Sea Otter Recap – Topeak, Velo, Xpedo

With Sea Otter done and dusted, it’s time to share all of the cool things we found at the show this year, and there was a lot. To start off, we have lots of new gear from Topeak, saddles from Velo, and new power pedals from Xpedo.

Topeak

Team Issue Line

For home mechanics, there are some tools that are essential, and some that are nice to have. For pro mechanics, some of those nice to have’s become essential, which is where the Team Issue Line comes in for Topeak.

One of these nice to have’s that become essential for pro mechanics is a bike scale. In the pro ranks, riders are riding bikes that could dip below the minimum weights set by the UCI, which could mean they cannot take the start of the race until their bikes meet the weight limits, or even worse.

The Bike Scale Team Issue is a precision digital scale, which features a large, easy-to-read screen and durable aluminum handle. It can be hung or clamped into a stand, with a hook for your saddle to hang the bike from. The max limit is 35kg, or just over 77lbs, so it also doubles as a luggage scale for those of us traveling often. It runs on 4 AAA batteries, has a 360 degree swiveling display, shows weights in ounces, pounds, and kilograms, and weighs out to three decimal places.

The Prepstand Team Issue takes the Prepstand Pro to the next level. The quick release jaw clamp allows you to open and close the clamp quickly, with a knob that allows for quick and easy adjustments. On the opposite end, the three spoke knob allows for easy adjustments to the angle of the bike. While the Prepstand Pro has an integrated scale, the Team Issue has magnetic sections that allow you to keep tools close by while working on your bike. The stand holds up to 45kg, or just under 100lbs, making it ideal for mountain and e-bikes. The legs, telescoping vertical tube, and clamp arm all fold down to allow you to stash the Prepstand Team Issue out of the way, or in the optional storage bag.

Finally, the Prepstation Team Issue is the ultimate toolbox for home or professional mechanics. The tool station has 6 trays and a large compartment at the bottom to carry everything you need, and 5″ wheels and telescoping handle make it easy to roll across various surfaces. The handle folds down to keep it compact, but when you are ready to use the stand, the trays slide up and rotate to the side to allow access to all levels. There is even a small pictograph on each tray so you know what is in there. Below is a list of parts that come with the Prepstation Team Issue:

Tools	48
Hex Tools	• YHex Speed Wrench 2 / 2.5 / 3 mm (TT2597)• YHex Speed Wrench 4 / 5 / 6 mm (TT2598)• DuoHex Wrench Set DX 1.5 / 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 mm (TPS-SP67)
Torx® Tools	• YTorx Speed Wrench T10 / T25 / T30 (TT2599)• Torx® Wrench Set DX T10 / T15 / T20 / T25 / T27 / T30 / T40 / T45 / T50 (TPS-SP66)
FLAT / PH TOOLS	Screw Driver Set PH2 / H2 / H3 / 5mm Flat (TPS-SP68)
Chain Tools	• Chain Holder (TPS-SP55)• Power Link Pro (TT2560)• Chain Master Team Issue (TPS-SP50)• Chain Hook & Wear Indicator (TPS-SP09)
Brake Tools	Rotor Truing Tool (TPS-SP53)
Chain Tools	• Chain Holder (TPS-SP55)• Power Link Pro (TT2560)• Chain Master Team Issue (TPS-SP50)• Chain Hook & Wear Indicator (TPS-SP09)
Pedal Tools	Pedalbar Pro (TPS-SP56)
Cassette Tools	• Chain Whip (TPS-SP51)• Torq Wrench 40Nm with Lockring Tool (TPS-SP52)
Crank Tools	Crank Arm Tool (TPS-SP54)
Pliers	• 5-1/2” Electrician’s Shears (TPS-SP61)• 6” Long Nose Pliers (TPS-SP62)• 7” Pliers Wrench (TPS-SP65)• 6” Diagonal Cutting Pliers (TPS-SP63)
Cable Tools	• Internal Cable Routing Set (TPS-SP60)• 7” Cable Cutter (TPS-SP64)
Tube & Tire Tools	• Shuttle Lever Set• Tire Lever Team Issue (TPS-SP59)
Spanners	8 / 10 mm Double Open End Spanner
Measurement Tools	• HANGER ALIGNMENT GAUGE with Lever setter kit (TPS-SP58)• Tape Measure
Else	• Multi-Mallet (TPS-SP57)• Flashlight

