Eurobike is back. Though not as I or many others remember it.

At one point, it looked like the show might not go ahead at all, but in the end, it has returned, albeit in a much smaller capacity, and there was still plenty of new tech on display to check out.

The event now uses only three halls and even these were far from full, compared to seven or more in previous years. As someone who has attended the show on and off for fifteen years, I found this rather melancholic. It's an event that everyone likes to complain about, but it was always a great chance to meet up with the rest of the industry from around the world in one place. Alas, times change, but despite this, there was still some great stuff on show.

Having roamed the halls, here are my top five highlights.

1. New Canyon Aeroad CFR

Canyon wasn't shy about its latest race bike, the Aerroad CFR. "The fastest Tour de France bike you can buy." That's a line touted by many an aero bike builder, but this one is at least backed by test results from Tour magazine that put it under the elusive 200W barrier, and putting it ahead of everything else currently in the pro peloton. Time will tell how well it fares in our own testing, though; keep your eyes peeled.

Calling it a new bike feels a bit of a stretch, though, as all of the changes and improvements come from using a different handlebar. It now features UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatibility, and more seatpost options are available, too, making it much easier to get your ideal fit.

The handlebar has been used by Mathieu van der Poel and his teammates all season and is available aftermarket at £598, should you want to upgrade your existing Aerroad.

The catchily titled CP0053 is said to be 120g lighter than the outgoing version and to save two watts, with a forward-sweeping design and flared drops. Canyon make some lofty claims on how much this new bar saves with the rider, claiming the longer lower position could save up to 24 watts (assuming, of course, the lower position works for you and you can stay in it, which is no mean feat for most of us).

2. Ridley's unnamed gravel racer

The prototype for this was first spotted at the Traka by our own Will Jones back in April, and it now looks much closer to production-ready, proudly on display on the Ridley stand. We assume it'll be the new Kanzo, but it doesn't yet have an official name.

It's a striking-looking beast, and ticks all of the current gravel racers' want lists. Aero, wide tyre clearance (up to 58mm apparently), frame storage and an aggressive position similar to top-end road bikes. The display bike featured SRAM Force 1x13 (does anyone still run a double chainring in gravel?) and had a neat Wolf Tooth chain guide as well as a sharp-looking Forza one-piece cockpit with narrow lever position and flared drops. The wheels look like something new, too, with deep rims and 27mm internal rim bed, CeramicSpeed-equipped hubs, and carbon spokes. They're named the Forza Sikonros and could be a good, fast option with wider rubber.

3. Eddy Merckx 525R

On the same stand was the Eddy Merckx 525R, which takes a thoroughly different approach to going fast. It has a lot of the things you'd expect, like a nine-watt saving over the original, tyre clearance for 34mm and a sub-kilo frame weight. But what makes this interesting is its approach to fit geometry.

By steepening the seat angle and raising the stack, they've created an aero bike that still lets the rider get in an aero position, but one that's far more comfortable for us mere mortals to hold. There is some clever geometry manipulation going on here, and good use of the revised UCI regulations, too, which means they have moved the saddle position further forward to open up the hip angle, which is becoming an increasingly common way to get faster on the bike.

Elsewhere, you'll see aero features common on lots of other bikes, like a deep head tube and aero tube shapes throughout, but combined with its fresh take on fit geometry, this could be one of the surprises of all of the latest generation of aero bikes.

4. Megamo Upon

Avinox, the e-bike arm of DJi, drew plenty of attention this year with its new concept motor, combining an E-bike motor and gearbox, but it was the use of its current 2nd-series motor on the Megamo Upon that caught my eye.

Most E-road bikes approach the motor in the same way, trying to hide it as much as possible. Both in terms of looks and function, but the Upon is different. Looks-wise, Megamo has done a very good job of packaging the full power motor and 600Wh battery. You can still tell it's an e-bike at first glance, but it's far from the early monstrosities the Eurobike was often full of.

Power is where it differs greatly, though. Normally, bike brands will spec either a lighter-spec version with less torque or a specific motor designed to give a softer feel on drop-bar E-bikes. The idea being that you don't really notice the motor and still feel like it's your effort propelling you forward, more of a gentle assist than you would find on a full-power e-MTB, for instance. But not here. This uses the same high-powered motor as their MTB line, offering up to 1500 watts of peak power.

I'd say watch out Jasper Philipsen, but his is limited to 25 km/h in Europe, so don't expect to be dominating any sprints on it. It should make light work of steep climbs, though. It's an interesting approach, and one to keep an eye on.

