My final roundup from Sea Otter (yes, it takes that long to do everything from the world’s largest consumer cycling festival) has all the new racks, rigs, and cargo boxes for bringing bikes and gear along. There were the usual big brands, plus some upstarts and updates with killer new ideas and products worth a look.

Above, Kuat introduced their Ibex overland collection for pickup trucks, with a telescoping design and multiple frames to fit different trucks from Toyota, Dodge/RAM, Ford, Chevy/GMC, Nissan, and more. It’s designed as a shell, with plenty of accessories to customize it however you want.

Cross bars fit any of their roof trays, holding bikes, skis, snowboards, etc., and MOLLE-style side panels can be added to fit other gear on the inside and outside. You can even attach a single-bike tray to the side to keep it lower for (slightly) better gas mileage and (much) easier loading.

Their new HUK tailgate pad comes in five sizes to hold from 2 to 6 bikes, with straight and curved models to fit different truck beds more precisely. It has a soft-touch backing with and extra 1″ of padding along the top to keep your bike safer, and a flip-up panel maintains back-up camera visibility when needed.

A looped strap system lets you position the bikes where you want, and have metal G-Hook buckles for quick attachment and release. It’s a welded construction with smooth-touch finish, has a 3-year warranty, and when it’s finally worn out, it’s fully recyclable and biodegradable!

The new Piston rear hitch rack launched prior to Sea Otter and uses their easy-release pneumatic wheel cradles, just without the Kashima coating and rear lights to bring the price down. Check our full coverage for all the details, but here’s a closeup of the quick-adjust arms that let it fit everything from full-size mountain bikes to 20″ kids bikes, with a fender adapter placement to more easily hold bikes with a front (or rear) fender.

There’s an e-bike ramp accessory that telescopes to provide an easy way to roll heavier bikes onto the ramp, and Kuat’s smooth, consistent tray shape makes it really easy to roll the bike all the way into place. Then just pop the ramp off and throw it in your trunk. If you have e-bikes and routinely carry more than 2 bikes, this makes it much, much easier to get those first bikes on versus trying to maneuver the bike and yourself around a 3-4 bike rack.

Railias

Upstart Railias has a unique take on the truck tailgate pad. You can use it like normal, with soft, shaped cradles cuddling your downtube as it rests on the tailgate. Or, use their strap in mounts to attach fork mounts, a shade tent, or a repair stand:

The repair stand clamp telescopes, and can pop in and out of the mounting tray easily, so you can secure it inside the vehicle when you’re out riding, but make easy repairs when necessary. Note the small storage pockets integrated into the padding, too…great for keeping brake pad spacers on hand.

The design is more clever than it looks. Without the repair stand there, you can position the fork’s axle higher up on the tailgate (or not), and then just close the tailgate and it rolls your bike backward into the bed. So, you don’t have to drive with the tailgate open if you’re storing other stuff in the bed, too. Other accessories let you mount base plates to a wall or van floor, too, so you can use the same fork mounts and accessories elsewhere.

Inno Racks

Inno Racks has a new base rack system coming, using a modular approach that makes it really easy to move and remove bike trays, letting you position them to more easily nest two bikes together. But, it also lets you use the same base for cargo:

Using lockable quick release clamps, you can add a storage box to the rack, too.

A similar system is coming for their roof rails, too, starting with a base tray that can hold bike trays or this locking cargo box that…

…slides off and has wheels and a handle for easy transport. Sized like a large suitcase, it could make family travel and camp setup a lot easier by being able to take everything down for easier access, or just rolling it right into the hotel or rental. Price and availability TBD.

North Shore Racks

North Shore Racks had a few new items and updates, like this small two-bike model of their original hanging hitch rack.

Their proprietary fork crown cradle gets updated to fit the larger diameter crowns coming on enduro and e-MTBs, reinforced to handle heavier bikes.

That cradle design has always been specifically for suspension forks, leaving roadies out of the picture. But now they have a fork-mount adapter that lets you attach your road bike with the thru axle, then hang the adapter in their cradle and strap it into place. Works for gravel bikes, too…or any bike with a thru axle front and non-suspension fork.

Yakima

Yakima wasn’t showing brand new racks, but had a few things I hadn’t seen before, like the SafetyMate light-and-license plate kit for their StageTwo hitch mount bike rack. You’ll want (need) a trailer wiring harness to make it work, but it adds better visibility (and possibly legality) to your tray rack.

Their OnRamp is designed specifically for e-bikes, with a 66lb-per-tray load capacity and single-pole clamp system that can be adjusted for oddly shaped and sized bikes. That design works particularly well for the popular compact cargo e-bikes that have fenders, lights, racks, and other things that make wheel cradles unusable. A built-in ramp makes loading easy.

The new SkyBox NX has an easy-mount system that fits almost any cross bar, but its real trick is the nearly perfectly flat bottom. A full metal handle and SKS locking system secures things inside and makes it easy to open and close, and it holds 16 cubic feet of stuff.

