Eurobike is the world's biggest cycling trade show and its cavernous halls offer an embarrassment of riches for the tech-hungry cycling nerd.
With everything from tiny OE manufacturers to mega-brands exhibiting 500 different bikes, navigating the Escher-like Frankfurt Messe is a challenging task.
Mercifully for you, our dear readers, BikeRadar has a team on the ground to pick out the most interesting tech from this year's show.
Here's our pick of some of the highlights – and make sure you head to our Eurobike 2022 hub to find all of BikeRadar's coverage.
Day 3 highlights
Tektro E-Drive 9 groupset
The Tektro E-Drive 9 is a new e-bike specific 9-speed mountain bike groupset.
As far as we are aware, this is the first mountain bike drivetrain from the Tektro group to carry the Tektro name.
The brand is historically best known for its brakes, though TRP, which is also owned by Tektro, already offers the TR12 groupset.
Consisting of a rear derailleur, cassette and shifter, the new groupset is designed to be a harder-wearing alternative to conventional 11- and 12-speed groupsets.
SRAM's EX1 8-speed e-bike groupset offers similar functionality but is rarely seen specced on complete bikes.
At the premium end, Shimano has also this week launched a Di2 electronic groupset for eMTBs.
WheelTop EDS OX Series drivetrain
Sticking with the drivetrain theme, we are more than a little bit intrigued by WheelTop's $365 wireless electronic drivetrain.
The system has been in development since 2019 and is now available to buy direct from the brand.
Head to our full story for more info.
SON Edelux DC 170 e-bike light
The SON Edelux DC is a new StVZO-compatible ebike light from the German brand, better known for its exceptionally good dynamo lighting systems.
Available in four different colours, the handsome light features the same optics as seen in its Edelux II dynamo lights.
Weather Goods Imbris poncho
Sweeden's Weather Goods has done the seemingly impossible in designing a rain poncho that we actually want to wear.
Available in three lovely different colours, the fully-waterproof PFC-free poncho is seam-sealed and available for €139.
Stages Dura-Ace R9200 and Ultegra R8100 power meter cranksets
Stages has revealed new spider-based power meter designs for the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 and Ultegra R8100 groupsets.
The internals are the same as previous generation models, with claimed /- one per cent power accuracy but the challenge, Stages says, was to redesign the system so it fitted with the new symmetrical crankset designs.
We’re told that this time the job was easier, thanks to Shimano dropping the previous asymmetrical design of the old right-hand crank arm.
Lezyne Digital Travel Floor Pump
US accessories brand Lezyne was showing off some new nifty gadgets, including an updated travel pump with foldable legs and a digital pressure readout.
The pump can deliver up to 160psi (11 bar) of pressure, and features an aluminium barrel and steel piston.
Lezyne also says the hose length has been doubled too, making access to a valve a touch easier.
Lezyne Tubeless Pro Plugs
Lezyne had some new tubeless plugs on show, claiming they provide the closest imitation of a permanent tyre repair.
A pack provides one 4.5mm-wide plug, and two 3.5mm and 2.5mm plugs each, plus a miniature scuffer and rubber cement to help secure the seal.
Lal Bikes Supre Drive
Alternative drivetrain technologies always get us excited.
While there was nothing quite as extreme as the CeramicSpeed Driven concept bike from a few years ago, the Lal bikes Supre Drive immediately caught our eye.
There's a lot to go over here, so head to our full story for more info. Could this kill off the rear derailleur as we know it?
VirtuPro indoor cycling platform
There was a lot of indoor cycling tech on show at Eurobike, but the still-in-beta VirtuPro jumped out from the crowd.
The graphics are the best we’ve seen from any platform thus far, and on the stand, demonstrators were showing off the ability of the platform to simulate a real race.
You can interact with your virtual team, steer, swing off the front of a train and look around you, among a host of other fun additions.
It’s set to launch this autumn – we’re told initially with a free subscription model before integrating paid premium options.
