While I wasn’t able to get to Eurobike to check out all the 29″er goodness shown there, we were kindly forwarded some images taken by someone who was there. Taken originally for posting on “Twenty Niner“, a European based website for fans of big wheelers there, this is a small sampling of what was seen at the biggest trade show for bicycles in the world. (Editor’s Note: All pictures courtesey of Ellen Kreipe)
Here we have the Intense Tracer 29″er we got a sneak peek of a few days ago with the production hydro-formed top tube. The green color was retained for this example and we like it.
Here’s a closer look at the rear swing arm. We are hearing it will have adjustable travel from 4.75″ to 5.75″. Any guesses as to where most folks will set their travel at on these? (We’re guessing at the longer end of the scale)
Kona’s 2010 Unit. With a sweet dark metallic green paint job, and very subtle graphics, this bike will belie it’s “caffeinated” nature. The spec sheet lists head tube angles either side of 73 degrees depending on size and a 45mm fork offset on the rigid, steel P2 fork.
We’ve had the new Santa Cruz Tall Boy on the site before. Eurobike was the official “coming out party” for this rig. Here’s a look at the sano rear triangle. This bike complete is over the 5K barrier, but we’re willing to bet the first run of these will be gone rather quickly.
Can you say “titanium”? This rig, under the brand name “Paduano”, an Italian maker, was shown with just about everything titanium you can imagine. Integrated seat mast, stem, bar ends, handle bar, fork, and with the addition of a belt drive, it should make for a very, very light bike. Paduano also makes a bike similar to the one in the backround with 29″er wheels that is a combination of titanium and carbon fiber.
Another Italian marque, Nevi, who have shown 29″ers before at Eurobike, return with this titanium example. A titanium fork with an integrated brace, apparently in an effort to intercept twisting forces, has a segmented crown. The rear modular drop outs are said to be movable to accommodate the swap to 26 inch wheels if desired.
Specialized, who brought an enormous display to Eurobike, had their full line up of 2010 29″ers on display.
The Felt booth had their aluminum hard tails on show. The Felt Nine Race is a mostly XT spec’ed bike that retails for $2499.99
The Felt Nine Comp is a mostly SRAM mix of X-5/X-7 and features a Manitou Drake suspension fork for a MSRP of 1199.99.