Here we go! It’s that time of the year where we try our best to get around to every booth at Interbike. The first day is always tricky trying to figure out where everyone is, but it was pretty easy this year thanks to the crazy Sparky’s booth paint job. So it makes sense to start out there! First up, we’ll kick things off with The Shadow Conspiracy and all of their new product they have along with a few samples of things that may or may not happen! Let’s do this!
Shadow’s Raptor freecoaster has been out for a few weeks now, but they are also going to be offering it as a complete wheel here soon! I’ve personally been riding this wheel and have been stoked on it. The hub uses the KHE internals, but has a few changes to help make it stronger.
The Corvus wheel not only comes in a few different colors like the copper tye die, but they have also made the Raptor hub right and left side drive convertable. This means all you have to do is flip the pawls in the driver and you can switch your wheel from right to left or left to right side.
Shadow have been putting a lot of focus into safety lately and have these new fully certified helmets in the works. They have given the helmet a clean look too which is always a plus. Never a bad idea to protect the head.
Shadow’s traditional line of knee, elbow, shin and ankle protection with neoprene foam and a hard plastic.
The new Invisa-Lite line of pads which use a spandex material and padding similar G-Form’s that is more flexible and gel based versus hard plastic. Slimmer than the traditional without sacrificing protection. Looks good.
Shadow have some new gloves in the works that are designed with the contour of your hand to help prevent the material from bunching and wearing out. They look pretty awesome with that pattern too.
The Penubra seats have always had some amazing covers and this years line look so good. Albert Mercado’s yellow one is made of a strong canvas that looks so good. Do note that is just a sample and that patch on the side without graphics will be filled if you noticed that.
Tripod and Pivotal options. Seats on seats!
Simone Barraco’s signature Strada tire will be getting a revamp that we will be seeing early next year. The Strada Nuova is essentially a beefier, more aggressive version of the existing Strada tire. This extends the life of the tire and the deeper grooves on the sides will help keep you from sliding out even better.
The new DCR grip rubber that Shadow is using extends the life of the grips without sacrificing feel. Grips on the left are DCR and the grips are their previous material. Both are at about 2 months of riding.
Sorry about that second photo. The BTR hub and Raptor hubs both saw some changes for this year. The BTR has been slimmed down quite a bit and made it right and left side drive convertible with their switch drive system. The Raptor also uses that SDS system.
Drew Bezanson’s signature Sano brakes, lever and detangler. They have finally got the detangler slimmed down and working perfect so that’s good news for the guys out there who like spinning the bars with brakes.
Shadow’s hub guards have a steel insert allowing to use thinner material to make it easier to fit on most hubs without stretching.
Plastic and metal pegs.
The bash guard adaptor to keep that sprocket and chain safe.
Gotta love that copper.
Here is a sample of their Contender tire that’s in the works. This is a more aggressive tire with a smooth center to help reduce rolling resistance, but could easily be put to good use during a session at the trails. These are still a bit out, but should be happening.
Lahsaan’s Chula top load stem.
The new red and black splatter and raw and blue splatter colors that will be available soon. Really love that raw color.
Some fresh color for this year. They have added gold and chrome is coming as well.
Pedals and shades.
Ah, the one we have all been wondering about! The Supreme chain. After A LOT of time and effort, they have got the production costs down and this is coming soon and with a much better price tag. Originally had they released this chain it would have been over $100… They will be releasing it for $49! This chain uses a similar design as the classic Interlock half-link, but they have beefed up the side plates with thicker forged plates making it a lot stronger. This price tag is more than realistic for this one.
Trey Jones’ new Killer cranks that are out now and a sample sprocket they’re cooking up. The sprocket has the grooves for chain alignment, but what’s unique is this sprocket is thicker in the middle to help eliminate the need for spacers to keep your cranks from hitting your frame.
Here’s a look at a sample of a pedal that may or may not happen. Essentially this pedal uses a metal core with plastic plates that bolt on. Obviously, this design will need to be slimmed down a lot and there are a handful of other details left to figure out, but it’s a pretty rad concept for a plastic pedal.
The Shadow Conspiracy X Greenfilms DSLR bag that you can learn all about RIGHT HERE!
Another backpack along with a few couple Shadow hats (and a few Subrosa hats too).
That wraps up the Shadow Conspiracy booth. Definitely always psyched to see what they’re cooking up and I wasn’t disappointed!
You can find out more about The Shadow Conspiracy by visiting their website — TheShadowConspiracy.com
