PressCamp 2011: Day 1

In the past, when bike companies wanted to get the word out about their products, they had two main options – head to Interbike in September and cross their fingers for some coverage (an expensive venture) or host their own private media camp (a WAY more expensive venture). But three years ago, along came Lance Camisasca, who had been the show director for Interbike for 10 years. He launched PressCamp, an event that brings together only a selected group of journalists from inside and outside the industry for a more one-on-one experience between the companies and members of the media.

This year’s event, which started Tuesday, is being held at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, where 25 bike brands are meeting with 40 journalists. Editor Dan Dakin is at the event representing Canadian Cycling Magazine and Triathlon Magazine Canada – the only two Canadian publications invited to PressCamp.

DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS
CamelBak
In addition to many new colours across the hydration pack lineup, CamelBak has launched three new cycling-specific packs. For the freeride crowd, there are the Asset and the Agent, two brightly-coloured and full-function packs. Both are available in bright purple or bright orange with matching straps, zippers, buckles and even hose covers. The Agent holds three litres of liquid while the Asset holds two. Also new is the Charge LR Ultralight, a two litre pack where the reservoir sits on the lumbar rather than down the back.

Ridley Bikes
Although Belgium-based Ridley is supposed to pull the wraps off some sort of super high-end road bike tomorrow, the brand was showing off the rest of its lineup Tuesday, including its full selection of cross bikes. The lineup includes the XKnight, a full-carbon frame with an integrated seat post and the brand’s highest-quality carbon, the XFire, also full-carbon but with a standard seat post and the XRide, which uses an aluminum frame. All three are using the Press Fit 30 bottom bracket while the carbon bikes have internal cable routing and size-specific downtube thicknesses to make it easier to grip the tube during races. Ridley also had the redesigned Noah on display, which is now Di2 compatible, has Press Fit 30, new cable routing and more clearance for the wider aero wheels on the market.

Niner Bikes
Plenty of rumours had been swirling about Niner’s new bike, but it was finally unveiled Tuesday. The Jet9 RDO is a Carbon version of the hugely popular Jet9, but with some serious updates. The new Jet9 uses Niner’s CVA suspension technology, but the carbon version goes from 80 mm of rear travel to 100 mm. The monocoque carbon frame has internal cable routing and Press Fit 30 BB, and it uses a new Fox Kashima rear shock with ProPedal, making it a remarkably solid climbing bike. The RDO nameplate stands for Race Day Optimized, which is the idea behind this carbon 29er.

Assos
We’ve tested a number of Assos summer cycling clothes items in the magazine, but they also make some excellent wet and cold weather gear. One of the big highlights of the 2012 lineup is the ClimaX kit, a full top-layer for rainy rides. At around $1,000, it’s not cheap, but the design features and quality arguably make this the best rain kit ever made. It includes the Sturm Prinz rain shell, knickers, booties, gloves and even a rain-specific cycling cap. Also new is the Clima Schutz, a folding, lighter-weight rain jacket, as well as the 607 Bibs, a warm-weather version of the popular Mille shorts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i_DqZm4Ai8 

Acros Sports
Hydraulic shifting was first invented five years ago, but German company Acros has now brought its hydraulic mountain bike drivetrain to the market. It includes shifters and the front and rear derailleurs and will work with any eight, nine or 10-speed chain/cassette/crankset combination. The components themselves are lighter than XTR and XX and work remarkably well. The company, which also makes a full lineup of stems, seatposts, headsets, pedals, wheels, hubs, grips and other components, is still working on its distribution channels in North America, but the A-GE hydraulic shifting system is available to Canadians through the Acros website HERE.