The Eurobike cycle show, which took place past week in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is huge. So huge, it takes several days to cover in any detail the contents of the 12 main halls, Zeppelin hangar and open air grounds. And, given the importance to cycle manufacturers of the world’s most influential bike show, getting to see the heavyweight news items tends to take precedence. But take a walk around and you’ll invariably sift out plenty of interesting nuggets…

One of the more left-field items on display was Michelin’s bizarre dimpled Protek Max inner tube, which employs a roughly square cross-section to ensure correct alignment inside the tyre before inflation. More interesting are the dimples – or bulges. These increase the surface area of the tube compared to a bulge-free tube of the same diameter; when the tube is inflated to fill the inside of the tyre, the rubber is compressed rather than stretched, greatly reducing its tendency to tear when nicked by an object penetrating the tyre. The effect is bolstered by a liquid sealant on the inside of the tube wall. Trekking and mtb tubes only so far, but there could be 700c “road” sized tubes if it proves worthwhile

A pretty titanium-barrelled hub from venerable lightweight component manufacturer PMP. Wheel weight claimed at around 1300g per pair

New 24mm section Strada tubular from Team Radio Shack tyre supplier Challenge promises smooth running…

… while the deepest knobs yet from Challenge adorn the 400g Limus ‘cross tub

A pleasingly retro look by Peugeot

Seriously stunning styling by Carrera. Sadly unavailable in the UK; the brand can’t be sold here as the name is owned by Halfords

Think Hoxton, think Shoreditch… Tube manufacturer Tange’s handlebar arrangement would surely go down a treat with the urban-chic fixed-no-brakes rider

Resurgent components brand ITM’s foray into frames is strengthened by the Death Star