Thru.bike

Thru.bike isn’t a rack company, it’s a bicycle shipping and delivery service. Originally created for triathletes that didn’t want to pack and ship their bike, they’ve now expanded their van network to carry any bike for anyone, even brands. They pick up the complete bike, load it into their custom-outfitted moving vans, and deliver it where needed, fully intact.

Brands can use it to deliver customer bikes fully built, and you can use it to get your bike to a race or vacation destination without having to do so much as loosen a single bolt. They use a hub-and-spoke delivery system, much like UPS or FedEx, so it may move between multiple vans, but their custom-built wall racks keep the bike safe and secure in transit.

Thule

The new Thule Epos rear rack has a very European look, with integrated lights and a folding design with wheels to make it easier to transport and store when not on your car.

Rather than the usual wheel cradles, it straps an arm to the top of the rear wheel to stabilize the bike, with wheel straps in the tray to keep the bike on board. Longer straps are available separately for fat bike wheels.

Abus cable locks, e-bike ramps, and other goodies are available to customize the rack to your needs. Hit that link for our full tech coverage.

Bike eRack

If you love hanging racks but have heavy e-bikes (or even motos!!!), the Bike eRack has a wireless remote controlled electric rack that lowers to make it easy to load them, then raises with the flick of a switch.

It lowers to the ground so you can just roll your front wheel into the cradle, strap it in, then effortlessly raise it up until the rear wheels come to rest on the bottom bar. Strap those on and you’re ready to go. You can even partially lower it with bikes fully attached to access a rear lift gate, and they offer a variety of anodized colors to match your rig.

Saris

Saris’ MHS Rack uses clamp-on attachments to make it really easy to add or remove bike trays, cargo baskets, and anything else they think of down the road. We reviewed this a while back, but the cargo basket is new (and coming soon).

The other big news for their MHS (Modular Hitch System) racks is that they’re now rated to carry bikes up to 80lbs when put on a standard vehicle with 2″ hitch, or up to 230lbs total with the three-bike base plus 1 bike attachment (4 bikes total). The bolt-on extra bike mount is limited to 35lbs. And it’s also now rated for RV use with up to two bikes (160lbs total).

The rack itself didn’t change, they just put it through more testing to see what it was capable of, so if you already own one, go nuts.

Bike Rac

The Bike Rac claims to be the most versatile wall-mounted bike rack in the world. It’s angle adjustable and uses a simple two-bar, gravity-fueled design to hold your bike without clamps. The base bolts into your wall studs (or anywhere you feel secure bolting it).

1UP USA

1UP’s new XD Rack’s name means “Xtreme Duty”, and to test that, they took their modified Porsche Cayenne off-roading for the photo shoot. Designed to carry up to 150lbs per tray, it’s overbuilt and rated for holding e-motos while overlanding.

Deeper trays, thicker ratchets, and extra bolts and thicker beams give the all-aluminum tray a much bigger, stronger appearance to match its capability. Price and availability are TBD.

Wanna check out that Porsche? We have a full roundup of overland, vanlife, RV, and tricked out show cars from Sea Otter!

The post Rack Roundup! New Hitch, Roof & Home Bike Racks appeared first on Bikerumor.

e*Thirteen has two new cassettes, offering both the widest range and the closest range…of any modern wide range cassette. Up top is the new 9-52, which pairs e13’s ultra-small 9-tooth cog starter with a new 52-tooth large cog, giving them a claimed 578% range…a big jump compared to the 520% and 510% of SRAM and Shimano’s widest cassettes, respectively.

The cassettes use their two-piece design, with the two largest cogs being aluminum, and the main cluster being machined from steel. They fit to a SRAM XD freehub body, and if you already have the 9-50 cassette, you can swap in the new 43-52 alloy bit to get the increased range.

But the more interesting one might be this “close range” cassette that starts at 13 and goes to 52. That’s a narrower range, but it gives them smaller gear steps, which they prioritized putting near the top (big) end of the cassette for easier cadence management.

The idea is to give e-mountain bikers a more useful cassette that shifts easier under load, but it also works just fine for 100% human powered bikes, too. Here’s how it compares, cog by cog:

• Helix Race Close Ratio: 13-15-17-19-22-25-28-32-36-40-45-52
• Helix Race Wide Range: 9-11-13-15-17-20-23-27-31-36-43-52
• SRAM Eagle 10-52: 10-12-14-16-18-21-24-28-32-38-44-52

And here’s what that looks like in a chart:

The new wide range cassette weighs in at 392g, and the close range is 467g as the cogs are bigger and it’s reinforced for e-bike use. Both come in five anodized color options, too.

In other news, they’ve expanded their chainring lineup to include e-bike chainrings for Bosch, Fazua, Brose, and Shimano. They, too, will come in all the colors, so you can match your drivetrain up…

…with new anodized color options for their dropper seatpost collars and top clamps, too.

Their new Schrader Quick Fill valve stem uses a modular design that converts from Presta to a valve-free, Schrader-sized port for easier tubeless setup…or just using it with any pump you have available.

