Eurobike Show 2018
Day Three Highlights
It's the third and final day of Eurobike 2018 and we took a look at a range of Smart trainers from Elite, Shimano's new 105 groupset and Fizik's stunning Infinito R1 Knit shoes, as well as products from HJC and Garmin.
Elite Fuoripista Bike
Elite have announced a number of new indoor trainers to suit every budget and rider.
First up, and a product you can’t miss when walking up to the Elite stand, is the new Fuoripista Bike. Not only an interactive Smart trainer, this is also a work of art. The iconic sculptural design, blending glass, wood and aluminium, was created by Italian brand Adriano design. This beautiful piece is sure to stand out in any room, that is, if you can afford the £11,000 to £12,000 price tag.
The wood has been treated to protect against damage from sweat, and the double-layered tempered glass is exceptionally strong. The 20kg flywheel ensures a solid feel and contributes to the 100kg complete weight. There’s no need to worry about style over substance, however, as this is a feature and technology packed product.
ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart will connect the bike to your computer or tablet, and the latter can be placed on the front holder so you can connect to the app of your choice, such as Zwift or TrainerRoad.
There’s an integrated power meter and virtual gear shifting means that when not using ERG mode, you can change the resistance manually via two levers. The internal battery has a 10 hours life but can be left plugged in. Power meter accuracy is +/-2% and it will simulate climbs up to 20%.
The handlebar and saddle height are adjustable, and you can swap out the included saddle if you so wish. There are four sizes available, meaning you needn't compromise when it comes to your position.
Elite Drivo II Direct Drive Interactive Trainer
As Elite's top of the range direct drive interactive trainer, the Drivo II follows on the original Drivo model. Customer feedback has resulted in a change of colour, to a black design, and power meter accuracy is a market leading +/- 0.5%.
Reactions are now three times faster, meaning when you’re using an app such as Zwift, any changes in power output, pedalling speed or incline simulation will happen even faster. Regardless of how much power you can put out, the claimed 2300 watts maximum should be plenty. The trainer will simulate climbs up to 24%, making it ideal for training for even the toughest of races or sportives.
The final change makes for a more solid base, with four support points rather than three.
Elite Direto Direct Drive Interactive Trainer
The Elite Direto Direct Drive Interactive Trainer is a slightly more affordable direct drive option, and has been upgraded to a +/- 2% accuracy from the original 2.5%. Climbs are simulated up to 14% and the solid base means you can put the power down while remaining stable.
Elite Nero Interactive Rollers
Another completely new product, the Elite Nero Rollers blend the latest innovation with interactivity. A first in roller design, there are two flywheels for a more fluid and natural experience. Many of the Elite Quick-Motion features have been utilised and improved in this model. A considerable development for rollers, this unit can simulate climbs up to 7% in gradient.
In addition, there's plenty of adjustability in the position of the roller and the Nero can be neatly folded for storage and carrying.
Garmin Edge 130 GPS Bike Computer
One of the latest models in the Edge range of Garmin Bike Computers, the 130 comes in a compact size.
Features are reduced compared to some of the higher-end models, but the 130 easily holds its own in the Edge range, with power meter support, full connectivity to all your cadence and speed sensors, and the ability to show up to eight data fields per each of the five possible pages.
Light in weight, this unit weighs in at just 32 grams - half that of the Edge 520, and gives you all the functionality to map routes via GPS.
Garmin Edge 520 Plus GPS Bike Computer
The original Edge 520 has had a mapping upgrade. The Garmin Edge 520 Plus includes complete mapping, with turn-by-turn directions and Trendline popularity routing. This feature-packed device is tiny and light, weighing just 2 grams more than the 520 and retains the non-touch screen design making it easy to use in all conditions.
HJC Valeco Road Helmet
The motorcycle helmet specialists HJC have in the past year branched out into cycling helmets - utilising their expertise and a research wind tunnel to achieve the highest levels of comfort, safety and performance in all their products. The In-Mold EPS construction buffers impacts in the event of a crash.
The Valeco model borrows much of the technology of its big brother, the IBEX, resulting in a well balanced design that is aerodynamic and ventilated, while being a more affordable option. Packed with features, the Air Channel System keeps the air flowing, and the profile reduces drag.
Fizik R1 Infinito Knit Cycling Shoes
No changes this year to the technical features of the Fizik R1 Infinito Knit Road Cycling Shoes for the new season, but a number of brand new colourways. The striking design is featherweight, while the knitted fabric is highly breathable. There’s even a water resistant treatment to the fabric for use in all conditions.
Shimano 105 R7000 Hydraulic Groupset
Shimano's popular mid-range 105 groupset has a hydraulic disc brake option. Smart aesthetics more closely match Ultegra and Dura-Ace options and include dual-tone matt black and gloss black cranks. There is now an official disc brake option for the 105 series, with flat-mount hydraulic disc brake calipers.
A highlight of 105 R7000 is the ability to now choose between traditional sized levers and those for smaller hands, so reach is made more comfortable for all riders. This new version of dual-control levers has an angle closer to the bar, and a more outboard position for improved clearance with the handlebar drop. This design will feature on smaller sizes and women's bikes.
