The Tour de France, the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix and a newly crowned world champion. There are many predictable milestones in the cycling calendar that shape the season and keep us passionate about all things cycling.
For the cycling industry another important date that we have firmly etched in our diaries is Eurobike, Europe’s biggest cycling tradeshow, an extravaganza where all the industries major players come together to show their wears and latest products that will be hitting the shelves of bike shops around the world during the following 12 months.
Taking place on the last week of August, this year’s show is bigger and better than ever. Keen to see what’s on offer in 2017 we have paid Eurobike a visit and picked out some of our key products that are sure to inspire you to #RideLots over the coming year.
Wahoo KICKR Climb Simulator
The quest to make training indoors an ever more realistic and immersive experience, Wahoo have launched their most ground-breaking turbo trainer add-on at this year’s Eurobike show.
Wahoo's KICKR Trainer has long been a firm favourite and an industry leading training tool. How do you improve on such a complete product? Take it to the next level of course.
The Wahoo designers have responded to the increased popularity in virtual reality platforms, such as Zwift, by making their new training aid, the KICKR CLIMB, a product no pain cave should be without.
Riding a turbo trainer can leave you feeling, well, a little flat but not with the KICKR CLIMB. A device designed to simulate a range of different gradients, the CLIMB brings the feeling of riding outdoors into the comfort of your home.
Remove the front wheel, attach your fork to the simulator and enjoy gradients of anything from -10% to a leg busting 20%. Not just recreating the feeling of climbing and descending for your legs, this device also puts you in a position where you can hone your climbing technique, whether that be out of the saddle or powering on the nose of it. Engaging those key muscles, riding climbs such as Alpe d’Huez and the Stelvio will now be truly immersive experiences.
Compatible with either the KICKR SNAP Smart or KICKR Turbo Trainers and ELEMNT and ELEMNT BOLT GPS Cycling Computers, the KICKR CLIMB signifies a new era of indoor training.
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Sportful R&D Strato Jersey
Featuring the functionality of a windproof gilet with the warmth of a thermal jersey, the Sportful R&D Strato Jersey is one of the most adaptable garments in the Italian company’s range. Designed to keep you comfortable in a range of different temperatures and intensities, the Strato uses a ‘floating’ design that creates an innovative passage between the inner and outer materials to enhance moisture control.
An inner layer is stitched to the outer layer, and these two layers sit independently from each other to trap warmth but allow for excellent breathability.
Breathable windproof materials have been added to the front of the jersey, while two zipped chest vents allow for temperature regulation on the move.
Keeping the inner and outer layers separate from one another on the arm holes, Sportful have managed to reduce that wet clammy feeling.
Three rear pockets make carrying your ride essentials a simple task and made from the same fabric as found of the front of the jersey, the pockets offer splash protection for both your valuables and lower back.
Oakley Aro Helmets
Renowned for their eyewear, Oakley have entered the exciting world of clothing and crash protection with their range of kit and helmets. The Aro helmet range is designed to work alongside their eyewear for optical integration.
Bringing Boa on board, Oakley have combined their Spectra lace with the Boa system and lined the inside of the helmet with a soft Dyneema material that lies flat against your face without disturbing the skin.
Working alongside your eyewear, Oakley have designed the vent shape and created special channels in the EPS foam to securely hold your sunglasses in place.
A race ready lid, Oakley offer a race like fit with the Aro, with a streamlined, low profile shape, which ultimately improves aerodynamics. The Aro range is made up of three helmets, the Aro5, designed for sprinting and speed, the Aro3, a hot weather climber’s helmet and the Aro7, a refined triathlon/time trial race ready helmet.
The helmets of choice for Team Dimension Data in 2018, Oakley have also entered the exciting world of clothing with Bioracer. Bringing the Belgian company’s vast experience in the apparel market to the table, Oakley have launched two ranges, Premium and Road.
Decking the rider out from head to toe, the ranges feature everything from bib shorts to jerseys and jackets.
Fizik R1 Knit Road Shoes
When you think of knitting what immediately jumps to mind? Sweaters, tea cosies, maybe even blankets. You probably wouldn’t associate knitting with shoes and especially not high end road cycling shoes. You would probably then be surprised to hear Fizik have broken the mould when it comes to shoes with their Infinito R1 Knit Road Shoes.
But why a knit material? Fizik believe constructing the shoe in this way improves breathability and helps temperature regulation. Light, strong and supportive, the shoe uses an all-new Infinito Closure System, which consists of two Boa IP1-B dials and steel-coated nylon laces. This system has been added to offer precise adjustment on the fly and, paired with the textile guides, reduces pressure points. The result: a comfortable, well fitting, high performance shoe.
Adding support where you need it the most, Fizik have incorporated Dynamic Arch Support, a technology that, alongside their Volume Control system, works to hold the foot securely in the shoe, allowing the upper section of the shoe to conform to the shape of the foot.
Putting down the power, the ultra-stiff, super light Uni Direction Full Carbon Outsole has ventilation added for temperature control and makes no compromises when it comes to transferring power to the pedals.
Stages Cycling L/R Dual Sided Power Meter
The power meter of choice for Chris Froome and the Team Sky boys, Stages Cycling has further developed their super popular crank arm, the result: the L/R Dual Sided version has been released. Launched at Eurobike, the American company have added a power measurement pod to the driveside crank arm.
Claimed to offer a combined accuracy of -2/+2%, compared to its single sided brother the LR only adds 35 grams to the party. The addition of the extra pod does affect battery life slightly, although 175 hours and an easily replaceable coin cell battery should not put you off upgrading or opting for this superior training device.
