Kali Protectives venture into road helmets continues with refinements on the Maraka, which will now include the company's signature Bumper Fit cushioning, which adds a bit of extra comfort and helps eliminate hot spots. Five colors will be available, including the above blue and gold options, and the Maraka will retail for $189. Vent covers will be included for winter riding, as well as an optional thermal liner.

Kali's other road helmet, the Phenom, continues to be in development and should be hitting bike shop shelves next Spring. Retail price should be around $159. Company big wig, Mike Wilson, tested both the Maraka and the Phenom in this year's Race Across America and he noted that both helmets will be great options for all road riders, whether they're tackling a 2000-mile time trial as he did, or just the weekend club ride.

Italian helmet maker, Kask, is finally bringning its sleek Bambino time trial helmet (right) to U.S. markets for the 2013 model year. Available in two colors, black or white, and in just a single size, the Bambino will retail for $499.95 and has been a popular choice for Team Sky's Bradley Wiggins in his races against the clock. The Bambino's egg-shaped profile lacks the dramatic tail section seen on many other TT lids, something that Kask clams helps improve overall comfort over longer individual efforts. Kask's popular Vertigo helmet is still a favorite among RBA testriders, and its now available in a version with decidely fewer vents than the standard version. Dubbed the Vertigo Tri, the new model comes in black or white colors, two sizes and wil sell for $349.95.

Gore Bike Wear has an impressively large number of outerwear items on tap for 2013, including the Alp-X AS Windstopper jacket. Slightly water-resistant, the Alp-X AS is a great all-around option for any cold weather riding scenario. It features a lengthened back panel for full coverage while on the bike, Gore's patented Windstopper material for blockage against the wind, and it's also lightweight and can be folded into one its pockets for easy storage, the result being no bigger than a deck of cards. Retail price is $169.99.

Nutrition company, Fluid, is rolling out an all-new flavor of its on-the-bike performance drink mix: Fresh Citrus. It's less sweet and much lighter than the company's other options, and it was far and away my pick for best-tasting drink mix at Interbike.

In additon to showing off a fantastic new collection of bags, shoes and outerwear, Chrome had one of the biggest and most unique booth displays at this year's Interbike. Along with a lounge decked out with custom art prints from a variety of cycling-influenced artists and a custom screen-printed T-shirt setup, Chrome also had two staffers on hand sewing up custom messenger bags.

Hands down, my choice for the "Best Logo" award at Interbike went to Colombia clothing company, Safety Sportwear. When asked about the significance of a nun riding a bicycle, a company rep told me that it "represents the company's philosophy that anyone and everyone can enjoy the benefits of riding a bicycle."

Yes, that's a spin bike inside a bathtub. Fit Wet, an Israeli company that has dabbled in exercise equipment for the European market, is bringing its aquatic exercise bike to the U.S. The idea behind the machine is that it provides an even lower impact workout than regular bicycles, ideally suited for physical therapy and recovery. Be sure to check back soon for more sights and sounds from Interbike 2012!