Part 1 - 2009 Bicycle Trade Expo - Montreal

There are 2 very large bicycle trade shows in the late summer each year: Eurobike and Interbike.  These events see the launch of just about all the new products for the next year.  Taking place every year around the same time is our own smaller event, a hybrid of a bike show and member conference run by the Bicyclte Trade Association of Canada.

Since we are a smaller market and this event is scheduled very close to the much larger and higher profile events, not all manufacturers take the time to attend.  Notably missing was Cervelo, and from what I understand they almost never come to the BTAC show anymore.

I did get to take a look at some great stuff and here is some of it, starting with soft goods from Louis Garneau and the new Argon18 designs.

What the heck is this you ask?   Argon18 has introduced an interesting innovation, the variable head tube.  To shorten or increase the height of the head tube on their all new Gallium line, you screw 1 cm or 2 cm metal spacers on to a coupler.  This increases the stack of the bike, and most likely is a stiffer solution than just leaving a fork uncut and protruding from the top of the frame.
They also changed the paint job (looks very nice), rounded and flattened the top tube and implemented what appears to be twin seat stays at the rear.  All with a nice tight carbon weave.

This new paint scheme has trickled down to all other models as well, an improvement in my mind from the over labelled version of years past.  All other bikes have remained the same.

Louis Garneau's considerable line of soft goods are sure to impress in 2009.  

The custom fit road shoe is home heat moldable and comes with 2 foot beds: one for the summer and one that blocks the air vents in the winter.  This is standard for all their high-end shoes and the foot beds can also be purchased as aftermarket accessories. 

The biggest thing for me at the LG booth was the new Diamond helmet.  40 vents, super strong and priced under the top-end of another very famous line.  Look out Italy!

Very comfortable fitting system, one piece pads and adjustable helmet cage make this one nice helmet.


Up there at the top of the rack is the Super Leggera, LG's aero helmet on diet pills.  There is no difference in the protective inner shell, but they have lightened the outer fairing considerably.  I found it a little flimsy but I am sure the weight weenies will love it.

Next up, more bikes and accessories.