Now in its thirty fifth yr, the Sea Otter Traditional is North America’s largest biking pageant, drawing over 74,000 attendees, greater than 1,000 exhibiting manufacturers and internet hosting 12 beginner and elite races throughout highway and off-road disciplines. Held on and across the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California, this yr’s protection continues with one other tech highlights, written by North American Editor Anne-Marije Rook. Learn Tyler Boucher’s Half 1 right here and do not miss the recap of the opening spherical of the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix.
I’ve been coming to the Sea Otter Traditional on and off for the previous 12 years, but pedaling alongside 17 Mile Drive, the beautiful stretch of highway that connects Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, by no means will get outdated. This winding, ocean-side highway appears like using by way of a residing postcard. To the west, salty sea air rustles the cypress timber and sweeps throughout patches of purple wildflowers clinging to the rugged cliffs whereas waves crash violently beneath. To the east, meticulously saved golf programs give strategy to quiet forests and luxurious estates. Seagulls cry overhead, and as you roll by way of Pacific Grove, deer usually wander throughout the trail. Strava tells me I’ve ridden this route 17 instances already, and nonetheless, I stay up for it each single yr.
This yr’s journey to North America’s greatest bike expo was temporary and a little bit of a whirlwind, however I nonetheless discovered a strategy to justify hauling my bike: an early morning journey alongside 17 Mile Drive and as much as the venue with the nice people from CADEX, who had simply outfitted my bike with their newest saddle—extra on that beneath. My time on the present was full of backroom conferences and sneak peeks at thrilling merchandise on the horizon (the primary massive launch drops this Wednesday!), nevertheless it left me with little alternative to discover the sunny present flooring in depth. Nonetheless, I did handle to identify a couple of standout items of substances that I can discuss now. Right here’s a fast roundup of a few of the neatest issues I got here throughout.
An e-bike that takes simply quarter-hour to cost
(Picture credit score: Anne-Marije Rook)
In a media-only sales space hosted by PR agency Echos Communications, we received an early have a look at Gary Fisher’s long-awaited e-bike model, Morelle.
The corporate goals to revolutionize city biking with a battery in contrast to something presently available on the market. Morelle bikes are constructed round Ionblox’s high-density, silicon-based batteries, that are lighter and cost sooner than conventional lithium-ion packs. The 350Wh batteries in Morelle’s first mannequin will carry you for as much as 30 miles and can reportedly cost from empty to full in simply quarter-hour utilizing a normal outlet.
The debut mannequin will likely be a flat-bar aluminum commuter bike that includes SRAM digital shifting and a compact, high-torque mid-drive motor—rumored to be from Bafang. The total construct is anticipated to weigh round 25 kilos, making it one of many lightest in its class. It’ll retail for close to $3,000.
The AMP was initially created to supply a flexible, short-nosed saddle for a broad consumer base versus its Enhance saddle, which is made particularly to accommodate an aggressive using place. After a yr and a half of utilizing the Amp, I’ve discovered that it delivers nice consolation throughout all kinds of terrain and journey lengths—all in a featherlight, performance-focused package deal.
Now, the newly launched Amp 3D retains the identical form and ultralight carbon base however replaces the high-elasticity “Particle Circulation” padding with a 3D-printed gyroid construction. This G3D padding is designed to adapt to a rider’s motion for focused assist. The padding makes use of variable densities throughout key stress zones for optimum assist and higher weight distribution. At 146g, it’s barely heavier than the unique Amp, however I’m keen to place it to the take a look at and see the way it stacks up.
Mavic’s Hub Silencer
(Picture credit score: Anne-Marije Rook)
Within the Mavic tent, I used to be proven the newest and best in its tubeless and tapeless know-how nevertheless it was outdated tech that basically impressed. I discovered, maybe a tad late, that every one fashionable ratchet-style Mavic hubs have a detachable silencer. It’s a easy ring that sits behind the ratchets.
Personally, I like my hubs to have a comfortable and nice buzz or be as near silent as potential. However for those who like a loud and bell-negating hub, you’ll be able to merely take away the silencer by taking off the freehub physique, adopted by the spring and the ratchet mechanism. The silencer sits contained in the final ratchet ring. Merely take away the ring and assemble the hub. The entire course of takes lower than 30 seconds.
Whereas some wheel manufacturers suggest dampening the hubs by packing the hubs with thick grease, the Mavic manner is a really neat and clear resolution.
Wahoo’s newest
(Picture credit score: Anne-Marije Rook)
Throughout Sea Otter week, Wahoo launched the newest technology of its Bolt and Roam pcs in addition to a radar rear mild.
The computer systems have undergone a redesign in and out, and fortuitously, in contrast to the brand new ACE, they continue to be compact. The brand new computer systems can be found beginning Could sixth. What’s new:
ELEMNT ROAM 3 is a feature-rich, mid-size pc made for adventurers. New options embrace glove-friendly multi-touch capabilities (pinch, zoom, swipe), a high-resolution and enormous anti-glare display, and enhanced navigation and route administration. The latter consists of detailed maps with factors of curiosity, elevation knowledge and highway varieties, and voice turn-by-turn instructions. It additionally boasts a 25-hour battery life.
ELEMNT BOLT 3 is the smallest and lightest of Wahoo’s biking pc line-up. It’s meant to supply aerodynamics and precision for performance-focused riders, paired with entry-level pricing and ease of use for these new to biking computer systems. The latest technology has a bigger, high-contrast 2.3” show for crisp readability at any velocity and in all situations. It has elevated its compatibility with extra third-party apps and providers, options Wahoo’s new Experience to Experience dashboard, and has a battery lifetime of as much as 20 hours.
TRACKR RADAR: Wahoo’s first entry into radar know-how. Just like the Garmin Varia or Trek Carback, this rear mild supplies automobile detection and visibility, and even acts like a brake mild. Options:
– Automobile warning: the radar system detects approaching vehicles behind, growing the flash sample
– Brake mild: a built-in accelerometer permits the unit to perform as a brake mild, getting brighter when slowing down
– Compatibility: the TRACKR will join and combine with most Bluetooth or ANT+ bike computer systems available on the market, not simply Wahoo’s ecosystem.
– Battery extender: When no automobiles are detected, the unit will cut back its luminosity to preserve battery energy and may present as much as 20 hours of use.
A motorcycle rack with an app?
(Picture credit score: Anne-Marije Rook)
As soon as identified for its cheap and easy-to-use trunk racks, Allen Racks has been steadily increasing its lineup with extra premium hitch-mounted choices—and now, it is diving headfirst into each the suction-mount and “sensible” classes with its $700 Sensible Suction Bike Rack.
SeaSucker has lengthy used vacuum-based programs for vehicle-mounted bike transport however what units the Allen Sensible Suction Bike Rack aside is a extra substantial construct and the mixing of Bluetooth-enabled sensors.
Sure, you’re going to should obtain yet one more app however on this case, it’d truly be price it.
(Picture credit score: Allen Racks)
The app pairs with the rack’s built-in sensors to actively monitor suction stress at every mounting level, providing you with the benefit of thoughts of realizing the rack –and your bike hooked up to it– isn’t going wherever.
The rack may be mounted to roof or rear of a variety of vehicles and RVs (although, sadly, not my pickup truck or Honda Ingredient) and can maintain bikes as much as 35lbs. There’s an adjustable tray for various wheelbase lengths, and it really works with each quick-release and thru-axle forks. A built-in locking cable provides a little bit of theft safety.
