If you've never been to Eurobike before (hosted in Friedrichshafen, Germany), let me tell you, it's huge. I don't just mean big, I mean massive. Six giant halls in with 800+ manufacturers showing off their new products, means a lot of walking.
There's a lot to see and just two days to do it in, but here's a few highlights from day one. We've got hundreds of photos to process so keep your eyes on the site over the next few days...
Scott
We’ve already brought you a first look of Scott’s latest suspension platform, the Spark, and we made sure it was top of our list to drool over. It looks great in the pictures, but so much better in real life. The frame is beautifully made from carbon, only the neat linkage is made from metal. Even the dropouts are carbon. The layout of the linkage suspension is nothing new, but the shock is. The guys at Scott have worked with DT Swiss to create a super light and adjustable design. The handlebar mounted Tracloc lever system works similar to that on the recently tested Ransom, in that it offers a ‘traction’ mode, or have it locked out. More detailed information when we get back to the office.
No change in the Ransom range, but the Genius hasn't been forgotten about with the release of the Spark. Some curious hydroforming on the front triangle is the most noticeable newness.
Litespeed
Taking centre stage at the Ti-meisters stand was the impressive 7.4kg full susser, and yes it was getting a lot of attention. A collection of skinny 6/4 titanium tubes and a RockShox air shock help to keep the weight down, as do the extremely light components hanging off the frame.
Michelin
Most interesting development from Michelin is the All Mountain tyre now being available in a 2.35in width. We've used the current tread patter in the 2.0 and 2.2in versions width and been very impressed, but always wondered what a wider tyre would be like. Well now we'll be able to find out. As well as the extra width, the tyre also features a new sidewall reinforcement, which should help to prevent pinch-flats. Simiarly, a new Dry tread pattern, with lots of neatly compacted knobs is available in 2.1in or 2.35in, with the same sidewall reinforcement feature.
Rotwild
Rotwild has launched a new all-mountain bike, and the hydroforming machine has clearly been working overtime. Most interesting though are the carbon seat and chain stays - they should save a bit of weight, as do the titanium bolts and mounting kit. Suspension is via a four-bar design, with oversize bearings, which Rotwild call X-Linkage. The Fox DHX air shock delivers 180mm of travel. Frame weight, including shock, is 3,820g.
Clavicula
There’s lots of carbon fibre on display at Eurobike, but none of it applied with such dazzling expertise as these cranks from Clavicula. Carbon crank arms attach to a carbon axle within the aluminium bottom bracket. Beautifully machined, they’re claimed to be exceptionally light and strong - they have enough confidence to produce a DH version.