PakGo EX+Plus

Topeak has a new PakGo travel case, the EX+Plus. The new case is designed for road, gravel, or mountain, holding wheels up to 29×2.6″ or 700cx50mm. It uses a Makrolon® Polycarbonate outer case to protect your bike from rough baggage handlers. The upright case uses four 60mm wheels to allow it to roll across all kinds of surfaces. Multiple handles make it easy to move the case around. Inside, it has a padded foam lining with a bottom bracket holder and sleeve to cover the drivetrain to keep everything clean. There’s also a zippered mesh pocket to hold your tools and small items during transit. We have a PakGo X in to review on an upcoming trip for a training camp in Florida in early May, so watch for that review coming soon.

Shuttle Cage Z

The new Shuttle Cage Z is a lightweight carbon bottle cage that works with standard water bottles. What makes it special is that it is made from Global Recycled Standard certified carbon fiber, and is 100% recyclable. It might not have any flashy tricks, but you can feel good that you are helping make a positive impact on the environment. Available with black or yellow graphics.

Other Tools

Topeak had a bunch of other tools on display for 2025, including the E-Booster Digital, Nano Shock, PakGo EX+,

The E-Booster Digital is a small, handheld pump that fits in your jersey pocket or pack. All you do is preset the pressure you want to pump to, slip the pump on (or use the included hose), and let the pump do its job. The SmartHead works with both Presta and Schrader valves with the flip of a slider on the pump. It pumps up to 120 psi/8bar, and can pump 3-6 tires per charge, depending on the tire size and pressure.

Also on the pump front is the new TurboFlow Valve and RapidHead pump head. The new design allows for 3x more efficent airflow compared to a standard Presta valve. The new design was created with tubeless sealant in mind. The valves will be available in 45/50/60mm lengths, or you can buy adapters that that thread into your existing tubeless valves. The RapidHead works with the new TurboFlow Valves for easy press on and pull off. You don’t need to flip a lever to lock the head on like most pumps. We’ll update the article with more on whether the TurboFlow Valves work with existing heads and the RapidHead works with standard presta and schreader valves. Valves, adapters, heads will be available in Q3 of 2025.

For home mechanics or mechanics on the go, the Essential Toolshop is a must have. It covers 24 functions, and includes a heavy duty ratchet tool, bits, torque tool, and other tools for your bike. Everything comes packed in a small kit that helps keep it all organized while on the go.

Functions	24
Tools	• Speed sleeve bit holder• Hex bits: 1.5 / 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 mm• Torx® bits: T10 / T15 / T20 / T25 / T30 / T40• PH1, PH2 • Flat head bits• Ratchet Rocket HD Toolbar (Max. 60Nm)• Chain tool (12S) • Nano TorqBar (2-6 Nm)• Power Lever II (Master link pliers) • Disc brake spacer
Material	Aluminum / Engineering grade polymer / S2 hardened steel
Size	25 x 9.6 x 6 cm
Weight	635 g

The Torq Stick Pro Digital is Topeak’s offering for a digital torque wrench with a complete set of bits. With carbon everything, torqueing your bolts down to the right measurement is critical so you don’t damage your parts or bike. The digital display shows from 1-20 Nm, and the kit includes a Ratchet Rocket HD Toolbar that can handle up to 60Nm (more on that below). There is also an 8mm open-end wrench with valve tool to cover your hydraulic fittings and presta valves.

Functions	22
Tools	• Hex bits: 1.5 / 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 mm• Torx® bits: T10 / T15 / T20 / T25 / T30 / T40• PH1, PH2 • Flat head bits • Torq Stick Digital (1-20 Nm)• Ratchet Rocket HD Toolbar (Max. 60Nm)• Speed sleeve bit holder• 8mm open-end wrench with valve tool

While out on your ride, the Ratchet Rocket HD is your small, pocket sized ratchet set that has you covered. I personally have been riding with a similar kit from Topeak for a few years now, and it is great for quick adjustments or repairs along the road. The new kit has a new heavy duty ratchet that can support up to 60Nm of force, making it even more versatile. It comes with a range of bits to cover just about everything you need.

