Every year thousands of fans and athletes gather to celebrate Sea Otter, known as the world’s premier cycling festival. Over the course of 4 days, 70,000 fans get to experience live races from mountain bike cross country to road racing and best of all, they get to meet some of the athletes. Sea Otter also hosts the world’s largest consumer bike expo in America so you can also score some sweet deals on bikes, get free samples and enjoy the live entertainment all around.
We loved See Otter 2016 so we needed to check it out one more time! In between experiencing the thrill of cheering our favorite athletes as they crossed the finish line, and enjoying a few beers from sponsors, we checked out some of the coolest new products.
Here is a list of the 10 of the coolest new products we found interesting:
Maxxis Rekon 29×2.6 Tire
If you’re into mountain biking this is the tire to look out for! Currently, the Rekon line is known as the aggressive tire line, and this is an exciting new tire to introduce to the line. This tire will be the first tire they offer in a 2.6 which will provide really good trail compound. Andrew with the North American Sales team explained that this is the “most satisfactory size, especially for the width and size.” Currently not available in the market yet, this tire will retail for $85
Bont Riot Plus Shoe
This is an entry level road shoe made of carbon composite that is heat moldable. What this means is that you can heat them in your oven and then put your foot in for a custom fit. Steve Nemeth, the CEO explained that they “basically redeveloped the old riot and included BOA® so that is has a nice quick release system,” and included other features such as a nice ventilation holes throughout the shoe to keep you foot cool during riding, a Z form Velcro adjustable buckle for a secure fit, and a ‘lot more colors that are vibrant.” This shoes retail for $199
Deity Knuckleduster Grips
These knuckleduster grips are designed to feel similar to a silicone grip. According to Sadie Davies, “they are a propriety trc rubber compound designed to feel very tacky like a silicone does but with a very durable lasting compound so they won’t break down if you get brake fluid or cleaner or anything on the rubber itself.” Also, the internal sleeve is a tapered sleeve that will lock onto the handle bar so they will give you a nice cushion, ergonomic feel. They are the first in the market with a recess waffle design which allows your fingers to sit perfectly in the roughest of conditions while helping to prevent blisters created by hotspots. These Retail for $22
Specialized S-Works Epic Hardtail
“This is lightest, stiffest mountain bike ever manufactured by Specialized” according to Nate Riffle, Mountain Bike Brand Manager. The frame weighs only “850 grams which is relatively almost the same weight as a 24 oz water bottle.” This new addition features optimal balance of rigidity, weight and responsive which make it, much more stable at speed. It also comes with new Control SL wheels which feature more tire volume and more traction. Retails for $8000
The Sock Guy – I ♥ Sriracha
Comfort and fashion rarely mix well together right? Well, the Sock Guy is giving riders just that. These socks give you an edgy fashion design mixed with comfort which is what you need for riding bikes on or off road. They feature a stretch fit system and an easy fit cuff which helps create softness and comfort to prevent blisters and hotspots. They also have so many other cool designs that are worth checking out! These Retail for $11.95
Big Agnes – Fly Creek HV1 Platinum Tent
Known for manufacturing lightweight, backpacking tents, this tent is the lightest, fastest and top of the line camping for backpacking. This single sleeper tent weighs only 1lb 7 ounces and features a single hub nfl, aluminum pole that gives a free standing design, a small overhead mesh pocket for storage and a silicone treated nylon rip-stop rain fly. Retails for $499.95
Elby Bike
This is by far the coolest, electric city bike and will definitely make riding in the city a lot easier. “We just wanted to make a city bike that is safe and good to use” according to Riley Knudson, brand ambassador with Elby. They definitely got it right! Hate pedaling uphill? No problem! All you have to do is push the accelerator and you get that extra push that you need. Features include an integrated USB charger that allows you to charge your phone, front and back safety supernova lights, a heavy duty kickstand, ergonomic grips and a bell. To charge the battery, you can do it from the bike or unlock it the battery and take it with you to charge. Retail Price Starts at $3499.99
Light & Motion 2018 Bikeline
Who doesn’t need a good pair of lights when you’re out riding right? These lights are the lightest, brightest and most compact in the market. You can easily recharge them with a micro USB cable and you’re set to go. Hal Wolter informed us that “for 2018, the Urban collection has new brighter output LED technology and updated firmware that ranges from 350 to 1000 lumens.” The Taz Model goes to a 2 cell battery and bumps up to 2000 lumen and the Seca goes up to 2500 lumens which are brighter than the high beams on most cars. Retail Light Start at $50
Ride 100 % Aircraft Helmet
When riding downhill, it is crucial that you protect your head with full face downhill helmet. This helmet is equipped with MIPS® (multi-directional impact protection system), it is fully loaded with protection safety features. It is engineered with Carbon Kevlar which creates an ultra lightweight feel. It also the first full face downhill helmet with the most ventilation technology in the market. Other features include emergency release cheek pads, washable liner, cheek pad, and chin straps, titanium D-ring buckle, and an adjustable visor. These retail for $450
Trek – Bontrager Kovee Elite 23 TLR BOOST 29
If you’re an XC and trail rider, you know the importance of a good wheel and these tires give you just what you need. Featuring the most advanced carbon in the market, that is ultra durable, and Rapid 54 engagement will get you a really quick engagement when you pedal. Overall, they will provide a better riding experience that is smoother and definitely “sweeter” according to Trek ambassadors. Retailing at $700 for the set.
