s’HEERENBERG, The Netherlands – Yesterday, SRAM and Specialized started their joint ‘Urban Dealer Tour’. It will take the two companies to five countries, 8 locations and over 400 dealers in the next 14 days. The component and bike maker have lots of news to show the dealers; even some world premieres.

One of those world premieres is SRAM’s first of the new generation of internal gear hubs (IGHs). CEO Stan Day of the US based component maker announced that new generation in April 2010. The G8 is the forerunner of much more to come. The 8-speed IGH presents, “sporty gear shifts just like a derailleur and is ideal for everyday riders, who cover longer distances in all weather conditions,” says SRAM. Weight is 2,188 grams and the G8 comes in versions with coaster brake; disc with quick clamp (Feb. 2013) and freehwheel (at later timing). For operating the G8 there’s a specially designed twist shifter.

More world firsts
Next to the G8, which will be available from Eurobike 2012 on, SRAM is showing more world firsts during the Urban Tour at dealers. Dealers can try out Specialized bikes fitted with the newest Trekking groupsets based on SRAM’s 2×10 technology. The Via GT and Via Centro are descendants of the well-known and proven SRAM RED and SRAM XO groupsets.

Lightweight commuter
Also Specialized has lots of new to offer at the Urban Dealer Tour as the company has expanded its 2012/2013range of urban bikes with the Source. It’s a lightweight commuter with lights, rack and fenders as well as with SRAM’s Automatix 2-speed IGH which is combined with Belt Drive. Specialized’s new ‘Turbo’ e-bike takes also part in the Dealer Tour and is widely available for test rides.

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