For work today I was sent to Tucson. long drive, but in the end because one of my appointments didn’t show, I was able to stop by the expo for a bit to check on the gear and the scene.
First stop, Serotta and their carbon bikes. Nice to see but call me a sinic, it’s just a carbon bike that looks like all the others on the market. Big fat lugs, cool paint jobs, and a huge price tag. I’m sure they ride like a dream but I just don’t see anything new here.
Next visit was to Beyond bikes. http://www.beyondfab.com/ Really sweet carbon bikes and wheels! Also saw some custom fabed aerobar/stem combos that were really light. The pads and extensions were bolted into the stem. Wish I could remember the name of the products. Owner said he was selling the carbonTT bike for half price till the end of the year. If your in the market, check these out! F/F for under 2K (retail around 3800, but dont quote me)
Popped into the Scott booth for a look at the Plasma. Neat. I guess I was unimpressed with the fellas there. Is it just me or do people just not now how to be excited about and show their products? I used to do shows fro a radio station with little more than a few outdated CD’s to give away or some crappy tee-shirts and would put more into talking up the products.
Came round a coffee booth. http://www.53x11coffee.com Super nice fellas who also run a training house there in Tucson durring the winter for cyclists. They said a few geeks would hang around a bit but I’m sure them wouldn’t turn away business http://www.thecyclinghouse.com/ Great coffee as well! If you’re looking to support a cycling based biz, give their coffee a try! I had a few cups…mmmmmmmm
Next stop, my fav. Calfee!!! Finally got to see a few bamboo bikes! I will own one of those one day! as well as a tetra pro! Look, I know you all geek out about some neat looking frames and have great paint jobs and better marketing guys, but these bikes are far and away the best carbon bikes on the market. If you are looking at getting a carbon bike, I STRONGLY URGE YOU to find a dealer where you can try out a Calfee. Nice bikes are great. Trek, Scott, whatever. THey have some really nice frames that will serve you VERY well but nothing, and I do mean N-O-T-H-I-N-G rides like a Calfee. Please ride one.
Ended my day visiting Paul and his Kuota bikes at the www.trisports.com booth. I have to say, for 2100 bucks, the K-factor will be a factor in the market next year. This is what I’m talking about. There is just NO REASON NOT to produce a full carbon bike at this price point. Look for it in the future. For one, I am sick of frame builders charging what I feel is GROSSLY too much for a bike. I’m sure they are really nice frames and ride like a dream but there is no reason that the masses can’t have a great, race ready, light, well put together full carbon bike and not have to refinance the house. Way to go Kuota! If I get a new bike next year, it’ll most likely be the K-factor… unless I win the lotto and then I’ll have a Calfee… and paul’s always good for a fun chat.
**BEST PART OF THE DAY! **Got to listen in to a very interesting conversation between a few very well knows athletes as they debated the Macca, Stadler issue. I won’t name any names but lets just say that Normann’s meltdown last year did NOT go unnoticed. The quote was “there’s no crying in Triathlon!” and “someone needs to sit that boy down and give him a good talking to”. As for Macca, the ego was not appreciated but respect for his power and potential were healthy. GO MACCA!
Thats just about it I think! Had fun, and was inspired by some freds who had raised a ton of money for different causes. If you’re looking for something to do after the seasons over next year, take a trip to Tucson, ride some miles with a few peeps and help a few good people.
Matt
Overall, its just nice seeing cool bike stuff being shown off. I like it.