2014 Interbike Outdoor Demo
Today we got the chance to test out some of the best new gear the bike industry has to offer. We saw the latest in carbon, aluminum and I even saw a bike with rams horns for handlebars. Our favorites list could have continued for pages but we decided to narrow it down to our top five favorite products. This list includes new technologies as well as old technologies that have just been revamped or improved, and a few of them are products that just caught our eye and wouldn’t let us break our gaze.
2015 Specialized Carbon Demo 8
The first product on our list is the greatly anticipated 2015 Specialized carbon Demo 8. I think it’s safe to say that this is one of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden. It does everything a great downhill bike should do and is extremely snappy and responsive. After one run, I was comfortable enough to slam it into corners and riding it like I stole it. Unfortunately, I had to give it back at the end of the day though.
9:Zero:7 Carbon Fatbike
Secondly, the 9:Zero:7 Carbon Fatbike snagged my eye at the demo. With the fatbike becoming more and more popular, innovation is just the next step. This innovation came in the form of an all carbon fatbike frame that weighs under three pounds. Now, there is nothing standing in your way, you can plow through the thickest mud and deepest snow with ease, all while mounted upon one of the lightest fatbikes on the market.
Lauf Trail Racer Fork
The Lauf Trail Racer is a zero maintenance fork that uses “leaves” instead of conventional springs to provide travel. The Lauf is the perfect fork for someone who wants to balance out their hardtail and make it as light as possible. When I fist saw the Lauf fork, I thought I was looking at the XC fork from the future.
Prodigy Whistler E-Bike
The Prodigy Whistler is an E-Bike that has the motor in the cranks instead of in the wheels. This makes it possible to do everything you do with a regular bike because it is more balanced; you can even jump it if you want to. This also means that you can change tires and true your wheels just like you would for any other bike. One of my favorite features of this bike is its look, it looks like a retro BMX bike with a little hidden secret.
Smith Forefront Helmet
The Forefront Helmet from Smith Optics uses Aerocore which, according to the Smith rep I spoke to, is 30% more absorbent than EVA. This means that you can take bigger hits and keep on rolling while staying light and breathable. It’s incredible how much something that looks like a bunch of drinking straws stuck together.
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