Once again the bike industry converged on the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas Nevada for America’s largest bicycle industry trade show. It was difficult to do more than scratch the surface in the cavernous convention center, but what could be found bodes well for the industry and sport for next year even as many pro teams are folding worldwide.

Frames continued a slow aesthetic evolution. Carbon Fibre is the hot material. The new thing seems to be to put a carbon rear triangle on an otherwise aluminum frame. Whether the frame was carbon or aluminum, by far the most common materials, most manufacturers are continuing to use high-gloss shiny paint, oval or other large shaped tubes, particularly the down-tube, with large contrasting decals. Frames are practically shouting their names off the down-tubes. Prime examples were Wilier and Cramerotti. Once exception was Merckx. They were showing a retro orange paint job with traditional decals on a new frame. Fuji and Raleigh had impressive large displays of their very diverse lines. Fuji was particularly aggressive, drawing people in with a pair of juniors racing on rollers in front of their booth.

On top of the large type everyone was plastering their frames with the new Dura-Ace ten speed. The new levers are slightly more ergo and comfortable but still not quite as comfortable as Campagnolo. The mechanisms were smooth and functional. Even though the crankset is aggressively unattractive, everyone else seems to love the group.

Wheels are an area of progress and increased competition. As many reps were quick to point out, wheels are the easiest way to increase bike performance. Look for a lot of aggressive marketing by wheel companies. Reynolds and Alex wheels were really pushing new products. Reynolds’ standout was their new all carbon—even the braking surface—clinchers. They are beautiful, strong and light. However they will probably be pricy. Alex’s high end offering is a new scandium wheel. As nice as these products are, they still will have to go head to head with reliable standbys like Mavic and Velomax, which were each impressing buyers with their trusted lines.

The general increase carbon underscored concerns expressed in show’s daily newspaper about the proliferation of carbon parts at levels below the top of the line. Concern was expressed about lower end manufacturers using lower quality raw materials, lower quality production techniques and using carbon outside of its core beneficial uses. At the end of the day, it is probably best to do a lot of research on newer companies using carbon, or go with a trusted favorite.

22 October 2003

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