The Design and Innovation Awards push the envelope on product testing and enhance the cycling industry in the process.
For 15 days, 40 experts from 10 different countries were brought together in Dolomities, Italy to rigorously analyze current road, mountain and e-bike technology, components and accessories. The judges included international journalists, designers, World Cup racers, biomechanics and marketing specialists. The industry experts’ diverse backgrounds brought a myriad of opinions and ideas that ensured quality reviews and sophisticated discourse. Kron Platz in the Dolomites, Italy provided beautiful but rough alpine terrain, and Giro D’Italia stretches of road making it the ideal place for testing. The industry experts also held discussions to spark groundbreaking ideas, forecast products of the future, and question the implications of innovation.
Criteria for winning included typical measures such as design, performance, quality, weight, ergonomics and innovation, along with more unconventional criteria such as Sustainability, Ethics, Vision, and Philosophy.
“The Design and Innovation Award is not only about challenging the status quo, but also about recognizing potential and shaping tomorrow’s trends.”
Live to Play Sports is proud to distribute many of the 2016 innovators that rose above the rest to win this prestigious award.
LTP Sports Design and Innovation Award Winners:
Fulcrum Quattro Carbon DB
“Fulcrum have expanded their vast line of road wheels with the new Quattro Carbon DBs, offering a disk brake-specific wheelset that brings extra width and versatility.”
“This would make an ideal wheelset for those looking to embrace the power of discs.”
Lazer Z1 & LifeBEAM Gear
“The Lazer Z1 is a high performance helmet with a secret inside. At 190 g, the Z1 is the lightest helmet that Lazer have ever made, but it pulls no punches when it comes to protection and innovation. Hidden inside the lightweight shell is the new LifeBEAM technology, which records a wearer’s heart rate without a chest strap.”
“Never forget your sensor again –just ride.”
Ergon BE3 Enduro
“The high-quality finish and innovative two-part construction demonstrate Ergon’s dedication to high-performance backpacks.”
“With more storage space than the BE1 and BE2, the BE3 is the perfect pack for those who want to carry a little more without sacrificing high speed enjoyment.”
Cane Creek DB Coil CS
“The Cane Creek DB Coil CS offers the incredible support and control of a coilover shock with the addition of a unique climb switch, which at the flick of a lever optimises the shock’s damping for climbing.”
“There is a small weight penalty over an air shock, but for those who love superior traction, heat resistance, and ultimate performance, the DB Coil CS is magnificent.”
IXS XULT IN STORES NOW from iXS Sports Division on Vimeo.
IXS XULT (Cross Over Fullface)
“The iXS XULT helmet is engineered from FRP (fibre reinforced polymer) rather than the more commonly used carbon fibre, offering a more environmentally friendly option. Meeting all the full face standards, the XULT offers more ventilation than most DH-orientated helmets, making it an excellent choice for enduro racing.”
Crankbrothers Mallet E Pedal
“The Crankbrothers Mallet DH are legendary for their large platforms and class-leading support. The new Crankbrothers Mallet E pedals offer the same support and class-leading grip, but in a smaller, lighter package for trail and enduro riders.”
“With a simple mechanism, excellent mud shedding, and four-way clip-in, the Mallet E provides exceptional control and grip in the roughest terrain.”
SRAM Guide Ultimate
“The new SRAM Guide Ultimates may look like the rest of the Guide range, but they have been heavily reworked.”
“The Guide Ultimates are the pinnacle of SRAM’s braking technology.
SRAM GX Groupset
“The SRAM GX groupset brings the same high-performance shifting and wide-range cassettes to a price point that make it affordable for the average rider. 1x drivetrains are simple, efficient, and the perfect solution for trail riding; for the rider looking for performance on a budget, the new SRAM GX is a revelation.”
RockShox Lyrik RCT3 170mm 27.5
“The Rockshox Lyrik RCT3 170 mm fork is the offspring of the formidable Pike and Boxxer forks. Offering a burly chassis and more travel options, this will become a firm favourite of vthose who ride or race hard in big terrain.”
“For those of you that ride so hard that the amazing Pike is not tough enough, here are two pieces of advice: the first is that you are crazy, and the second is that you need a Lyrik.”