iceBike* returned this weekend for the first time since 2020 and we’ve been prowling the National Cycle Centre in Manchester looking for the freshest tech on show.
The show saw a range of new tech and gear, including waterproof dungarees, lights that use Tesla batteries and workshop goodies.
Previously, the in-house show for Madison – one of the UK’s biggest cycling distributors – took place in Milton Keynes. But for 2023 it is split across two venues and two dates.
iceBike* North at the National Cycle Centre in Manchester took place on Sunday 5-6 March, with iceBike* South taking place on 9-10 March at Tobacco Dock, London.
All-new Knog Blinder lights
Knog launched its new Blinder lights at iceBike* North.
These use a Tesla battery for a claimed increase in run time.
The Tesla battery is said to last 35 to 40 per cent longer than those used in competitors’ bike lights, according to Knog.
CEO Hugo Davidson believes Knog is the first bike light brand to use the battery, but expects more will follow.
Davidson says the 900-lumen version of the light has a run time of 2 hours on full beam.
Currently, the aluminium-bodied lights are available as standalone units, but Knog will be releasing integrated versions later this year.
You will be able to plug the integrated lights into an external battery pack or connect them to the battery of an electric bike.
All-new Madison mountain bike kit
Madison has totally revamped its mountain bike kit range for 2023 and, from what we’ve seen so far, we’re really impressed.
Pairing useful features and premium materials with fashionable low-key colours, the new range is a significant departure in terms of style from the brand’s previous mountain bike kit.
We’ve got a first-look for the full range in the works. Stay tuned for more.
Elite Neto bidon sterilliser
The Elite Neto (£22.99, international pricing TBC) is a steam sterilliser for your cycling bottles.
The lid and mouthpiece sit on top of a plastic tray inside the Neto’s main chamber. The bottle itself then sits upside down in a silicone ring fitted to the end of the main chamber.
A small amount of water is then added to the system before blasting the lot in the microwave – one minute at 700 watts should kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria, according to Elite.
While you’re unlikely to culture too many swampy pathogens in regularly cleaned bottles, this could be a useful tool for those (like many of the grot mongers at BikeRadar) who struggle to keep mould at bay.
Budget Lazer Kineticore helmets now available to buy
After a soft launch at Eurobike 2022, Lazer’s new budget Kineticore-equipped road bike helmets are now available to buy.
The Tempo Kineticore is Lazer’s cheapest helmet (£39.99, international pricing TBC) to feature its new-ish safety tech.
It’s a one-size-fits-all lid that’s compatible with a number of accessories, including integrated lights and cozy liners for winter riding.
The more premium Tonic is available in a typical range of sizes and features a vertically adjustable ‘basket’ (the cage that hugs the back of your head). It comes in at £59.99 (international pricing TBC).
We also liked the look of a sand-coloured version of the Jackal, Lazer’s entry-level mountain bike lid.
Park Tool EP-1 cable crimping pliers
While not new-new, these cable crimping-specific pliers from Park Tool still made us smile.
While 99.9 per cent of mechanics are perfectly happy crimping cables with standard pliers, the .1 per cent of you who demand perfection will love these.
The jaws of the pliers have two crimping jaws to suit different ferrules.
At $29.95 / £34.99, these definitely fall into the ‘amusing indulgence’ category of tools, but we say more power to those who buy them.
Aztec stainless steel Center Lock rotor
Amidst a sea of fancy new swag, it’s easy to overlook the bread-and-butter products that keep bike shops running.
Aztec’s new range of disc brake rotors is a great example of an understated product that, once you dig a bit deeper, actually look pretty cool.
These new Center Lock rotors have a nice round profile that’s similar to premium rotors, but at a much lower price (£24.99, international pricing N/A).
The rotors are available in 140, 160, 180 and 203mm diameters, and also feature helpful integrated wear indicators – once the face of the rotor wears down to the black dots on the outside, it’s time to buy new ones.
WheelsMFG bottom brackets
Previously only available in black or red, WheelsMFG now offers its bottom brackets (and other parts) in a wide range of fun colours. Matchy-matchy heaven.
Truflow Supertrax
The Truflow bike pump range has been revamped for 2023, covering price points from £24.99 right through to £84.99 (international pricing N/A).
The Truflow Supertrax sits bang in the middle of the range at £54.99.
It pairs a plastic handle with a steel barrel and base.
The switch on the top of the handle changes the volume of the piston.
The low-pressure setting is best suited for pressures up to 40psi, with the high pressure suitable from 40psi to a track-cycling-only-160psi.
Best still, you know the pump will work with gravel bike tyres because it’s khaki.
Linkglide is nothing new
Did you know Shimano Di2 was available as far back as 2001?
Shimano Nexave was an electronic groupset designed for urban riding that was released when Dura-Ace Di2 was but a twinkle in Shimano’s eye.
Looking at today’s groupsets, we also noticed Shimano Linkglide – which is at the heart of the brand’s new Cues groupset – was also doing the rounds back in the early 2000s.
We’ll be bringing you a closer look at this charmingly unusual Nexave Di2-equipped Ridgeback soon.
New DT Swiss 350 hub
iceBike* North was our first chance to lay eyes on the new DT Swiss 350 hub.
DT Swiss says the new 350 is lighter and easier to maintain than its predecessor.
The hub sees a switch to the brand’s Ratchet 36 SL system, which uses 36 teeth to provide 10 degrees of engagement. The previous 350 hub had only 18 teeth.
In terms of maintenance, the hub’s axle end cap can be removed by hand, meaning there's no need for specialist tools.
Finally, it is said to be between 5 and 10 per cent lighter than the outgoing 350, depending on the model.
PRO Vibe Superlight handlebar
We also spotted the PRO Vibe Superlight cockpit, which was launched last year.
The handlebar is said to be 75g lighter than the previous Vibe Superlight bar, weighing a claimed 154g in a size 38cm.
Strength and reliability are said to be improved despite the reduction in weight, thanks to the use of high-modulus polypropylene ‘Innegra’ fibres in the carbon layup.
The Vibe Superlight stem uses 7075 alloy rather than carbon fibre and enables cables to be routed internally.
