Eurobike 2016 live tech coverage, day one

Published Aug 31, 2016

James Huang

Eurobike is the premier bicycle trade show in the world, with nearly every brand in the industry represented and practically every bike-related component product housed under one giant roof.

In other words, it’s a dream come true for any cyclist with a passion for gear.

Yet unless you’re one of the lucky few to make the annual pilgrimage to Friedrichshafen, Germany, you’re not physically able to wander the endless exhibition halls in person. So for this year, CyclingTips will do the next best thing with daily photo galleries that will be updated in real time (along with regular live videos on our Facebook page).

Check back often to see what we’re seeing, and if there’s something specific in mind that you’d like us to check out, leave your request in the comments below.

Just keep in mind that this is very much an experiment for us, and like any experiment, there’s no guarantee it will go as planned. The wireless service here is prone to failure, US tech editor James Huang is perpetually distracted by the mounds of free soft pretzels in the press room, and tech writer Dave Rome has yet to test his brand new WiFi camera card as of Tuesday evening. In other words, the perfect recipe for success.

So for all of our sakes, wish us luck.

Parlee is going all-in with disc brakes. Its new TTR Disc triathlon bike has no provisions for rim brakes whatsoever. Photo: James Huang.

Triathlon isn't regulated by the UCI, so it's basically open season as far as technical innovation is concerned. Parlee has sheathed the disc brakes on its new TTR Disc with carbon fiber fairings in the ceaseless quest for decreased drag. Photo: James Huang. — Triathlon isn’t regulated by the UCI, so it’s basically open season as far as technical innovation is concerned. Parlee has sheathed the disc brakes on its new TTR Disc with carbon fiber fairings in the ceaseless quest for decreased drag. Photo: James Huang.

The disc fairings on Parlee's new TTR Disc look trick, but the company admits that it hasn't done a specific wind tunnel study just on those parts to determine their effectiveness. Photo: James Huang. — The disc fairings on Parlee’s new TTR Disc look trick, but the company admits that it hasn’t done a specific wind tunnel study just on those parts to determine their effectiveness. Photo: James Huang.

The new Bar Fly Prime computer mount uses a machined 7075 aluminum base, along with the company's usual BAM modular insert system. The hinged clamp will work with either 31.8mm or 35mm handlebars. Photo: James Huang. — The new Bar Fly Prime computer mount uses a machined 7075 aluminum base, along with the company’s usual BAM modular insert system. The hinged clamp will work with either 31.8mm or 35mm handlebars. Photo: James Huang.

Unlike most other computer mount companies that force you to choose which interface you need, Bar Fly just includes all of them right in the box – meaning you also don't have to switch mounts if you change to a different computer someday. Bar Fly will soon be adding an insert for Lezyne computers, too. Photo: James Huang. — Unlike most other computer mount companies that force you to choose which interface you need, Bar Fly just includes all of them right in the box – meaning you also don’t have to switch mounts if you change to a different computer someday. Bar Fly will soon be adding an insert for Lezyne computers, too. Photo: James Huang.

Bar Fly has a number of new computer mounts at Eurobike, including this aero-minded model aimed specifically at riders using Cervélo's aero road bar. Bar Fly modular system allows for a wide range of computers to fit, too. Photo: James Huang. — Bar Fly has a number of new computer mounts at Eurobike, including this aero-minded model aimed specifically at riders using Cervélo’s aero road bar. Bar Fly modular system allows for a wide range of computers to fit, too. Photo: James Huang.

Reader exFictitiouZ asked that we visit NorthWave. The Extreme is indeed available in three widths, the Evolution Plus is in two widths, as is the Sonic 2 Plus. The rest of the road range is available in just one width. And part of that reason is explained with the new 'Extreme RR' shoe, see below. Photo: David Rome. — Reader exFictitiouZ asked that we visit NorthWave. The Extreme is indeed available in three widths, the Evolution Plus is in two widths, as is the Sonic 2 Plus. The rest of the road range is available in just one width. And part of that reason is explained with the new ‘Extreme RR’ shoe, see below. Photo: David Rome.