Their first entry into the tool category is a tire lever that splits open to give you two levers and reveal a tire plugger tool inside, complete with valve core remover.

The new e-Thirteen Optimus is their XC/downcountry tire, with a lower profile center section of tightly spaced knobs transitioning to taller side knobs for hard cornering. It comes in two versions, a 120tpi XC casing for the most supple performance, and a Trail version with more supportive 72tpi casing and nylon breaker under the tread cap for added puncture protection.

Claimed weight is 812g (XC) and 852g (TR) for 29er, and 698g / 766g for 27.5, all available only in a 2.4″ width. It’s a dual compound rubber with 50a side knobs and 56a center section. MSRP is $64.95.

eThirteen.com

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With lots of custom-painted bikes, limited edition finishes and builds, and a few prototypes and rare bikes, there’s something for road, gravel and (mostly) mountain bikers here to enjoy.

Gates Belt Drive’s booth usually has some unique bikes on hand to show off their chain-free drivetrains. This Instintiv Reebok M was mounted to a sleek Zero electric motorcycle, and the combo was like a magnet to me.

Instinctiv builds their bikes with a Pinion gearbox, and can be run with a chain or the Gates system. Their suspension separates the rear shock from the main linkage, eliminating side loads to keep it sliding freely. This model has 130mm rear travel and is designed for 140-150mm forks.

Pole Onni prototype DH/Enduro bike

Conveniently named after their sponsored rider Onni Rainio, the name also means “luck” in Finland, where Pole is based. The Onni is a new model designed as a DH bike, but it can (and will) double as a downduro/enduro race bike for them, which is how this one is built up.

It features a massive 200mm rear travel from their distinctive high pivot, articulating design. It keeps the CNC’d frame, which makes each tube in two parts and then bonds them together.

Unlike the other models, this one’s downtube stays high, in line with the “chainstay” for a more streamlined look. That means an extension to hold the BB and cranks, which gives the bike a very unique look.

Mounts can be added across the frame as needed, here giving them the necessary accessory points for tool & tube storage for enduro racing, but could be left off on a DH build.

No word on price or final availability, it’s not listed on their website as of this post going live.

Update: More concrete details on the Onni and its eMTB sibling Sonni are available now. Check it out!

Foes Racing refines their top models

Another brand that does CNC’d (and hydroformed) aluminum is Foes Racing, and they’ve been doing it for a long time. Rather than bond the shells together, Foes welds them, showing off their skills at metal fabricating (that’s lately extended to creating offroad suspension and overland bits for the Ford Transit, too!)

The Mixer is their mixed wheel enduro bike with a 29er front, 27.5 rear wheel setup and 165mm rear travel. For 2023, it gets a sleeker hydroformed top tube and updated downtube shape with a sleeker, larger bottom bracket area. Overall, the changes give it a more modern appearance with improved cable management and removable guides, plus a UDH compatible rear end.

The 2023 Ridgeback is their 135mm travel 29er trail bike and doesn’t change much structurally, but the geometry is updated with a longer top tube, slacker head angle, and steeper seat tube. There’s also a new one-piece machined lower shock mount and pivot section that’s stronger and lighter than the prior model.

It also uses a different layout of their linkage driven single-pivot designs than the Mixer, but gets the new cable guides for easier routing. All frames are made to order in the USA.

Lastly, the Foes Fat-e switches from a Shimano motor to the Bosch CX drive system.

It let them make the frame a bit sleeker, too, and now I really, really want one of these for goofing off in the winter. Check them all out at FoesRacing.com.

Fezzari colors up their enduro bikes

The Fezzari La Sal Peak is getting a new Ochre Yellow color…

…and for the first time, it’s also getting Shimano builds. Two Shimano-equipped models of their enduro bike will be offered, the Comp with SLX ($3,599) and Elite with XT ($4,599).

They’re also playing with some two-tone paint schemes, these being custom jobs for some of their ambassadors.

While these (and a sweet custom-painted Shafer gravel bike to show off its compatibility with SRAM Transmission) were handpainted by Elements, they’re working on adding more artsy options to their stock lineup. And they’ll have plenty of bikes to choose from, rumor has it they’re launching a LOT of new bikes over the next 12 months.

Norco’s custom DH bike for Gracey

Norco made this custom-painted Range HSP enduro bike for pro rider Gracey Hemstreet to celebrate her growing list of World Cup wins.

The faux rust wear over shiny silver gives it a unique battle-worn look, but underneath is the same carbon frame you can buy.

11 podiums and counting…

Prototype Marin DH bike

Marin is working on an alloy downhill bike, and they’re switching up the suspension for the longer travel. Where their current lineup uses their MultiTrack suspension platform, this one switches to a Horst Link design…and it gets mixed 29er front, 27.5″ rear wheels.

Flip chips at the back of the rocker arm and chainstay let them tweak the geo, possibly just for testing, possibly to switch wheel sizes, and possibly it’ll all make it to production bikes, too.

Clean internal routing and plenty of tire clearance round out the package.

