Dario’s Pit Randoms

Polygon seems to be getting closer to market with their new 6-bar enduro bike, and even had a downhill variant on display for an industry event. Talking to their EWS team, it sounds like they’re tweaking rear-end stiffness at this point, which should mean the linkage is more or less dialed.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have one of my “Rig of the Day” winners, this absolutely hammered Trek Session, replete with hand-drawn flames and some choice stickers.

Another mysterious item were these new SRAM calipers, spotted on a few bikes in their pits. Looks like an update to the Code, with a beefier construction and look.

One more surprising release from Chromag, in the form of a clipless pedal. Though surprising to see from the flat pedal evangelists, it makes sense, as they’ve spent years dialing in the internal systems needed to make a reliable platform. These look to be somewhere between and SPD and an HT design, and I can only confirm that my SPD cleats could not clip in.

Also seen in the SRAM tent was a new frame from Chromag, but this time with a squishy rear end. Not much info was available yet, but it appears to be a capable trail bike made from everyone’s favorite space metal.

Another favorite paint job was Luca Cometti’s high-polish accented Canyon Spectral, seen at the FSA booth.

Expect to see more about this in the future, but the details on this Crestline / Cascade Components collaboration downhill bike look pretty dialed. I’m quite excited to see where this project goes, as both involved parties have been making some impressive stuff of late.

Another Rig of the Day is this V4 Forbidden Nomad with deep custom graphics, spotted rolling around the lots. Certainly a head-turner.

In a sea of murdered-out bikes, Industry Nine isn’t afraid to keep things loud.

That loud front end is attached to Johnny Salido’s new-model Transition TR11, which looks to have some interesting updates to the all-alloy frame.

The scene of Thomas Lemoine’s undeniably sick straight air, easily taking the Joyride crowd favorite award.

Modern art in the SRAM tent.

Another bold idea, but it just might work. These guys from Purica are selling mushroom supplements to help with a whole host of ailments, and had some simple shirts to catch the crowd’s attention.

Another choice t-shirt, this time telling the tail of changed allegiances.

Not all products can be a great idea, and I think these stainless steel kneepads from Dainese certainly fit that category. They claim the metal plate will help you slide in a crash, but I can’t help but wonder why putting something sharp and easily dented on a pad makes sense.

One of the more clever ways to clear the trail ahead of you. I might have to get one on my bike next time I head to the park.

An undeniably cool Bold frame with some fresh rubber from the Continental booth.

It’s always cool to see test mules from the development of new bikes, and this early Norco Range proto came complete with a perfectly chosen sticker.

Sweet cowboy graphics and the fastest jersey in the game hanging at the Dharco tent.

Another interesting phase of that Range project, this all-plastic model of the frame was used to mock up fitment and final industrial design.

This custom colorway of the Five Ten Freerider Pro features art by Vero Sandler, and will benefit breast cancer awareness. You’ll be able to get these bodacious kicks come October of this year.

Oh yeah, there was some racing too. Canadian kits on Canadian tracks.

This barely scratches the surface of all that Crankworx has to offer, but keep your eyes peeled for more content trickling out over the coming weeks, as I kept myself busy up there in the Whistler Village.