See all the latest 2009 Bikes and Products from Turner Here!

After I returned the Turner Sultan, I had to wait around a bit to get the very popular 5 Spot out for a test ride. As we all know Dave Turner revamped his entire bike line to use the DW Link suspension system. You can refer to my Turner Sultan post for more on the DW Link. I had ridden one of the TNT versions of the 5 Spot, so I was at least somewhat familiar with the 5 Spot’s characteristics. I took the 5 Spot up onto the lower portion of the West Leg trail. It has some pretty gnarly sections that really put a bike to a great test of its steering, braking and suspension. The 5 Spot showed an almost telepathic sense of steering, it went right where you told it to go. The 5 Spot has the typical Turner neutral feel and the rock solid read end. Can you say you have a stout rear end? On a few spots when climbing or descending the rear end liked to kick out from under me, but the bike did stay planted. The 5 Spot nicely took the mini ledges and rock ramps on the trail, and it flowed nicely along the tight singletrack. Like most Turners the 5 Spot is a big beefy frame so inherently it’s a bit heavy and on some climbs you could feel the additional weight. That extra beef does give it a tad more stiffness when hauling downhill at a fast clip.

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Daryl Roberts, from Titus, gives us a sneak peek at the all new 2009 ftm. This bike is modeled after the Moto Lite but is lighter.

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Lake has widened the range of their foul weather riding footwear with the MX240C and MX140 All Weather shoes. Lighter and less bulky than the popular MXZ302 the uppers are basically an sock of eVent waterproof, breathable material within an adjustable harness and molded heel counter and toe guard. A side mounted BOA closure system secures the shoe. “Real Rubber” outsoles are featured on both models with the MX240C using a carbon sole while the MX140 has a nylon sole. $270 and $189 msrp

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The information on the Yumeya parts for Shimano’s XTR group has been leaking out for a while, and they now have a wildly done and dramatic website with a Kabuki dancer as an intro. You can see it at their website http://www.shimano-yumeya.com/

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See all the latest 2009 Bikes and Products from Kona Here!

You know about the Magic Link from Kona? Well, if you have heard of it maybe you don’t know how it works. Well the man behind the design explains it all.

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Welcome to Vegas!

Each year the show has a common, underlying vibe. A quiet buzz that you sense as you walk around and observe more and more booths. It may be the year of the Singlespeed, the 29er, carbon fiber frames or “smart” suspension along with creative attempts by the manufacturers to set themselves apart in the market.

This year there was a noticeable push on city/urban riding and the fashion that might compliment it. Racks, baskets, panniers, backpacks and complete cargo bikes were more apparent, no doubt in direct relation to the choice made by more people to get around town and/or commute on bike rather than drive a car.

And for the first time at Interbike, a fashion show complete with models on bikes was hosted by Vancouver-based Momentum Magazine.

You’ll find fantastic coverage of the major mountain bike manufacturers in the Virtual Tradeshow Booths, and here I will be focusing on the lower-profile finds and trends seen at the show. Many photos and links to follow!

Software:

Stylish bags by Netherland’s Basil Bags

Making a statement with Rickshaw Bags

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Hardware:

Flat-bar road bikes making more of a presence

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Some pics from the really cool fashion show thrown in a ballroom adjacent to the trade show. An open bar, a DJ and a runway that looped the entire room made for a unique night in Vegas. Thanks to Momentum!

Yuba Cargo Bike

Gene-o on Retrovelo

Strida and Sheila Moon

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This is a great write up by MTBR forum member KRob.  We figured we should share it. Enjoy!

-MTBR

Original Forum Thread

KRob Tests:

Just a few general comments about this year’s demo. First of all, I did not ride any bad bikes. The technology has advanced to the point that when you choose well you will get a good bike.Period. So the rest is just personal preference and what you want to use it for. Secondly, Bob is dead. They’ve got this one figured out either with good suspension design or good shocks. It just wasnt’ there on any of the bikes I rode (except one). Thirdly, because all the bike designs are so good, bike reviews often boiled down to component selection, bike set up, and sizing. And lastly, these are ride impressions, not comprehensive bike tests and I’m not the most observant person or the most sensitive to small nuances. I usually adapt quickly to small annoyances and differences and nothing really gets my attention unless it’s really different. This may be good or bad.

So with that, here it goes. I’ll try and be as tscheezy-like as possible and give you what you’ve been craving.