For those in-between days, there’s a new electric version of their Fairfax commuter/city bike. Price is TBA, but it’ll be affordable as it’s using a rear hub motor rather than a mid-drive like their Sausalito (shown in back). It’ll come in standard and step-thru frames.

Sage Titanium continues their awesome custom paint

As a smaller brand, Sage only releases one or two new models per year. But they routinely bring some amazing customer and show bikes to Otter every year to show off what’s possible.

This Storm King had a gorgeous space galaxy them that faded away toward the back of the bike.

This one’s their dirt jumper, because who wouldn’t want a very expensive titanium DJ bike?

Most people don’t completely cover their titanium bikes with paint, but if you’re gonna go for it, might as well go big.

The new Powerline “downcountry” hardtail launched just before the show, and the custom Cerakote-and-anodized finish didn’t disappoint in person. Check out the full tech details and closeups in our launch coverage.

Ritte Esprit carbon road bike

Having been teased so much by Ritte that the launch may have actually come and gone and we couldn’t tell, their new carbon fiber Esprit road bike has a lot of internal hype behind it. From aerodynamics to comfort, speed to handling, they’re saying it’s basically the ultimate road bike. You can reserve one now for $500 and choose your build later (they start at $7,999).

FiftyOne’s limited edition 90’s themed Assassin Gravel frameset

Feeling nostalgic but still want the latest and greatest? FiftyOne Cycles is producing just 25 of these retro-inspired OG Assassin gravel bikes, painted like the top bikes from the 1990s, particularly the Lemonds from ’90-’91.

Each one’s individually numbered (you get to pick the number) and comes with its own coffee table book detailing the production process. Framesets are €4,500 / $4,500 / £3,850, and they can be built into complete bikes.

3T

3T was showing off their extremely limited edition Exploro Racemax x Huracán Sterrato bike in a whole new way. The Lamborghini collaboration bike (shown at bottom of post) uses the same made-in-Italy, filament-wound frame as this unpainted one, and they gave us a closeup look at all the details.

It’s also available as the 3T Exploro Racemax Italia, as shown here, which is made entirely in house with a woven process that yields a gorgeous frame. This deconstructed frame shows how the fibers are wound together rather than just laid up in sheets like most carbon bikes. Full details in this story with glossier photos.

The Racemax Italia frames ditch the UD outer layer, revealing the structural design.

It’s available as a frameset for €4,999…

…and as complete bikes from €8,199 to €11,999.

The Lambo collab bike is a special build you can get for $15,000, which would be a couple month’s payments or a year’s worth of gas on the 16mpg, $235,000 Lamborghini Urus shown behind it.

The post Mega Bike Roundup! 17 killer new & custom bikes from Sea Otter appeared first on Bikerumor.

In addition to all the killer new bags and soft goods I found at Sea Otter, there were plenty of unannounced tech products hiding in the booths. From suspension to brakes, tires to drivetrain, and lots more anodized and CNC’d goodies, here’s the rest of the best from my camera.

Cascade Components, which got its start making rear suspension linkage swaps for bikes like Santa Cruz, Forbidden, Specialized and now a whole lot more, was showing off their brand new North Fork four-piston disc brake calipers.

Originally designed only for SRAM Code levers and DOT fluid, the North Fork calipers are adding a Mineral Oil version to work with Shimano and other levers, too. It’s not out yet, but the 18/16mm piston combo and oversized body and hardware will carry over.

They use standard bleed hardware, same as the stock calipers they replace, and claim to have ~20% more power.

If you haven’t seen them, here’s an example of their replacement linkage for a Specialized Stumpjumper EVO, which increases travel (without changing ride height) and progression.

Marzocchi adds white finish

Currently only offered to their pro riders, Marzocchi will be making this white color available on all of their forks a little later this year. For now, you can choose from Red or Black.

asdf

Over the past couple of years, Ceramicspeed has added Cerakote finishes in limited editions and special colors, all of which carry a ~$200 premium. Now they have two new colors (Fiery Orange and Icy Blue) and fresh “X” branding to convey their toughness and readiness for mountain biking that some of their sponsored athletes were already taking advantage of.

The products are the same, other than being designed to fit Shimano and SRAM’s top groups. MSRP from $839, for 1x drivetrains only…but they do also offer “X” series units for 1x and 2x gravel groups.

And answering the question “Will these work with SRAM’s new T-Type Transmission group?” without actually having to say anything was this display bike. They suggested the standard Eagle AXS derailleur works just fine with the new T-Type cassette and chain, though you’d be missing out on the added stiffness and durability of the T-Type derailleur. But, you know, if you can only afford some of the group or already have an upgraded derailleur…

Kogel OSPW Aero Cage & Purple Pulleys

Kogel has been working on their Kolossos Aero pulley cage, which uses the aero fairings as the structural element, hiding much of the chain and pulleys from the wind. It’s available for pre-order now with a $10 refundable deposit as it’s still in the “rideable prototype” phase, available in raw and black.

For purple ano fans, they’re now offering it in a limited edition batch to fit most popular current road and mountain bike derailleurs and their own complete Kolossos OSPW cage.

