2022 Eurobike tech gallery, day one: Shimano, EVOC, Feedback Sports, and more
Eurobike’s new home in Frankfurt certainly didn’t disappoint, with four massive halls (with two floors each!) jam-packed with the latest and greatest in bikes, components, accessories, and apparel. Our team on the ground is only just getting started, but we’ve already dug up a wealth of trick new gear.
Included in this opening round of coverage is Shimano’s slick-sounding anti-lock brake system, a new top-end travel case from EVOC purpose-built with integrated cockpits in mind, Feedback Sports’ awesome-looking new Pro Mechanic HD repair stand, a new made-in-Germany premium saddle design from SQlab, a truly lustworthy (really!) disc tab tool from Cyclus, new gravel tires and sizes from Continental, and a clever rain parka that almost makes you hope for a downpour on your way to work.
Stay tuned for more in the coming days!
Shimano
Shimano has partnered with Blubrake for an anti-lock brake system for its new Cues Di2 electronic lifestyle and commuter groupsets. The concept is similar to what’s used on automobiles, including the black machined disc at the center of the rotor that tells the optical sensor whether the disc is rotating or locked.The supplementary hydraulic module receives input from the optical sensor, and then rapidly pulses the hydraulic pressure to keep the wheel from locking up.Shimano is only planning to use the anti-lock feature on the front brake for now, and it won’t be available until some time in 2023. And although it’s only slated for the new Cues Di2 lifestyle and commuter electronic groupsets, there’s no reason the technology couldn’t be applied to e-MTBs, too.
Feedback Sports
Feedback Sports has a bigger-and-better flagship repair stand called the Pro Mechanic HD, claimed to be 145% stiffer than the current Pro Elite and rated to accommodate bikes weighing up to 54 kg (120 lb). The stand itself is quite a bit heavier than the Pro Elite at 8.1 kg (18 lb), but it’s still pretty reasonable.The new head is particularly impressive-looking, with burlier (almost) all-metal construction and a far more robust clutch mechanism.One key change is the tightening knob for the updated ratcheting clamp. It now closes faster per turn, and also features a nifty knob for easy one-handed operation.The new jaws open to a whopping 6.6 cm (2.6″). Padding has also been added in case you want to just temporarily hang the bike by the saddle rails.The new jaw covers are easier to replace than before.Everything is oversized on the Pro Mechanic HD, including the massive three-armed knob for locking the rotational position of the arm.The tripod base features larger-diameter legs, and a bigger footprint for more stability.The tripod pivot is all metal for long-term durability.Leg supports are ribbed for additional stability.The tripod legs are capped with branded rubber ends to prevent slipping.
EVOC Sports
EVOC’s new Road Bike Bag Pro promises soft-sided convenience with hard-sided protection, and a shape that’s purpose-built with modern integrated handlebars in mind.Although Scicon’s Aerocomfort case has long used a similar idea, what’s neat about the Evoc Bike Bag Pro is that the upper section is rigid to prevent damage to your brake levers and shifters.Inside, the front and rear dropouts are rigidly mounted to an aluminum frame.Included posts help prevent the case from being crushed.Aluminum stiffening plates are used all around. These give the case some structure when it’s in use, but also allow the case to collapse when it isn’t.Each reinforcement bar is anchored in the rigid plastic base.The main wheels are widely set for stability.Up front, there’s an aluminum tube that can act as a handle, but also can accept a third wheel for easy transportation in an airport.The built-in lock provides a modicum of security.
Cyclus
There are several options these days for disc tab facing tools, but this one from Cyclus looks to be the easiest to use.One of the best parts about the Cyclus tools is that they mill both tabs simultaneously, which cuts the job time by more than half.The tool is very easy to set up, and there are two ends: one for flat mount, and one for post mount. Unfortunately, it’s extremely expensive at over €1,000, and still pricey even for shops.The Cyclus JetBreaker is a modular tool for installing and removing cassettes, lockrings, and bottom brackets. Each tool insert is firmly fixed in place with a threaded knob, and there’s a built-in guide pin to help keep the tool properly aligned to prevent stripping splines.
SQlab
SQlab’s 60X Infinergy Ergowave saddle is certainly different-looking. In addition to the unusual shape, it foregoes a full cover in favor of “tapes” that are strategically applied in select areas.The foam isn’t a typical polyurethane, but rather the BASF Infinergy foam that’s often found in higher-end running shoes.The tiered shape is key to SQlab’s claims of superior comfort and soft tissue protection.Underneath the saddle is a rubber-isolated rail mount that provides more vibration absorption and also allows the saddle to tilt slightly from side to side as you pedal.SQlab’s new 502 Active pedal is aimed at the trekking market.The blue plastic pedal body isn’t just for show. The arms flex as you pedal and allow the pedal body to slightly float, supposedly reducing stress on your joints.SQlab is big on proper fit, and many of its pedals – including the 511 two-bolt model shown here – are offered in up to four different spindle lengths.
Continental
Continental’s latest gravel tire is the Terra Hardpack, featuring a micro-sawtooth center tread and progressively more pronounced shoulder tread for use on hardpacked dirt and light gravel.The Terra Speed has been one of my favorite fast-rolling gravel tires – from Continental or otherwise – and now it’s available in bigger sizes, up to 50 mm in both 700c and 650b diameters.
Tucano Urbano
The new Magica Parka from Tucano Urbano is purpose-built for riding in the rain. With just two quick zips on either side, the lower part of the parka can flare forward to keep your legs from getting wet (assuming you have fenders installed so you’re not getting sprayed from below!).Tucano Urbano doesn’t claim that its new Magica Parka will keep you completely bone dry in a massive downpour, but the extra protection should be a lot better than a conventional rain jacket that leaves your legs wholly exposed. And when you’re off the bike, just zip up the lower section again and the coat looks very conventional.Pull-out covers protect your hands, too, while bungee attachments keep the flare from leaving your knees exposed. Retail price is around €270.
Follow the link for our continued coverage from Eurobike 2022, the world’s biggest cycling tradeshow.
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