Functions	15
Tools	Ratchet tool, Magnetic holderHex wrenches: 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 mmT10 / T15 / T20 / T25 / PH2

The Nano Shock is an ultra-lightweight shock pump with a 360° rotatable hose. It’s small size makes it perfect to fit in your jersey or pack to make pressure adjustments on the trail. The Pressure-Rite shock valve allows you to release the valve with out losing pressure, helping keep pressures accurate. It can handle up to 300pst/20bar.

www.topeak.com

Velo

Something that I was excited to see were the new 3D printed saddles from Velo. 3D printing allows manufacturers to customize cushioning and support much more locally than they can with foam padding. Velo has been developing these saddles for a few years now, dialing in the design. Based on two of their most popular saddle designs, the new saddles will be available as the Angel Revo 3D and the Senso Opto.

The Angel Revo 3D is the road option includes the Y-Cut technology found on all Angel saddles that helps relieve pressure from sensitive tissue areas and allowing the saddle to flex slightly as you pedal. At 248mm long and 148mm wide, it sits in the short nose saddle style. It uses titanium rails and comes in at 273g.

The Senso Opto uses more of a full shell, with a central cutout to help relieve pressure. It’s based on the Senso TT, but with a little longer nose. The 3D printed cover still has a channel to support your sit bones while relieving pressure. The Senso Opto also uses titanium rails, and is slightly longer and narrower at 255mm and 146mm respectively.

Both models will be available later this year, and we’ll be getting an Angel Revo 3D in for review.

Limited Edition Prevail TT Saddle for the Year of the Snake

Finally for Velo, is their annual Chinese Zodiac saddle. Starting in 2015, Velo has released a special saddle to celebrate the upcoming year. For 2025, it is the Year of the Snake, and they are releasing a special Prevail TT to capture the spirit of this revered creature in Chinese culture. Snakes are thought to be deep thinkers who approach life with thoughtfulness and intersection, making decisions based on keep observations.

The 2025 Year of the Snake Prevail TT features a special snake design on the cover of the saddle. The model is a short-nose saddle that is made for riding in aggressive positions without compromising comfort in traditional, more upright positions. It has a 146mm width and 244mm length, and uses titanium rails. The ArcTech rail design provides shock absorption and the Y-Cutout base to help relieve pressure on sensitive areas.

The Year of the Snake Prevail TT is available now from Velo.

www.velosaddles.com

Xpedo

For Xpedo, the news is their new power pedals. The Omni line adds a power meter spindle to the brand’s five most popular pedals, the Baldwin, M-Force, and CXR dual-sided off-road pedals, along with the THRUST and Sonik road pedals, offering pedals for enduro, cross-country, cyclocross, gravel, and road.

The spindle based design keeps the same pedal form that you would find with the non-power meter versions, including the same Q-factor and low stack height. Each spindle has a small pod that house all of the electronics and the CR2032 battery that offers 50 hours of battery life. The pedals broadcast on ANT+ and Bluetooth V4.1, allowing you to connect them to a number of devices, including your computer or tablet for indoor training on popular apps.

The Omni pedals measure all of the normal metrics you would expect from a dual-sided power meter, like power (max 3000w, accuracy ±1%), cadence (30-190rpm), and left/right balance, but there are some others that will be interesting for those that like to take a deeper dive into their data. Things like torque effectiveness, pedal smoothness, power phase, and rider position are all collected.

When it comes to the pedals, Xpedo has you covered, whether you are a SPD-SL, Keo, or SPD rider. Below are some of the details.

Thrust NXS Omni

• road pedal (Look Keo compatible) 
• MSRP: US$749
• Weight: 287g
• Stack: 9.2mm
• Q Factor: 55mm

Sonik Omni

• road pedal (Shimano SPD-SL compatible)
• MSRP: US$749
• Weight: 288g
• Stack: 9.6mm
• Q Factor: 56mm

CXR Omni

• gravel/mountain pedal (SPD compatible)
• MSRP: US$749
• Weight: 352g
• Stack: 9.8mm
• Q Factor: 56mm

M-Force 8 Omni

• titanium gravel/mountain pedal (SPD compatible) without a surrounding platform
• MSRP: US$899
• Weight: 321g
• Stack: 8.7mm
• Q Factor: 56mm

Baldwin Omni

• mountain pedal (SPD compatible) with a surrounding platform
• MSRP: US$749
• Weight: 416g
• Stack: 9.8mm
• Q Factor: 55mm

www.xpedo.com