They also had this shiny gold-wrapped bike with gold anodized pulley cage.

Crank Brothers Highline 11 dropper post returns

Coming back to their catalogue this summer, the Crank Brothers Highline 11 with carbon shaft will give them a top-level option with improved durability. The main update is that they’re switching to an alloy head rather than carbon. It adds just 15g, but is more reliable and easier to manufacture.

It’ll come in 60/80/100/125/150/170mm travel options with 30.9 and 31.6 diameters. They’re working on 27.5, probably up to 125. It should be shipping this summer and come in about 50-70g lighter than the Highline 7, depending on size.

Magura Vyron Wireless Dropper 3.0 finally in the US

Announced last fall, the Magura Vyron V3 promises faster actuation and return, with a more responsive wireless connection. North American availability was delayed while they finalized their Bluetooth transmission licensing, and now it should start shipping in Q3 2023 for $649 with pre-orders opening in late Spring or Early Summer.

The post is powered by a replaceable CR2 battery…

…and the remote uses standard CR2023 coin cell batteries. It’ll come with a standard band clamp and Magura’s Shiftmix clamp that fits their MT-series brakes.

Topeak has new pumps, stands & Ninja tools

The new Topeak Lineup Stand Max will accommodate tires up to 29×2.35 and bikes up to 65lbs, perfect for heavier eMTBs with big tires.

The Joe Blow lineup gets a visual refresh with easier categorization by discipline designated by name and max air pressure ranges. Two mountain bike versions are offered, both with oversized 44.4mm barrel diameters to move lots of air, but with different pump heads (both compatible with both Presta and Schrader).

They also get bigger 3.5″ gauges and numbers to make them easy to read. MSRP $50-55 each.

Their Ninja line of hidden tools add new flat bar kits that features hex and torx bits on one end, and a tire plugger kit on the other. Fold out handles make them easy to pull out of the bar when needed.

There’s also a chain breaker/mini tool option, and this new Tool Roll that we first saw at Taipei Show (along with some other really cool stuff from their booth).

Lastly, there’s this new tire lever set with chain breaker, quick link pliers, and chain hook to keep it together while you remove or insert a link.

Clever Standard COtools adds more ways to upcycle spent CO2 cartridges

If you hate the idea of chucking perfectly good metal after a single use, then Believe In Bikes’ Clever COtools repurposes spent threaded CO2 cartridges as tool handles.

Their newest (upcoming) thread-on base can hold standard hex/torx bits to create a wrench. Add the one-way ratchet to extend it or make the job quicker. Thread in the tubeless plugger spear and thread on the stop to safely repair a puncture. Topping it all off, the base comes in multiple colors and doubles as a valve core removal tool and spoke wrench and can even help true a brake rotor.

Bring along a piece of string and you can even use it to tie your e-bike’s crank to the chainring, allowing you to backpedal for easier tuning and chain cleaning (because many mid-motor e-bikes disengage when backpedaling, so you can’t turn the cranks backward to move the chain in reverse).

Their new Adaptor 2.0 comes in lots of colors and combines a valve core removal tool with Presta-to-Schrader adapter. It works great as a Presta valve cap, too, so you can add some bling and be ready for whatever pump you may find in a pinch, even if it’s at a tire center.

Last up are their tire plugger ends, which fit over a small allen tool and basically turn any multitool into a puncture repair kit. Preload a few fits and keep them in a little bag and you’re ready to go. Multiple sizes accommodate different thickness “bacon strips”.

Selle Italia Smart Tape handlebar tape

Selle Italia’s new pre-capped Smart Tape has integrated caps made from the same grippy material as the tape, just slide it on and start wrapping. The backside uses a micro-suction cup-like material to hold onto your bar and prevent slipping, eliminating the need for sticky tape.

That means it’s reusable, and easy to rewrap as many times as you need to get it just right. It not only starts off looking tidier, but they say it saves about 20% of the time it normally takes to wrap a bar. It’s 2.5mm thick and will retail for just $20 when it goes on sale in mid/late May.

asdf

Elevation Wheel Co. is a Colorado-based custom wheel builder, and founder Chris is always looking for ways to make it easier to build wheels (and teach others how to build wheels…he hosts online classes now and then).

His latest invention is the Arm Bar, a magnetic truing stand indicator lock, which snaps (magnetically) onto the end of a Park Tool truing stand and adds plunger-like pins that you can push in to hold the rim guides open. This makes it way easier to remove a wheel and much quicker than turning the dial all the way open…just pull the guides out and press the pin to hold it wide open. MSRP is $80-100 depending on whether you want custom etching on it.

His Nipple Shuffle Box is a 3D-printed (also in Zach’s 3D-printed tech roundup) try that holds spoke nipples in an organized, easy to grab slot, helping speed up wheel building. MSRP is $25-$30.

Want more? Check out my Bags / Gear and Overland / Vanlife roundups, too!

The post Tech Roundup: Forks, Brakes, Tools, Oversize Pulleys & more! appeared first on Bikerumor.

