Cyclocross Magazine's contributor Hannah Caproon attended the 2017 Winter Press Camp to check out new gear from two dozen brands that might be of interest to our cyclocross and gravel-riding audience. Highlighted here are some of the latest cycling products from ABUS, Assos, Ale Bike Wear, Giordana and Infinity Bike Seat.
ABUS - NutFix, Helmets and Floor Anchor
Abus’ offerings are mostly relevant for those of us who commute regularly, such as the helmet line with built-in taillights. The lights are powered by a 2032 coin cell battery, and under regular use have a lifetime of one to two years. Its WBA 100 floor anchor is intended for home security. The floor anchor bolts can be drilled into concrete and paired with a chain lock to protect your fleet of bikes that probably cost more than your car. NutFix is another piece of tech that may be of interest, even outside of the commuter world. It’s not meant to be a stand-alone security option, but it is intended as enough of a deterrent to keep crimes of opportunity, such as a stolen seatpost or wheel, from happening.
More info: abus.com
Assos - SS.Mille Jersey and T.Mille Bibs
Assos had a large presence in the outdoor section of Press Camp, with a pop-up store and its massive demo tank, I mean truck, which it started using last year to expand its dealer and customer base. Assos is used by riders on the USA Cycling Team, as well as the Swiss Cycling Team. Assos is re-releasing the SS.Mille jersey ($159), which is intended to be paired with its entry-level race bibs, the T.Mille ($159). Previously, the T.Mille bibs, which are replacing the neoPro bibs, did not have a matching jersey.
More info: assos.com
ALÉ Bike Wear
ALÉ, an Italian cycling clothing company owned by APG, highlighted a wide range of apparel, from summer weight to a fabric called “Klimatik,” which is windproof and waterproof. Alé offers men’s and women’s lines, and its online store also features a custom kit builder, from which the company claims to fulfill over 7500 custom orders annually.
More info: alebikewear.com
DMT Cycling Shoes
DMT had many of its road, triathlon, and mountain bike shoes on display at Press Camp. The brand also has track, freeride, enduro, and lifestyle lines – all viewable on its website and available for purchase through a dealer (which you may be hard-pressed to find). Most of DMT's shoes utilize Boa laces, and the mountain bike shoes feature toe spikes and removable treads.
More info: dmtcycling.com
Giordana Cycling Apparel
Giordana, a long-standing apparel brand, ran us through a few of the changes that the company has seen over the past two years. Giordana opened a new factory in Montecchio, Italy, launched a carbon collection and two seasonal lines, as well as supporting custom lines. A new staff graphic designer will give customers the chance to work with an experienced designer on their custom orders, and the brand has updated its ordering minimum to 10 pieces of any size or gender.
A smaller but relevant update is related to the thermal, hydrophobic, quick-wicking G-Shield line. For years G-Shield was only available in black, but Giordana is now offering the line for custom print orders, so the sky is the limit on colorways.
More info: giordanacycling.com
Infinity Bike Seat
Infinity is a company that might pique your interest if you experience odd saddle wear, saddle sores, or other discomfort during rides – especially long-distance rides. Dr. Vince Marcel and his wife Diane showcased the science behind their saddles, which were designed to protect your sensitive bits by moving the saddle contact points onto anatomical areas that are inherently padded. The saddles are also designed to accommodate a wide range of body types. Infinity currently offers the Infinity L2-Series ($295), Infinity L1-Series ($245), and Infinity N-Series ($170).
More info: infinitybikeseat.com