Interbike 2013 Report

Filed under General on September 18, 2013 | Comment(s)

COVERAGE BY SHOOTER AND G-MO! 

When you arrive at the largest bicycle industry trade show in the western hemisphere, it can be an overwhelming experience. With over 750 brands representing more than 1200 brands, Interbike is the one stop shop for anyone representing the bike industry. 

This year the USA BMX crew arrived eagerly awaiting the 2014 surprises. Frothing at the bit to be released into the vast abyss of cycling paradise, we received our badges and shot out into the waves of thousands. With the Mandalay Bay playing host to this years trade show, it was more foreign than usual and getting our bearings was difficult at times. Luckily we have the next three days to master the location and bring back the latest and greatest product releases to our members and fans. 

Starting the morning off with a stop at BOX components, Toby Henderson had the whole fleet of employees shuffling around presenting the newest deigns from BOX. We met up with Senior Brand Manager and Product Designer Michael Gamstetter and he took us through the whole fleet of 2014 BOX Goodies. You can expect to see some new BOX grips that are manufactured by ODI that feature the traditional lock on system and also feature an added mounting bracket for their BOX Genius levers. Also on tap for 2014 are the new X Carbon handlebars designed for the younger rippers as well as a new triple tapered aluminum bar also for the same size riders. The other thing you will see from BOX in 2014 is the mini version of the very appealing Vector crankset. These cranks will fit any euro size bottom bracket and feature the same hollow forging as the larger models. Got the new cranks? Then you will need to check out the new BOX Cosine chain rings, which will be available in multiple sizes and will sell for $49 bones. It looks as if BOX is coming out swinging in 2014 with their new products. Be sure to check them out! 

After learning about all of the hot new BOX components, we headed over and met up with John Sawyer and Ryan Birk to check out all of Answers latest happenings. It looks as if we can all expect to see a new product line hit the shelves from these guys. With every Answer, there is Solution Racing Products. The new Solution brand will be a lower to mid range product line that will help get you riding faster without breaking the bank. Everything from cranks and forks to bars and stems, these products will save your piggy bank and give you a slick ride. We also learned about the rehashing of the Strength frame. Same name all new design. You can see the overall photo in our gallery and it sure does look like a beauty to ride. Hopefully these things are as good as the Ssquared frames that are seen all over the country. Lastly, the Ssquared brand is in the early stages of their own carbon frame. We do not have much information yet but look for prototypes to be released within the next six months. 

Right around noon we plowed through the sea of bike lovers and made an appearance at the Seattle Bike Supply and Redline booth. If you did not think Redline had their priorities straight before, you may want to take another look into their 2014 line. With a completely re-mastered Flight series paired beautifully with a redesigned Proline series which adopts many of the 2013 Flight features and still maintains the consumer friendly price point, the 2014 Redline fleet comes in with one of the most competitive line ups in recent years. With the new Flight series, riders on expert bikes and up will notice features such as fully redesigned frames with R7 proprietary tubing, the new Redline flight cranks, through axle 120-point engagement cassette flight hubs, BB 86 bottom bracket, and an Answer Scythe fork. Someone pinch me, I think I am dreaming. For the Proline series, Redline formed tubing with 6061 aluminum molds the frame while sealed front and rear bearings and 96-point engagement cassette hubs with flight cranks on the larger bikes and microlines on the smaller ones help finish tying the bow on this gem. Redline has definitely put it on a whole new level with their complete bikes and there is no telling what is already in the works for 2015 and beyond. 

When we made our way over to the Phoenix Pro Cycles booth, not only their bikes were on full display but also the complete Phoenix Pro Scooter line. Who knew that you could build a complete custom scooter in todays age. I still remember when the Razr scooter was 149.99 and everyone had to have one. How the times change. Speaking of times changing, as some of you may remember back at the beginning of the season PULL Magazine reported on some disk brake testing on the new Phoenix Raptor frames. Sure enough, that same disk braking system has resurfaced at Interbike. While we did not spot the Raptor frame in the booth, we did see a Talon fully equipped with 20 mm front and rear hubs as well as the disk brake system that is already available to the public. 

The last stop of the day was with the Hyper crew. With the recent release of the new redesigned Hyper Mission frames that feature some sick candy paint jobs, Hyper was also debuting their new Snafu product line. For 2014 there will be multiple Snafu components available in many different color ways. With their test bike all decked out with these new Snafu components, they blended together for one snazzy looking ride. Although not BMX related, Hyper also had three new mountain bikes on display that looked like they were race inspired and ready to tackle the mountain. Maybe you can pick up your new BMX race bike and mountain bike all from the same place! Hyper is definitely heading the right direction. 

