GearJunkie Top 10 Gear from Interbike
The GearJunkie crew is back from five days of bike-centric living at the Interbike Expo trade show in Las Vegas. We rode, demo’d equipment, watched a race, and saw loads of great new bike gear that will be coming to market later this year and early in 2013. As a bonafide bike junkie, here are my top 10 picks from the show. —T.C. Worley
#1 — SRAM XX1 Group. A first of its kind, this group uses a 1×11 system (one front chainring, an 11-speed rear cassette) that offers similar gearing range as a double chainring setup. You cut weight, lose a front derailleur, and end up with a more simplified system for cross-country and all-mountain riding. TheSRAM XX1 Group will be sold in several configurations when it comes to market next month.
Less is More: SRAM 1×11 Mtb Groupo
#2 — Salsa Warbird Ti. Just when you thought you’d seen every bike genre, Salsa adds another. The Warbird model is specific to road racing on gravel. (Think the Almanzo 100, as one example.) Before you assume it is just a cyclocross bike, I’ll explain that the geometry involves a longer wheelbase, a lower bottom bracket, and a more upright position for long days in the saddle. Shoot down a high-speed, slowly banking gravel hill and you’ll know why this bike is different — the operative word is “stability,” Salsa cites. Highlights include a titanium frame, ENVE carbon fork, and disc brakes. Offered in a less-expensive aluminum version as well, either Warbird model might just help you get off the blacktop, turn down a country gravel road, and see that pavement is overrated. Price is TBD.
Gravel Specific: Salsa Warbird Ti gravel bike
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