it’s also made from 100 percent recycled materials so you can be ‘green’ in spirit, too.
Women aren’t ignored, either, with the new Stella and Fiora kits. Both feature gender-specific cuts with full-length zippers and wicking fabrics on the jerseys plus six-panel Power Lycra construction and Cytech EIT (Elastic Interface Technology) chamois for long-term comfort.
Descente soldiers on
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Descente has had a bit of a tumultuous year what with its break from the CSC-Saxo Bank team and the relicensing of its brand name to Nevada-based Veltec Sports. Even so, it found the energy to introduce a new ‘Icefil’ fabric to its top range of clothing for 2009. Descente claims the fabric’s Xylitol treatment absorbs heat from your body and also blocks IR rays from the sun, thus supposedly reducing surface temperature by up to five degrees Fahrenheit as compared to untreated fabrics. Icefil is not a permanent treatment but it is said to retain 70 percent of its effectiveness after 70 washes.
We were treated to a preview of the company’s new Micro-Fuse chamois during last year’s show season but 2009 is apparently when we will actually see it hit the market. Unlike most high-end shorts where a welded chamois is stitched to the base fabric, the Micro-Fuse is directly welded to the short. As a result, there are fewer seams and the rider benefits from a more minimal feel.
Descente will use the Icefil fabric on the Optima Ice jerseys for spring/summer 2009 and the Micro-Fuse on the C6 short and bib short. Both men’s and women’s versions will be offered for both.
Not wanting to be left off the Euro bandwagon, Descente will also launch a bolder-looking Moda line. The Slipstream model will provide wearers with a more coordinated look top-to-bottom; for those brave enough to dare, there will be not one, but two shorts with white bodies. According to Descente, both will remain opaque even when wet. That's a relief.
Louis Garneau has the power
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Louis Garneau will debut a new Carbon HRS road shoe for riders looking for the utmost in power transfer. According to Heidi Myers of Louis Garneau, the HRS’ Exo-Jet outsole is as stiff as the company could make it, and Kevlar-reinforced straps on the upper help guarantee a solid hold. Unlike the CFS shoe, there are no custom heat-mouldable panels but fore-aft vents on both the sole plate and in the upper should at least provide a similar level of cooling airflow. Claimed weight for a single size 41 shoe is 325g.
Louis Garneau will also continue to feature carbon on its uppermost range of clothing. The Pro Carbon ETS jersey features lightweight Carbon Ion and Power Mesh panels connected with flat-lock stitching. A full-length zipper offers flexible ventilation and the siliconised lower hem helps keep things in place.
The new Equipe bib short foregoes carbon for more supportive Lycra Power mated to a mesh bib section and Louis Garneau’s most comfortable AirGel chamois. The eight-panel construction eliminates seams on the inner thigh completely for reduced chafing, and the wide leg bands should be more comfortable than traditional grippers.
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Cyclingnews.com
- We've found Shimano's Thermo-Form shoes to be startling comfortable, as they should be given that they're molded around your own foot.
Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
- Apparently, a lot of Interbike showgoers felt the same way as there was an incredibly long line of people at the Shimano booth waiting up to two hours to purchase their own pair at a discounted price and molded right on site.
- Pearl Izumi is reaching for the premium clothing segment again with a new P.R.O. Octane line of clothing.
- Pearl Izumi will construct the new line in Italy using Italian fabrics and Euro-sourced designs.
- Women will also be treated to the P.R.O. Octane treatment.
- Asymmetrical sleeve cuts presumably will provide better coverage while in the cycling position.
- Wide leg bands are less restrictive…
- …and they're also lined with silicone dots inside.
- The new 4D Pro chamois is preshaped prior to stitching into the shorts.
- The matching Pearl Izumi Aero glove uses smooth edges.
- Pearl Izumi used its experiences with the Garmin team to help develop the new P.R.O. Octane line.
- The 'Speed Suit' uses textured fabrics in a number of strategic areas to decrease drag.
- More textured material is used on the shoulders.
- Pearl Izumi outfitted gold medal winner Sabine Spitz with a prototype pair of its Octane MTB shoes which are now available to the public.
- The lightweight upper is mated to a full-length carbon sole with an aggressive tread.
- Pearl Izumi will also offer its existing Octane SL road shoe in a bright red-and-white finish.
- The PRO road shoes feature the same carbon sole as the Octane SL but with a more conventional buckled upper.
- According to Pearl Izumi shoe product line manager Tony Torrance, the PRO shoe's synthetic heel liner holds far better than foam-filled designs.
- Mesh vents are welded into the upper.
- Pearl Izumi will add an Elite line to its shoe range for 2009.
- Though it will be substantially cheaper than the Octane SL, the Elite still uses a nearly identical full-length carbon sole.
- The Pearl Izumi Barrier GTX looks ready for winter with its weatherproof upper.
- The Barrier's aggressive sole should do well in snow.
- So, how shiny do you want to be?
- Sidi will offer the shiny 'Vernice' finish in the off-road Dragon 2 SRS Carbon, too.
- Sidi adds a wider Mega variant for its Genius 6.6 for 2009.
- The Genius 6.6 Mega also includes Sidi's new Heel Security System.
- The Sidi women's line looks to be among the most eye-catching around.
- Descente is using a new Icefil technology in some of its top-end kit that supposedly keeps riders cooler in warm temperatures than other fabrics.
- The Optima range will incorporate the Icefil treatment and will be offered in both sleeved and sleeveless varieties.
- The Optima's zippered center pocket is flanked by two other pockets that are angled for easier access.
- The unique collar cut presumably is more comfortable against your neck.
- The C6 short and bib short sit at the top of the Descente range.
- Descente's Microfuse chamois will finally make its way to market for the 2009 season.
- The Descente Slipstream line is intended for those looking for a bolder look.
- Less restrictive leg bands are lined with minimal gripper material.
- Descente has also expanded its women's-specific collection.
- The women's Slipstream jersey features unique removable arm warmers.
- Matching tops and bottoms are on hand as well.
- Louis Garneau says its new Carbon HRS shoe is for riders seeking maximum power transfer.
- The new Exo-Jet Carbon sole is apparently the stiffest one Louis Garneau has ever offered.
- The Carbon HRS upper is bolstered with Kevlar-reinforced straps.
- A wraparound heel strap helps to keep the rear of your foot firmly planted.
- The Louis Garneau Pro Carbon ETS jersey uses Carbon Ion fabrics which supposedly enhance your performance (without getting you busted).
- The understated look is in keeping with current industry trends.
- Wide leg bands are fast becoming the norm.
- The Tattoo mountain bike jersey features a loose cut…
- …and a single rear pocket that can be accessed while wearing a hydration pack.
- The Louis Garneau Durango mountain bike short is finished in a cool plaid pattern.
- New shoes are great and all but not if they don't work for your biomechanical needs. Bike Fit cleat wedges provide as much tilt as you need for proper knee tracking.
- If cleat wedges don't do the trick, Bike Fit also offers ITS wedges that are used beneath your foot bed which can be particularly helpful if you also want to reduce your shoe volume.
- Got a leg length discrepancy? Bike Fit's new leg length shims make for easy corrections.
Images by James Garrahan
- Capo does black-and-white for 2009 with the new Modena line.
- The new Capo Potenza range continues the company's trend toward coordinated outfits as opposed to individual tops and bottoms.
- The Capo Ronde leaves little question as to what your favorite cycling country is!
- The new Capo Verde kit isn't just green in color; it's also made from recycled materials.
