The Cannondale Flash really is as light as they say. At 16.6 lbs this is the most fun you can have on a hardtail. Cannondale has refined it's carbon frame to produce a more vertically compliant rear end which dampens the bumps. The bike comes spec'd with DT Carbon wheels, SRAM XX components and sub 3 lb carbon lefty which make this bike so light we could hardly keep it on the ground.
Rock Shox has gone back to the carbon steerer and crown for their 2010 Sid World Cup which brings the weight down to a remarkable 3.05 lbs including their new push-button lockout
The new Antares from fizi:k sports carbon rails and a surprisingly large amount of padding for a saddle that weighs only 133 grams.
Pearl Izumi introduced the Octane II MTB shoe which couples a super stiff carbon sole with a minimalistic synthetic upper to produce a super light racing shoe. The Octane's tongue extends all the way to the toe of the shoe which allows the rider to get maximum tightening without the material bunching up for those of you with a more narrow foot.
Continental will be selling the Trail King in 2010. The Trail King is a more burly tire for use in loose and wet conditions. It is available with Conti's Protection Sidewall and Black Chili compound for even greater grip. The Trail King was formerly known as the Rubber Queen. It is unclear if Continental was uncomfortable with using the word "Queen" or "Rubber" in their tire line.
