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INTERBIKE 2008: VEGAS REPORT: THE FOUR C'S: CANNONDALE, CAMPAGNOLO, 'CROSS & COLNAGO
Zap
September 25, 2008
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Here it is day 112 of the Interbike show. Seen so much, heard so much, but there are some standouts. Here are my two favorite quotes so far:
* "He won't suck!" Garmin/Chipoltle team manager Jonathan Vaughters when asked how Lance will do in the 2009 Tour de France.
* "Oh, you mean the press conference where he announces that he'll be riding Sram?!" Shimano's Wayne Stetina when we asked to change the time of our meeting so we could instead attend the Lance press conference this morning.
As for bikes and new products....my friends (that's my best John McCain imitation)...there is SO much new road product to be found in the aisles that it is impossible for this feeble Mexican to even attempt to review it here. Luckily the RBA staff is out in force and will continue to bring you all there is to know about. For now,. I have just enough time to finish my cherry danish & morning cup-o-joe up here in room 2310, add this small report and then run off to the Lance press conference.
The Cannondale/Campagnolo intro provided a stable of their Six Carbon 1 bikes outfitted with Campy's all new 11 speed drivetrain. The orange carbon frame looked great with the Campagnolo Bora Ultra carbon wheels. The Six Carbon represents Cannondale's mid-level of performance carbon bikes and lies just below the high-end Supersix line which is where you'll actually find the one bike spec'd with the Super Record components (a Liquigas team replica bike). For more info, Click Here.
The all new Super Record levers were a style & ergonomic hit. I hate to sound like an upselling fool on a used car lot, but my friends, the Super Record really is THAT much better than Record. Super comfortable, super efficient....and in one word, - wow! Despite Campagnolo's initial storyline that somewhat trivialized the reasoning for development of the 11 speed, I got an earful from Valentino Campagnolo himself on just how much was involved to make it happen. Look for the interview in the next issue of Road Bike Action.
Shifting performance was quick and precise. Campagnolo really did a lot of work throughout the company to make the 11 speed a reality. Four different cog spreads will be available. Unlike Record that runs two gears per carrier, Super Record runs three for increased bending stiffness. Super Record also runs six Ti cogs versus Records three.
Okay, since 'cross season is soon upon us, since Lance got trounced in the Vegas 'cross race last night, and, since 'cross bikes continue to fill the Interbike halls (although despite the trend they once were they have now been kicked to the curb as the flavor of the month by the over abundance of fixed gear bikes). One of the most beautiful that I saw was the titanium Moots Psychlo-X. The frame costs $2800 and as the Mootster I spoke to reminded me, in terms of durability, titanium is probably the best all around frame material for cyclocross.
Besides the white 38c Griffo tires, the Moots was running these awfully blingy side-pull brakes from TRP. The white with gold trim brakes were all the Moots needed to celebrate cross racing in Las Vegas.
As usual, the Colnago booth was chock full of beautiful Italian creations. While Brad was falling all over the new Extreme Power Super (with visions of winning the Ojai crit), I was smitten by the Master X Light in the classic Molteni colors. My friends, steel is real and there is not a skooch of carbon fiber to be found in this frame and that's a good thing. The Master X will also be available in the blue scheme as used by Erik Zabel back in the day. How about 16 different frame sizes to choose from! For more info, Click Here.
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