Well, our final day of coverage from the 2024 Sea Otter Classic. We had some last minute info we were waiting on, so here is our last download from the event.
Velo
Velo, the world’s largest saddle maker, had a few new saddles on display for Sea Otter.
The Prevail Revo takes the current Angel Revo, and adds a full cover over the Y-cutout to place it in the Prevail family. Everything else transitions over to the new saddle, including the 145mm width, EVA foam that is made by mixing recycled ground coffee, Euphoria base, titanium rails, and Omni cover.
The star of the booth is the upcoming Angel Revo 3D. It is Velo’s first 3D printed saddle under their brand name. The shape is the same as the Angel Revo, but made using 3D printing instead of the EVA and recycled coffee ground foam with the Omni cover. The final design is in the works, so the look might change a little bit as the design is finalized. It will be available later this summer.
Along with the Angel Revo 3D, Velo also teased a set of 3D printed mountain bike grips. Not much info was available on them yet, but we believe Velo is targeting a summer release for them as well.
Topeak
Topeak is a brand that does a lot of things, and does them well, especially with some of their new products for 2024. We’re not going to be able to cover everything here, but here are some of the products we are excited about for the year to come.
Tools – In the past, we have shared about the Ratchet Rocket Lite NXT and Nano TorqBar, and the new Nano Tool Series picks up where Topeak left off. Available in 7, 9, and 11 tool versions, these small and light multitools pack a punch when it comes to versatility. The Nano 11 includes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches, T10, T15, and T25 Torx wrenches, and a flat head screwdriver. Weights run from 44g to 74g depending on the size.
Saddle Packs – Topeak has a handful of new saddle packs, but the Elementa and Weatherproof Dynawedge are our highlights. The Elementa comes in small, medium, and large, along with a Gearbag and Gearbag EX versions. All use the new Rail Wing System, keeping the bag stable, while allowing you to open the saddle without removing it from the bike. The Gearbag versions add a small compartment on the bottom that includes a ratchet tool and bits for any roadside repairs needed. The Dynawedge takes a little different shape than the usual saddle pack, spinning it 90 degrees to make it vertical. The different shape follows your seat post and saddle shape more than other saddle packs.
FastFuel Platform – Lastly, Topeak has a modular top tube system to carry your gels. The platform straps to your top tube and is available in two different lengths. From there, you can use elastic cords or plastic clips/cutters to hold gel packs in place. The Tri-Station version includes a QuickClick top tube bag that you can store things in or use to store empty gel wrappers.
We have samples in for all of these items, plus a few others, so watch for reviews coming soon.
OnGuard
Things got spicy over at OnGuard this year. Their new RockSolid U-Lock is the lightest weight U-Lock on the market at 1.4kg, about 300g lighter than the industry leader.
Besides being light, OnGuard uses a proprietary coating blend of ultra-high-strength materials, including ceramic and diamond, to make it virtually impervious to angle grinders, something they proved at their booth. The RockSolid is also ready for brute force attacks, with a hardened, shrouded shackle that has been designed and tested not give in.
Xpedo
While not quite ready for the public yet, Xpedo were teasing their new power pedals that will span road, gravel, cyclocross, and mountain biking. The new Omni pedals will be available for the Thrust NXS (Look Keo style) and Sonik (Shimano SPD-SL style) road pedals, CXR gravel/CX/MTB (SPD style), M-Force 8 gravel/MTB (SPD style), and Baldwin MTB (SPD style) pedals.
The Omni power meter is a spindle based design that will use a CR2032 coin-cell batter housed in the wing that is typically seen in many pedal power meters. It uses a chromoly spindle with a Q-factor of 155mm. The power meter adds about 50g per pair, and the stack height is not impacted.
No word on if you will be able to retrofit Xpedo pedals you currently own, but we’ll update this space if we hear more. The public release is expected to be at Eurobike 2024. Pricing is expected to run between $700 and $900, depending on the pedal.
Yakima
While not specifically bike related, Yakima was highlighting their new MOD drawer systems for outdoor enthusiasts.
The MOD drawer system is the organizer I have always wanted. It starts with a MOD HomeBase drawer, and builds from there. The Medium looks like it is a touch too big for something like a Subaru Impreza hatchback, with larger sizes for larger hatchbacks and SUV’s. It has legs that attach on the bottom to give you height to clear the rear gate, and tie downs on the sides keep it locked in place in the trunk. The base features a large drawer to store tools and gear, with the ability to add optional dividers, a bamboo work station, and is lockable using Yakima’s SKS locks. The bamboo tops add a classy work space, or you can start to stack additional components, including another base.
From there, you can add things like the Mod Topper (half the width of the HomeBase), the hard plastic Mod Crate, the fabric Mod Tote, or even a Dometic Fridge. All of the options gives you the chance to build out the perfect MOD system for your vehicle and lifestyle.
Tifosi
Launched back in March, Tifosi had the Stash on hand, along with their full line of product.
We already have our hands on a pair, but the Stash is a lower half frame design targeted at cycling and running. The Grilamid TR-90 frame keeps the Stash nice and light 34g), while remaining stable with a little bit of flex for comfort. Adjustable hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces add comfort and grip, and get grippier as you sweat. Tifosi adds their polycarbonate lenses, and includes three lenses for their regular and Clarion lenses, or a single Fototec photochromatic lens option.
Having worn them around and ridden in them a few times before Sea Otter, they are a great complement for the Sledge and Sledge Lite. Removing the upper brow allows for additional view along the top when riding in an aggressive position, and the wide coverage provides plenty of protection and visibility.
www.tifosioptics.com
Velocio
Velocio had their limited edition Artists Series on full display at the show. The current offering is from Pablo Azócar, the Chilean artist known as Pavlovpulus. His kaleidoscopic artwork is created using detailed dots, lines, and circles, using complex algorithms and robotics.
Each work starts with Azócar feeding complex lines of code into a computer for a pen plotter. From there, the computer takes the information, and turns it into a work of art. The current designs are inspired by an arts and culture center in downtown Santiago that he rides by regularly.
The Artist Series SE jersey combines Velocio’s Signature Jersey with Azócar’s art. The summer weight jersey uses recycled fabric and offers UPF30 sun protection. On back, there are three anti-sag pockets, along with a small zippered pocket for valuables.
Skratch
Not every day is an active day, and for those days, Skratch has their new Hydration Everyday Drink Mix. This unsweetened hydration mix is packed with electrolytes and a squeeze of real fruit. What you get is a great tasting drink that is full of electrolytes, and nothing more, making it great to mix with other drinks, or maybe adding more than the standard serving for when you need a little more.
The Hydration Every Day Drink Mix offers 400mg of sodium with only 10 calories and no sugar. That’s the same amount of sodium as their Hydration Sport and Super High-Carb offerings, but without the calories, carbs, or sugar. Two flavors are available, Lemon + Lime and Tangerine + Orange. Both are available in single serving packets, 15 single serve packets, and a 30 serving resealable bag.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year