5. Gusto's new GTG gravel prototype

And finally, a bike from a brand you might not have heard of, but one ridden by someone in his younger years, you certainly will know.

Gusto are a Taiwanese brand that offers great value road bikes, but unlike many others, has been involved in the European race scene for some time, sponsoring a certain Tadej Pogačar when he first joined the peloton. In fact, he now personally sponsors the second division team that still runs the Gusto bikes.

The brand had a new gravel bike on display outside in the sweltering heat. Details were a bit scarce, but it looked like it follows many of the aesthetics and details found on its current road bike, the GTR and added all the features you'd expect of a gravel bike; plenty of tyre clearance, a one-piece cockpit and a suitably aggressive position, and some new gravel-specific wheels too.

The brand says it expects to launch the bike fully later this year, but if its road range is anything to go by, I'd expect it to be sharp-handling and extremely well priced.

The article originally appeared on BikeRadar.

Wilier Triestina brought an impressive collection of new bikes to this year's Eurobike show, highlighted by the Cento 1 SR flagship that was debuted earlier at the Tour de France under the riders of Lampre-ISD. We've already given you the scoop on that model but there was still plenty of news from Wilier in the halls of Messe Friedrichshafen.

Fans of Wilier's Zero.7 model that lusted after its light weight and simple, elegant lines but couldn’t stomach the price tag can now look to the Zero.9, which uses the same exterior shape, geometry, handling, and fit but with a less expensive carbon fiber blend. Claimed frame weight climbs 160g to 940g for a medium size but we expect the cost to drop concurrently. Final pricing is still to be determined but bikes are planned to arrive in stores this coming February.

Wilier has also thoroughly revamped its mountain bike division in a clear move to gain more market share in what is still a relatively nascent endeavor for the storied road brand. New for 2013 are six hardtails plus an all-new full-suspension model utilizing a four-bar Horst-style rear end.

Topping the new collection is the 101XN carbon fiber 29er hardtail, which borrows some of its design elements from the new Cento 1 SR - namely the press-fit bottom bracket, the removable port on the down tube for the internally routed derailleur cables, the tapered front end, and the clean seat cluster treatment.

Additional features include an integrated chain catcher, a kinked seat tube for a shorter rear end, and chain stay-mounted rear brake caliper mounts.

Frame geometry looks to be aimed at the quicker side of the spectrum with 70-71.5° head tube angles and tight, 439mm-long chain stays. Claimed frame weight is 1,080g for a medium size.

Saddle powerhouse fi'zi:k is set to launch its 2013 range at the opening day of the Eurobike trade show but BikeRadar was given an exclusive sneak preview the night before at a completely redesigned and greatly expanded shoe range – which now includes triathlon and mountain bike models – plus the second generation of the iconic Arione saddle. Clearly fi'zi:k hasn't been sitting idly over the past year

Building up – and starting over

Fi'zi:k launched its gorgeous new road shoes at the Eurobike show just two years ago but production hiccups delayed widespread availability by nearly an additional year – and even then, the company wasn't entirely satisfied with consumer feedback. The fit was too polarizing, the stack height too great, and the ventilation inadequate for riding in hot conditions.

As a sign of its commitment to the burgeoning segment, fi'zi:k has nearly completely scrapped the existing range for 2013 after barely a year on the market, replacing it with a wholly redesigned collection that admirably addresses the drawbacks of the previous range. The revised lasts are flatter, slightly more voluminous, and generally more accommodating of a wider segment of the population; the brand new one-piece sole plates are substantially thinner and less complex to manufacture; and breathability looks to have improved dramatically across the board.

Moreover, the new shoes are lighter than before, they arguably look better, and they're still completely made in Italy – including the outsoles.

The R1 Uomo – and the women's-specific R1 Donna – again sit at the top of the road range with new carbon fiber outsoles that slash the previous effective stack heights roughly in two while also noticeably boosting torsional stiffness over the first generation models. The uppers are still constructed with supple kangaroo leather, lightweight sailcloth straps (two hook-and-loop plus one ratcheting), and slick carbon fiber buckles but there's now a much more generous helping of very open nylon mesh for what should be much more liberal airflow.

In addition, the heel tread is now replaceable and claimed weight has dropped to a more competitive 240g (size 43, each, without insoles). As expected, suggested retail price still falls at the premium end of the spectrum at US$400/€340.

