Originally Posted by alcjphil

Huh? New models do not necessarily imply improvements. There have been numerous times where new model bikes, in order to maintain a price point, have been much inferior to the previous model year. For high end bikes, yes, new models may incorporate some minuscule "improvements". What you see at Interbike type shows is what bike companies are hoping to sell you. Just like car shows. How many people can afford to buy a Porsche for their daily driving? Bike shows are about what people might want, and encouraging them to spend as much as they can afford. They are not about helping people find a better bike
My biggest beef with all trade shows is that they charge admission at all. Think about it: They want to sell you something, they have something you might want, and they charge you money to see something that you will be able to see, for free, in a month or so. What a scam.