While many in Las Vegas, Nevada, lamented poor turnout for Interbike 2016—both from vendors and show-goers—that didn’t stop a few brands from showing off some great new product. A few standouts include a well-spec’d and -priced new cyclocross line-up from State Bicycle Co. (starting at $579),
There was also the high-volume Chamber floor pump from Blackburn that features an enormous gauge that maxes out at 50 p.s.i., allowing more accurate pressures.
Finally a women’s fit in the ever-popular Giro VR90 lace-up shoe (which isn’t shown on their site yet).
But in my opinion, the real winners at the show were all in the tool category. Makers are finally thinking beyond the traditional folding mini-tool, and finding a lot more usability and function that way.
My favorites were the Breaker and the Nutter from Full Windsor, which both feature an elegant little leather case that cinches under the saddle, the Blackburn Switch, which packed the most into fewest pieces.
Last but not least, I loved basically everything new from Silca, but very specifically the T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit, which features an internal titanium beam that allows it to provide a torque reading on the side. It won’t click, but you can see the amount of torque you’re applying, which is a first in a portable tool of this size.