While the R1 will likely appeal more to those that appreciate – and can afford – the finer things in life, the new R3 is pegged as more of a racer's shoe with the same redesigned carbon fiber outsole but a more practical aluminum buckle and even more mesh in the upper. In fact, here the kangaroo leather is restricted almost exclusively to the edges of the toebox and the heel cup. This should give the R3 a softer feel up top but it also drops the weight slightly to 220g per shoe (size 43, without insoles).

More weight savings comes with a switch to conventional EVA foam insoles instead of the R1's more supportive – but heavier – custom moldable Sidas footbeds.

Fi'zi:k will again offer an R3 Donna for 2013 but this is the only model that's completely carried over unchanged.

Suggested retail price for either version is US$300/€240.

Fi'zi:k rightfully acknowledges that even the R3 shoes still fall well north of many buyers' budgets so 2013 will bring with it a new 'gateway drug' R5 model that shares the same fit, many of the same features, and the same high-quality construction as the higher-end shoes but a much more attainable price point of just US$200/€180 – impressive for a shoe that's wholly constructed in Italy.

Cost-saving measures include a switch to Microtex synthetic in lieu of the R1 and R3's kangaroo leather and a carbon-reinforced nylon outsole with non-replaceable tread. In addition, the straps are also switched to Microtex instead of the more premium sailcloth material.

Fi'zi:k hasn't just revamped the current shoe range, though – it's also added triathlon and yes, even mountain bike models.

Aside from the R3 Donna, the new tri-specific K1 Uomo and Donna men's and women's shoes are the only ones to continue using the old Mobius outsole. According to fi'zi:k, pro racer feedback actually favored the more aggressively curved shape – supposedly because of the more forward riding position and a perceived reduction in foot fatigue entering the run.

Nevertheless, the uppers are all new with a more basic twin hook-and-loop strap arrangement (including a flipped main strap) and a more open architecture that's easier to get into after the swim. Also unique to this model is the selective use of perforated neoprene upper panels for more comfort when worn on wet, bare feet.

Claimed weight for a single shoe is 220g for the men's version (size 43, without insole) and suggested retail price is US$400/€340.

Finally, there are the new mountain bike models. The entry-level M5 is built on an injected nylon sole with grooves built into the heel and toe for selective flex and a surprisingly aggressive tread that runs the entire perimeter of the plate. The more radically asymmetrical two-plus-one uppers are built with a mix of Microtex, sailcloth, and specially armor-coated cow leather panels and they also skip over a conventional tongue in favor of a more wrap-around layout.

Suggested retail price is US$200/€180 and fi'zi:k will offer the M5 in both men's and women's models.

Topping the MTB range is the M1, which uses a carbon fiber sole plate, a more finely adjustable aluminum buckle, and more kangaroo leather instead of the M5's synthetic Microtex.

All of the new shoes will begin arriving in stores around late autumn.

A new form for the Arione

Ten years after its original debut, fi'zi:k's now-iconic Arione saddle gets a major redesign for 2013. The much-loved upper shape, conforming Wing Flex sides, and generous 30cm length remain the same – despite the seemingly longer form – but the new version is otherwise sleeker, better looking, and more durable than before with more refined lower covers at both the front and rear.

Topping the range is the flagship Arione 00, which uses a co-molded carbon fiber and rubber shell for selective stiffness and flex mated to fi'zi:k's wraparound Mobius braided carbon fiber rails and topped with a stealthy, one-piece black Microtex synthetic cover. Claimed weight is a paltry 135g and suggested retail price is a whopping €350.

Sitting second-tier at a somewhat more attainable €199 is the new Arione R1, which is built with a co-molded carbon fiber-and-nylon shell, a three-piece Microtex cover, and braided carbon fiber rails that attach to the shell in a more conventional fashion. Claimed weight is still-feathery 145g.

Further down the range is the new Arione R3, which subs in a co-molded aluminized fiberglass-and-plastic shell that's both slightly heavier as well as more flexible than the R1's carbon hull. Claimed weight is 185g and suggested retail price is €169.

Replacing last year's Arione Tri are the new Arione K1 and K3 models, which are analogous to their R-series brethren with the exception of more generous padding in the nose.

Fi'zi:k will continue to offer carryover Arione CX Base (nylon shell, k:ium rails) and the more rounded Arione Classic Base models but otherwise, all of the new Arione saddles should begin arriving in stores around early October.