Interbike 2009 - Day 1:  Bikes & Components

Salsa introduced the Fargo last year at interbike. Since then more and more companies are thinking the same thing combining 29er MTB wheelsets to burly touring frames, versitile drob bars options, and tons of storage fixtures. Salsa hopes to make a new push into the adventure bicycle touring scene, led by the Fargo.

 Here is some eye candy from Moots of Steamboat Spring CO. For high end applications, this soft tailed Moto X YBB may be a viable option in the adventure bike packing segment.

Only the finest components make their way on to a Moots show bike. 

"Pretty and Stong" pink components from Chris King, shown here addorning a woman's specific model Moots trial rig.

Rohloff internally geared 14 speed hubs were spotted all over Interbike. This product should be of particular interest to the overland bicylcle community. I spoke with a man who has logged around 55,000 miles on this product, riding around the world with his wife. They both have very postive reviews. I also spoke with a Surly rep, who was also convinced of its quality and utility. Just think, no rear derailer, chain slap, or major adjustments. Just change the oil every 2000 miles. The fellow riding around the world, would even reuse the old oil to lubricate his chain.

Unfortutunatly Rohloff was not in attendence as a vendor this year, as there are rumors of tension between the US and European components of the company. We will be watching this product, and other similar (such as a SRAM model) very closely.

Here is a very cool, but not very new custom frame option, shown on a Co-Motion Cycles touring frame. The sliver fitting is a coupling that allows the frame to be disassembled for compact storage and transport. It is my understanding that this coupling can be fitted to just about any frame. Stay tuned for additional information.