While at the NorthWave booth we spotted the new 'Extreme RR'. Sitting at a 15/15 for sole stiffness, this top-tier NorthWave shoe uses a single ratchet mechanism to wrap the shoe around the foot. The mechanism actually pulls the wire from both directions for even tightening, while the material loops are subtly reinforced along the soft upper. Two foot beds are included to change the volume of the shoe, while the wrap-around nature of the upper is said solve the need for width choices. They're claimed at 220g a shoe (EU42) and will retail for €369. Photo: David Rome. — While at the NorthWave booth we spotted the new ‘Extreme RR’. Sitting at a 15/15 for sole stiffness, this top-tier NorthWave shoe uses a single ratchet mechanism to wrap the shoe around the foot. The mechanism actually pulls the wire from both directions for even tightening, while the material loops are subtly reinforced along the soft upper. Two foot beds are included to change the volume of the shoe, while the wrap-around nature of the upper is said solve the need for width choices. They’re claimed at 220g a shoe (EU42) and will retail for €369. Photo: David Rome.

We've seen some crazy things today, and these legging-like socks are right up there! Photo: David Rome. — We’ve seen some crazy things today, and these legging-like socks are right up there! Photo: David Rome.

The Wegweiser is not just a new wheel for Lightweight; it marks the beginning of a new era in how the company approaches manufacturing. Photo: James Huang.

You may not think you've seen this Lightweight disc very often, but it's frequently hidden beneath giant decals on the bikes of top riders and teams. Claimed weight is just 790g - a shockingly low weight for a disc rear wheel. Photo: James Huang. — You may not think you’ve seen this Lightweight disc very often, but it’s frequently hidden beneath giant decals on the bikes of top riders and teams. Claimed weight is just 790g – a shockingly low weight for a disc rear wheel. Photo: James Huang.

A Lightweight Urgestalt frameset in colors? Yes, please. Photo: James Huang.

The new Giro Raes TechLace offers laces, BOA and Velcro all-in-one. So much choice. Photo: David Rome.

The Giro Empire SLX may be the lightweight lace shoe leader, but the colourways in the original Empire ACC are hard to go past. Photo: David Rome.

While they haven't ditched flexibility as a measure for saddle choice, fi'zi:k has launched a range of width options in its popular models. What saddle width is best? The Italians are suggesting your power output is the measure. While we applaud the additional choice, we're not convinced by the theory that wide saddles are only for those with lower power. Photo: David Rome. — While they haven’t ditched flexibility as a measure for saddle choice, fi’zi:k has launched a range of width options in its popular models. What saddle width is best? The Italians are suggesting your power output is the measure. While we applaud the additional choice, we’re not convinced by the theory that wide saddles are only for those with lower power. Photo: David Rome.

There's not a heap new from Park Tool for 2017. A blue grease gun, a new chain cleaning device, some small hand tools and a few other bits and pieces such as thread-locking and press retaining compound. Photo: David Rome. — There’s not a heap new from Park Tool for 2017. A blue grease gun, a new chain cleaning device, some small hand tools and a few other bits and pieces such as thread-locking and press retaining compound. Photo: David Rome.

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Holland Mechanics are market leaders in machines that build wheels. These things aren't for a store, or even small wheel building companies, but there's a number of businesses that do use them. Photo: David Rome. — Holland Mechanics are market leaders in machines that build wheels. These things aren’t for a store, or even small wheel building companies, but there’s a number of businesses that do use them. Photo: David Rome.

Look had a few 'Pro-only' pedals on display. Any guesses as to who these were used by? Photo: David Rome. — Look had a few ‘Pro-only’ pedals on display. Any guesses as to who these were used by? Photo: David Rome.

New 'Sport' mount from K-Edge is a lower price option at US$30 (compare to K-Edge Pro at US$50). This new version is only available in black, in 31.8mm and doesn't offer the combo mount for additional accessory mounting beneath. It is 6-grams lighter though. Photo: David Rome. — New ‘Sport’ mount from K-Edge is a lower price option at US$30 (compare to K-Edge Pro at US$50). This new version is only available in black, in 31.8mm and doesn’t offer the combo mount for additional accessory mounting beneath. It is 6-grams lighter though. Photo: David Rome.

