London Cycle show 2008!
Published on October 15, 2008
The Cycle show at Earls Court this year was as popular as ever over the three days it was open to the public. The Cycle show is a huge event for both the companies there and the consumers (us lot spending our wages on our beloved steed’s). Over the three days, as well as companies trying their best to advertise their products and make you go buy them as soon as you get home, there were many other things going on.Just to name a few things, there was a mountain bike test track, a commuter track, a fashion show, BMX and Trials street course and a retail zone.
You definitely had the chance to get back your ticket price in free gifts, with posters, stickers, sweets, lube and energy gel!
The Cycle show is definitely a good day out for almost all types of cyclists and it’s one of the only places where we can compare the newest kit, bikes and parts from different companies all in one place.
This year 2 Stage bikes had a big stand showing of their double air shock bikes. 2 Stage bikes made the journey over the pond all the way from New Zealand to show off their bikes. 2Stage was established in 2003 by David Evans who overlooked the conventional full suspension frame and decided to design something totally new. All the Engineering and designing was and still is done in New Zealand.
2 Stage bikes have two air shocks. The first shock is always active during riding and absorbs the small bumps, the second shock is completely locked out during pedaling and climbing, but absorbs the big hits. Having two shocks also allows 2 different rebound settings meaning you can get the perfect balance for a quick acceleratio whilst ripping it up on the rough sections. Most people think having 2 shocks means expensive servicing, but each shock does half the work so it even reduces maintenance costs !
Currently 2 Stage have 3 frames out for sale which are the Elite 9 Downhill frame, Zed 8 which is a freeride frame and the all mountain frame the Am8. For 2009 2 Stage bikes are adding the all new Truavativ HammerSchimidt crankset to their complete bikes !
The Truvativ Hammerschimdt crankset is a brand new idea. The front transmission offers you either 22t/36t or 24t/38t ratios on just one single chainring !! Custom Sram X.9 or X.0 shifters give you the ability to change between 2 rings instantly and even when your not pedaling. The Hammerschmidt crankset are definitely going to be a hit and I can imagine their will be plenty at the mega avalanche next year. The cranks are meant to be very pricey, but they do seem like a good idea and save you a bit of money seeing you don’t need a chainguide.
One of the most well known bike companies, Shimano was there with their full line up of 2009 products. Highlights of these were the ‘Saint’ and ‘Dura-Ace’ groupsets.
The shimano saints were looking very stylish with at least half of the high end mountain bikes there having at least one saint part on them!
A big feature at the cycle show were the Animal-Commencal team and stand. the whole Athherton family was there showing off the 2009 commencal bikes. There was also an interview with the ‘world cup family’ which was held on the main stage at the show. The 2010 prototype titanium 4x bike that Dan Atherton has been testing was at the bike show gaining lots of interest, as well as Gee and Rachel’s Commencal supremes fresh back from the Red bull Rampage, these were also featuring shimano saint parts including Cranks and gears.
Gee Atherton's World Cup winning Bike
DaKine is an outdoor apparel company specializing in sportswear and sports equipment for alternative sports. Dakine were a big feature at the Cycle show, showing off their full range of riding bags, jerseys and gloves, plus many more high quality products. Dakine products are used by professional rider all across the globe and have become a name though of highly by all level riders. One of their newest products is the “pick-up pad” which fits on the back of your pick-up truck protecting it and your bike from scratches as you drive to your riding spot.
This year Iron Horse have got some nice new sundays. It is the last year they will be using the Dw link, so the designs stayed pretty similar to the 08 models. Again this year the top model is the World Cup(£4,600), followed by the freeridy Elite(£2,999) and then the cheap dh version the Team (£2,599) . This year the World Cup has a wicked spec and it would be hard to find any components to improve it. The Team is really good value for money as it has a good reliable spec and great for anyone wanting a cheaper full build downhill bike. The Team has also decreased in price from last years model by £400 making it even better for value ! Iron Horse bikes sure won’t disappoint.
All in all the Cycle Show was a great day out and well worth the train journey in! I will definelty be going again next year to see the exciting new products being launched for 2010.
Because everyone wants one of these at their local trails!!
There were also quite a few companies not mentioned that we will be doing testing on their products through out 09. One of the main ones being suntour 09 forks (you may laugh but have you seen the 09 range). Suntour have always been a low budget brand but having their name on all the Marzocchi cartriges has really done them a huge favour in the development department. We will also be doing quite a bit with the guys at Windwave (Marzocchi UK) as they are putting our Dirt Jump team (ryan, rory and Tim) on their 2009 rider program supplying them with Marzocchi Dirt Jumper forks (cheers Dan). Iron horse are also playing a part in next years huckmonkey testing lab (my trails) supplying us with a few long term test bikes. oh 09 looks to be soooooooo goood.