If you’re looking for Cinelli in the U.S., Cyclone Bicycle Supply is most likely the starting point. As the exclusive distributor for Cinelli USA, Cyclone was on hand at PressCamp to not only show off the newest goods from Cinelli, but their other brands as well. That includes products under the Ultimate Sports Engineering umbrella like Exposure lights and USE Components, and AcePac bags which all had a few interesting things on display…
Still in the prototype realm, we got a quick look at the Nemo Tig Disc frameset which will soon join the Nemo Tig (below). Obvious differences include the move to flat mount disc brakes with thru axles front and rear. The fork looks like it could be borrowed from the new Superstar Disc (also below).
Details were limited on the disc frame, but we’re assuming it will be similar to the Nemo Tig rim brake frame with Columbus Spirit triple butted tubes and made in Italy. The Nemo Tig retails for $2,399.95 for the frameset, so expect the Nemo Tig Disc to run at least that much.
For a fully modern approach, Cinelli is now offering the Superstar in rim or disc brake builds. The full carbon frame has a claimed weight of 850g and offers up to 28mm tire clearance with thru axles for the disc model and QRs for the rim brake version. One interesting claim for the frame design is the shape of the headtube and corresponding kink in the top tube which is said to improve how the front end responds to large impacts, absorbing the shock and allowing the front wheel to remain stable.
Compatible with both mechanical or electronic drivetrains, the disc frame will retail for $1800, and Cinelli is finalizing the complete builds.
Rim brake versions of the Superstar start at $1600 for the frameset, and $2550 for a complete with Shimano 105 as pictured above.
The Superstar rim brake version inside was set up with one of the AcePac saddle bags that Cyclone also distributes in the U.S.
In a nutshell, AcePac was described as being competitive with Blackburn and Topeak on performance, but “kills it on price.” The Czech Republic based company is turning out a number of different bags with features like Cordura fabric made from recycled water bottles, Duraflex buckles, YKK waterproof zippers, and clever touches like a removable waterproof inner liner that allows you to keep the back fastened to the bike, but you can pull out the liner with all of the contents and move it to your tent.
Available in multiple colors, sizes, and models, AcePac will soon be adding cookware and eatware to the collection, as well as tents, sleeping bags, and hammocks for a full bikepacking portfolio.
Exposure Lights is another one of Cyclone’s lines, which have some killer features and a few new products. Most interesting is the Reflex Plus smart technology which makes the light brighter or dimmer based on your speed – and whether you’re on or off road. Thanks to onboard sensors, the light knows how fast you’re going, whether you’re going uphill or downhill, and when you’re riding offroad based on how much it gets bounced around and adjusts the light accordingly. That saves you precious battery life when you’re going slow and don’t need up to 4500 (!) lumens for the top of the line model, but then burns with power of the sun when you do. The lights are also completely self contained so you don’t have to worry about additional battery packs – though you can connect remote switches, rear lights, or other accessories through the charging port. Built with CREE LEDs and an OLED display to tell you battery life, mode, etc., the lights all use a tactile click button now instead of a soft touch for operation. Essentially, these small lights pack more power and features into their bodies than just about anyone else. We’re told that Exposure is working on a Bluetooth app as well to allow you to create custom burn patterns. The Exposure Diablo above even includes Tap Technology that allows you to change modes and turn it on or off by tapping anywhere on the light instead of using a button – though it knows the difference between bouncing around when riding and an actual tap. Pretty clever.
New products to the line include a 35mm handlebar mount that can be shimmed to 31.8, and light for filming with your GoPro or other action camera.
Also part of Ultimate Sports Engineering, USE Components have a long history of making light weight, innovative parts for everything from road, to track, to MTB. Like the other brands in this post, Cyclone Bicycle Supply will be distributing the parts in the U.S. for both wholesale to bike shops as well as consumer direct sales at MSRP.
USE Components distribution will include parts like the Vyce stem which uses a dual wedge design to clamp both the bar and the steerer with a single bolt. The 50mm stem for 31.8mm bars above measured exactly as claimed at 118g. Vyce Stems will sell for $125 and pair well with the Nail and Nail Wide bars which will all be available from Cyclone Bicycle Supply in a few weeks.
UPDATE: Cyclone Bicycle Supply wanted to offer a bit more clarification on sales, and replied “AcePac will be dealer only, but Cinelli, Exposure and USE will be consumer direct also. Cinelli is live, and Exposure/USE and also Selle San Marco consumer direct websites are on their way”
