Identiti is to broaden into off road gear and what first step the Initial-D is
Spank’s take on
matching a stem to modern hydrofromed tubing
Buff’s new
Merino Hoodie product
Deluxe’s new stem
Spank has some interesting bars this year - check ‘em out
ISON Few will have walked through the Ison space without noting Identiti's brand new Initial D, which BikeBiz is told "after 15 years focused on dirt products, is a step forward into something more advanced." According to sales and marketing executive Dave Franciosy, this is the first step in changing the face of Identiti. The Initial D is a 3K carbon frame that comes disc ready and weighs in at 1.5 kilo with the fork. Expected to retail under £1,000, the frameset will be supplied with a headset and a complete bike will follow and will be di2 ready. A cross frame, also in the smoked satin finish, dubbed the Initial X is also on the way. Perhaps even bigger news for Ison was the
arrival of a selection of Banshee Bikes with full stock arriving early in March. The Rune was one build on show, which
carries the KS Link by UK designer Keith Scott. KS Link suspension features fully sealed, oversized bearings throughout for reliability and low maintenance. BikeBiz was also told of another ODI link up
with Vans, following on from BMX firm Cult's first successful link up. This time around Vans fans will be able to get their hands round a lock on version of the ODI made grip, likely to retail at £21.99 and supplied with white collars with etched on logos. An Aaron Gwin signature grip is also on the way shortly.
Other highlights include a mix and match headset product from Gusset at £19.99 for an
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upper or a lower. This means less stock need be carried by dealers. TSG has been busy too and has both new styles and new technology, with the 70s inspired 'Dawn' becoming the first fully certified ear coverage helmet, while the Kraken Plus has apparently developed an entirely new way to dissipate the impact from a crash, with a 'pin' that snaps on impact, allowing the inner lining to rotate within the harder shell before breaking up meaning the outer takes the majority of the stress. Halo also introduced a full carbon wheelset for £1,000 at retail, weighing 1.4 kilos a pair.
version. Tested on the Megavalanche and running on triple butted spokes, the hubs are easily adapted for various axle standards and perhaps the best news of all, both the front and rear wheels take the same length straight pull spoke regardless of side of the wheel. Gaerne is now in the semi-exclusive BOA lacing club, introducing the EPS carbon G.Chrono road at £259.99 and the ladies Dame for the same price. The former comes in sizes 39 through 48 and the latter 37 through 42.
HOTLINES
Spank has come up with something a little bit special on the handlebar front, all while managing to avoid going down the carbon fibre route, something the label says it is looking to avoid for the long term. The Oozy bar was tucked away, but BikeBiz
got a sneak peak of the 720mm upgrade from the prior 690mm version. Using a 'special alloy' the firm has managed a 208 gram weight and at just £80 retail, making it a great alternative to carbon on the weight front, but at a much lower price. Seven time butted and using a CNC bending process, the bar is tapered in all the right places, with thicker sections on the clamp area, bends and ends. Spank also debuted an Oozy wheelset, weigh in at a very respectable 1,600 grams for the 26-inch wheelset and 1,800 for the 29er
BUFF
Let the warmth be with you. Buff introduced Star Wars licensed product at Core, so your customer can now look like a lightweight version of Darth Vader on your bike and for only a pound more than a standard Buff. No word yet on what's warmer, genuine
Wookie fur, or a printed Gore Tex Storm buff, but the latter is now in the catalogue too, alongside a new 'Hoodie buff, made with a Polartec fleece and with a double merino neck cover for £30.