Interbike was a bit of a letdown for tech editors like me, because most of the latest and greatest mountain bikes and components had already been launched. I shuffled about with several other tech-heads from other media outlets snapping photos of the countless fat bikes that dominated the show, while trying not to get run over by swarms of under-powered, pedal-assisted electric off-road motorcycles that some bike companies are vigorously attempting to market as ‘e-bikes’.
The show was not a total disappointment. Some companies are pushing the envelope with their 2015 products. There were a number of advancements made in the field of post-ride hydration technology. That’s right, much of the cycling industry brain trust appears to be bound up in finding new and more efficient methods of opening bottles of beer.
"That's it?" you ask. "Freaking bottle openers?
"So what about the next generation of dropper seatposts?"
"Bah, that can wait until 2016," exclaims the industry.
"Well, then, how about introducing a long-travel suspension fork with a 'climb switch' instead of a lockout lever of dubious utility?"
"Not this year, bro."
So without further adieu, and with tongue firmly planted in cheek, here’s a look at some of the latest ways to open your post-ride beverage. Cheers!
MRP Decapitator
SRAM’s XX1, X01, X1 drivetrains — along with 1x conversions — are becoming ever more popular. As a result, the direct-mount for the front derailleur is becoming something of a vestigial appendage on many mountain bikes. Much like a stub-tail you try to keep hidden from your significant other, the Decapitator is intended to cover-up this useless, unsightly protrusion.
Not only does it cover it up, it gives it a renewed purpose
Selle Italia Butcher
This Italian saddle manufacturer has a new gravity saddle called the Butcher. The saddle, designed for gravity and slopestyle riding, has a handhold on the back to be used when loading bikes onto chair lifts as well as when "getting rad" in mid-air. The company had to add a metal plate to the underside of the saddle for reinforcement, so they figured they might as well make it useful by adding a bottle opener.
Yes, that’s actually a twist-off, but don’t tell Selle Italia
Feedback Sports repair stand mount
Not every company was focused on improving your ability to imbibe post ride. Feedback Sports knows that mechanics also get thirsty. This bottle opener mounts to the top of their portable work stands.
Hopefully all the repairs will be done before you crack one open…
Park Tool BO-3
Like Feedback, Park Tool is firmly committed to beverage accessibility. The BO-3 is a compact opener that also has a 10mm wrench.
Park seems to make a tool for every job
Nice, but not really necessary
Now, before you rush out the door with your wallet wide open, it’s worth noting that most mountain bikes already come equipped with state of the art bottle-opening technology.
Shimano SPD pedals make excellent bottle openers. (Time/Mavic pedals will also get the job done)
Blackburn Design can crusher
Last but certainly not least: the award for the best can disposal method went to Blackburn Design.
This appears to be the result of engineers with too much time on their hands. The 3D printed contraption fastens to a dropper seatpost and can crush standard 12oz cans as well as tallboys with ease.
Don’t expect this to make it to production any time soon
