Eurobike: Demo Day snippets, part 2

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=462%2C600 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=462%2C600 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=462%2C600 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=462%2C600 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=45&resize=462%2C600 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-213459 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4.jpg?quality=90&resize=461%2C600" width="556" height="723" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Yeti claim their new ASR-5C frame weighs just 2.06kg (4.5lb)" title="1251847982927-qwi2k5mpw1lf-2cc63a4" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Yeti claim their new ASR-5C frame weighs just 2.06kg (4.5lb) James Huang

BikeRadar roamed the tents outside Eurobike yesterday, turning up all kinds of 2010 goodies during the pre-show Demo Day. Read on to find out what we spotted, and check out the thumbnail gallery on the right for even more pictures and information.

Yeti join the ultra-lightweight trail bike club with new ASR-5C Yeti’s ASR-5C trail bike shatters the 5lb barrier with a claimed frame weight of just 2.04kg (4.5lb) courtesy of a new full-carbon front end. Though the familiar single-pivot ASR suspension architecture essentially carries over, last year’s carbon rear triangle gets replaced by a revamped version and there’s a new machined aluminium swing link up top too.

The new rear end sports noticeably taller chainstays (which are also now symmetrical) plus an especially stout-looking set of carbon dropouts with an integrated disc caliper mount that should do away with any brake vibration issues once and for all.

Gone are Yeti’s long-standing flex pivots atop the rear axle – any geometry changes required through the suspension range are now presumably taken up through the length of the seatstays – and the interchangeable dropouts can be converted between quick-release and 12x142mm through-axle standards depending on rider preferences.

Up front, a tapered 1 1/8in-to-1 1/2in head tube (and correspondingly bigger down tube) improves handling and braking precision while a standard threaded bottom bracket shell maintains freedom of choice for cranksets. Yeti will offer the ASR-5C in three sizes. First production frames are scheduled to arrive in October.

Revamped racing flagships from Orbea Orbea have overhauled their flagship race bikes, with new Orca and Alma editions for 2010. The updated Orca mostly retains the same curvy shape as last year but adds a tapered 1 1/8in-to-1 1/2in front end and a bigger down tube for improved torsional rigidity and handling precision.

Down below, a BB30-compatible bottom bracket shell will now come as standard equipment (with the usual optional adapter sleeve for use with threaded bottom brackets).

The updated orbea orca is lighter than before yet should be more responsive thanks to its newly tapered front end and bigger bb30 bottom bracket: James Huang The 2010 Orbea Orca gains a tapered head tube and bigger down tube

The Alma sports an all-new shape with a more angular front triangle plus a novel top tube-mounted ‘Direct Cable Routing’ system reminiscent of Voodoo’s old arrangement.

Instead of the usual short sections of housing to redirect the cable, Orbea’s DCR uses tiny loops on the seat cluster around which the cables simply flex. In combination with the included Gore Ride-On cable set, shift performance is noticeably slicker and more direct feeling than the norm – plus the system is fully sealed from dirt and grime.

Cross-country racers will get not just one but two new orbea almas for 2010: James Huang The Orbea Alma cross-country bike has a new shape and ‘Direct Cable Routing’ system

Last year’s co-moulded aluminium dropouts are now proper carbon units and BB30 will now come standard. The down tube, however, will continue to sport Orbea’s novel built-in mudguard.

Orbea will offer the Alma with two different carbon fibre blends: a slightly softer and heavier ‘silver’ version or the top-end ‘gold’ edition, which reportedly drops up to 150g from last year.

The dcr system looks unusual but we’ve seen this system used successfully in the past and it feels noticeably smooth on this demo rig: James Huang Orbea will offer the Alma with two different carbon fibre blends: ‘silver’ or ‘gold’

Michelin debut new road and off-road tyre lines

Michelin’s new Pro Optimum road tyre is aimed not at the usual racing crowd but instead at long distance ‘marathon’ riders who want a little more comfort and durability.

The position-specific slick-treaded tyres are built with a softer tread compound up front for better cornering and braking grip but a harder rubber out back for better wear and a faster roll – similar to what Continental do with their Force/Attack combo.

