Lost Wages

So this week is Interbike and thanks to the glories of the internet and digital cameras there's little need to waste your time and money heading out to Las Vegas. I've been surfing around looking at what's on show and for the most part there's nothing really Earth shattering. More carbon, more suspension, more yawns. Have seen a few things that really caught my attention:

1. Park Tools: The boys in blue always come out with something nice and this year is no exception. My faves: a lighter repair stand, a Mavic truing tool that will fit the slots on most case pallets, and a backpack for carrying tools. All welcome new to race/event mechanics everywhere! Details already posted on the Park site.
2. Cannondale Lefty tool: Cannondale has come with a nifty multi-tool that slides into the empty headtube. Yeah, the French did this years ago but nobody has done it recently. It's a good idea and one I've already been tinkering with.
3. Rivendell/QBP Bleriot: An affordable 650b bike. Rivendell style, QBP availability. What's not to like? Hope it sells like hotcakes at lumberjack camp.
   
4. Jeff Jones: This guy makes the most fantastic titanium bikes out there and also the best off-road handlebar.
5. Reynolds 953: Steel's not dead! Yeah!
6. Wool: The marketing people are finally embracing it which means soon the sheep (consumers) will be wearing real sheep.
7. FSA: Finally someone has pulled their head out of their backside and realized that most people don't ride fast enough to gain any real benefit from aero wheels but could benefit from reduced bearing friction. VeloNews said it best: "Remember when we used to care about bearings and how freely our wheels and drivetrains spun?" Ahmen! Sealed bearings are great for mechanics - when they get cruchy you just punch 'em out and replace them. Unfortunately, all those seals create quite a bit of drag. FSA has gone ceramic and apparently the results are impressive.
8. LED lights: They're getting brigher and smaller. Who really needs a HID system on the road? Seriously, unless you're trying to signal the space shuttle it's overkill. It's also annoying as all get out on bike trails where you end up blinding anyone heading in the opposite direction. Also nice to see dynamo hubs coming back into fashion.
9. Surly Pugsley: If you thought the Karate Monkey was a niche frame just take a gander at this beast! 3.7" tires and as little as 5 psi could make this the ultimate winter trail bike. Kudos to the Surly crew!