There were a LOT of new and updated bags for everywhere on your bike at Sea Otter, with some fresh takes on traditional designs that offer new utility. Plus, some new sizes, colorful kits, lights, and a few more soft goods worth showing off.

Kicking things off, Osprey gave us a sneak peek of their prototype bikepacking setup, which includes a saddle bag, handlebar bag, frame bag, and top tube bag. They’re still being tested and refined, but looking at a release later this year.

Several sizes of frame bag will be offered, and it and the top tube bag get waterproof zippers with garages to hide the hardware while leaving the pull tabs visible and accessible.

The handlebar bag uses roll closures on either end with compression straps separate from the attachment straps, plus loops to attach smaller packs, fine tune it’s position, and secure it to the stem or headtube if necessary. But firm rubber mounts add some space between it and the bar so it won’t take up hand positions and will clear drop bars better.

The saddle bag gets a wrapper that mounts to the saddle and post with a very wide, secure Velcro strap around the post to help stabilize it. The roll-top dry bag then slots into it and secures with a strap running around the back, through the roll-top’s closure, so it won’t come out. Plenty of compression points and a one-way air valve help you get it packed tight. It should be big enough to hold a one-person bikepacking tent and some clothes. No word on pricing or ship dates yet.

Cedaero fork bag and custom frame bags

The new Cedaero Fork Lift bag ($89.95) is designed to slide and strap onto the 3-bolt King Cage fork cage.

Unlike all the roll-top fork bags, this one uses a long zip to create a wide-opening flap that makes it much quicker and easier to access the goodies inside, and the design makes it really easy to remove so you can carry it inside or to your camp.

They also have a wide range of stock bags for every part of your bike, and will make custom bags to fit specific bikes, including full suspension mountain bikes.

Their saddle bag has a firm plastic band inside that maintains the shape so it’s easy to see the stuff inside, or you can can remove it if you want to cinch the strap down tight to compress it.

And they have top tube bags in every color of the rainbow and then some.

KOM Cycling saddle bag with Garmin Varia mount

KOM Cycling has a new saddle bag ($40) with a direct mount for the Garmin Varia rear radar light.

If you’ve ever tried mounting one on a bike without much seatpost extension, then you know how great of an idea this is. For shorter riders, it’s an easy way to add the safety device, but also just a great spot for it for any rider.

They also have a new direct stem bolt mount version of their outfront computer mount with quick-release accessory mount. It uses the same two-prong attachment as all GoPros, so there are a lot of lights and action cams that fit, and you just twist it off for easier charging or filming.

Blackburn side marker lights and other mounts

Blackburn’s GRID head and tail lights are awesome, I’ve been using them for some time. What’s unique is the addition of a side marker light set, letting you add more visibility from all angles with yellow/amber lights that attach to both sides of your frame or fork.

They were also showing off a stretch strap that holds a CO2 or any of their mini tools that are shaped like a CO2 to your shock’s air canister. Their MTB mini frame bag has been in the line for a while and offers a bit more storage on some frames (I’d suggest making a paper template and seeing if the shape works for your bike before buying).

The GRID handlebar bag is a recent addition to their line of city and bikepacking bags, which includes a fantastic saddle bag that I’ve been using for quite some time, as well as their Outpost top tube bag.

Ornot XL handlebar bag and artist prints

Ornot has just added a new XL version of their handlebar roll bag, shown here next to the Mini. It adds more external lash pints, but isn’t quite for sale yet. As they say, you could get on their email list, ornot.

They were also showing off Artist Series versions of their Trail Shirts, which you should probably reach out to them about because they’re not on the website yet.

Mend It Kit MTB-ready first aid kit

The Mend It Kit is a mountain biker’s first aid kit that can strap to your frame, however I’d probably just throw it in a pack due to the somewhat open design…but that design is intentional, every part of it serves a purpose, without a pouch or anything to add weight or bulk.

The orange outer wrapper is a splint, and the black Velcro strap is the tournequet, with all supplies contained inside two waterproof packets to keep them together. The black mesh thing on the top left is a 3D printed carbon fiber finger splint, which is designed to bend in one direction (to curve around your finger), but not in the other (to keep your finger straight once it’s taped in place). Pretty cool design, and just one of many 3D-printed things Zach found for his roundup.

Restrap’s race frame bags

If you’re rolling fast and light, or “credit card bikepacking”, Restrap’s race line of frame bags are fantastic looking. I’ve only tried the top tube bag, and I love it. Hoping to give the rest a whirl this summer. These aren’t new, but they will have some fresh options coming later this year.

Orucase adjustable cardboard bike box & duffel bags

The new Orucase Telescoping Bike Box is a thick, tough cardboard box for packing and shipping your bike that has a few tricks. First, it comes in two parts that nest together, so you can slide them to adjust it’s length to fit you bike. Once you’ve got it dialed, you can use straps to contain it, or just select one of two fixed positions (Short 48″, Long 62″) and use the integrated flaps on top and bottom to lock it into position.

