In the bicycle world things just keep rolling forward, seemingly defying the weak economy. Plenty of new, high-priced products debuted at a bicycle trade show in Las Vegas last month.
Leading the pack at the Interbike show was Specialized, which featured "King of the Road" bikes, including the one ridden to Paris in this year's Tour de France by winner Alberto Contador. It's the first time the California bicycle manufacturer has earned the honor of a Tour de France win on one of its bicycles. Contador's yellow bike wasn't for sale, but you could buy nearly the same model of the Tarmac SL3 Pro; the ultra-tricked-out model sells for a cool $9,900. Due to weight restrictions set by race officials, the "civilian" version weighs a bit less than the Spanish champ's bike.
Interest in high-end bikes has increased despite the economic doldrums. Another eye-catching bike on display: the Scott Genius LT mountain bike, a carbon-fiber off-road machine that softens rough riding with a Dual Air Equalizer rear shock. Both the front and rear suspension can be adjusted from a handlebar-mounted switch. The bike--clearly meant for serious riders with money to spend--sells for $6,500.
In Pictures: Coolest New Bikes And Gear
On the simpler end of biking, single-speed bikes are going higher-end. The Van Dessel Drag Strip Courage, which sells for $2,000, is good for cruising around town or racing on the track while still providing style for those looking for urban street cred.
The other side of the Interbike show was about the attire and accessories businesses, cottage industries for average joes who desire to at least look the part of the cycling pros.
There were numerous helmets, with everything from built-in lights to those designed to trim milliseconds off a rider's time. Specialized introduced what promises to be among the lightest helmets on the market to date, the S-Works Prevail helmet, which retails for $235. It has big vents and better aerodynamics than previous helmets, and was used by the riders in the Tour de France.
On the toe end, French-based Garneau stepped up with its line of designer-worthy cycling shoes that look as good as they perform. The Garneau X300 Mountain Bike Shoes feature a carbon-fiber outsole to provide extra power in your pedal stroke, but are flexible enough for walking. The shoes retail for $200.
In many parts of the country cycling is a year-round sport. For those with harsh winters, there is always the gym. In addition to the bikes, the accompanying fitness show allowed for a peek at the latest in ultra-high-end gym equipment, including treadmills, bike trainers and weight machines. Keynote speaker Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., noted in closing remarks: "Consider that right now across the country hundreds, maybe thousands of people are stuck in traffic, waiting to go to the gym to ride a stationary bike."
Several companies, including Greg Lemond Fitness, hope to allow riders to transform their traditional bikes into a stationary format for the winter season. In the meantime, Lemond Fitness was showing off its Revolution Bike Trainer, which sell for $549. Rather than resting the rear wheel on a metal disc, like typical trainers do, this device ditches the rear wheel completely for smooth, consistent training and a quieter workout.
In Pictures: Coolest New Bikes And Gear
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