Thanks to Mark V and his connections, I was able to stop into the Shimano 2007 Dealer Tour held in Bellevue, WA yesterday. Lots of new stuff targeted to the “shop crowd” – so mostly race parts for both mtn and road bikes. Some cool new stuff coming out – mostly in their pre-built wheels offerings. The stuff I wanted to see the most – they didn’t have. The Alfine group is so compelling – I really wanted to see a bike built up with it and give it a ride, but no luck. I did get some good print and DVD promotional material on it which will keep me drooling for a while.
They had a rather cool complete front Dynamo wheel on display – forgeting to recharge the light is no longer a problem
The trickle-down continues: FC-R600 cranks look like DuraAce, but cost less than 105
Shimano is bringing their PRO line of parts across the pond in 2007
The new Tiagra stuff shown here is in fact 9sp. To get the 10sp trickle-down for less, check out the ST-R700 shifters
LOTS of wheels on display – the new Dura Ace tubeless road wheels, some nice carbon rims, and more Ultegra, 105, Dura Ace, XTR, and XT