Day 2 highlights
Vaast R/1 endurance road bike
Vaast had its new R/1 alloy road bike on show. The difference compared to most alloy frames? This one’s made of magnesium.
Said to be much kinder to the environment thanks to the recyclability of magnesium, the Allite Super Magnesium technology employed here means it weighs a claimed 1,250g.
It also features a Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation coating, which the US-based brand says eliminates any concerns around material corrosion.
You can have one with SRAM Force AXS as pictured, or with Shimano Ultegra or 105.
More Schwalbe tyres
Schwalbe has extended its comprehensive range of rubber at Eurobike 2022 (beyond the handcycle tyres below).
The brand has launched a new Marathon Efficiency and Marathon Plus Tour option for touring bikes, covering off speedier and grippier ends of the touring spectrum respectively.
For bikepacking gravel adventurers, there’s the G-One Overland with a hardier carcass compared to the recently launched G-One RS gravel race tyre.
And, there’s a Johnny Watts 365 tyre for mud and snow, complete with metal studs for when normal tread just won’t cut it.
3D-printed chamois
This is the world’s first-ever 3D-printed chamois. It’s called the N3X the pad is made by the Italian brand, Elastic Interface.
The material is said to be more comfortable and breathable than a traditional chamois, and the introduction of 3D printing to bib shorts makes sense considering the proliferation of the tech in bike saddles.
The technology is patented by Elastic Interface but the brand supplies many companies with pads, so it’s likely we’ll see this it pop up in the marketplace very soon.
Lezyne Airtag accessories
If you wanted a neat solution to tracking your bike in the event it's been stolen (or for peace of mind), then Lezyne has brought some new accessories that can hold an Apple Airtag device.
The three accessories comprise of a bottle cage with an Airtag holder discreetly built into the underside, an Airtag-holding adaptor that fits between your existing bottle cage and frame, and an Airtag mount that fits directly onto your saddle rails.
They’ll be available from September 2022.
Scott Spark RC Hypersonic
On display at the Scott booth of Eurobike was this custom-painted Spark RC Hypersonic.
The bike is designed by Gustav Gullholm, otherwise known as Dangerholm, who makes custom designs for Scott.
This design has exposed carbon, pink bars and anodised silver components.
On the one hand, it’s clearly about looks. But Scott says the bike packs “all the features expected on a modern XC bike while keeping the weight incredibly low” at a claimed 9.19kg.
Pro Vibe Superlight bar and stem
Shimano’s in-house component brand Pro has launched the Vibe Suyperlight bar and stem.
The bar and stem feature a superlight carbon layup and Pro says the handlebar is the lightest in its range.
The synthetic fibre Innegra is used in critical areas to improve impact resistance and prevent disintegration during a crash, according to the brand.
The bar weighs a claimed 180g in a 42cm width.
Challenge Criterium RS tyre
Challenge has launched its new Criterium RS road tyre at Eurobike.
The tyre uses a new rubber compound which the brand says is 50 per cent more puncture resistant than leading competitors and makes the Criterium RS “one of the lowest rolling-resistance tyres on the market”.
The compound is also said to increase grip in wet and dry conditions.
Challenge says the tyre’s 350 TPI casing makes the tyre super supple, helping with comfort and weight.
The tyre’s tread has a slick section in the middle with grip on the exterior edges.
It is currently available in a tubeless design suitable for hookless rims and there will be a tubular version in the future.
Day 1 highlights
New Busch Müller IQ-XM StVZO light
The Busch Müller IQ-XM is a new StVZO-compliant bike light for road cycling that is powered by an external battery.
While the brand already produces a number of dynamo ebike and all-in-one bike lights that use a shaped beam, this is the first StVZO light from the brand that is powered by an external battery.
This will make it a good choice for road or gravel cyclists who prefer a shaped beam and require long battery life.
The light is available with a standard bar mount and an out-front style mount.