Lightweight has not only announced an entirely new wheel, the Wegweiser, but a new automated carbon rim manufacturing process as well. The first product to use the new process is - surprisingly - a disc-specific carbon clincher. Claimed weight is 1,450g per pair, and the classic ultra-stiff characteristics that have historically marked Lightweight wheels supposedly carry through here. Photo: James Huang. — Lightweight has not only announced an entirely new wheel, the Wegweiser, but a new automated carbon rim manufacturing process as well. The first product to use the new process is – surprisingly – a disc-specific carbon clincher. Claimed weight is 1,450g per pair, and the classic ultra-stiff characteristics that have historically marked Lightweight wheels supposedly carry through here. Photo: James Huang.

Lightweight is pairing its new automated-production rim with a new disc-specific hub. The hub shell is pentagonal so as to provide an additional measure of security in the event of a bond failure, as well as to integrate more cleanly with the 20 rim-to-rim carbon spokes. Photo: James Huang.

Fulcrum is targeting the growing gravel/all-road market with its new Racing Zero DB wheelset. The tubeless-compatible aluminum clincher rims measure 19mm wide between the bead hooks for use with wider tires, and yet they’re still fairly light at 1,590g per pair. The new hubs are highly adaptable, too, with multiple thru-axle and quick-release fitments, and both Center Lock and six-bolt rotor interfaces available. Retail price will be around €1,150 when they arrive in shops in January. Photo: James Huang.

DT Swiss is another wheel company moving slightly wider on its clincher wheels, with the new PR 1400 DiCut OXiC bumping up slightly to a 17mm internal width. The Keronite sidewall coating is said to boost braking performance in both wet and dry conditions, too. Claimed weight is 1,435g per set, and retail price is €998. Photo: James Huang.

Ritchey Outback is a new steel option built for the adventure rider. Photo: David Rome.

The Ritchey Outback offers room for up to a 40c tyres, a low bottom bracket height, thru-axles front and rear and a few classic touches. Photo: David Rome.

New '3AX' pedals from Edco offer a unique sideway swing. The design claims more comfort from the natural 'float'. They're Look cleat compatable, and we're told a fixed cleat in these feels similar to a more common 4.5-degree float cleat. Claimed at 390g a pair, with a 12.5mm stack height. They're available now and won a Eurobike design award. Photo: David Rome. — New ‘3AX’ pedals from Edco offer a unique sideway swing. The design claims more comfort from the natural ‘float’. They’re Look cleat compatable, and we’re told a fixed cleat in these feels similar to a more common 4.5-degree float cleat. Claimed at 390g a pair, with a 12.5mm stack height. They’re available now and won a Eurobike design award. Photo: David Rome.

The most expensive bench ever made? Quite possibly, given that this one is built using 25 Tune carbon saddles and seatmast heads. Photo: James Huang.

Already a fixture in the mountain bike world, UK company Hope is delving a bit further into the road market. The new RX4 four-piston, one-piece machined aluminum hydraulic disc brake caliper is said to yield better lever feel and improved reliability over stock Shimano or SRAM brakes. Photo: James Huang.

Going along with Hope's new RX4 road disc caliper body is a new floating two-piece rotor. To allay concerns anyone may have that rotors are dangerous, Hope has machined a very blunt radius into the edge, leaving it anything but sharp. Photo: James Huang. — Going along with Hope’s new RX4 road disc caliper body is a new floating two-piece rotor. To allay concerns anyone may have that rotors are dangerous, Hope has machined a very blunt radius into the edge, leaving it anything but sharp. Photo: James Huang.

Throwback to quill stems. The Bottecchia Legendaria features classic Columbus Cro-moly tubing. Photo by David Rome. — Throwback to quill stems. The Bottecchia Legendaria features classic Columbus Cro-moly tubing. Photo: David Rome.

The Bottecchia Legendaria costs €3199 for the complete build with Campagnolo Potenza. Photo by David Rome. — The Bottecchia Legendaria costs €3199 for the complete build with Campagnolo Potenza. Photo: David Rome.

