The Core Bike Show is a trade only bike show held by a number of the UK’s leading distributors of cycling products. It’s a show that’s been going for 12 years and it’s one of the early points in the year that the bike trade see some of the new products that distributors hope they’ll be ordering this year. It’s also generally well attended the press as it’s often an opportunity to see some products that have appeared in the news already in person. Not only that but it’s a good opportunity to catch up with people.
For me, most of the highlights weren’t bikes but components and accessories. For example, it was interesting to see the new Zipp 454 NSW wheels (inspired by whales) in the flesh with their striking rim designs.
Also on the same stand was the new Quarq DZero power meters, which look very good to me.
Also spotted was the new Tacx Flux, the more affordable sibling of the amazing Tacx Neo.
The Flux is a simpler and less powerful trainer but it’s £700 retail compared to £1200, which is a big difference and will make it a big seller.
Of course you could try the Tacx Neo too on the stand and plenty of people were doing just that.
On the Colnago stand, I really liked the colour of this V1-R but was less keen on the colour schemes of the C60 – just painted lugs
Or the new Aero bike, the Concept, with it’s very old-fashioned paint job that to me really jarred.
On the same stand was the new FSA PowerBox power meters that will retail complete with chainrings for £600 in alloy, which I think will fly off the shelves.
I’ve written about these before and think they could be a big hit in 2017. They’ve been delayed but stock is due in the UK soon.
Also on display was FSA new hybrid wireless groupset.
I’ll write about that separately but it’s great to see another high end groupset on the way to market.
I don’t think it’ll be easy for FSA to break into the market but I wish them every success.
Speaking of wireless groupsets, there was also the highly regarded SRAM eTap on display. Perhaps it could be the perfect upgrade for an old frame that isn’t wired for Di2?
There were a few more new disc braked race bikes, including the De Rosa SK Disc and the Argon 18 Gallium Pro Disc.
Argon also had their new Astana colour scheme on display too
Clements new LCV race tyres sounded very good and it was also good to see their LGG tyres now also available in a 120TPI 32mm version – they’ll ride very well I imagine. I’ve reviewed and enjoyed the 25mm 120 TPI tyres previously.
There was also a new all-purpose 32mm tyre called the Strada USH which is available in tubeless fitting and could be a great rough road option.
Underneath the new tyres was a new Clement Wheelset designed for adventure riding, which could provide another option for your gravel or Cyclocross bike. Interesting to see Clement making the leap into selling wheels too.
Also on the 2Pure stand was Feedback Sports new tool range including a couple of packs, one that looks ideal for travelling with and another for team mechanics.
This latter one with a pack that’s designed to hang over the back of a headrest in a team car or off a workstand for race mechanics out on the road. They looked well made and are worth checking out if you like good tools.
On the Altura stand, the tasty Santa Cruz Stigmata caught my eye and was a nice choice to showcase the new Altura bike packing bags.
A couple of years ago I tested an Altura jacket for Cycling Plus magazine and was really impressed with it. If they’ve done half as good a job with their bike packing products, they’ll be well worth a look.