The new Canyon Speedmax?
One of the first things we spotted was Canyon’s new prototype time trial and triathlon bike, that we expect will replace the current Speedmax in 2016.
The specification you see here is for triathlon, with triathlete Jan Frodeno rumoured to be using this bike in the up and coming Ironman World Championships. Once the triathlete fairings and lunch box are removed the bike is designed to be UCI legal.
A really cool feature is a built in tool box, just in front of the seat post. It is a neat, aerodynamic solution for storing a multi-tool and inner-tube.
>>> How much faster is an aerobike?
The bike was fitted with Zipp wheels and Sram’s eTap groupset.
In the picture below you can see 3D printed bottle/fairing attached for triathlon use. The TT specific model would not have these, as fairings are banned under the UCI rules.
>>> Sram Red eTap groupset explained
Canyon also stressed that the new frame does comply with the UCI tube proportion rules, meaning that it will be UCI legal. Note the 3d printed out front mount too.
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The fastest tyres ever?
We spotted a new Continental tyre on Jan Frodeno’s Canyon too. The tyre, which is a prototype, was marked up as the ‘111’ and had the insignia Grandprix TT.
On the face of it a new tyre may not sound hugely exciting, but this tyre is special!
Although details remain sparse at this stage, Continental is claiming that the new tyre has an impressive 50% lower rolling resitance over its existing Black Chili tyres, thanks to a new latex compound.
>>> Buyer’s guide to road bike tyres
Expect to see production versions of this tyre being used by the pro’s next season.
A cool tool
The coveted award for coolest multi-tool goes to Fabric, with its ‘Chamber’ tool. The unique and rather industrial design features an aluminium body with steel hardware on the inside.
>>> 7 of the best cycle multi-tools
Also highly functional, the attachments fit into a ratchet for ease of use in tight spaces. The design and name are inspired from a Magnum hand gun and cartridges.
We had previously seen prototypes, but this is the finished article.
String instead of a chain…
Who needs a chain? Not the Stringbike, which the makers claim is cleaner, more graceful, quieter and lower maintenance than a traditional chain.
The makers informed me that they have not measured the efficiency of the string drive train in comparison with a traditional chain, but they did say anecdotally that climbing is easier and you can have a different pedal load on the right and left.
The system has 19 gears and does not require oil. The cables used are similar to that employed in heavy duty sailing equipment. It is certainly a novel and interesting design.
You can have bikes all over your walls!
Love bikes? Love wallpaper? The Drops has the perfect product for you with its cool wall paper designs.
Available for £65 a roll, roughly £10 a metre, the company informed me that they are working on a wipe clean version, that your children (or you) can colour in to your heart’s content. Great fun!
Steel frames, modern components
A significant trend is the resurgence of steel frames and there is a demand for classic looking road bikes with modern components.
Cinelli had their Nemo Tig on display, which it says is designed to meet the needs of modern cyclists, while maintaining the classic elegance you would expect from Columbus tubing and a Cinelli.
The frame set will retail for £1599 with custom builds available through ChickenCycles. The beautiful build you see here is kitted with Campagnolo Super Record and Bora wheels.
Cinelli suggested that this top end build would cost in the region of £5500, with many more affordable options available.
For more information, you can head over to to Chicken Cycle Kit. There is a huge amount of weird, wonderful and exciting things on display at the Cycle Show in Birmingham. Stay tuned for more highlights. The Cycle Show runs this weekend…