2011 Interbike Observations

The 2011 edition Interbike has wrapped up, and I'll be spending the next few months churning out all sorts of exciting gear information from the trade show. Before I jump into that, however, here are some general observations of the event.

Expanded Build Options for Touring Bikes

It's not often you see bike companies offer multiple build options for their touring bikes, but that is changing right now. Salsa has expanded the choices in their Vaya touring model to offer two complete build options to accommodate a wider variety of budgets, while the Vaya Ti is also available as a complete bike. Surly has also further expanded their crazy popular Long Haul Trucker design by adding the Disc Trucker complete -- which, if you haven't already guessed based on the name, is a disc-specific version of the Long Haul Trucker. The Trucker Deluxe (S&S coupling LHT) is still available as a frame only. Last up, Jamis slid the Bosanova into their touring lineup; it has a slightly shorter wheelbase than the Aurora model, but still includes all the rack and fender mounts for touring on a Reynolds steel frame.

Cyclocross Bike with Full Rack Eyelets

This setup is nothing new, but I noticed it more than ever at this year's show. There were a ton of cyclocross bikes sporting a full set of fender eyelets, in addition to rear rack eyelets and front low rider rack eyelets. Since these bikes tend to have shorter chain stays over touring bikes, so keeping heel clearance in mind is a must. If you're looking for a light duty touring bike that is quick on the road when you're unloaded, this can be a great option.

Frame Bags Are Taking Hold

Last year was the first year I began noticing frame bags geared toward bikepacking at the Interbike show, and this year they couldn't be missed! Both Revelate Designs and Carousel Design Works had their bags scattered throughout the expo, and we even spotted a Salsa branded frame bag.

No Idle Tour

Speaking of frame bags, endurance racer Jay Petervary managed to hitchhike his way from Antelope Wells, New Mexico, to Las Vegas just two days after setting a new course record in the Tour Divide, riding it as an individual time trial (ITT). He covered the 2,745-mile Great Divide Route in just 17 days, nine hours, and one minute; and, all and all, he looked pretty dang good considering what he'd been through. This ride was the third and final stage of Jay's No Idle Tour, which started with his victory in the 1,100-mile Iditabike Trail Invitational on the Iditarod Trail from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska in March, and was followed by a self-supported 12-day, 23-hour, 35-minute blast across the country on the official Race Across America route in June.

Photos by Josh Tack
Top Photo: Surly Disc Trucker
2nd Photo: Devinci Tosca Cross Bike with full rack and fender eyelets
3rd Photo: Salsa El Mariachi Ti loaded up with Revelate Designs bags
Bottom Photo: Jay Petervary with his Tour Divide setup


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TOURING GEAR AND TIPS is written by Joshua Tack of Adventure Cycling's member services department. It appears weekly, highlighting technical aspects of bicycle touring and advice to help better prepare you for the journey ahead.

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2011/09/2011-interbike-observations.html

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