Interbike: New Components

Carbon Mountain Bike Wheels were abundant in Vegas this year. After two successful high end carbon mountain wheels, Easton is starting to show some signs of trickle down technology. The new EC70 Trail offers all the benefits of a carbon wheel for under $2000. Though still not cheap, the EC70 will retail at $1800 and offers many of the same top notch features found in the EC90 XC like consistent spoke length throughout except for full UST compatibility and Eastons armored Ballistic composite technology. The EC70 Trail is tubeless compatible though with the use of a rim strip conversion. The EC70 uses the same hubs as Easton’s EA90 aluminum wheels—the front hub comes in standard quick-release or 15mm thru-axle options, and the rear comes in a 10x135mm quick-release options, or a convertible model that accepts 12x135mm or 12x142mm thru-axles. The wheels are hand built with double-butted straight pull spokes and aluminum nipples.Weighing in at 1460g for a pair of 29" and, the carbon 26" hoops will be available from any Easton dealer in late October.

Fox Shox iCD Electronic lockout system provides super quick lockout actuation of both front and rear suspension

This box houses the motor for the rear iCD system.

Up front a much sleeker system locks and unlocks the fork via the bar mounted remote. The system includes a fork, shock, external actuator, battery, battery bracket, cables and remote switch. With the lightest 26-inch front fork, it weighs 4.1 pounds and costs $2,000.

Lacking in the 29er Wheel department, DT Swiss introduced a new line of wheels called "Spline", with in the line is a 1555g 29er wheelset for riders looking for a light wheelset with proven DT Swiss Quality. The XR1450 29 features DTs new Straight Pull Hubs and offers tubeless compatibility and various axle configurations. The Spline line will also feature a similar 650b wheelset.

A rare change can be seen from Thomson Components, after years of simple, cleanly machined components the company indroduced a new dropper seatpost. The new post shows promise, but didn't seem to be returning properly at the show. Hopefully, Thomson is able to bring this post up to the same standard as their other tried and true components. Features of the Elite dropper post include 5''/127mm drop (internally adj. to 4''),  Infinitely adjustable travel, Hydraulic internals ,Nitrogen return spring (not adjustable) • Lever-adjustable return speed • Weight: 450g (prototype) • Availability: March/April 2013 • Projected MSRP $380

Another new product for Thomson is the new Carbon All Mountain low-rise and flat handlebar. Available in late October the riser bar will feature a slight 12mm rise with 6° backsweep and 4° upsweep with a 730mm width. Thomson says it’s strong but offers enough designed-in flex to provide all day comfort. It’s designed around XC and trail use and will weigh in aeound 210g while retailing for $130 and are Made in the USA.