Road bike historians know full well the carbon legacy of Kestrel bikes. They were there in the beginning, heck, they might even be considered the beginning, but for 2013 look for a fleet of newly designed Kestrel Legend road bikes to market under the Legend moniker. For different models are available in seven sizes.


Cannondale has ratcheted up their production bike offerings for 2013 by offering a trio of models (Evo, CAAD10 and RS Slice) in variety of spec levels, one which is the Black Ink version. The blacked on black bikes ("murdered out" as the kids would say) each have their own subdued graphic treatment and parts spec. 

Yes, you'd be correct if you guessed that these yellow shoes are from Mavic, but you'd be wrong to guess that they are all the same shoe. From the high-end Zxellium Ultimate to the hyper light (400 gram per pair) Huez (row 2) and including the entry-level Zxellium, Mavic is now a full-time player in the shoe and apparel  market.


Besides shoes and clothing, Mavic is now entering their second year in the helmet market with a lower-priced option to their Plasma model. The Espoir utilizes Mavic’s Ergo Ride retention system and pads, and achieves all this at a price under $100. Available in Small, Medium, and Large, with your choice of three colors.


Look for Ergon to make a big push into the road market next year with a new pavement specific saddle that will be available in three models, each in three different widths. Key to the design is a dual foam design with a slight ramp at the tail to help the rider increase their power to the pedals. The top of the line SR3 Pro Carbon has a claimed weight of 180 grams and there is also a specific version for the Selle Italia Monolink.


Besides a variety of frames, Taiwan carbon frame maker Trigon is also creeping into the carbon wheel market.


Viva Design is a new Danish brand that had some simple, but beautiful, singlespeed bikes on display. Of their seven bike model line, two stood out: the TIG welded Riser uses track racing geometry and is available in three colors.

The real standout in the Viva Bikes booth was the  Duro model. The lugged frame using "two thin pipes tied together" to make for a beautiful split rail design outfitted with an array of components of their own design. The one piece bar/stem combo is an elegant touch.


We recently highlighted the great looking Culprit Croz aero bike, but to prove further how prolific American design Joshua Colp has been, I thought to add this Arrow road frame seen at Eurobike. Look for Culprit bikes to be available in early 2013.


Yeah, did you happen to notice that Culprit seatpost? Okay, so we've seen the "suspension" seatposts that have been offered up by Specialized and Canyon, both which would easily qualify as "wild" in design. So, what would that make this wild seatpost concept found on a Culprit road bike? Have your doubts (as I did), but they swear it's a workable concept. 


Already one of the most advanced aero-road bikes on the market due to its use of time trial design frame features, the 2013 Cervelo S5 has new graphics and be available in two lower priced (from this Garmin team oriented version) Shimano Ultegra options: Price: $4,300 (Ultegra mechanical), $5,500 (Ultegra Di2).


Besides the impressive line of aluminum and carbon road bikes, the German brand Rose also proved their  aero mettle with their Aero Flyer that was built up with the latest minimalist spoked Lightweight Fernweg wheels.


It was nice to see that throughout the expansive, carbon carpeted halls at Eurobike there were still a handful of titanium brands displaying their wares. Longtime Italian Ti builder Nevi had this bike with oversized tubes on display that was getting quite a bit of attention.


Apparently, in cold weather or warm, European cycling fans get really thirsty around 4:00 each afternoon. And so to keep the massive crowd happy, an equally massive amount of beer would get unloaded and put to quick use.


Talk about frying up some food for some friends, the freshly made German fare is a striking counter to the pre-fab, overpriced "chrome dogs" that the American bike industry will once again be subsisting on when the Interbike show opens in Las Vegas in just a few days.


For the last few years some guy who has lived in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia has been sending RBA a smattering of great stories about all things cycling from around the globe. His name is Steve Thomas and when I got the chance to finally meet him at Eurobike I told him I would buy him a beer. His reply? "You better come with lots of cash!" Nice to meet you at last Steve....safe travels.