While I’m not able to attend Eurobike, the product news is flowing strong. Being immersed in the world’s largest trade show would yield a wider variety of goods, a few new items have caught my attention.
Zipp Service Course SL 70 XPLR
For the better part of the last year, I’ve been riding Zipp’s latest Service Course SL-70 Ergo bars. They are awesome, but a little flare would go a long ways for gravel riding. Zipp didn’t just add flare and call it good, they strategically designed the flare so the brake hoods don’t get skewed sideways (a downside of other flared bars). Instead, brake hoods remain vertical while still having all the benefits of flared drops. Reach remains a short 70mm and the drop is reduced to a shallow 115mm to go along with that 11-degrees of flare. MSRP: $110
Front view shows that the hoods will remain vertical.
Some flare, but without the downsides.
More Info: Zipp.com
Argon 18 Krypton Pro
The Krypton gets an upgrade this year with a lighter layup and optimized, aerodynamic cable routing and details. This version is optimized for electronic shifting and is available in a good, all-rounder build with Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8070 and a HED Vanquish GP carbon wheelset will be $7500 USD.
Dropped stays and that angled fork add compliance.
Optimized layup and details make the 870 gram Krypton Pro faster and lighter.
More Info: Argon18bike.com
Muc-Off Expands Tubeless Offerings
Muc-Off is taking their valves and tubeless sealant to the next level by adding a full suite of tubeless products including rim tape, puncture repair, inflation and full tubeless setup kits. Everything you need to get your road, gravel, XC or DH bike set up is now available from the brand.
Available in 6 widths, Muc-Off is stoked on their new tape.
All you need to get your wheels set up tubeless.
More Info: Muc-Off.com
Pivot Phoenix 29
Big wheels have long been fast on XC and Enduro, but technical challenges have slowed their adoption for DH, until recently. Now, everyone has a big-wheeled DH rig and Pivot is joining the fray with their all-new Phoenix 29. It features 190mm of DW-Link suspension and includes a 10-year warranty. Builds will range from $6199-$7599. This low-slung DH machine is certain to turn heads.
The all-new Phoenix 29 is long, low and fast.
More Info: PivotCycles.com
Fizik Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave
Mesh road shoes are coming on strong as materials are getting more durable and resilient. Fizik’s all-new Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave shoes use the brands stiffest sole to date for optimal power transfer, but the real story here is the Aeroweave material. It’s highly-breathable (you can see your socks) and comfortable and uses a dual Powerstrap design for a secure fit. The shoe was innovative enough to win the coveted Eurobike Design Award. These shoes will be available in December 2019.
The R2 Aeroweave won a prestigious Eurobike award.
The Powerstrap offers a contoured fit with the Aeroweave material.
More Info: Visit Fizik.com
Stages Cycling StagesBike
As the leading provider and champion of training with power, Stages has quietly provided gym-quality bikes by the thousands and is now packaging that into their new StagesBike. Available for $2600-$2800 (soon), the StagesBike features reliable power measurement, quiet Gates Belt drive and adjustable touch points to mimic your preferred fit. Saddle and bars can be swapped to better match your ride feel as well. Of course, it features all connectivity to work with your chosen training platform.
Get your virtual training on with the new StagesBike.
More Info: StagesCycling.com
Wahoo KICKR Bike
Not to be left out, Wahoo has also introduced their own virtual bike platform, but theirs also rotates up/down to mimic the terrain. Talk about a realistic Zwift experience! All touch points are customizable and adjustable. This comes in handy with multiple riders in a household. It’s understandably more expensive at $3499 and will be available in October 2019.
The new KICKR Bike promises a real-world experience for virtual training.
More Info: WahooFitness.com
