Interbike: Demo Day 1

From Chip Smith (SOAR Communications):

BOULDER CITY, Nev. - A record number of 3,300-plus bicycle retailers visited Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, Nevada today as part of the 2007 Interbike OutDoor Demo (the first day of the two-day event). The relocated and improved OutDoor Demo kicks off a week-long trade show, conference and exposition full of cycling-related product demonstrations, launches, seminars, clinics, advocacy outreach and networking.

"Momentum and preparation leading up to the OutDoor Demo resulted in a phenomenal first day," said Lance Camisasca Interbike's show director. "The sunny, 75-degree weather didn't hurt either. With the improvements to the booth expo area and so many new and returning exhibitors and sponsors, we were confident this year's Demo would surpass numbers from last year. Our goal is to provide attendees with an opportunity to test the latest gear on realistic and high-quality trails and courses - we felt that this year's OutDoor Demo accomplished that."

Located again in Bootleg Canyon, the Outdoor Demo's booth expo area was relocated approximately 350 yards to the west in an area improved with new landscaping. This year's OutDoor Demo expo area includes 65,000 net-sold, square-feet of space, an increase of more than six percent versus last year's totals. In addition, the expo area's new location provided OutDoor Demo attendees improved access to mountain bike trails in the area, as well as paved roads for road bike testing.

"The new Out Door Demo location is phenomenal so far and was the ideal way for us to launch our new Fuel EX, "said Derek Deubel, director of marketing for TREK."Today attendees have shown the most interest in our mountain bike lines, more than 120 demos and it's not even noon - another successful event!"

Retailers from all over North America and several international retailers got the chance to test bikes and accessories from such brands as Bell Sports, Giant, Kona, Scott, and Trek Bicycles before making crucial buying decisions for the upcoming year.

"OutDoor Demo is one of the only places we can get to know the newest products as well as we would like," said Darrell Blankenship, a retailer from El Paso, Texas. "The demo lets us get beyond just ordering from the catalogue and gives us the opportunity to really put these products to the test."

Hydrate or Die
Its a tagline that Camelback has been using for years, but I had to challenge the axiom today at Bootleg Canyon. I haven't been in a desert like environment in quite some time, let alone been physically active in it. And by being physically active in it, I mean simply walking around the numerous vendor tents to oggle the new parts and accessories.

By the time I decided to jump on and demo the bikes, I was already close to "E" and didn't even realize it. I cramped up badly.

In any event, I still rode and tomorrow will be more of the same as I intend to try every darn road bike, some cross bikes and a couple of choice mountain bikes.

Today I focused primarily on a few bikes and accessories. My test ride today was the Lemond Tete de Course. I won't speak to the specifications, referring you instead to the Pezcyclingnews review, but the bike handled just as I've read. It even surpassed some of my expectations without detracting from others. But I'll definitely need to ride some different frames before I can come out with a final verdict. At a little over $7700.00 tricked out, I better ride some more bikes.


Part of the Lemond's setup was the use of SRAM's Force components. Their double tap system took some getting used to but I was pleasantly surprised at its ease of use once I got the handle on things. SRAM has their RED components at Interbike, but I haven't got my hands on it yet.

The other accessory I've been reading about and looked forward to trying was Mavic's new wheelset the R-Sys. The wheelset looks markedly like Topolino's but it works both in traction and compression as a result of the use of tubular carbon spokes. What does that mean to you? Light and stiff my friend, light and stiff.


Photos: Leonard Basobas