The ends use multi-part closures, so you don’t have to use tape if you’re not actually shipping it, and the whole thing ships inside a very small box that can be reused for storage. Retail is $50 plus $15 shipping.

Their new Janus Duffel bag was originally introduced as house-made options to test the market, and now they’re made overseas and come with a healthy $100 price drop to $150.

It’s purpose built for athletes with multiple pockets separate shoes and sweaty things, plus a few small internal organizing pockets keep stuff tidy. The top flap’s internal zip pocket can even fit the smallest MacBook Air or iPad Pro, but there’s no padding to protect it.

The new model also adds convertible backpack straps, and keeps the oversized grab handles. Zippered end pockets have a second zippered mesh panel to help things breathe…or drain.

They also make a lot of on-bike bags, and the Mini Frame Bag was redesigned earlier this year, made with a durable sailcloth material, foam reinforcement, and YKK Aquaguard zipper. Available in six colors, it also has two outside pockets on the sides, reflective details, and runs $75.

Kali Cascade trail helmet gets even more eco-friendly

Introduced last year, the Kali Cascade introduced a lot of green features, from a visor made of reclaimed ocean plastic to recycled EPS foam to straps made from recycled PET to padding that uses Bamboo.

Now, they’re starting to take things a big step further by incorporating post-industrial waste materials from their factory. The colored insets shown around their vents are scrap material left over from making other helmets, which not only looks cool but means every helmet made this way will be unique, and it keeps that material from going in the trash.

Inside, the foam padding is cut from scraps, too. These are still proof of concept helmets, they’re still working on how this could happen at scale, but we love seeing the creativity and problem solving Kali brings to the table.

For now, the Cascade is available in black and this new Green Feathers edition.

Silca rainbow anodized ti bottle cage

Ya know what would look great with that Kali helmet prototype? This rainbow anodized Sicuro Ti Unicorn bottle cage, which is available now for $85.

The post Gear Roundup: Bikepacking bags, frame bags, lights & more! appeared first on Bikerumor.

My usual Sea Otter “lunch” consists of whichever nutrition company I’m walking past that also has samples. This year had some tasty newcomers to keep me fueled, along with all manner of gels, drinks, and snack foods, some weirder than others. And I tried all of them.

Above are several new flavors from vegan sports nutrition brand Cranked Naturals, inspired by popular Hispanic drinks. Look for Horchata, Tamarindo, and Jamaica (hu-my-ka, not the island of Jamaica), which sound perfect for hot summer rides. I tried the Jamaica and it was delicious.

Skratch was showing off new Pineapple and Raspberry Limeade sports drink flavors, and a new Salted Maple + Mallow crispy rice cake. Immediately following Sea Otter, I headed to an even in CO and got to try their breakfast burrito with kimchi and it’s quite tasty…definitely worth checking out their new Boulder cafe if you’re in the area.

SaltStick’s high-sodium electrolyte drink mix now comes in 40-serving canisters in addition to the single-serve stick packs they started out with. They’re part of Alete Nutrition, which also owns…

…Bonk Breaker, which was showing off new Rainbow Blast and Green Apple chews, joining Cola and Root Beer, and…

…JoJé energy bars, which are made with whole food ingredients and were some of my favorites for the weekend. The brand was founded by Jess Cerra, who co-hosts The Last Best Ride gravel race in Whitefish, MT, which is now on my bucket list.

CarboRocket has moved to small canisters for their Rocket Red pre-race nitric oxide booster, which I like a lot, making it easier to scoop out than the bags they used before. Their Shroom Sport is a plant-based protein powder with a blend of six different mushroom powders that claim to boost your VO2 max with a few weeks of daily use.

Speaking of ‘shrooms, Twisted Spoke’s new Cordyceps supplement uses 200mg of pure Cordycepin extract (not just a full spectrum mushroom powder, so the ingredients are standardized per dose). It, too, claims to boost VO2 max with regular use, with general studies supporting such claims in addition to reduced inflammation. (They also make CBD and related products, including a very excellent chamois cream, and I interviewed them for the podcast about all that.

Speaking of CBD, Floyd’s of Leadville has new Cotton Candy and Red Raspberry flavors of the CBD gems, the difference between the two packages being black is Full Spectrum, and white is Isolate. They’re pretty much just gummies, no real electrolytes to speak of, but if you like sugar while you ride and you like CBD, well… it tastes like Cotton Candy, so what’s not to like?

OMSO’s new Power Fuel comes with or without caffeine and is a flavorless source of carbs that you add to any sports drink you want. Comprised mostly of clustered dextrin, a carbohydrate that packs more energy but empties through the stomach quickly so you can get more fuel into your system without upsetting your stomach. It also contains a bit of fructose and sodium, too.

I’ve tried it on a few long rides now and it seems to work well, without getting overly thick or sticky or weird tasting like some other products I’ve tried with the same carb source.

Fluid has just added a pure whey protein isolate product to their line, making it easy to add protein to shakes, smoothies, recovery drinks, etc. If you’ve tried upping your whey protein and been extra gassy, it’s probably because you cheaped out and bought whey protein concentrate. I’ve been there. It’s fun, but only for you, and only until it’s not. Whey Isolate doesn’t (usually) have the same hilarious side effects and it delivers more protein per gram, but it costs more.

