After four days of non-stop action, the annual Sea Otter Classic concluded on April 23rd in Monterey, CA. Held since 1991, the Sea Otter Classic is the largest cycling gathering in North America, attracting approximately 74,000 people to Legna Seca. raceway venue.
Alongside racing, the industry comes together to show off the latest and greatest. Hundreds of brands are vying for the attention of consumers and journalists. Amidst the sea of flags, here’s a sneak peek at some of the things I saw at Industry Day 2.
Be sure to check out the highlights from the first day. here .
Greener carbon (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)
There are at least three brands at the expo touting FusionFiber wheels made by CSS Composites, which many are calling the future of carbon composites. Brands such as Chris King, Revel, and Evil are all committed to CSS’s mission of creating products that don’t go to landfills.
Traditional carbon products are either almost impossible to recycle, downcycle or reuse, or are too simple and costly. So when a carbon product fails or reaches the end of its life cycle, whether it’s a bicycle part, a boat, or a spacecraft, it usually ends up in a landfill.
Most carbon components are made from sheets of epoxy-impregnated carbon fiber. Basically, carbon fibers are “glued together” with a resin that hardens through a chemical process called heat.setting. Once hardened, resin never returns to its original shape. This means that it cannot be disassembled and remolded.
FusionFiber products are made from carbon fiber that has not been impregnated with epoxy in a process called thermoplastics. This process melts the adhesive so that it can be reused in new or different products. Scraps generated in the manufacturing process and broken rims can be melted and molded into new products.
(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)
Another great advantage of FusionFiber is the simplification of the production process. FusionFiber does not require refrigeration, the entire cutting and layup process can be automated, and no sanding is required. All of this not only shortens production time, but also significantly reduces energy usage, making FusionFiber a greener all-round option. FusionFiber from CSS is made in the USA.
FusionFiber wheels are said to be impact resistant, dampening and 100% downcyclable in case of failure.
For CSS Composites’ in-house brands Forge and Bond, scaps and broken parts are now molded into short fiber products like carbon tire levers, while bicycle parts like stems and bars are It is said to be in the near future.
The Forge and Bond gravel wheels pictured here are part of a $2,600 wheelset with Industry Nine hubs and Sapim or bladed spokes and a generous warranty.
Special used solar power for charging the electric bike demonstration vehicle image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) Speaking of green ways, Specialized’s fleet of demo e-bikes was fully charged with solar power.
Partnering with Specialized zamp solar is the only US-based off-grid solar manufacturer that has charged 60 e-bikes available for demonstration. Rather than using the venue’s power grid or bringing in a generator, Specialized and Zamp made the most of the exposed, sun-kissed venue.
A trailer equipped with solar panels and multiple portable panels on the ground ensured Zamp had enough power to keep the bikes moving for the entire duration of the expo.
Manufactured in Bend, Oregon, Zamp Solar specializes in off-grid solar kits for the RV market, van life, campers, Tiny Home residents, overlanders, and even first responders. Branded power solutions include everything from $3,000 roof-based panel kits to small $30 portable panels.
Spencer Welch says, “If you’re going camping and heading out to ride your bike, let the sun do the rest while you’re on your bike so you can charge your e-bikes, drones and devices when you return. ‘ said. .
Decathlon’s $3999 Ti gravel bike (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)
French megastore Decathlon used Sea Otter Classic to announce its presence in the United States, showcasing its collection of performance-oriented yet competitively priced bikes and gear.
The Riverside GRVL 900 Ti stood out the most in the large booth.
In short, a gravel adventure bike is:
– made in Italy
– manual welding
– Dedacciai titanium tube
– Combination with carbon fork with accessory mount
– Shimano GRX groupset specs
What’s the price tag for such an attractive package? $3,999.
In addition to bikes, the Decathlon Superstore has bags and gear for every part of your bikepacking adventure.
Decathlon is currently working to establish a dealer network in the United States. Meanwhile, the bike is available to him from Decathlon’s European warehouse. (opens in new tab) .
Brompton’s lightest titanium T-line ever image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) Speaking of titanium, Brompton showcased their lightest T-line made with titanium tubing, a carbon fork and a carbon-wrapped steel seatpost.
Brompton’s new Titanium T-Line weighs just 7.45kg, more than 2kg less than its lighter predecessor. This transformation required more than just new tubing materials. Engineers had to completely rethink and reinvent the iconic folding bike at their new factory in Sheffield, UK. This factory was opened exclusively for orbital and tig welded titanium frames for added strength.
About 150 changes were made to the original T-line design, increasing the tube diameter. Wide carbon handlebar. All-new steel-reinforced carbon seatpost. New removable pedals. faster folding; and a new patent-pending drivetrain.
The redesign and materials are not only intended to provide a stiff and responsive ride, but the weight savings are a huge benefit to the bike’s portability.
price? $5225.00
Berria’s feature-packed gravel rig image 1 of 6
(Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook) cycling distribution network (CDN), a US distributor of brands such as Basso, Lee Cougan, and Berria, has signed on with the online marketplace. bike exchange Earlier this year, we plan to bring these European brands to the US market starting in April.
A feature-rich gravel racer, the Berria Belador Allroad, caught our eye at the Sea Otter show.
Built for gravel performance, the Belador is the Spanish brand’s first foray into the gravel segment, but that didn’t deter the brand from going all-in on off-road capabilities.
Borrowing tech from the MTB world, there’s SRAM’s new explosion-proof Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) and a flip chip on the fork dropout that adjusts the rake, thereby switching between rake or slacker geometry.
Dubbed the ‘Active Flex Concept’, the rider-separated seatstay pivot system is said to offer up to 26mm of suspension for increased comfort and reduced rider fatigue. And by landing firmly on rough terrain, the suspension aims to improve traction, handling and control.
The Belador also features a 27.2mm diameter carbon seatpost that is dropper post compatible.
The front end of the bike looks like an aero bike with a sleek square profile and fully integrated cable routing. The top tube has recessed accessories that stow neatly behind the plate when not in use I have a mount.
The frame is made from HM2X triple monocoque carbon and weighs just 1,060g.
The show bike pictured here is equipped with a SRAM Rival AXS groupset and Zipp 303 carbon wheels wrapped in Vittoria Terreno dry tires and has an MSRP of $6,899.
Diamondback debuts new gravel rig (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)
Former BMX brand Diamondback used the Sea Otter Classic to launch their redesigned Haanjo gravel bike line.
Originally launched in 2016, the Haanjo collection has undergone a makeover with new frame and suspension options.
Built around versatility, the Haanjo gravel collection consists of eight unique models, from entry-level commuter bikes to full-featured carbon do-it-yourself adventure and race rigs.
Diamondback once sponsored various road teams, including a program now known as Human Powered Health, but now the brand seems to be all on the dirt side. Its gravel line definitely hits the rough end of the gravel spectrum, as the is compatible with a wide variety of suspension forks. Build options include a Diamondback Haanjo carbon fork, Rockshox Rudy, or SR Suntour GVX with travel ranging from 30mm to 60mm. The Diamondback also adds accessory mounts for bags and cages, and some models come with a dropper post.
The new Haanjo collection, ranging from $1,000 to $5,700, will be available online and in retail stores in 2023.
Wise Advice from Chris King (Image credit: Anne-Marije Rook)
Chris King has prepared a nice gift for journalists passing through the Echos Communications Lounge. While his new Chris King product has not yet been cleared for public release, the iconic component maker has offered sage advice: “Don’t read the comments.”
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