Day 1 Dirt Demo

Pivot Firebird

6” DW-Link All Mountain/trail

I was really looking forward to riding this bike. We loved the build quality, looks, and snappiness of the Pivot offering we sampled last year but were a little disappointed in the small bump compliance. I’ve since heard that a custom light-valved version of Fox’s RP23 has improved the Mach 5 considerably over what we experienced so assumed the Firebird would get the same treatment. As before, the fit and finish are top notch. The proportions and overall aesthetics of the frame are nice. Unlike others, I don’t find the bottom bracket area to be overly busy. All those CNC’ed pieces and anodized aluminum fasteners look pretty trick to me. Climbing was superb. It felt firm and efficient. Very little if any bob could be felt either sitting or standing with pretty much zero side to side flex while hammering. It felt light and nimble like a long legged XC mount. Here’s the knock. They set up the RP23 to get 1/3 sag and I let out air until I was getting closer to 40 to 45% sag and it still just wasn’t that plush. Sorry. I really wanted to love the 6” version of the Pivot but it skipped around on medium sized square edged bumps while standing on the descents also. To be fair I was still not getting full travel according to the rubber ring after descending but didn’t really dare set it for more sag. I’ve heard others report more plushness so maybe it was a setup thing. Wonder what a more linear shock like a DHX Air or Roco Coil would do for it. Also, I was the first person on this bike and the Fox Float 36 was a bit less than optimal too. In fact that was the case with all the Float and TALAS 36 forks I tried with the exception of one (on the El Guapo). They just felt kinda poopy and not that plush. Maybe it is a quality control thing… or perhaps a set up thing but I’ve set up plenty of Fox forks and think I know what I’m doing. I was getting proper sag and was running the compression damping all the way out (light)….. But still felt too firm.

I opted for the medium this year after my experience on the large Mach 5 feeling too big last year and the sizing felt about just right for me at 5”11.5”. I might’ve opted for a bit longer stem, but that’s just preference. The only other complaint I had with the Firebird was the ungodly loud chain slap. This bike was in serious need of a chain guide and padding on both the chain and seat stays. I never lost a chain but the noise sure was unsettling and unbecoming of a bike in this (or any) price range.

Lester M. from Delta 7 Sports gives us a quick rundown of the Arantix mountain bike and the all new Ascend road bike. Both frames utilize Iso Truss technology.

Arantix mountain bike:
-2.6 lb frame weight
-Iso Truss technology
-strong and durable
-fast and zippy

Ascend road bike:
-1.8 lb frame
-Iso Truss technology
-super stiff and strong
-retail $5995.00
-aerodynamically tested in wind tunnel

During development of the all new road bike (which was released to the public for the first time at Interbike), concentration was on frame weight, ride quality, and features.

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Andy and Tony from Oakley show us some of the latest 2009 Oakley eyewear and apparel. First up are some the latest goggles, good for DH, BMX, or motocross. Also, a sneak peek at the new prototype Racing Jackets, fresh from Thor Hushovd and George Hincapie. Then Tony shows us some new Oakley board style mountain biking shorts and some new jerseys made of some interesting fabric.

Featured are 3 new goggles, the Crowbar, the Proven and the O Frame.

The Crowbar is shown in new “Rocker” colors and also the “Checked Out” pattern.

The Proven is an all new model for 2009, and features:
-ribbed venting on top
-triple layer foam
-flexible and comfortable
-angular architecture
-flexible nose bridge area for breathability
-wide feel of view

The O Frame is one of the original Oakley goggles, but has been updated in new colors for 2009

Andy also shows us the only 2 existing prototypes in the world, of the new Oakley Racing Jackets. These are hand made, CNC machined, and were featured at this year’s Tour de France worn by Thor Hushovd and George Hincapie. Cool features include: twin lens interchangeable, bottom portion swings away, cushions provided for the lens to eliminate any distortion from clamping forces when swapping lenses. These will be available in May 2009.

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Joe Osborne from Deuter shows us the latest and greatest pack from one of the oldest names in the pack industry.

Deuter Race EXP Air hydration pack
-built in raincover
-stowaway helmet holder
-accessories compartment
-expandable
-anti-microbial Deuter bladder
-new bite valve with twist on/off

http://www.deuter.com/

Dave Bisset, Director of Product at Dakine, shows us some of their latest and greatest cycling specific offerings for 2009. Dave shows us the AMP (All Mtn Pack) hydration pack, the Syncline shorts (mountain biking shorts are being offered by Dakine for the first time), Chop Shop jersey, and Step Up gloves.

DAKINE AMP 18L Hydration Pack

MSRP with hydration pack: $110.00
MSRP without hydration pack: $85.00

Volume: 1100 cu.in./ 18L
Size: 19 x 10 x 5”
Materials: 630D Nylon/ 70D Nylon Dobby

Features:
-100oz. reservoir with Quick Disconnect hose
-Molded back panel with Air Channel Ventilation
-Zippered mesh side pockets
-Fleece sunglass pocket
-Tube/pump sleeves
-Load compression straps
-Deployable rain cover

Available colors:
-Black
-Slate
-Rust
-Moss

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Kenda/Tomac World Cup Gravity Team’s Primer 220 race bike

Joel Smith from Tomac shows us two bikes from their 2009 lineup, the Primer 220 DH bike and the Snyper 140 All Mountain bike.

