Columns: 2001 Interbike Wrapup

OK, so we promised daily Interbike wrap-ups and such–which expired after, what, one day? Well, here it goes…

My official Bikemag.com laptop went the way of Schwinn/GT on the second day. Yup, the hard drive filed Chapter 11, complete with smoke and funny icons. Hell, I was even in the middle of typing a report when it happened. I know most of you are probably pretty skeptical, saying, "Mike, that can't be. Computers don't fry for no reason." Well, it's true. It wasn't crushed in a private room at Pussycat's, nor did anyone spill beer on it. It just had an overuse meltdown, leaving me stranded.

Sorry.

In an effort to save face, here are some interesting things from Interbike:

1. In what has become the beer brawl of the show, Kona and the industry raised almost $10,000 for IMBA at Kona's annual bowling tournament. Bike geeks filled all 70 lanes, took every bowling shoe and nearly drank the bar dry in the process, but the money was raised despite some green smoke in the air and lots of threats by the establishment's management over assorted drunken chaos.

2. Rocky Mountain is working on a new full-suspension bike slated for a 2003 model year release. Currently called the "Prototype," it has a suspension design based on Formula 1 car suspension, which utilizes what Rocky calls "energy return." On display was a third-generation bike that is designed to use enough sag so the suspension linkage is parallel to the ground. The rear wheel goes through its travel in a vertical path; engineers say the bike pushes forward when the suspension moves, rather than just squatting. The bike is not a pure short-course cross-country bike, but rather a "marathon bike" (meaning it's a little heavier than the elite cross-country Element). Frame material is seamless–Easton RAD aluminum, with the rear end possibly being carbon fiber by the time of production. Rear travel is adjustable from 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches with a quick release. The bike will debut at next year's TransAlp race.

I mention Rocky Mountain because it has one of the most solid lines in the industry and the company's attention to detail is top-notch. Every frame is engraved with the name of the welder after inspection, and then each frame goes through quality-control checking and is signed off on. At the time of purchase, the buyer gets the signed quality-control card.

3. Marin Mountain Bikes is another mid-size company that has a very solid line. Many don't consider Marin a top-level player, but one trip through its booth should remove any doubt. From well spec'd, high-end, full-suspension bikes to fine, steel hardtails, Marin has something for everyone. I was very much impressed by the company's less than $3,000, fully built downhill bike. Marin expects to sell 'em out, so get to a dealer fastÂ…

4. Easton introduced a new, 99-gram cross-country bar and composite stem. I'm riding the bar now and am fully confident doing so.

5. Tioga brought out its 1.85-inch tubeless tires and plans to introduce its complete line in tubeless. I'm riding the 1.85-inch now, so look for an update soon. So far, the tires are ultra fast. I've used these in tube form and, while I liked the performance, I wasn't so hip on running 55 to 60 psi to prevent pinch flats. On the tubeless, 40 psi is all it takes. Hell, go lower if you want.

6. Be-One bikes had a small booth and is planning on making its bikes available to the American market in the same fashion as Orange is now.

7. Interbike is said to be only three days next year and will once again be returning to Las Vegas.