Cycle Show Highlights 11 - Cheap Viking Fixie

OK, Viking is not a brand I would go for, but this fixie caught my
attention.

If you don't want to break the bank, but want the fixie look, then it makes
sense to take a closer look at this all steel cheapie for 300 quid.

The finishing kit is at the lower end of the scale and I suspect the frame
may be heavier than Eddy Merckx after a Flintstones themed barbeque, but I
thought it looks great.

Cycle Show Highlights 9 - Condor Terra X prototype

I had an odd feeling when I saw this beauty on the Condor stand. It just
looked so familiar and yet it is still a prototype.

Then there were the telltale signs of use - a bit of dried mud, slight
scuffing etc etc.

It was clear this is a genuine prototype that has been used in anger. It
was familiar because its been used in anger against me - at Springfield
last Sunday when Vicious Velo / Condor Marketing's Claire Beaumont
streaked away from me on the first lap of the Eastern League 3rd round.

I can tell you from experience this bike is fast, but i got a much better
look at it while it was bolted down at the NEC.

You can buy a decent Condor Cross bike now, but waiting for this disc
braked version, if thats your thing, would be a wise move. Afterall, when
you ride as fast as this bike can take you, you'll be grateful of that
extra stopping power. As Claire would say, "Boom!"

Cycle Show Highlights 8 - Qoroz Ti CX Bike

Yes, another cross bike and it was the 2nd titanium stunner of the day.

I have yet to see a Ti bike at any of the cross races I attend, but if I
had the cash, I would love to be the first.

Manufacturers were hesitant at best following the UCI decision to allow
disc brakes in CX competition but the 2012 ranges are seeing more coming
through.

This, however is a little bit special as it sports Hope's hydraulic discs.
Yep. Hydraulic. On a cross bike.

Qoroz have thrown all their regular style, panache and beautiful titanium
craftsmanship at this project and come up with a stunning but incredibly
functional looking machine.

I also loved the red accents on this bike - a departure from the standard
qoroz blue.

Cycle Show Highlights 7 - Colnago C59 Italia

Last year, the Italians were all into dayglo... So much so, that even Mario
Cipolini himself was seen in his cuban heels at the show pushing his new
clothing and dayglo accented bikes (with only one bottle cage).

Birmingham's NEC probably didn't have the allure of London for The Lion
King this year as he was nowhere to be seen.

Anyway, I've gone off topic.

The point is that this year, the Italians have gone all stealth and black.
They were all at it.

My favourite example was this Colnago C59 Italia. Three and a half thousand
quid, frame and fork.

Cycle Show Highlights 6 - Look

Look had an impressive display featuring all their well known frames.

Of particular interest for this year is their foray into fully specced, off
the shelf machines.

This 586, in particular, caught my eye.

Cycle Show Highlights 5 - Belt Drive Moulton TT Bike

Its all in the title and picture for this one.

Well, why not!?

Cycle Show Highlights 4 - S-Works McLaren Venge

Its black, its fast and it wins races.

Oh, and its a 5 Grand frameset.