Tomac Primer 220

-220 mm travel rear (9.5″)
-7005 series aluminum
-hydro formed top and down tubes
-CNC chain-stay yokes
-CNC dropouts
-extremely stiff, based on old Magnum DH bike
-1.5″ head tube
-hex axle rear end for lateral stiffness

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David goes over the ‘09 line up.  The new 1000 Lumin HID light with 6 and 14 degree light spread, along with a new LED prototype light that runs very cool, 32 run time with large battery.  And more…

2009 Jet Lites Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com

Steve goes over the ‘09 line.  Syncros gets grunge graphics.  Two new pedals for All Mtn riders.   Syncros carbon wheel for All Mtn and XC Race and FL hub with 15mm axle.  From Ritchey the new 10 degree flat bar, two new Ritchey seat post, 0 degree offset and the fitpost.  And more, check it out…

2009 Syncros Products

2009 Ritchey Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com

Mike goes over the ‘09 line up.  The 130 Sortie trail bike, very high end with the knuckle box suspension, comes in about 26lbs for the Sortie Black.  Check out more…

2009 Diamondback Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com

Chris goes over the new bikes for 2009.  The WFO 5.5 front and rear travel tapered steerer tube.  150 or 135 spacing and modular rear drop-outs.  And a bunch more…new designed RIP, check it out!

2009 Niner Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com

Vince at KHS goes over the new ladies specific XC bike with Kenda tires and FSA components.

2009 KHS Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com

Ron goes over the newer features of ‘09.  Graphic updates, CSI stem aluminum and carbon wrap stem, BB30 cranks.  Gravity stuff looses a bit of weight for ‘09 and more, check it out….

2009 FSA Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com

Daniel goes over some new stuff for ‘09.  Azonic 420 flats pedals, a new 888 direct mount stem, new Phantom stem, Beretta stem and new colors for the Outlaws.  New 30″ bars as well. And more….

2009 Azonic Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com

Cory shows off the changes for ‘09.  Stinky Air and Stinky Six.  Coil Air gets 1.5 head tube and slacker head angle, along with the Majic Link.  And more….

2009 Kona Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com

Interbike was a fun experience again, but it was very tiring. Long days followed by long nights writing up ride impressions and daily coverage of the show is exhausting. I rode as many bikes as I could at the Outdoor Demo, but there is only so much time in the day, to many people to visit and talk with, and it was in the 90’s and sunny, so heat exhaustion and hydration play another part of the entertainment. Indoors was this monstrous swatch of booths that is overwhelming, and it’s easy to get lost. One saving grace is that the exhibitors tend to keep the same booth area each year so it’s easier to find the next year. I tried to visit as many booths as I could and talk shop with each of the exhibitors but there are so many different exhibitors that it was impossible to take it all in.

The MTBR.com staff wanted me to come up with a list of my top highlights from the show. I did have a few celebrity types I spoke to such as Phil Liggett, John Tomac, Tinker Juarez, Georgia Gould, Allison Dunlap and Greg Lemond but the products and the bikes and the exhibitors are the real highlights.

Commuting
There were electric bikes galore at the show along with more commuter and cruiser bikes than I have ever seen. The cream of the crop of those commuter bikes was the Moots Comooter.

Sure it was expensive and only a select few can enjoy it tasty treats, but it’s totally tricked out and is pretty much ready to commute as soon as it’s put together. No need to figure out a part selection, it’s already blinged!

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Jay goes over the new Legend Mk1, parallel link with bushings rather then bearings.  10.3lbs with shock.  New hardtail as well for the pump tracks.

2009 Banshee Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com

Mark at the Outdoor Dirt Demo, Team Hard Tail, the Pine Mountain 29er steal frame. For 2009 Quad XC line up gets changes. Watch the video for this info and more….

2009 Marin Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Justin Olsen | www.justinolsen.com

Scott goes over Black Flag, 1300g/1400g, XC wheels. The Charger wheelset 26″, 650b, 29″ and the A.D.D. wheels and more.

2009 SunRingle products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Keith Wells

Julian and Brett go over the 2009 products.  New armor, totally redesigned for 2009.  Women and kids armor specifically molded for the right size.  Also new carbon cranks, 730g for all of it.  And more….

2009 Race Face Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Keith Wells

David goes over the 2009 line, the Sultan gets another 20mm travel to match bumbed up fork travels.  The Flux with the DW-link, still rides like a Flux.  Of course the new DHR.

2009 Turner Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Keith Wells

Alex goes over the 2009 bikes at Interbike.  Element Team with 100mm this year, the new Altitude.  Flow series gets a revamp as well.

2009 Rocky Mountain Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Keith Wells

Brian goes over some new bling items and one offs from Raleigh.  The Team road bike, an 853 steal niner bike with lots of bling bling! Cycle Cross and Single Speed…

2009 Reliegh Products

Filmed by: Theo Dilworth | All Out Productions | www.alloutprodux.com

Edited by: Keith Wells