That is it for day one at Interbike 2013. Be sure to check back tomorrow evening for even for awesome 2014 product! Also, if you are joining us at Interbike, be sure to check out the publication stand and pick up the special Interbike edition of PULL and come find us to say hi. See you all tomorrow! 

Day number two at Interbike brought more of the awesome products that will be arriving in 2014. G-Mo and myself kicked off the day by meeting up Tony D. who took us through the new Vee Rubber tire line. Some of you may remember Vee Rubber, as they were the manufacturer of the Intense Micro Knobby tires. Now in 2014 with a completely redesigned dirt gripper that has a highly unique feature of almost any color available. Red tires with um sidewalls? How about Blue tire with black or white sidewalls? The new speedster tire will be hitting stores and offering these wacky but awe-inspiring color combos.

Bill Ryan and the Supercross crew were in the house and that was the next stop. The 2014 Envy V5 frame will be sporting an all-new graphics layout that looks like something you would see on a high end factory moto bike. We also got a sneak peak at the new Speedline carbon forks and cranks. Both items have a lot of new technology pumped into them and look fast and strong. Lastly, Supercross will be joining in on the current carbon fiber frame trend as they are set to release their carbon frame with hopes of beating out the competition like Redline and Haro. Oh and they also had the 2014 Factory team kits on display. Lets just say this, they will be looking FLY all season long.

TJ Johnson and Rich Pelton also made the trip from California and had the new Rift frames on display for everyone to enjoy. Tangent also had a slew of new components such as a completely redesigned pivotal saddle, a sweet set of flat pedals and some new size options across the board for their bars. One of the other luxurious parts that Tangent will be coming out with is a new stem lock and dust cap. This thing is milled out like crazy and has a very sharp modern look to it. Make sure to go out and ride the Rift!

Speaking of new frames and such, Double A Pete was in the house with the new Chase complete bikes. The new offering from Chase BMX is very clean and could potentially be an awesome bike for those who are looking at purchasing a complete without breaking the bank. The new complete comes fully loaded with Elevn and Excess components that are sure to put you out in the front of the pack. I am thinking we may need a complete bike shootout in PULL Magazine next year. What do you guys think?!

Lucky for us there was not loads of walking to our next target as Fly Racing was located right in the mix with these last manufactures. Matt Baisley and Ray Hudson took us through the happenings for 2014 and once again they have blown minds with their latest gear. Not only has their gear always been extremely comfortable and provides top-notch protection but their designs were quite amazing this year. The new Dub Step edition helmet is one of my favorites. Available in black and green or black and white, the audio technic style graphic really is something to be pumped for! Make sure you have your team rocking the latest and greatest from Fly Racing next season.

The guys over at Profile Racing have been slaving away on some awesome new pieces as well. Of course they were showcasing one of the best selling crank sets on the market also known as the Profile Elites but the real kicker was the all-new solid gear they are coming out with. This new gear will accommodate all of those riders who refuse to switch over to the spider style drive system as it is to be used with a spline drive crank. Definitely keep an eye out for these new sprockets from Profile. 

Todd Lyons has been doing some heavy lifting at SE Bicycles. His latest venture was the partnership with Santa Cruz Skate Company. SE and Santa Cruz teamed up to come out with the 40^th Anniversary edition 29” Big Ripper. This all-new redesigned cruiser is completed with the famous Santa Cruz Screaming Hand logos and the same blue color scheme. If you pick up one of these bad boys you will also get a limited edition Santa Cruz/SE Screaming Hand skate deck with three unique limited edition stickers. Can you say RAD?!

Last but certainly not least were our friends over at Staats and Ciari. Old Alberto had some special rides ready for the show and it looks as if the Staats Bloodline is sipping the punch and going with the vertical rear dropouts. This system will allow a rider to switch out anything necessary on their back wheel and place it back onto the bike without losing their previous tension. It is a very similar system to what you may find on a motocross bike. Along with an integrated seat post lock and all new graphics, the new bloodline is sure to impress. Staats will also be releasing a whole new slew of completes that come complete with Ciari components. These bikes will definitely give you some bang for your buck and get you riding in no time. On the Ciari side of things, make sure you check out the all-new Victor the 1^st carbon fork. This new fork has an Italian themed design and is made out of nothing but carbon. Light and stiff is the name of the game and these forks are no different. Also from Ciari are a couple of new crank sets, one that accommodates the younger riders and a beefier version for the older dudes looking for something stiffer and hollow forged. Now if only we could find Alberto so he can let us in on all of his secrets.

Interbike 2013 turned out to be a huge success with a ton of great new product. With many different options for a new whip, it is only a matter of time before we see which ones become the crowd favorites. Hopefully early next year we will be able to do a complete battle of the bikes in PULL Magazine and help make sure that you find your perfect ride. Thanks again to all of the manufactures that showed us the entire lines of great new product in store for 2014, see you at the races!