The Cycle Show begins this Friday, 26 September, at the NEC in Birmingham, and will run throughout the weekend, giving cyclists the chance to check out the newest bikes and tech for 2015.
The Cycle Show boasts more than 250 brands and is the first chance for gear-hungry riders to check out all the biggest 2015 bikes in the UK. BikeRadar readers can save money on tickets when buying in advance – head to the Cycle Show website and enter the discount code ‘BRD’ to get an adult ticket for just £11.50.
Here are some of the highlights that will be hitting the stands and test tracks this weekend.
Team Sky's Pinarello Dogma F8 and Bollide
The flagship Dogma F8, ridden to second place in the Vuelta by Chris Froome, is making its UK debut at The Cycle Show. Pairing exceptional climbing ability and stiffness with speed and responsiveness, Pinarello calls the F8 the "ultimate expression of road bike design".
Pinarello’s distinctive Bollide TT bike, ridden by Sir Bradley Wiggins to victory at the Tour of Britain time trial, will also be on the stands.
Team Belkin's Bianchi Oltre XR2 and Aquila CV
The Oltre XR2 Team edition is kitted out with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic components and the all-carbon C50 wheelset. A special order from the famous Italian marque, it costs £12,000.
The new Aquila CV TT bike will also be displayed for the first time in the UK, having made its debut at the Tour de France time trial, ridden to top 10 GC finishes by both Laurens Ten Dam and Bauke Mollema.
Europcar Colnago V1-r
Taking its inspiration from the pinnacle of motoring performance, the Colnago V1-r was designed in collaboration with Ferrari, and was the model ridden by Bryan Coquard to third place in the Tour de France green jersey competition, in this his neo-pro year.
Rapha Condor JLT's Condor Leggero
Engineered and tested to the limit, the Leggero is crafted in Italy with one clear purpose: to win. Condor says the Leggero is stiff enough for optimal pedalling efficiency, yet combines smoothness and compliancy to keep the rider comfortable and strong on long days in the saddle.
Jens Voigt's personalised Trek Madone
Jens Voigt’s customised Trek Madone, ridden during his final road race at the USA Pro Challenge, includes his 'shut up legs, shut up body' motto on the top tube, a signature paint job with colours from his previous teams and the German flag, and symbols on the down tube to mark “the number of souls Voigt has crushed in his career of attacking”.
The bike features a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 11-speed groupset and Bontrager finishing kit, including the Aeolus 5 carbon fibre wheels and handlebar. Voigt will also be appearing at The Cycle Show on the Sunday on the Trek stand, and in a live Q&A on stage from 1.30 to 2pm.
In addition to hordes of great new 2015 bikes, The Cycle Show also offers the cycling public the chance to check out a host of new gear hitting the market next year, including these big hitters.
Garmin Vector S
With more power meters hitting the market in 2015 and cyclists becoming ever more enthused by the prospect of training with power, Garmin’s Vector S offers a more wallet-friendly option for tracking power data.
The Vector S records power and cadence from the left leg, and uses this to approximate a power total. It will fit on almost any crank arm, including carbon models, and is easily interchangeable between multiple bikes. Users can also update the system down the line to offer true left/right balance readings.
Campagnolo Chorus EPS groupset
The ever-popular Campagnolo Chorus groupset is now available as part of the Italian company’s EPS electronic range.
The usability will of the new system will still be familiar to existing Chorus users, with the ergonomics staying similar, while the addition of carbon brake levers adds rigidity and saves weight.
The Chorus EPS’s front and rear derailleurs are equipped with the same motors that manoeuvre gear changes on the Record and Super Record versions. This makes for race-ready precise and effective gear changes, while having the power to deliver, whatever the circumstances.
Shimano XTR Di2
Shimano will be bringing electronic shifting to mountain biking for first time in the UK, as it debuts the hotly-anticipated XTR Di2. The development is the result of extensive testing in conjunction with test riders and professional racers.
XTR Di2 is based on the same E-Tube platform as Shimano’s Di2 road platform, which makes it possible to customise your shifting system by changing the function of the shift buttons. For example, it is possible to change the control of the front derailleur to the right switch and/or the control of your rear derailleur to the left switch. It is also possible to programme the multi shifting system, allowing for a number of changes and the speed changes to be controlled by the press of one button.
There will also be a wealth of new products from smaller brands including this interesting pair.
Taggisar ICE stickers
Taggisar ICE Stickers use QR codes designed to be stuck to your helment and which conceal your personal information. If an emergency does occur, a quick scan of the code will reveal key medical information and your emergency contact’s details. They are easily recognisable, owing to the ‘In Case of Emergency’ symbol, and will be available in packs of two or five.
Quest 88 Draisin Slider
Quest 88, the inclusive cycling specialists, are hosting the Inclusive Cycling Hub once again at The Cycle Show this year, and among their new models will be a three-wheel semi-recumbent cycle designed for people with impaired balance or movement. The tricycle is designed to be as comfortable as possible, providing support and ease-of-use for those looking to maintain an active lifestyle. Prices will start from £3,300 (excluding VAT, although VAT may not apply).