Even though Magura didn’t have a huge amount of new product to show, long time partner for the Sedona show SKS stepped up to the plate – literally. Aside from the clever use of SKS pump handles for silverware, SKS had a ton of new products to show from pumps, to tools, to fenders. Most of which are available now, though a few like the fat bike fenders above, were a sneak peek of product yet to come.
Officially to be launched at Eurobike this year, we got a first look at the new Fatboard fenders plus a whole lot more after the jump…
SKS is far from the first company to offer a clip on fender for fat bikes, but the Fatboard is a nice addition to the line up that will provide additional options for consumers. Still in prototype form, the final versions of the fenders will be shown at Eurobike which will have an additional adjustment point on the rear fender. Having two angle adjustments will allow the injection molded fenders to adjust to fit more bikes with dropper posts, different tube shapes, etc. The downtube mounted front fender will work with all types of fat bike forks, and the set is expected to retail for $44.99 with availability expected in January 2016.
Not shown in Sedona but also expected at Eurobike is a new fat bike specific floor pump with a 24 psi max gauge, and large barrel for high volume tires. SKS front man Mark Burgener points out that even though the gauge on the pump will top out at 24psi, you can still use the pump up to 87psi if need be – you’ll just have to measure the pressure with an external gauge.
Along the lines of the Fatboard is the new RaceBlade Long II full coverage fenders. Officially to be unveiled at Eurobike, the fenders combine the spray protection of a full coverage fender but with quick release mounting for easy on/off. Mounting at the brake bolt and the skewer, the fender set does not need traditional eyelets. A new design for the attachment and release mechanism positions the interface on top of the fender in order to keep crud out of the connectors. Estimated retail is set at $59.99 with availability later this fall.
On the pump side of things, SKS has a full range of new mini pumps from the absolutely tiny Airboy to the gauge equipped Injex Control.
The Airboy line consists of the road oriented Airboy and MTB or large volume Airboy XL. Both pumps use a two stage dual chamber/plunger for quick inflation while keeping the overall size down to a minimum. The 62g Airboy is presta only with a max rating of 115 psi while the 90g XL includes a reversible presta/schrader head with a max pressure of 73psi. Both include a waterbottle mounting system and retail for $29.99.
Combining the best of a pump and co2 inflator, the Airboy CO2 includes a manual pump capable of 73 psi and 16/24g threaded co2 inflation. Cartridges are threaded into one side of the pump and controlled with the twist valve at the end with the co2 going through the reversible presta/schrader head. Weighing in at 110g, the pump sells for $39.99 and includes a water bottle mounting system.
If you prefer your co2 without a pump, the Airbuster Co2 is just that. The premium co2 nozzle includes a spring loaded safety which prevents the cartridge from puncturing accidentally. When you press in the thumb safety and thread the co2 cartridge against it, it locks in place until you’re ready to use it. Then simply unscrew the cartridge a turn, let the safety pop out so the red tab is showing, and then thread the cartridge in until it punctures. Once punctured, the flow of co2 is controlled through the twist valve with a reversible presta/schrader head. Compatible with 16 or 24g threaded cartridges, the 113g inflator (with cartridge) includes a water bottle mount system and sells for $24.99.
The most recent take on the Spaero doubles the efficiency and makes it a bit easier to pump at the same time. Called the Spaero Double Action, the pump uses a slide off lower body that turns into a t-handle for easy handling and the pump itself includes a double action chamber which inflates on both push and pull strokes. The pump still includes a dual thread on head at the end of a flexible hose which makes it so you can place the base of the pump on the ground for increased leverage. Coming in at 159g, the pump has a max psi of 87psi and claims to pump a 4″ fat bike tire to 5 psi in 1 minute flat. Again the pump includes a water bottle mount and sells for $49.99.
The Cadillac of SKS mini pumps, the Injex Control makes it so you don’t have to choose between a high volume or high pressure pump. After flipping out the T-handle, the pump is in high pressure mode with the narrow plunger exposed. To switch to high volume mode give the grey knurled cap an 1/8th of a turn and the large plunger can be removed. This allows you to start with high volume until the tire is filled to base pressures then switch to high pressure to finish it off. Other features include an auto select lever head, built in high pressure gauge, and a water bottle mounting system. All the features add up to a 216g total weight and the pump sells for $39.99.
On the accessory side, the new Smartboy phone case provides all weather protection that should fit most smart phones. Pictured with an iPhone 6 in a protective case, the Smartboy uses an interesting handlebar mounting system that adjusts to fit a wide range of bars. The pump in the picture represents the handlebar, while the rubber mount wraps around the bar and tucks into the case forming a very secure mount. Touch screen compatible, the 49g case sells for $24.99.
If you’re looking to mount another bottle cage but don’t have braze ons available, the Anywhere mount could be the answer. Shown with the SKS Topcage, the Anywhere mounts use rubber mounting feet and velcro straps to place a bottle cage just about anywhere for $11.99 (cage not included).
Last but not least is new Tom Tool 7 mini tool. The smallest Tom Tool packs a 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2.5mm allen, T25 Torx, and No.1 Phillips screw driver made from stainless steel. Shipped with a neoprene sleeve, the Tom Tool 7 will run $20.
