Best known for their history as a NorCal mountain bike brand, Marin has been in the road bike business since the early '90's and  for 2013 they have a new line of performance road bikes that look pretty sharp. The Stelvio family is made up of three models starting with the $3799 Ultegra bike and going up to the Pro model spec'd with a Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain and Reynolds wheels for $6,999. Marin Bikes.


One prized moment at the show was when I laid these $5000 Lightweight wheels down on the carpet to shoot and somebody tripped over them - nice! We were shown a few different of the exotic German made wheels and got to come home with a pair of the improved Meilstein (R) wheels. Available in either clincher or tubular versions and also a special white spoke model, the Meilstein hoops weigh around 1100 grams, the 2013 models have been re-shaped and  now have a re-engineered brake surface for improved stopping power. Lightweight Wheels.


BMC kicked down with a solid presentation on the background of the startling TMR01 at Interbike.  Better yet, they rolled-out of four different models including this sweet looking bike with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain and Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL wheels. Unlike a handful of new aero bikes that are running with the popular TRP side-pull brakes, the BMC uses an integrated version of their own design. BMC Bicycles.


It took awhile to happen, but it looks like the BMC Impec that is built in the BMC factory in Switzerland in finally ready for prime time. Four models, all on the very high-end of things are available and they are built with BMC's proprietary Shell Node Concept clam shell carbon lugs that  are pressed together over the Load Specific Woven carbon tubes. There are five sizes in the Race Fit and five sizes in the more comfort oriented Performance Fit. The Impec is also the same frame that's used for the Lamborghini branded bike.


With the fixie/commuter market continuing to show increased popularity, Specialized broke their line of Globe bikes out from the Specialized booth to give the urban bikes some breathing room. The Globe family is 17 bikes strong, broken up into three different categories. The Roll 1 Drop sells for a kid friendly $660 and is available in four sizes.


The $1750 Globe Roll 8 Rare is made with Reynolds tubing and runs with a Shimano Alfine 8 speed internal hub with a Gates belt drive, TRP brakes, a front rack and Specialized's own custom swept-back Porteur handlebars.


Long before the majority of  current Ti builders late came to being, Tennessee's own Lynskey family started up a little frame building company called Litespeed back in the '80's. Within a few years they were just about owning the category before selling out and moving on in life. But not for long. Soon enough Mama Lynskey brought the kids back together and started Lynskey Performance. Still proudly made in Tennessee, they were showing off the new Sportive Disc at Interbike.

As much as the "gravel bike" segment is starting to take-off, it could be argued that titanium is the optimum frame material due to its known durability and ride quality. The tall head tube and curved seat stays aid in "old guy" comfort.


As always, the craftsmanship on the Lynskey built bike is meticulous. Note the fender/rack mounts. The Sportive frame is available in three different finishes and six sizes for $2380. A non-disc version is also available for $1895.


                                         Here's a fish eye view of the land of Pinarello.