Gregor Russell – On His Eurobike 2009
It’s in its 18th year, it takes up 14 halls and two open air areas of the Friedrichshafen Messe – that’s 1000,000 square metres of exhibition space - there are 1,000 exhibitors, 5,000 brands with 30,000 trade visitors and 1,200 journos.
“EUROBIKE 2009” on the beautiful shores of Lac Constance – and VeloResults was right there, courtesy Gregor Russell.
The Continental Tyres Stand.
What’s it all about, Gregor?
"It lets the trade see the 2010 lines; all of the top men from the manufacturers are there, not just distributors - the only thing is that there’s just so much to see that it begins to wash over you, after a while."
What impressed you?
"The new Pinarello Dogma is absolutely stunning (really Gregor!), it‘s unbelievably light, employing the new HM60cf carbon, and the finish is beautiful – it also has custom cable routing for the Dura Ace electronic.
The 2010 Pinarello Dogma.
The Dogma is built to accomodate electronic gearing.
"The Night Rider lighting systems for next year are very neat, very light and bright.
"Giant were displaying their new time trial bike – they have all the data to back up, that overall, it’s the fastest time trial bike on the market.
"The Milani frames were nice; they’re collaborating with Maserati to produce frames.
They call it "the fastest bike in the world".
Any ProTour team bikes?
"Cannondale had Pellizotti’s bike on show – but there was no sign of him.
"Eddy Merckx’s stand was kitted out to look like a Belgian café; with pictures of Eddy’s great triumphs all round the walls – that was cool.
"The problem with a lot of the kit, though, is that it will never reach the UK – you would have import it direct because they don’t have a main agent in this country."
The Eddy Merckx Bar.
And the Merckx bikes on display.
2010 trends?
"Carbon! and white carbon; rims, brakes, hubs.
"Ceramic bearings are cropping up more too; perhaps not at budget prices, but certainly a lot more affordable."
What’s the colour for 2010?
"White! wheels, rims, frames, hubs."
If it's not white, it's not right.
Retro?
"Yes, lots! Viktor will be delighted!
"‘Fixies’ are big and single speeds – Pinarello, Colnago and De Rosa all had fixed bikes; with Cinelli doing a retro single speed bike."
Cinelli with some wild and wonderful track rigs.
‘Must haves?’
"If you have deep pockets – the Shimano electronic; it’s faultless.
"Campag are still working on their electronic 11 speed, word is that they are trying to get the batteries internal – inside the brake levers!"
Mark Cavendish's Tour Scott was there to see. (click for the full image)
Famous faces?
"Zabel was there with Columbia and Scott; Jens Heppner is with Bio Racer; Cipollini is launching a clothing range, but his bikes aren’t ready yet; Chris Boardman was there too – but he was tight lipped about Sky.
"I think he was there to promote his bikes into the European market."
Pippo's KoM jersey from the Tour.
And you met the ‘Pistollero?’
"We were going onto the Giro stand and I literally bumped into him – I did a double take; “that’s Contador!” he was very relaxed, laid back.
Bert was pressing the flesh in the name of Giro Helmets and Glasses.
"Garmin had Chris Sutton – who won the Tour of Britain stage last week – on their stand."
Cervelo, like all the manufacturers, make a big effort here. (click for the full image)
Do Campag and Shimano try to out do each other?
"Both had very impressive stands, but Campag’s was the best designed – very ‘arty.’
"You could try the ergo levers; and they had the components in transparent cases with magnified sections so that you could see how good the finish was.
"Campag is very popular now, there’s not the price difference that there used to be with Shimano.
"Campag have a huge array of wheels now, for every conceivable use.
"SRAM had a big presence – they’ve won the Tour remember, but I don’t think they’re moving that much product in Britain."
And the ‘crazies?’
"A list as long as your arm!
"Rohloff had 14 speed hubs; there was a hall full of electric bikes – including a three-and-a-half grand electric trike!
"Hi tech rollers were a big thing too; where you can get out of the saddle and with variable resistance."
It's clever, but would you buy one? (click for the full image)
And the best looking girls?
"The yellow leather clad ‘Kill Bill’ girls at the Continental party were very nice!"
It's a tough job, Gregor.
I get Dan Fleeman; he gets the Kill Bill Girls – that can’t be right!
Rate This Article
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...Related Articles
- Skil Shimano Team Launch
- Grand Tour Time Trial Bikes
- Raleigh – Back in the Game
- Bradley Wiggins – Sky Leader at the Team Launch
- Paris – Roubaix – Day 3, Bike Skek & Teams Presentation
- SRAM – the new kids on the block
- Phil Young – A Tribute
- Adam Hansen – 20 Quick Questions
Leave a Response
Articles(RSS)