PressCamp 2011: Day 2

This year’s PressCamp event, which started Tuesday, is being held at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, where 25 bike brands are meeting with 40 journalists to talk about the latest bike, parts and accessories. Canadian Cycling Magazine editor Dan Dakin is the only Canadian journalist at the event.

DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS
Saris/Cyclops
It’s a big year for Cyclops with some major updates, changes and new offerings in its power meter lineup to address its two main criticisms – price and weight. On the PowerTap side, Cyclops has redesigned its hubs and is now offering two models that are both Ant+ wireless. The top-of-the-line  offering is now the PowerTap G3, which weighs 325 grams (80 grams lighter than the SL+) and has the transmitting functions on the outside of the flange so that it can easily be sent back for service without having to send the whole hub back. For those looking for something a bit cheaper than the $1,300 US G3, there’s also the PowerTap Pro, a bigger/heavier version which will retail for $799 US or will be offered in a Cyclops-branded clincher wheelset for $999. There’s a full lineup of wheelsets now, which is the result of a partnership between Cyclops and Enve wheels. At the top of the list is a 45mm carbon tubular with the G3 hub. The wheelset weighs in at just 1,250 grams and has a US MSRP of $2,999. Also new from Cyclops is a GPS-based Joule computer, updates to the rest of its Joule line and the PowerCal, a power meter that uses heart rate and some complex algorithms to figure out your power output. It’s an entirely new way to measure power, and it won’t be nearly as accurate as the +/- 1.5% hub-based power meters, with a US retail price of just $199, it could be a viable and inexpensive introduction to power-based training for riders.

Cannondale
Cannondale is joining other bike brands like Specialized and Giant that offer helmets with its own line of bike helmets. Available later this year, the Cannondale helmets will be offered in four models for mountain and road and in 20 variations. What makes the helmets stand out is their value. The whole line has some high-end features, but low MSRPs. For example, their top-of-the-line helmet is the road-focused Teramo. It weighs in at 245 grams and has a US MSRP of $109.

GT Bikes
Designers from GT had some fun with the lineup this year, releasing the Performer and Interceptor, two 26″ wheeled retro-themed city bikes that look like 1986 BMX bikes. The Performer has a chrome finish while the Interceptor is built a bit beefier and can handle a bit more abuse. Also among the new bikes from GT is the latest edition of the historic Zaskar hardtail mountain bike. The new Zaskar is a 29er carbon monocoque frame with bolt-on dropouts (a single-speed kit is planned to be included) and internal cable routing. It’s offered as a frameset, Expert build or Pro build (shown in the photo) which has the new Rock Shox SID 29er fork, Shimano’s 2×10 XT drivetrain and DT Swiss wheels.

Lazer
Known as a helmet brand, Lazer is adding a five-model sunglass lineup for 2012. There are three sports-focused styles (all with interchangeable lenses) and two casual styles. All five are made of a flexible nylon material and the sports models have bendable rubber nose and ear pieces and come with three lenses. There is also a photochromic option. Prices on the line range from $40-$95. On the helmet line, there have been updates across the board, but among the highlights are lower pricepoints on helmets feature the brand’s easy-to-use Rollsys retention system. The Neon (pictured) is a road helmet for $55 with features of higher-end models. The company is also offering clear shells for many of its helmets which increase aerodynamics and keep the wind out on cold-weather days.

Gore Ride-On Cables
Although Gore had a few new products it was showing off, most of them are still yet to be officially released, which unfortunately means we can’t say too much about them. However, expect to see some big improvements from a cable system that already offers the lowest friction levels on the market. Watch for more details in an upcoming issue of Canadian Cycling Magazine.

Ridley
We talked about what Ridley brought to PressCamp in our Day 1 coverage, but a special thanks to the company for allowing us to spend a significant amount of time Wednesday on its Domacles road bike. The carbon bike has been a favourite for Ridley-sponsored pro riders in the spring classics and after riding it, you can understand why. It’s a comfortable ride, but offers plenty of stiffness when you drop the hammer. It’s also a very capable climber and descender – as we found out riding the steep pitches around Park City.