Speaking to BikeRadar, a Busch Müller spokesperson said the light was developed following demand for battery-powered StVZO-compliant lights and hinted its range may expand in future.
Maxxis Forekaster
Maxxis' new Forekcaster XC tyre took centre stage on the brand's expansive booth.
The tyre bridges the gap between the purely XC-focused Aspen and the gnarlier Minion range – a downcountry bike tyre, if you will.
Check out our full story on the new Maxxis Forekaster for more info.
FSA prototype bike
It was hard to miss this prototype road bike at the FSA booth.
Matteo Palazzo of FSA says the brand developed the bike to explore what a road bike could look like in the future.
Everything on the bike is integrated and it has a bike computer built into the stem.
The stem is also integrated with the handlebar and fork.
Palazzo says the brand originally planned to display the prototype at Eurobike 2020, but held off due to the pandemic.
It decided to show the bike this year to help promote the launch of the new FSA K-Force WE 12-speed groupset.
Schwalbe Pro One TT handcycle tyres
For the handcyclists out there, Schwalbe has launched a new small-scale production run of its Pro One TT tyre.
Available in a single 20x1.10in size, the tyre forms part of the Record Edition range, where speed is the name of the game. It uses Schwalbe’s fastest-rolling Addix Race compound, and comes with tan sidewalls.
HJC Gleo
This kids' helmet from HJC… well, just look at it. It's adorable!
Available in four different colours, the helmet features four ports that allow budding shredders to customise the lid to their tastes.
Sportful Supergiara SS23
Supergiara is Sportful’s top-of-the-line gravel riding clothing collection.
Federico Mele, Sportful’s head of global marketing, says for 2023 the brand is focusing more on gravel kit and emphasising patterns and women’s clothing.
It’s hard to get away from the bold patterns on the Supergiara jersey pictured here with its sunset-like fade.
Sportful is also releasing a Supergiara capsule collection called ‘Sky Rider’. Mele says the pattern on the over shorts in the collection looks like a Nasa space photograph – and there are bib shorts in the same pattern, too.
Briko Detector Retrosuperfuture glasses
Briko Detector glasses were the choice of pro rider Mario Cippollini in the 1990s.
The brand has returned to its style heyday with these sunglasses, which are made in collaboration with Retrosuperfuture – a fashion sunglasses brand.
These cycling sunglasses are more form than function with curved arms we’d struggle to stow on our helmets.
Weldtite cleaning products
Weldtite is soon to release two new cleaning products – a bike cleaner and a ceramic frame protector.
Weldtite claims the cleaner "performs better" than Muc-Off's equivalent cleaner. It is also claimed to be a safe, cruelty-free and vegan product, according to the brand.
The cleaner comes in 1-litre bottles or as a concentrate, which can make up to 10 litres.
Weldtite says the trigger on the cleaner’s bottle has two functions – mist and blast.
Mist can be used for general cleaning, while the blast function helps rid your bike of stubborn grime.
Weldtite is also due to release its Rapid Ceramic Shield bike coating. Developed in collaboration with Team DSM, the spray-on product is said to fill imperfections in your bike’s lacquer to minimise dirt build-up.
The solution is based on vegetable oils with a ceramic additive.
Limited-edition Panaracer tyres
Coloured bike tyres rarely look cool… unless they're from Panaracer.
The brand has made a habit of releasing limited-edition versions of its GravelKing tyres each season in recent years. This year's choice is particularly fun, with a golden brown GravelKing SK and turquoise GravelKing Semi-Slick available.
Hunt 48 and 60 Limitless UD Carbon spoke wheels
Hunt gave us a sneaky preview of its new 48 and 60 Limitless UD Carbon spoke wheels, which will be released later this year.
These see a switch from standard steel spokes to the same carbon spokes used on the brand's other UD Carbon spoke wheels. These are claimed to save 100g compared to steel spokes.
We'll bring a full rundown on these wheels (and more) later in the show.
