SportVue BC1 is a heads-up display (HUD) bicycle computer/cyclometer by Motion Research Corp. HUDs are popular for aircraft and vehicle pilots in the military, where data is as important as keeping your eyes on the enemy.

Instead of having to look down at your handlebar, taking your eyes of fthe road, you look straight ahead and into the BC1 hanging down from your helmet for your typical computer stat's.

The BC1 is wireless but a bit bulky. It also has a limited amount of functions compared to even the most standard of bicycle computers these days. However, with some more work and smaller technology, the BC1 could be the future of real-time data display for cycling.

Pasadena Bicycle Manufacturing is also looking to revolutionize your cycling experience with their SMp pedal system. The inventor is Steve Lubanski of Open Road Bicycle Shop in Pasadena, CA. He says the SMp system gives a four percent pedal-stoke efficiency advantage and allows cyclists to be fitted to smaller - and therefore lighter - bikes. The pedal is simply a disk (about the size of a quarter) at the end of the crank arm. The rider's foot is always in line with the pedal spindle - up to 1-1/2 inches improvement over other pedal systems.

While we're always resistant to change, we think Steve is onto something big here. We're never early adopters but will be watching carefully to see if any big names pick this product up and ride it to success.

ELETE is "The World's First Pure Electrolyte Add-In", a blend of concentrated electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate) that can be added to water or any beverage.

ELETE claims to be better than sports drinks because it doesn't contain sugars, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that may cause bloating or stomach cramps. Some sports drinks contain as much as 33 Tootsie Rolls worth of sugar in a serving! Without all that stuff, ELETE is great for hydration packs because it doesn't stain, leave a residue, or grow fuzzzy things. ELETE is tasteless when added to water.

Rhonda Boren, CEO gave us lots of information about ELETE and some samples to try. A few of us have tried ELETE but can't say for sure how well it's working. We don't doubt its efficacy -- we don't think it's snake oil -- but we do feel proof of its level of effectiveness is best left to the scientists. Luckily, ELETE has research information and testimonials on its website to help you decide.

We've got no idea how many different lubes there are for bikes but this was a new one to us.

Purple Extreme is a synthetic lubricant with "Synerlec". It was originally formulated for mining and offshore oil business applications--harsh conditions where downtime is serious money. The folks from Bike Medicine are importing and distributing Purple Extreme for bike applications and think its the EXTREME answer to cyclists' needs.

Purple Extreme claims superior film strength compared to any of ther bicycle chain lubricant. They also say it runs clean to the touch, protects from corrosion, is good in all conditions (wet or dry), allowing for up to 400+ miles between applications for roadies. We've yet to try it out on any of our gear, but, SoCal's own Richard Meeker is a believer. His testimonial and many others are here.

3T's The Thorn Terminator is serious flat protection. Other tire liners are as simple as extruded plastic (Mr. Tuffy) or as complex as tightly woven industrial-strength fibers (Spin Skins). The Thorn Terminator is a special polymer with a lightweight metallic strip embedded in the middle.

Right before our eyes, the rep showed us how a needle failed to penetrate the Thorn Terminator in a gravity test contraption. Testing indicates the Thorn Terminator holds out up to 40 pounds of pressure, more than 4-10 times the competitors.

This type of protection is definitely more suited for the MTB crowd than the roadies, but 3T does make a 700c version. Distribution is just getting off the ground but you can order direct through their website.

Campagnolo gave us and the guys from CBR a behind-the-scenes look at Fulcrum Wheels. The CBR guys took photos and did a write-up so we won't re-create the wheel. Check it out.

We'll close our Interbike 2004 report with this handy-dandy product.

It's called the Liquid Caddy and it's "the most versatile can/bottle holder ever!" The rep was very enthusiastic about showing us how it worked and getting us to take literature. We don't imagine we'll be adding one to our road bike any time soon, but truthfully, the thing is pretty functional and adaptable thanks to the three included attachments.

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We hope you enjoyed our report!