Interbike, the biggest bike show in North America, has changed over the years. What was once a feast for the eyes, a head snapping exercise in trying to assimilate all the latest gear, newest bikes, and incredible innovation sprawled on a Vegas convention floor like a drunk shop monkey at his first bike show is now a business show. It’s about margins and shop space, about dealers and inventory. The Cervelo P5 was launched in January, new SRAM Red in February, the new Trek Madone was unveiled just days before the Tour, even Zipp used Euro Bike to launch their new 202 and Super 9 disc. By the time September and Interbike roll around we’ve already seen the vast majority of what’s new. It’s cycling’s version of the 24 hour news cycle.

So what’s a tech editor to do? The show becomes less about new technologies and product launches and more about smaller brands, closer looks and uncovering a few gems. Our three days on the show floor, while without revelation, were not without some interesting finds. Here are a few favorites.

WD40 Bike

While a new entry into the bike realm, WD-40 is quick to point out their bike roots run deep. In fact, the way most people, not just cyclists, but everyone, learns about WD-40 is through their bike. Kids use it after leaving their BMX bike out in the rain and have a connection with the brand for the rest of their lives. Current mechanics may not recommend hardware store WD-40 but that’s because it’s not designed to be bike specific. It’s a multi-use cleaner, a dryer and a light lubricant and won’t last long on a chain.

Enter WD40 Bike. The line consists of five products, wet and dry chain lubes, a heavy duty degreaser, a foaming bike wash and a frame protectant. These are specifically engineered by WD-40’s stable of Phds for the bike and based on feedback from professional mechanics. With the bike market growing faster than the car market WD-40 has invested in bikes for the long haul. With their brand recognition and the long standing relationship most riders have with WD-40 classic (still the best way to break loose any frozen parts) bet on this new line to find massive success on your bike shop’s shelves.

More: WD40bike.com

Club Ride

We thought of these guys as some stoney gravity riders from Sun Valley wanting to look good when they grab a couple PBR’s after a long day shuttling. We were wrong. Their new Sub5 line is designed for the Urban rider and looks to go head to head with anything currently taking aim at commuters.



Consisting of jackets, shirts, shorts and pants for both men and women our favorites from their booth were the Rale Jacket and Rale Jean. Both use a fabric called StretchRide9 for breathable movement with zippered pockets, reflective accents, quick-dry capability, tough abrasion resistant performance. What really caught our eye was the slim and tapered fit. The Sub5 line cuts a handsome silhouette on and off the bike

More: clubrideapparel.com

Axiom Streamliner Road DLX

Another item for the quick commuter comes from the Canadians at AXIOM. The Streamliner Road DLX allows you to mount a rear rack to even the raciest of road bikes without clamping on any delicate carbon. Using the rear skewer and your rear brake mount you can get the convenience of a racks and bags securely mounted on any road bike. The Streamliner Road DLX does it all with a clean and aero look that won’t kill your race bikes credibility. While this product has been around for a season already it was new to us and is sure to be a favorite with riders asking their road bike to do dual duty.



More: axiomgear.com

Louis Garneau Course Limited Edition Jersey

The new Course Limited Edition from Louis Garneau consists of pro level race gear - a new aero helmet, new shoes and a new clothing line. Already put through its paces by the Eurpocar team what we found most intriguing was the incredible lineage the clothing enjoys. While heavily vented mesh like fabrics are nothing new these days, Louis Garneau himself was a pioneer of their use in cycling. In 1984, as a member of the Canadian Olympic team, Louis designed and raced in his own kit, a heavily perforated fabric perfect for a sweltering LA summer games. The Course Limited Edition line takes this thinking to the next level with their hot weather performance. The thoughtful design behind the entire line is most clearly seen in the vest, with an open back it allows unimpeded access to your jersey pockets. Smart.


The Course Limited Edition Jersey and Vest


Louis Garneau's kit from the '84 games.

More: louisgarneau.com