Cycle Mode -- Makuhari Messe

I enjoyed a trip out to Cycle Mode today.  In addition to a nice chance to chat with David M. and his friend and co-worker/racer Zac R. of RGT Enterprises/Assos importer, I ran into Thomas of TCC -- whose face I recognized but was not sure from where.  He quickly picked me out -- the guy with the sling from the P.E. blog photo.  I wish him (and everyone else) the best of luck in tomorrow's Enduro.  Also saw Bryon, who is promoting his Computrainer business, and who eventually headed off for lunch with his father-in-law.  I started to explain to David M. that Bryon had had an accident earlier this year ... but David had read about it on the blog.

I took some one-armed photos before heading back, exhausted.  I wonder if James Huang (who seems to be credited with every photo at every bike show that shows up on Cyclingnews, among other places) needs a partner?  Maybe there is not just one "James Huang" but a David James and a Henry Huang, who formed a company, hired a bunch of photographers, and now take tens of thousands of photos a month???  In any event, click here to go to a gallery of photos -- some great eye candy -- De Rosa, Pinarello, Specialized, Tomassini, Mavic, of course Cervelo, etc., etc.!!!

Some of the photos require explanation so I'll add them below in the post as well.

Juliane will be happy to know that Intermax had a good display of Lightweights ... though they did not seem to draw much of a crowd.  I met a Japanese guy working there (said he was named "Mark") who said he had worked with Juliane during the hand-over.  I also mentioned that Juliane was saying "wouldn't it be great if Intermax led some Japanese cyclists to Transalp."  Mark said Juliane had suggested it ... and did not explain whether or why they were/were not doing it ... which I took as a "not doing it" or "not doing it yet" response.  Too bad.

But the most interesting display of Lightweights were on this devilishly hot machine:

 :

And Reynolds now has a wheel (the RZR -- name sounds like a Motorola cellphone) that they claim is the lightest in the world.  It looks to me as if they have  "borrowed" a few ideas from Lightweight for this product, based on the shape of the spokes and the way they attach to the hub.

There were lots of "alternative" materials for bike frames and parts.   A bamboo (though not as cool as the truly integrated bamboo frames from Boo Cycles):

 An all wood bike from a Taiwanese manufacture (the reps seemed happy to find an English speaking guest!):

Wood wheels on a Tomassini (Eco Cycle approved):

  The Delta 7 lattice framed road bike:

 

I was delighted to see the Cherubim bicycle that won "best track bike" at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show last year, and get to talk some with one of the Cherubim frame builders.  I've got to stop by their shop someday.  (You can see the award plaque in the lower left corner of the first photo -- though these photos do not do it justice).

I even got to try the Compex electro stimulation machine -- for training your muscles without lifting a finger. (My left bicep feels stronger already). check out the gallery for more -- especially those beautiful Cervelos -- hard to believe they are Canadian instead of Italian.