Reno Or Bust! Tri Gear Finds from Interbike Day 2
The Biggest Little Bike Show in the World delivers more fresh gear and plenty of sneak peeks for 2019.
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The Biggest Little Bike Show in the World delivers more fresh gear and plenty of sneak peeks for 2019. (See gear from Day 1 here.)
LEM Motive Aero Helmet
Though this may not be the final iteration of LEM’s brand new, unreleased aero helmet, the Motive Aero will still feature an incredibly unique magnetically attached tail drop designed to fit a variety of positions without the dreaded back gap. The tail attachment can be added for less aggressive positions, while it can be removed for those who have a greater drop between saddle and stem. LEM says in the future they’ll create custom 3D-printed tail attachments for their sponsored athletes and pro teams, with the later possibility of selling to the general public. Both availability and price are to be determined, but expect to see the Motive Aero mid next year.
Assos Equipe RS Bibshort
Luxury cycling brand Assos breaks from the norm with their new budget-conscious (for them) bib shorts that still their trademark bevy of unique bells and whistles. Assos has removed the mesh from the back of the bib to increase ventilation and added what they call “roll bars” to minimize the feeling of a waistline on the short. Add in a redesigned pad and these $250 bibs are said to feel like you’re wearing nothing at all; available next spring.
Floyd’s Of Leadville CBD Recovery and Hydration Drink Mixes
Former pro cyclist Floyd Landis’ cannabis-focused brand has now expanded from cannabidiol (CBD) oils into CBD drink mixes. Meant to decrease inflammation, non-psychoactive CBD has no THC (read: won’t draw a positive drug test or cause effects generally associated with marijuana) and has become increasingly popular with its claims of increased recovery. FOL’s recovery drink mix contains 27g of protein and 25mg of CBD per serving, and their industry-first hydration powder contains 30g of carbs and 5mg of CBD. Available now, large 10-serving pouches run $40; single-serving pouches are $5.
Pioneer CA600 Cycling Computer
Pioneer’s newest head unit features an improved 2.2-inch color screen with upgraded data graphs, loadable courses, and GPS assist that tethers to your smartphone via Bluetooth to give greater accuracy via Pioneer’s onboard GPS combined with the signal in your phone. The CA600’s Wahoo-compatible mount and hard-key only control (no more touchscreen) also houses the unique ability to convert Pioneer’s ANT+-only second-generation power meters to a Bluetooth signal for use with other devices like computers, trainers, etc. Available late December, the 95g unit will cost $360.
Osprey Transporter Series
Backpack stalwarts Osprey have added wheels to their well-loved duffel line with the new Transporter series. Available now in three sizes—40, 90, and 120 liters—their latest luggage still offers an incredible lifetime guarantee and large-diameter wheels with Osprey’s unique high-road chassis. Ideal for gravely transition areas at destination tris, the bags have ample organizational space for travel, race, or even training and cost $240, $270, and $290 for each increasing size.
Watteam Powerbeat G3 Dual
Powerbeat’s newest generation of semi-modular crank-based power meters increase function and swapability without breaking the bank. The self-installed devices have improved construction over the previous generation—with an all-enclosed casing. Watteam also introduces the “2×2” package, where you can purchase two power-reading units (one for each crank arm), four brackets (two per bike, for two bikes) and a set of dummy units to protect the unused brackets for $600—effectively getting two dual-sided power meters for two bikes for $300 each. Standard dual units for one bike cost $400, and single-sided units run $260; available now.
With a newly interchangeable design, the power-sensing units can now quickly and easily be swapped between bikes, negating the need for changing cranks or pedals and allowing the units to be plugged into a charger just like a phone—disconnected from the bike.
Tacx Flux S
Tacx’s latest offering further lowers the price bar for direct-drive smart trainers. At only $750—currently the least-expensive ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth-compatible direct-drive smart option on the market—the new Flux S has very similar features to their deluxe Neo trainer, but without the downhill coasting and road feel. Though it does not include a cassette, accuracy in the Flux S is ±3 percent, it simulates up to a 10-percent grade, and it will be available Oct. 1.