Lezyne's mini pump range is looking great. One of their smallest mini pumps, the Road Drive, now has a digital pressure gauge (US$75), while the Micro Floor Drive HVG (US$65) is designed for those that travel with a bike. Photo by David Rome. — Lezyne’s mini pump range is looking great. One of their smallest mini pumps, the Road Drive, now has a digital pressure gauge (US$75), while the Micro Floor Drive HVG (US$65) is designed for those that travel with a bike. Photo: David Rome.

Lezyne has a completely overhauled its range of computers. The whole GPS range will sync with your phone for turn-by-turn directions. All are Bluetooth enabled, some offer ANT+ too. The range starts at US$100 for the Mini GPS and tops out at the 'Enhanced' Super GPS (US$160). Photo by David Rome. — Lezyne has a completely overhauled its range of computers. The whole GPS range will sync with your phone for turn-by-turn directions. All are Bluetooth enabled, some offer ANT+ too. The range starts at US$100 for the Mini GPS and tops out at the ‘Enhanced’ Super GPS (US$160). Photo: David Rome.

This clever widget from AbsoluteBlack combines the headset cap and compression bolt into a single machined aluminum part that weighs just 4g. Photo: James Huang.

Supernova is arguably the leader in dynamo-powered bicycle lighting, with the E3 Pro model producing 205 lumens. The aluminum housing is offered in eight different colors. Photo: James Huang.

German component brand Acros built its entire booth out of corrugated cardboard – tables, chairs, and all. Designed by a firm in Berlin, it packs flat for easy shipping and has proven surprisingly durable. The graphics change from year to year, but the structure is now three years old. Photo: James Huang.

Kask has added some major feathers to its company cap this year, with Chris Froome winning the Tour de France in July, and Elia Viviani claiming the Olympic gold medal in the men's omnium. Photo: James Huang. — Kask has added some major feathers to its company cap this year, with Chris Froome winning the Tour de France in July, and Elia Viviani claiming the Olympic gold medal in the men’s omnium. Photo: James Huang.

Made in Italy, Kask sunglasses are now just a month away. The arms fold in a unique swinging arc, allowing finite fitting options too. €199 and they'll include an extra lens and other pieces. — Made in Italy, Kask sunglasses are now just a month away. The arms fold in a unique swinging arc, allowing finite fitting options too. €199 and they’ll include an extra lens and other pieces. Photo: David Rome.

Silca continues to expand, now with a more complete range of bags that includes a waterproof phone wallet (using a rolltop dry bag insert), a tire repair case, a Boa-equipped seat pack, and a case for its new T-Ratchet compact torque wrench. Photo: James Huang.

Also coming from Silca are two new multi-tools, one with nine bits and the other with 13. Both feature stainless steel bits, aluminum side plates, and a handy magnetic dock for spare chain links. Photo: James Huang.

Silca launched its T-Ratchet torque wrench via Kickstarter. The compact design uses a torque tube concept with graduated markings to indicate the applied loads. The handle can be configured in T and L setups to suit the desired task, too. Photo: James Huang.

Joes No Flats nailing the marketing. Photo: David Rome.

Fulcrum's Racing Zero Competizione is the new top-tier version of what was the Racing Zero Two-Way. Cult ceramic bearings, tubeless compatability and recommended for tyres between 25-32c. Claimed wheelset weight for these is 1510g a pair. Photo: David Rome. — Fulcrum’s Racing Zero Competizione is the new top-tier version of what was the Racing Zero Two-Way. Cult ceramic bearings, tubeless compatability and recommended for tyres between 25-32c. Claimed wheelset weight for these is 1510g a pair. Photo: David Rome.

SRM PC8 - seems any colour is possible. We counted 49 variations. Photo: David Rome. — SRM PC8 – seems any colour is possible. We counted 49 variations. Photo: David Rome.

Fouriers join the big pulley game. Complete cage and pulley assemblies start at US$125. Just made for Shimano currently, SRAM to follow. Photo: David Rome.

Hydraulic hose or cable housing, Jagwire has plenty of new options for the customisation seekers. Photo: David Rome.

Click here to see coverage from day two of Eurobike and here for day three.