Outdoor Demo

Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2 » Shimano had this gorgeous build on display to show off the new Ultegra Di2 group. This frame was handbuilt by Cryptic Cycles, and features a gorgeous stealthy paint scheme which is basically nude carbon with minimal tribal-esque paint (or Sharpie?) on top. I loved it, it was great to look at.

It's Interbike time! As usual, the show begins with an outdoor demonstration of new products. While the outdoor portion of Interbike is geared toward the Mountain and Gravel sections of the industry, there are always some aero or otherwise tri-related goodies tucked away. And as usual, we are on the scene to unearth them for you. This year, Outdoor Demo was notably smaller than in years past, with just a single loop of exhibitors demonstrating their wares. Neverthelss, we found a couple noteworthy items out in the dirt. Enjoy the gallery, and meet us back tomorrow for the first day of indoor coverage.



Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2 

Shimano had this gorgeous build on display to show off the new Ultegra Di2 group. This frame was handbuilt by Cryptic Cycles, and features a gorgeous stealthy paint scheme which is basically nude carbon with minimal tribal-esque paint (or Sharpie?) on top. I loved it, it was great to look at.

  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
  • Shimano's custom Cryptic Cycles rig with the new Ultegra Di2
Misc 
  • The 3T Strada, a fascinating bike I'll be talking about in a separate article.
  • Just in from France was a very jet-lagged Ray Maker of DCRainmaker.com - Ray does the best fitness gadget reviews on the planet.
  • Outdoor Demo was markedly smaller this year than in years past. Just a single loop of exhibitors this time around.
  • Despite the low turnout, it's always a beautiful scene.
  • Tires have seen a lot more competition recently. Continental's Black Chili compound is still very good, but no longer holds the top spot in terms of low rolling resistance. Brands like Specialized and Vittoria have surged ahead.
  • One thing we've been seeing a lot more of lately are 1x builds, in both the road and gravel segments. I'm a huge fan of 1x, so I like to take note of it.
  • Nifty 1x gravel build.
  • Shimano showing off some new shoes.
  • BOA closures are all the rage, and with good reason.
  • Shimano showing off its hollowtech cranks, which, as the name suggests, are hollow inside.
  • A 3T Exploro going out for a ride.
  • A bouquet of Speedplay pedals on display.
  • It's funny - hacking off the plastic bits of a Speedplay pedal used to be a DIY weight weenie thing to do. But now they sell it this way as a 'mud' pedal to compete with Crank Bros.