The 2013 edition of The Cycle Show opened to the public on Friday, bringing some of the world's top cycling brands to Birmingham to showcase their shiny new wares. The show runs all weekend, and whether you're looking to test-ride a new bike, book a cycle tour in the UK or abroad, or just fancy a gander at some beautiful bikes and kit, it's well worth a visit.
We went along to the press day on Thursday to have a look. Here are just five highlights to whet your appetite:
1. The Storck Aernario
Ever wondered what the best bike in the world is? Well, wonder no more - Storck are proudly claiming the title for their Aernario Platinum Edition model. In fairness, it was German magazine 'Tour' who gave Storck's frameset the accolade after it posted a record score from their testers. It looks good...but how would it fare on a greasy towpath commute?
2. Pinarello think asymmetric. What do you think?
Perhaps one aimed more at commuters - or hipsters - is Pinarello's new line of single-speed urban bikes. The model pictured is called 'Only the Brave', which seems apt. A bike that looks like it's been mangled in a head-on collision, before you even swing a leg over. Now that is brave.
3. Venge is sweet.
Another bike you probably won't be seeing much of on your Saturday club runs - but for a different reason - is the limited edition Venge from Specialized's top-tier S-Works range. Only 310 framesets were produced, each discreetly tagged with the Manx Missile's freshly launched CVNDSH brand. While the vowel-free branding suggests a particularly unfortunate Scrabble rack, the bike itself is a beauty.
4. Disc brakes on road bikes: get used to them
They're still not approved by the UCI - and it will hardly be top of Brian Cookson's agenda on his first day in office - but going on the evidence from Eurobike and here at The Cycle Show, disc brakes on road bikes are very much here to stay. Virtually all the major brands seem to be producing concept frames equipped with discs - this example from Bianchi is on their leading Oltre model.
We spoke to Ben Spurrier, head of design at Condor, about the growing trend and asked his views on the aesthetics of disc mounts on seat stays. As a CX devotee Ben is clearly sold on the efficiency of discs over calipers, but he also pointed out that by mounting discs at the hub of the wheel, you in fact streamline the frame design at the top of the seat stays. 'It's give and take,' he observed; discs allow for cleaner, more track bike-like lines in key areas of the frame. Fair point - and we think the Oltre looks pretty nice too.
5. The revolution will be colourised
If you thought disc brakes on a road bike would never happen in your lifetime, then this will really blow your mind. Trek have launched Project One: a new programme that allows customers to essentially commission a one-off masterpiece of a paint job for their new bike, complete with signature of your choice. OK, so custom builds are nothing new, but the level of personalisation that Trek are offering is quite impressive. At the very least, you'll never have to worry about accidentally lifting someone else's identical bike off the rack at a feed stop.
The Cycle Show is open to the public from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 September at the NEC Birmingham. Advance tickets are £13 (adult), £11 (concessions) and just £1 for children aged under 14.
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