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.

Canyon has changed the integrated brake design. Not this is just a prototype.

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.

There is to be a neat storage compartment just in front of the seat post

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

Once the triathlon accessories and fairings are removed, the new frame IS UCI legal

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.

Video – The top 5 lightweight bikes of 2016 

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!

The new Grandprix TT tyre

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.

The prototype ‘111’ insignia

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.

The Fabric Cartridge. A very neat, but highly functional multi tool

We had previously seen prototypes, but this is the finished article.

String instead of a chain…

The string bike

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.

An unusual design, with the equivalent of 19 gears

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.

Gears are changed using a grip shift style adjust on the bar

 You can have bikes all over your walls!

Drops cycling wall paper

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

The stunning new Cineli Nemo Tig

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.

You may have guessed, but Tig refers to the welding used.

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.

A beautiful bottom bracket!

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…