FSA is stepping into Shimano’s and SRAM’s space with the introduction of their new Metron group, a complete drivetrain for time trial and triathlon bikes.

To be sold under their Vision brand, the Metron group starts with the aero bar end shifters shown above (no, those aren’t mini brake levers), then continues the group with carbon fiber front and rear derailleurs, carbon cranks, a heavily machined out cassette and some corresponding new Vision deep carbon wheels.

The group is aimed squarely at the TT/Tri crowd since there are no standard shifter options, but from the look of the rest of the components, some serious work went into the development and we’d be surprised if there are some standard road shifter/levers coming in the future. In the meantime, check out the full group, complete with video, after the break…

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Seven Cycles’s top end butted 7050-T6 aluminum road handlebar now comes in a new, more rounded version.

It weighs in at 270 grams for 40cm. Available in 38cm, 40cm, 42cm or 44cm widths, with 31.8mm diameter and 125mm drop. The bar comes in black with either silver, blue or red decals. MSRP is $90.

Not a lot of details were given to us on these, but anytime we see a black gun case being pulled out from behind someone’s booth, we run…to our camera.  In this case (pun intended), Hayes’ brakes product manager Joel Richardson had some prototype-but-very-polished-looking new hydraulic disc brakes aimed at the commuter market.  The calipers weren’t much bigger looking than their Stroker Gram brakes, and the lever body was pretty slim, too.  Should give OEM buyers a nice option when they’re out, and currently they only plan to launch them as an OEM option at some undisclosed future point.

A couple of waterproof jackets jumped out at us while wandering the halls of Interbike last week.  Both are relatively simple, close-fitted waterproof/breathable pieces that would work as well on long road rides as the daily commute.  Though they are similarly priced and designed, these jackets come from two very different companies.

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This most unusual monument to cycling can be seen in the city of Santa Rosa, CA. Artists Mark Grieve and Ilana Spector used recycled bicycles to make this 60 foot tall monument titled “Cyclisk”. It is located in front of Good Stuff Auto on Santa Rosa Avenue. Photo submitted by Sebastian.

To see more Pics of the Day, click here, and to submit your own photo to be shown to the world, go here.

Yes, you read that headline correctly, Syncros had “the longest bar in Vegas” with their new FR1000 alloy handlebar.

Originally created as a joke to satisfy all the kids that kept saying they needed a wider bar, a funny thing happened: People wanted it (as they often do). So, maybe they’ll pull the same trick Porsche did with their new hybrid super car and set a minimum order level to take it to production and this monstrosity might actually see the light of day. No price as of yet, but you can get a sense of just how laughably big this thing is after the break.

Oh, and we’ve got a glimpse of the future of stems from Syncros (and probably Ritchey) and their new full carbon 26″ and 29er forks hiding behind the break, too…

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In addition to their new dropper seatpost, Fox unveiled a prototype full titanium, one piece crown and steerer that be making it’s way to reality next spring as a 2012 product feature.

Will be on F-Series forks only, and like the DOSS, it will most likely have it’s coming out party on an actual fork around Sea Otter next April. If past trends prove any indication, that means it’ll start shipping mid- to late next summer.

It’s a single-piece wax molded titanium. This is still a prototype, so not sure if it’s 3/2.5 or 6/4 ti, but it tests as strong as their alloy crowns while tipping the scales 90g to 100g lighter. Since it’s one piece there are no welds or potential stress risers, and there’s nothing bonded together as in typical metal crown/steerer construction. Current plans are to offer it in a tapered version only at launch.

More pics after the break…

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Fox Racing Shox has entered the dropper seatpost game with the new DOSS (“Drop On Steep S&@t”) mechanically actuated, air return dropper post.

There’s a schrader valve on the bottom for minor adjustments, letting you tweak the return speed a bit. It’s controlled by a three position remote that drops 50% then 100%. The bottom of the slider is keyed so the saddle won’t rotate side to side.

Coming back up, if you put some weight on it, it’ll stop in the half way position, or come all the way up if it’s unweighted. No claims to weight or price other than to say it’ll be competitively light and priced in line with other high end options. Look for it to be officially announced with pricing and availability around Sea Otter next April.

It’ll be available in 30.9 and 31.6 sizes, in both 4″ and 5″ travel options. More pics after the break…

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As well as collaborating with Mission Workshop on their new urban shoe, DZR were at Interbike showing their new range of urban cycling shoes.  Founded by a couple of experienced apparel designers, DZR shoes combine an SPD compatible midsole with a vulcanized natural rubber outsole and handsome uppers to make for some very appealing urban cycling shoes.  Pictured here is the $85 GMT-8.  The shoes were very comfortable walking around the show and we have a pair of herringbone Strasse high-tops on test- look for a review next spring.  Click ‘more‘ for more photos…

www.dzrshoes.com

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North Shore Billet admit that their cable guides “are more for bike fashion than anything else, but hey, they look way cooler than the stock cable guides most fork manufacturers are serving up.”  It hadn’t occurred to us before now, but those little plastic cable guides do look a bit cheesy on $800 forks. Now if they only came with those tiny screws that always end up under the workbench…  $15 for Fox, RockShox, and Marzocchi.

northshorebillet.com

We were lucky enough to spend some time with Gary from Albabici at Interbike last week and saw some of his personal highlights for the coming year.  Albabici distribute Italian-made clothing from Nalini, bags from SciCon, helmets from Limar, and SMP saddles- among other things.

Alongside a very nice and reasonably priced ‘Light Compression’ range of shorts and jerseys were some wonderfully shiny Orca shoes ($220, see images) and the very versatile Marmolada jacket.  Click ‘more‘ for the details…
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“Tasty” submitted by John Harbaugh. Check out his blog, Eurobiking Through American Eyes.

To see more Pics of the Day, click here, and to submit your own photo to be shown to the world, go here.