At Interbike last week element22 and I got a chance to stop by the Topeak booth to chat with Eddie O’Dea and Matt Karaus about the 2011 products. For those who don’t know, Eddie is an ultra-endurance mountain biker, recent winner of the inaugural Trans North Georgia race, and he’s the man behind the Fool’s Gold 100 (among other things). He also happens to race for Team Topeak which allows him to provide valuable feedback that’s used for current and future product development.
One of the most important things any endurance or 24-hour mountain bike racer needs is a bright, reliable trail light and this year Topeak is set to deliver. The company has sold commuter style lights for years but the WhiteLite Mega 10W is the first LED trail light from Topeak. With up to 900 lumens and three modes (high, low, and blink), this light casts a circular beam pattern with a middle spot and a diffused fill/surround. The WhiteLite Mega 10W should last between 2.5 and 20 hours, depending on the setting while charge time is 6-7 hours. The light can be handlebar mounted right out of the box or helmet mounted using hardware sold separately. Look for production shipments sometime in 2011.
For the bikepacking set, Topeak is introducing a single-wheel bike trailer with an innovative connecting mechanism. Just slide the yellow sleeves to lock and unlock the trailer with ease (perfect for ditching the trailer while you carve sweet singletrack along the bikepacking route). The fitted Topeak drybag looks ultra-durable and promises to keep all your gear as dry as Bootleg Canyon.
The RaceRocket MT is a new mini-pump designed with larger volume tires in mind (i.e. mountain bike tires, especially 29ers and wide 26-inch skins). I really love the flexible, extendable hose (see photo below) that eliminates the forces direct connection mini-pumps place on delicate presta valves. This pump also makes it a cinch to switch between Presta and Schraeder valves – just pull out for Presta, push in for Schraeder (inset below).
Of course Topeak also makes tons of other great stuff like ALiEN mini-tools and floor pumps (the JoeBlow is consistently one of the most popular pumps out there). The company also offers great shop tools like the D-Torq digital torque wrench and even innovative tube patches designed to stretch with the tube (how come no one thought of that before?).
For those who need to be prepared for anything on the trail, Topeak has you covered. From endurance and bikepacking equipment to shop tools that help you dial your gear before heading out, Topeak’s got your back. Hollah!
