Like many other bike geeks, we got pretty excited when Specialized rolled out the Venge last year. For some, the only thing that diminished the test bike we had was the over abundance of NASCAR-like graphics that bordered on plain garish. Although I couldn't find this plain silver bike in the American catalog, I am happy to report that all six 2013 Specialized Venge models are much more subdued and serious looking.


The Specialized booth was fronted by all their bikes that went to the Olympics. Beyond the company's deep passion for racing, Specialized still believes in being part of the bigger bike community beyond it's own world of dealers. Like Trek and a few other brands, Specialized annually spends a ton of dough on their own private bike shows, but luckily, Specialized digs deep again to show up at the trade shows to display their wares to the industry and public at large. Community counts.


Look for all new S-Works shoes from Morgan Hill for 2013. The $400 road shoe has two replaceable Boa 2 adjusters, Body Geometry fit with a SL2 FACT carbon sole.


Look, I know everybody is chasing the Tri scene in a big way. I know I could never summon the talent, endurance and commitment to enter a triathlon. I like that the Tri world can push technology without UCI restrictions. But when I look at the front end of this Specialized Tri bike with its pads, extensions and internal water fuselage, I remain thankful that I don't have to ride a bike with all the crap stuck on the front end. Speed is speed, but simplicity is cool too.


Although disc brakes on road bikes still have a ways to go, the design hurdles are getting lower..what about an over-sized axle?, post or radial mount?...but that didn't stop the always irrepressible & forward thinking Ernesto Colnago from rolling out a fleet of Formula disc brake equipped Colnago C59s. 


Storck remains one of the most prolific German bike brands and company namesake Marcus Storck is never without some sweet bikes to show. I was struck by the design, engineering and manufacturing  prowess no doubt needed to make this rear end work.


On his high-end road bike, Marcus runs a carbon fork with an integrated carbon brake also of his own making.


       Here's what the integrated rear side-pull brake looks like. Talk about an abundance of carbon!


Reportedly one of, if not the, biggest lock maker in the world, Abus is now entering the cycling helmet and accessory market in a big way.


Longtime American aluminum parts maker Thomson is slipping into the world of carbon drop bars which includes a standard road bar and this Katie Compton signature cyclocross bar available in sizes 40-44cm with a built-up top section to better accommodate use of safety levers. Right now the bar is made in Asia, but soon production is planned to move to America- hooray! Thomson remains a family run operation and all the machined parts are as beautifully crafted as ever and all made in America.


The Basque accessory company Spiuk was showing off their new 15RC shoe that uses a "thermo moldable" carbon insole for a more custom fit.


Schmolke Carbon has been in the lightweight carbon parts business for over 20 years and although this sweet carbon saddle was mounted atop a Schmolke carbon post, I couldn't find any info on it.


I'm sure many of you can only associate the KTM brand with their recent history as a transcontinental motocross and off-road powerhouse, home to riders like Ryan Dungey, Antonio Cairoli and team managers like Roger DeCoster. From what I was told, despite the family resemblance, the KTM bicycle division is actually just a licensing deal. Still, KTM is a popular brand in Europe with a huge selection of bikes.


How about this replaceable derailleur hanger with an integrated cable guide on a KTM road bike - nice detail work.


One of the most contentious features of the Eurobike show is the annual award contest which metes out their coveted awards recognizing the more exceptional of new products. Hideto Suzuki, the man behind Pedaled Clothing, was elated to receive the gold medal for his Urban Jacket which made up just part of his extensive and innovative line of high fashion, cycling friendly clothing. Not necessarily intended for the lycra set, I thought the most impressive feature of all was the artificial wrinkles that are painted onto the jeans with reflective paint.
 

Except for the same ol' silly traffic congestion, the 2012 Eurobike show was once again a home run. With about one million square feet of exhibition space open to just over 1200 exhibitors, the halls remain satisfyingly & frustratingly jammed. Still, so many new bikes and so much enthusiasm and I didn't even scratch the electric bike pavilion where some of the most far reaching designs are currently being realized. Remember, the show is open to the public on the last day (I heard over 20,000 people showed up at @ $30 a head this year) and next year the show is moved a skooch earlier to August 28-3.  Now, onto Las Vegas for the 31st running of the Interbike show. Bikes rule!