The London Bike Show opened its doors today and there was plenty of drool-worthy tech on show, including Cervelo's superlight R5ca and World Cup champion Gee Atherton's Commencal Supreme DH downhill bike.
Walking into the ExCeL centre, it was impossible not be impressed by the huge, glistening yachts on show in the next-door Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show (tickets for the bike show include access to the boat show and The Outdoors Show too).
But it was bikes we were interested in, so we headed on down the cavernous hall until we saw the welcoming sight of the Chicken Cycle-Kit stand, complete with a line of shiny new Pinarellos. Also on display was the striking new LAS Anubi helmet with its exposed plastic reinforcement – watch out for a first look at this £100 lid soon on BikeRadar.
LAS's Anubi helmet stands apart from the pack due to the exposed plastic reinforcement running down the centre
After checking out a stunt show by Scotland's The Clan and watching people whizz round the mountain bike test loop, pump track and commuter circuit next door in the Skoda Bike Arena, not to mention listening in on a wheel truing session hosted by Cytech, it was time to see what bike bling was on display.
The Clan and the Animal Relentless Bike Tour crew were on hand to entertain the crowds
First off, we stumbled across the Cool Wall, which was home to four fine examples of bike porn: bf1systems' Factor 001, dubbed 'the world's most advanced bicycle" when it was launched in 2008; a Pinarello Dogma in Team Sky colours; an Ibis Tranny carbon hardtail, with it's innovative bolt-on rear end; and the new high-end AiR 9.4 from Boardman, the aero-profile sister of the SLR.
The Cool Wall; some fine examples of bike bling
Then it was on to the Cervelo stand, where an R5ca full build weighing an astonishing sub-13lb took pride of place, with a stealthy matt black paintjob. You can read more about the bike in our First Look. On the Shimano stand it was a model at the opposite end of the riding spectrum that was getting all the attention – Gee Atherton's Commencal Supreme DH downhill rig, kitted out with high-end Shimano Saint, PRO and Fox Racing Shox kit.
Gee Atherton's Commencal Supreme DH – one for the gravity racers out there
With bikes from Yeti, Transition, Brompton, Saracen, Ridgeback, Cinelli, Genesis, Rose, Pinarello, Orange and more also on display, there was something for all types of rider – far too much to mention here. Watch the video below for more, or check it out yourself – The London Bike Show is open until Sunday.
London bike show
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