Eurobike 2012

Cannondale put on display their new cross/marathon hybrid Scalp on 29 inch wheels. It's largest aduts are very solid front triangle, control tube with a diameter of 1.5 inches, rear axle with a diameter of 12 mm and low weight - only 10.5 kilograms in carbon version. Suspension front and rear offers 100 millimeters of travel.

Another major innovation is Scarlet, the woman version of the last year presented model Jeryll. The main weapon against the competition, in addition to specific (women) geometry is the double shock absorber DYAD RT2, which provides exceptional smoothness. The biggest change in road bicycles, has received Synapse, which has been upgraded with comfort. The rear part absorbs more vibration. The most attention was devoted to the seat post which consists of two parts - the upper hand, the carrier similar to the bikes with integrated support, while at the bottom with classical mount. New is also aluminum CAAD8, which is basically aimed at low demanding cyclists and beginners. Completely new is a competitive SuperSix Evo, the frame weighs just 695 grams and were already ridden by racers at this year's Giro. Cannondales' new carbon processing technology allows the integration of less material at the same features. On top of everything the frame were upgraded with some aerodynamic solutions.

TWO 15 is certainly the biggest Cubes' novelty, and after three years of development they finaly presented their first downhill bike. It offers 21.5 cm of travel both front and rear and it's pimped up with Fox suspension with Kashima coating. Another innovation is Sting, full suspension trail bike with 120 millimeters of travel with the frame made of carbon HPC (monokok). Rear suspension consists of FSP 4 point system and Fox RP23 Boost valve shock absorber. Of course, this German manufacturer also introduced a 29 inch wheeler, and for the trail bike category they made an aluminum (120 mm travel) AMS 120 SLT29. For base suspension platform serves a four-point FSP system with Fox RP23 Kashima buffer.

Cube for it's new acquisition in the world of road cycling claims to have managed to create the fastest bike in the whole history. Cube techno Litening Super HPC in all it's glory has it all in just 860 grams, which is 150 grams less than it's predecessor. They have managed to keep a high degree of rigidity of the frame, Axle holders are made of carbon fiber, standard for crank systems is BB30. Rear fork legs are extremely narrow, while the front again have low weight - 320 grams. For those who are looking for comfort, they show Cube Agree GTC. It's an extremely lightweight frame which is adapted to use electronic components.

Commencal, ridden by the professional biking family the Athertons showed us Meta in many possible terms. In all mountain family Comencial's Meta model has seen many changes. The largest is certainly the installed rear shock through the the extended bottom frame. This layout allows a finer and smoother ride without unnecessary swaying. A new Meta M offers 150 millimeters of travel front and rear, and Meta SX offers 10 millimeters more travel and more sloped front. Meta AM29 is a complete novelty, 29 inch bike with 130 millimeters of travel and geometry adapted to this type of bikes (68 degree angle fork). All model versions of Meta have a cone-steering head tube.

The main question is whether the mountain bike even needs an electric engine? Anyone who wants to travel along the mountain, has to peddle with their feet up the hill. The arguments against motor powered mountain bikes are the price and weight, but not all of the weight-obsessed thinks the same, if that account to easier to climb. The biggest argument of the manufacturers of these bikes is that beauty of mountains can also reach broader audience, and in fact these bikes does not targeted to existing bikers, but completely new ones. At the same time, it is possible with these wheels to drive longer and explore more the beauty of nature. Which is good, but again raises the question whether the inexperienced riders can even ride in the mountains...

There are also some great news from another well known bike manufacturer - Giant. They showed us all new full suspensioned Anthem Advanced X2 and Trace X Advanced Read the full article about Giant season 2012.

Stay tuned for more 2012 bikes reviews...