Unlike the Continentals, though, the Pro Optimum tyres are offered only in a relatively wide 25mm size and they’re slightly heavier as a result: 215g for the front and 240g for the rear.

Michelin’s new pro optimum tyres are aimed at long-distance road riders who want grip, comfort and durability while the updated lithion 2 gets a grippier silica side compound: James Huang Michelin have two new road tyres for 2010: the Pro Optimum and updated Lithion 2

The popular Lithion mid-range tyre gets updated to the Lithion 2 for 2010 with a softer silica-based shoulder compound that Michelin claim provides 25 percent more cornering grip without adversely affecting wear resistance. The new tyre also drops 10g to 220g and four colours will be available to suit your bike.

Michelin’s off-road range gets a thorough (and needed) overhaul as well with the reintroduction of the ‘Wild’ label.

Last year’s a/t tread gets a heavier dose of side knobs and turns into the new wildgrip’r: James Huang Last year’s Michelin A/T becomes the WildGrip’r

Last year’s temperamental A/T (now known as the WildGrip’r) gets a healthier dose of side knobs for more predictable cornering than the original while the superb ‘Dry’ tread pattern (now known as the WildRace’r) wisely carries over with its dense array of small knobs and tenacious traction on hardpacked surfaces.

UST tubeless versions of each get a new 127tpi casing with the thick rubber layer that once coated the interior to retain air now being moved to the exterior of the tyre for added sidewall protection. Tube-type versions will all get the durable (and easily converted, we might add) 60tpi casing of the current ‘Mountain’ line.

Michelin have wisely retained their outstanding dry tread design but have now renamed it the wildrace’r: James Huang The Dry tread is now called the WildRace’r

Michelin will offer 26in versions of the WildRace’r in 2.0, 2.15, and 2.3in widths plus a long awaited 29×2.1in size. The WildGrip’r will only be available in 26in in 2.0, 2.1, 2.25 and 2.4in widths.

More demanding riders can opt for a new WildRock’r pattern with its more widely spaced knobs for added grip in varying conditions or the new WildDig’r downhill tread specifically for use in mud, both with reinforced casings.

The new michelin wildrock’r is intended for more aggressive riding in looser conditions: James Huang The new WildRock’r is for aggressive riders

CycleOps launch ultra-intuitive Joule computer range CycleOps’ new Joule computers aren’t revolutionary in terms of the information they collect or the accuracy of their power-measuring systems but rather the context in which that information is delivered and presented to the end user.

Unlike some current power training methods that require detailed post-ride analysis and evaluation on a desktop computer, Joule delivers the information in an easy-to-understand format right on the head unit.

‘Dashboard’ mode (CycleOps’ answer to the question, ‘What am I doing?’) essentially provides the same data as on its current computer but with a larger and clearer display that presents more information at a glance without having to scroll through multiple screens.

The main ‘dashboard’ screen on the cycleops joule 2.0 computer delivers the same bits of information as on the original powertap computer head but with a more comprehensive view that requires fewer button pushes: James Huang The main ‘Dashboard’ screen on the CycleOps Joule 2.0 computer has a large, clear display

Just as before, current, average and maximum values for metrics such as speed, power, and cadence can be selected at will but a new joystick eases navigation.

After your ride is completed, Joule can then pull up eight different ‘Reports’ (‘What have I done?’) for an instant snapshot at your workout – all without having to download your data first.

Along with the usual bits of information like average wattage, ride distance, time, total elevation gain, etc, Joule can display very handy figures like training stress score, kilojoules expended, time spent in various power zones and how much time was spent above a certain effort level – ie. how many ‘matches’ you burned.

How many matches did i burn today? this report shows how many hard efforts you did: James Huang How many matches did I burn today? This report shows how many hard efforts you did

Even better, each one of those report figures can be compared to past performances up to a full year prior (‘Am I improving?’) – again, without having to dig up numbers on your computer first.

However, CycleOps would certainly rather have you use their proprietary (and included) PowerAgent desktop software, particularly as it also allows Joule users to upload preset workout plans right to the head unit.

From there, prompts on the screen direct you as to how long intervals should be, how much rest you should take in between efforts and exactly how hard those efforts should be in terms of power output (‘What should I do?’).

