The Rouleur Live show is the last carnival of the bicycle industry this season, reviewing the new products from the past year and providing a stage for the new products in the coming year.
This year’s exhibition featured mostly 3D printing technology, various prototype products, and dazzling custom-painted bicycles.
Let’s take a look at this year’s highlights.
1. Mythos 3D Printed Titanium Alloy Axion Integrated Handlebar
The fully customizable Axion 3D integrated handlebar can meet almost all the rider’s needs, priced at £1500, but can only be purchased and installed through brand-certified stores.
The length, angle, width, outward angle, and even the internal wiring method of the handlebar can be customized. The handlebar is divided into three parts, with the T-shaped handlebar stem and the curved handlebar bonded together.
Lee Prescott, the brand owner of Meteor Works and the chairman of the International Bicycle Assembly Association, mentioned that Mythos’s products fill a market gap, as very few brands offer such a wide variety of sizes for integrated handlebars. For example, his own requirement is 36mm wide, and only one brand can provide a 36cm wide integrated handlebar.
Lee Prescott is closely collaborating with Mythos to develop a new integrated handlebar.
2. Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential
The Topeak Ratchet Rocket series is the flagship product of the brand, and the 10-piece tool set should meet most roadside repair needs.
The new Ratchet Rocket Essential is designed to replace traditional multifunction tools, and the alloy ratchet is 45% lighter than the steel version. The 10-piece tool set can fit neatly into a knitted nylon wallet.
3. Trek Project One Pantone
The Project One Madone, launched in collaboration with Pantone, is one of the most eye-catching bicycles at the exhibition.
The marble effect is created by Trek’s painters applying alcohol on uncured paint, resulting in a water-like shadow pattern.
In addition to the paint, the accessories are also luxurious: a complete SRAM Red AXS kit and Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 wheelset perfectly match such a great paint finish.
4. Scope Artech 22 Wheelset
What makes Scope unique is that almost every part is manufactured in-house. The hub shell Scalmalloy is made from 3D printing. They claim that 3D printing allows them to produce lighter products than forging or machining.
To reduce weight and complexity, the hub does not have preload adjustment; instead, there is a small amount of play in the hub, compensated by compression between the barrel and the axle. The bushing behind the cassette can be slightly compressed to offset excessive compression force. The thick O-ring in the front hub serves the same purpose.
The 65mm rim height is claimed to weigh only 1244g, which is very light for wheels of this rim height. The 22mm rim height climbing wheel is said to weigh only 965g, which is also very light for hookless disc brake tubeless tires.
5. Soudal-QuickStep Castelli Gabba
This Soudal-QuickStep Gabba team edition cycling suit is highly coveted, combining Castelli’s ability to handle harsh weather with the legendary sponsorship brand.
It is said that determining the size of the Gabba for professional riders is very complex because the heat generated when printing the sponsor’s logo on the clothing causes the clothing to shrink, and controlling the shrinkage is also key.
6. Tekkerz CC Volvo 850 Estate-inspired Aeroad
This Canyon Aeroad was produced in collaboration with the sponsored team Tekkerz CC, paying tribute to the iconic paint job of the Volvo 850 Estate from the 90s British Touring Car Championship.
The paint highlights include custom silver lightweight wheelset, a complete Dura-Ace kit, and a replica car model.
7. 2024 Limited Edition Panaracer GravelKing and Custom Parlee Taos
Every year, Panaracer releases a limited edition colored GravelKing tire, and the color for 2024 is a charming purple and bright green, perfectly matching the custom Parlee Taos also displayed at the Panaracer booth.
The Taos was launched earlier this year, marketed as a versatile gravel bike, produced by Parlee in their European partner factory.
8. George Fox’s Record-breaking Argon 18 E119
Fox is an aerodynamic bike design and training expert for time trials and triathlons. He rode this Argon 18 E119 to win the national time trial championship, using a standard handlebar with a time trial frame for the race.
The appearance of this bike has caused great controversy in the UK time trial scene, with many claiming it goes against the design spirit of such models. However, the time trial special committee found that his bike fully complies with competition regulations, but only meets the regulatory requirements.
In pursuit of aerodynamic effects, he was meticulous, sealing almost all holes with tape, and using an oversized 66T Digirit carbon fiber chainring to match his thighs.
The biggest highlight is, of course, the “motivational” comments stuck on the handlebars.
9. Reap Gravel Bike Prototype
The Reap gravel bike prototype was specially made for this exhibition, with an incredibly fast development speed from concept to prototype, taking only seven weeks.
This bike features a very thick integrated seat post and 50mm tire clearance, with a unique design.
