I tore the LAX airport tags off of my duffel early Tuesday morning and once again subjected myself to that little-too-close-for-comfort, very hands-on “magic wand” security screening at Denver International Airport.

With the memories of my recent visit to Southern California for Giant’s2004 product introduction still fresh in my mind, I adjusted my seatbelt physically preparing myself for a bumpy ride, while psychologically amping myself for the cultural about-face that’s makes Europe so very Europe.You know, breakfast lunch and dinner featuring every meat product under the sun, showers barely large enough for one occupant and enough chain smoking to make the Marlboro Man seek the patch. My destination: Germany. My assignment: get a jump on the 2004 product season by checking out the very latest and greatest products while also keeping an eye out for some of the cool trend-setting Euro-only stuff.

Located on the shore of Lake Constance at the southern-most end of Germany, the town of Friedrichshafen welcomes back the 12th annual EuroBike trade show. The unofficial kick-off to the 2004 product season with over 750 exhibiting companies from 32 countries, it’s not the largest of trade shows (Vegas’s Interbike show still holds that honor), but it appears to me to be the most “international” of all trade shows.

This ain’t Vegas…
If you’ve ever been to Interbike, you know how serious and stuffyit can seem at times. EuroBike sports a decidedly European flair, withmost hard core, tough guy attitudes checked-in at the door. The music andbeer flow non-stop, while a high-energy cycling apparel fashion show isheld three times a day. Maybe it’s a bit corny by American standards, thehordes of smiling Euro onlookers appeared to love the diversion.

Its nine large halls are precisely organized (what else would you expectin Germany?) so dealers, importers and the press can easily work theirway through a wide ranging assortment of manufacturers here to show offtheir wares. Unlike Vegas, this show opens its doors to the public on thelast day. So, if you’re in Germany, stop by on Sunday.

Here’s a look at some of the stuff - some available in the U.S. and some not - making waves during this four day event.

EuroBike: Trade show season kicks off in Friedrichshafen

Crank Brothers
The Laguna Beach, California based company best well-known for its revolutionary Egg Beater pedal, unveiled its full line of newly modified pedals. With two new series of pedals featuring platforms surrounding four-sided Egg Beater internals, Crank Brothers claims easier entry and improved stability for all-condition security.

The smaller Candy pedal will come in three configurations in 2004 ranging in price from $100 to $220 (the high-end Ti axle version). The large downhill/freeride Mallet will come in two configurations (one featuring an aluminum body, the other featuring a 76 gram lighter magnesium body) and range in price from $100 to $140 dollars.

AX Lightness
I ran across some very cool carbon components from German-based AX Lightness. While not yet available in the U.S. (the company is looking for a U.S. distributor) the handmade products push the limits of gram counting.

While not the cleverest of company names, its AX Artemis carbon combinationseatpost/saddle is custom made to each customers specifications and canweigh in at an astonishing 115 grams.

Its high modulus 70 gram (without pads) carbon brake caliper cost a bank-busting 850 Euros (for the set). Ti and aluminum hardware grace the caliper while Kool Stop pads provide the stopping power.

EuroBike: Trade show season kicks off in Friedrichshafen

Morati
Check out the impressive titanium detail work found on an assortmentof road, mountain and ‘cross bikes produced by Czech-based Morati. ItsBottom Bracket Box System is said to offer slight vertical compliance whileoffering increased lateral stability.

Sugoi
The Canadian based clothing manufacturer showed me its very latesthigh end short. Available in both a short and bib, the RS series now sportsa MultiPly laminated chamois which offers stitch-free performance at thesame price as last year’s sewn chamois short.

Mavic
Mavic showed off its new $125 ($99 without cadence) wireless computer.Using a clever pickup in the quick release lever, the clean looking computeroffers minimal weight (54 grams head unit) and ease of installation (under5 minutes).

EuroBike: Trade show season kicks off in Friedrichshafen

adidas
Now heavily partnered with its Mavic subsidiary, adidas will be makinga heavy push into bike shops in 2004. A revamped line of shoes, clothingand accessories includes both high-end and entry-level models. The adistarRD Comp is one of two high-end road shoes which feature an all-carbon soleand injection molded exo-skeleton. Price should be in the $220 range.

Specialized
My official Specialized meeting is on Friday, but as I passed bythe sprawling booth I couldn’t help but notice that Epic now receives acarbon fiber linkage (as we first reported when we spotted it under wrapsat the April Sea Otter Classic) and adjustable breakaway threshold Brainshock.

EuroBike: Trade show season kicks off in Friedrichshafen

I’ll get the complete scoop today on what I’m sure is significantweight loss for 2004 Epic as well as very revamped Enduro and FSR line.

KTM
While no motorcycles were shown at this show, Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM was seen showing off a full line of entry-to-race level mountain bikes.

Meanwhile, Honda, manufactuerer of every motorized product on the planet, is now dabbling in the human-powered market as well. We'll get you a look at that, too.

Shimano Saint
While some manufacturers (including Specialized) will have nothingto do with Shimano’s much-hyped Saint freeride components, other manufacturershave fully embraced the tough-as-nails component group. Saint can be seenon most European brands, while its appearance on U.S. brands is a bit less frequent.

Look for more updates on the 2003 Eurobike show right here on VeloNews.comand in issue #17 of VeloNews.