After your ride, pull up the joule’s eight reports for an in-depth snapshot of what you’ve done today – and compare with past data too.: James Huang After your ride, pull up the Joule’s eight reports for an in-depth snapshot of what you’ve done

Pre-recorded complete rides (even those done by other users) can even be uploaded to the Joule computer head so other routes can be replicated in the real world in terms of power requirements.

CycleOps will offer the Joule in both a compact, outdoor-specific 2.0 version (US$499/€399) with a backlit black-and-white LCD screen along with an indoor-specific 3.0 (US$549/€499) with a larger and finer colour display and additional controls for use with one of CycleOps’ electronically controlled indoor trainers.

Both will be available around the end of the year and the standard ANT+ wireless protocol will also make Joule compatible with later PowerTap hubs or other power meters such as SRM or Quarq.

The joule 3.0 is markedly bigger than the 2.0 but boasts a brighter colour screen and built-in buttons to adjust resistance on the company’s electronically controlled trainers: James Huang The Joule 3.0 is markedly bigger than the 2.0 but boasts a brighter colour screen

Fizik’s women-specific Vitesse reborn as Vesta Fizik’s new women-specific Vesta saddle takes their popular Vitesse hull and adds a full-length central depression to relief pressure on sensitive areas plus a wider nose for more comfort when you’re on the rivet.

K:ium rails will keep the price points reasonable and maintain a competitive 249g claimed weight and Fizik’s excellent Wing Flex feature will make its way into the design as well.

The new fizik vesta women-specific saddle incorporates a deep central channel to help relieve pressure on soft tissue: James Huang The new Fizik Vesta saddle has a deep central channel to help relieve pressure

Two conventional colours will be offered – grey suede with white Microtex or a more straightforward black Microtex – along with a decidedly wilder looking ‘Miss Berlin’ pattern.

Off-road riders who have previously wrapped their bars with Fizik’s colourful Microtex tape can now instead simply use the company’s bolt-on grips. The teardrop profile provides a more natural fit in your palm and the Microtex cover is easily replaceable once worn – or if you just want to run a different colour. Fizik will include two sets of covers with each set.

Mountain bikers looking for a splash of colour can now use fizik’s new lock-on grips with easy-to-replace microtex covers: James Huang Looking for a splash of colour? Fizik’s new lock-on grips have easy-to-replace Microtex covers

Like Fizik’s clip-on bags but want something with a sleeker appearance? New for 2010 is the new Aerodynamic Pa:k, a hardshelled seat pack that uses the same clip system but with a unique diamond-shaped profile that perfectly matches the company’s Arione. The moulded body presumably does a decent job of keeping out moisture, an EVA foam liner quiets rattles and contents are easily accessed with a single latch at the rear.

Undo the single rear latch and the pa:k drops open. an eva liner helps keep contents from rattling: James Huang The new Fizik Aerodynamic Pa:k is a hard-shelled container for your ride essentials

And now for something completely different… Among the wildest creations we’ve seen in some time was the Dopo (Double Powered Bike), an add-on system that its inventor claims can boost power output by 10-20 percent – by incorporating a seesaw-like rocking motion in the handlebars.

Critical elements include a proprietary stem that can rotate about the extension axis, a tie-rod connecting the handlebar to a bell crank mounted below the fork crown, and a set of U-joints, cogs and chains that transfers energy into the crankset.

A chain connects the driver box to the crankset to help drive the rear wheel: James Huang The Dopo system’s inventor claims you can increase power output by 10-20 percent

The amplitude of handlebar motion can be adjusted depending on the tie-rod clamp position on the bar and steering is performed as usual.

It’s unclear exactly how much weight the system adds though it certainly looks fairly weighty to us what with its network of metallic machinery, rods, chains and clamps, and given the intricacy of construction it’s likely quite expensive as well.

A brief test ride (on a stationary trainer) proved interesting to say the least but whether or not it’ll be successful in the marketplace when it arrives in early 2010 is anyone’s guess.

French mountain biking journalist olivier beart gives the dopo system a spin: James Huang For all of BikeRadar ‘s Eurobike coverage, click here .

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