Stages Cycling do though suggest the single sided unit would be sufficient for most riders, with this dual sided version designed for those looking to monitor leg discrepancies, returning from injury or just looking for more information.
Initially being incorporated into Shimano’s Dura-Ace R9100 and Ultegra R8000 cranks, this dual sided crankset ticks an important box for Stages Cycling, adding a supreme device to their extensive range.
Giro Vanquish MIPS Helmet
Giro over the last few years have created some of the most cutting edge helmets on the market, from the Air Attack to the Synthe. It’s no surprise then that we were excited to check out their latest offering for 2017, the Vanquish. Designed to offer excellent levels of protection, aerodynamic efficiency and breathability, could this be Giro’s most technologically advanced helmet?
Up until recently, riders had to choose between aerodynamics or ventilation and consequently one of these attributes would have had to be sacrificed for the other. That was until now. Channeled to keep you cool yet featuring an optimised design to ensure no speed is lost out on the road, the Vanquish is 13% faster than the Synthe and 7% aerodynamically faster than the Air Attack.
The ultimate test for any new product is to determine how it performs under stress. Being worn by two teams at this year’s Tour de France was just the test Giro required. From the heat of the mountains to the flat out sprint to the line on the flat stages, the verdict was conclusive, this is one race ready lid.
Replacing the Air Attack, the Vanquish, like its predecessor also uses a Zeiss Shield, yet for the Vanquish, Giro have gone one step further by ensuring this shield plays a fundamental part in the helmet’s overall aerodynamic efficiency. Removable (via magnet strips) and optimised specifically for cycling, with a carefully chosen lens designed to increase the contrast on the road. Opt to ride without the shield and you are greeted with sunglass arm grippers.
A sleek, elongated shape is designed to channel the air through and out of the Vanquish, reducing drag and improving ventilation.
Claims that the helmet offers 7% more ventilation than the Air Attack and similar levels to that of the Synthe make for welcome reading, especially for those looking for a ‘do it all’ helmet.
At the forefront when it comes to safety, Giro have used MIPS technology, incorporating it into the Roc Loc Air fit system, to provide all round protection. By adding it to the fit system it reduces weight and, compared to other MIPS helmets, improves ventilation.
Weighing 305 grams without the shield, this is a worthy contender for everything from fast criterium races to 3 week long Grand Tours.
Garmin Edge 1030 GPS Cycling Computer
Quite possibly the busiest stand at Eurobike 2017, Garmin was kicking up quite a fuss with their new Edge 1030 GPS Cycling Computer. Designed to offer improved navigation, a larger touchscreen and a heftier battery life compared to the Edge 1000, think of the 1030 as a more refined unit rather than a complete overhaul.
Now easier than ever to integrate with third party apps such as Training Peaks and Strava, the Edge 1030 also allows for simple map uploads from Strava and improved Strava Live Segment integration.
Not sure where to ride? The Edge 1030 can step in and advise on popular routes, which can be relayed to you both audibly and visually on the device.
Learn more about the Edge 1030 over on our Hub.
Colnago Concept Road Bike
A show stopper, we kept being drawn back to Colnago's black and gold Concept aero road bike. No expense has been spared on this build, with Campagnolo Super Record EPS throughout and Campagnolo Bora wheels.
Colnago’s entry into the aero road bike market, the Concept was first launched by Ernesto Colnago back in 1986 and featured a press-fit bottom bracket, internal cable routing and hydraulic rim brakes. This forward thinking attitude transfers to the modern day Concept as it boasts direct mount brakes and tyre clearance to cater for rubber up to 28mm wide, an unheard trait for aero road bikes.
A true all rounder, the Italian frame building experts have used the C60 geometry to ensure sublime comfort and ride quality, while their underlying racing heritage means that when this bike is pushed it answers without any quibbles.
MET Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, MET have launched their Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet to bring together three decades worth of expertise within the helmet sector. The Trenta uses an innovative moulded carbon fibre skeleton, which they claim reduces the EPS foam liners’ density and in turn improves impact protection, while also reducing overall weight by 20%.
Large channels, optimised vents and a streamlined design provide, what MET claims, is the perfect balance between speed, weight and ventilation.
Worn by Team Dimension Data this season, the Trenta has been constructed to only touch 30% of the top of your head, why? To allow for better airflow within the helmet, to keep you cooler.
Taking ventilation cues from their race proven Manta lid, MET have used the same inlet, positioned on the top of the helmet, to channel hot air in and cool air out of the back of the helmet. This, the Venturi effect, is designed to maintain an ambient temperature within the helmet and ensures minimal drag, whatever the head angle.
A market leading 360* Safe-T Orbital retention system adds options for 4-position vertical and 2-position occipital adjustment, while the plus ponytail compatibility makes this a truly versatile addition to MET’s range.
Weighing in at approximately 215 grams (medium) it’s no wonder this helmet is gracing the heads of some of the sport’s biggest names this summer.
Pinarello Dogma F10 - Chris Froome’s Tour de France winning machine
A money can’t buy addition to Shimano’s stand at Eurobike, this 4 x Tour de France winner’s Pinarello sits proudly on Shimano Dura-Ace hoops and is dressed with the latest Dura-Ace 9150 Di2 groupset.
The bike that saw Froome ride to the top step in Paris this year, Pinarello have pushed the boat out with Froome decals and an unashamedly yellow paint scheme.
Still wearing the dust from a tough 2017 campaign, the Shimano features an array of F10 accessories, including a chain catcher and out front computer mount.
An integrated PRO handlebar and stem ensure Chris’ unconventional stem starting position is an attractive one.
A Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 Chainset is the only non original element of what is a historic and rather beautiful piece of cycling heritage.
