If you are desperately in search of cycling stoke, Monterey, California is a great place to find it. Especially this time of year. Not only is the riding glorious — from the coast to the hills to the track — but the town plays host to the Sea Otter Classic, an incredible celebration of cycling that draws hundreds of brands, thousands of athletes and tens of thousands of fans.
I recently returned from that very festival, where I spent plenty of time ripping around on various bikes (even trying an e-mountain bike race), meeting passionate people and generally remembering why I love cycling in the first place.
Oh, and on the product side, I saw tons of cool, innovative stuff hitting just about every aspect of the cycling experience. What jumped out most? A lotta e-bike and off-road launches, plus some clever innovations — see highlights below.
Fox Proframe RS
This full-face helmet is packed with progressive features, led by the latest from MIPS, the Integra System. In addition to independently rotating inner and outer shells (see video below), the inner one is split into two pieces, enabling even better movement upon impact. Also cool: the lightweight , super-ventilated design, Boa fit system and a camera mount sitting unobtrusively under the visor. Look for the Proframe RS to launch in September.
Price: $349
Ride Concepts Flume Boa
Reno, Nevada-based Ride Concepts stands out for crafting mountain bike shoes specifically for different types of wearers. Witness the Flume, a women's shoe — comparable to the men's Tallac — available in both flat and clip versions and loaded with sweet features. D30 in the insole sucks up impact, an adaptable outsole sticks to the pedals, and the Boa fit system boasts proprietary TX4 laces that are flexible, comfortable and easy to tie up in the rare event they break.
Price: $190+
Moots Forager Fat Bike
I just couldn’t take my eyes off this dirt- and snow-ready beauty, available now for delivery in November. The first fatty from Steamboat, Colorado-based Moots since early 2019, the Forager boasts clearance for up to 27.5x4.5" tires. The frame weighs less than 4 pounds thanks to a titanium build with a full carbon ENVE fork, and the brand calls it their strongest, stiffest, best tracking fat bike ever. Seems very worthy of those Terrene “Cake Eater” tires, that’s for sure.
Price: $9,653
Bosch SmartphoneGrip
With e-bikes truly all the rage at Sea Otter, I've gotta shout out cool news from the leader in e-bike motors. Bosch introduced several updates to its Smart System, plus hardware in the form of a mount that converts your phone into a handy digital dashboard. Pair with the eBike Flow app and you can monitor data, navigate, sync with Strava and lock up the motor (with your phone being the digital key). You can also charge your phone off the bike's battery while riding.
ABUS Bordo 6000K with SaddleFix
As cool as this compact and secure folding lock is, the real story here is the SaddleFix mount, which lets you stash the lock under your seat rather than taking up valuable space on the top or down tube that can be better used for bottles and bags. This package also features a tamper-resistant X-Plus key cylinder and a rain cover, which is handy because it’ll be sitting where puddles splash up from the rear tire.
Price: $140
Archer D1x Trail Shifter + MFR Drop Bar Remote
I've already sung the praises of the D1x, which converts any mechanically shifting rear derailleur setup into a smooth AF electronic one. Now comes a package deal with the Multi-Function Remote, which can be mounted just about anywhere on your bars — including under the tape — for a super clean look. You can even get a second strand to shift from multiple hand positions. The MFR is good for 25 hours of ride time, while the shifter keeps rolling for 80.
Price: $399
Canyon Spectral:ON
With the German brand overhauling its popular eMTB, here are the highlights: Switching to a fully carbon frame drops the weight as low as 48 pounds (size medium CFR, 720Wh battery) while a rearrangement of the battery cells (in front of rather than above the Shimano EP8 motor) drops the center of gravity while improving handling. Did we mention as much as a 42 percent boost in range (900Wh battery)? The CF launches late spring; the CFR arrives in the fall.
Price: $5,999 (CF); $10,500 (CFR)
Earshots
Straight outta New Zealand, Earshots founder James Bell-Booth was inspired to create the product after losing earbuds during aggressive biking and running, where the combo of bouncing around and sweating can dislodge them. His innovation? The earbud and over-ear piece are magnetized, which keeps them together (through the back of your ear) under stress. I'm intrigued, so stay tuned for more once I've had a chance to test.
Price: ~$128
Ripton Diesel Jorts
Hey, I had my doubts too. But I tried the latest Riptons on at the show, and with 54 percent stretch, they really are as comfortable as spandex — and a hundred times cooler. I even rocked them in the aforementioned eMTB race, and while I may not have crushed the pros, I surely topped the Jorts Division. (Skipped the awards ceremony, but rumor has it the trophy was a golden figurine with a mullet and Pit Vipers launching over a rock garden.)
Price: $79
Ortlieb Vario PS
Of all the backpack/pannier hybrids out there, none converts as smoothly as the new Vario (see video below). Simply flip the flap from one side to the other to access either the Quick-Lock attachment system or a padded carry set-up with chest strap and comfy shoulder straps. Rolltop closure, waterproof fabric, padded laptop compartment... what else do you need to know?
Price: $190