Their Tactical lineup is aimed at active folks (think firefighters, field workers, etc.) but not athletes specifically since they add Sucralose as the main sweetener, which makes them slightly more affordable than some other electrolyte tablets that use Stevia or other natural sweeteners.

DripDrop makes high-electrolyte powders for rehydrating you, making them a good option for before or after really hot rides or really long nights. Or days. No one’s judging.

GU’s latest flavors are Lemonade Chews and Raspberry Lemonade gels, the latter not really being my favorite flavor but they support a good cause.

Ryno Power’s Mana gels are mostly maltodextrin and add Himalayan Pink Salt, but it’s their bars that are more interesting. Made with 100% non-GMO and mostly organic real food ingredients, they also have 10g of protein with the 29g of carbs and 4.5g fat, making them longer lasting than high-sugar, all-carb bars.

Chargel had absolutely nothing new, but they were chilled handing them out like candy. If you haven’t tried these, they’re like half sports drink, half gel carb-and-fluid source. Imagine sucking Jell-O thru a straw and you get the idea, except it’s a little easier than that so you can do it while riding hard, and definitely easier and more hydrating than an actual gel. I like them way more than I thought I would.

The most surprising snack that I also liked way more than I thought I would, even though I really like high-protein snacks, were the Wilde Protein Chips. They’re made from chicken. Not chicken flavored, but actual chicken.

They were only sampling the Nashville Hot flavor, but the Chicken & Waffles and Salt & Vinegar would probably have been my preference.

Laird Superfoods gets a brand refresh for their Superfood Creamers (which are great), and they’ve added a new Daily Greens supplement. It’s exactly what you think it is, and if you’ve ever had Athletic Greens, it tastes kinda like that but less pineapple-y, and it’s more affordable. It comes in 30-serving bags and 15-pack single servings for about $2/serving.

Picky Bars are delicious, and their new(ish) Nut Butter Bars are more delicious. They make a great mid-ride snack, but are probably best stored in a top tube or handlebar bag, they won’t really get melty, but they might get a little soft in your jersey pocket on a hot day.

My favorite snack of the show was the new Honey Stinger Oat + Honey bars. They have a nut butter center coated in crunchy oats and are freakin’ delicious. They also introduced their first caffeinated energy chews, too.

Shout out to Best Day Brewing for keeping everyone (and, seriously, I mean EVERYONE) hydrated with their delicious non-alcoholic beers all weekend. Every booth had some, and they kept the cooler full every time I walked by. Good stuff and highly recommend if you’re trying to cut back. I forgot to take a photo of their beer, so this one’s from their Instagram. Cheers!

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The new No. 22 Drifter Adventure expands their current Drifter gravel bikes’ capabilities with more mounts, more tire clearance, and more standard features to give you new ways to get out there.

And for the track racers turned gravel, they’ve created something very unique with the Little Wing Disc, a disc brake version of their titanium track bike that adds tire clearance to fit light-gravel tires.

No. 22 Drifter Adventure gravel bike

For racers, there’s the Drifter X, a no-frills, tight-handling gravel bike built for speed. For regular riders, there’s the Drifter, with top tube and rack mounts, but with the same 700×45 tire clearance.

Ffor riders who want to get further away from groomed roads and smooth trails, there’s this new Drifter Adventure, offering a bike at the other extreme of their Drifter series that boosts tire clearance to 700×50, adds integrated dynamo wire routing to the fork, and expands cargo options.

The carbon fork adds three-bolt cage mounts with replaceable dropouts so you can customize the trail.

Unlike the others, this one’s only compatible with 1x drivetrains. Both the fork and frame have fender mounts onboard. Geometry is a bit more relaxed for stability when loaded and comfort when covering long miles.

Like the rest of their bikes, as new models come out or existing ones are updated, they’re getting No.22’s new 3D-printed dropouts. And you can opt for the new 3D-printed stems, which allow for completely integrated cockpits and full internal routing. (Check out our podcast with No.22 co-founder Mike Smith about why they’re using 3D-printed titanium and the benefits it offers)

Framesets start at $5,749 and complete bikes are available with SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo groups.

No.22 Little Wing Disc

Because disc brakes (any brakes, really) on a track bike are kinda pointless if you’re only using it on the track, No.22 added a little versatility to their Little Wing Disc to breathe new life into it. Dirt Track Racing, anyone?

3D-printed 12×142 thru axle dropouts hold stealth fender mounts, but keep the tires unsheathed and you can fit 700×38 in there, perfect for oversized cyclocross tires or big road tires for urban assaults…up to you whether you go fixed gear or singlespeed.

Like their other bikes, this one uses a threaded T47 PF30 bottom bracket shell with an eccentric BB so you can adjust chain tension.

The titanium frame is custom, with all butting and shaping done in house, and starts at $6,099 before paint, anodizing, and Cerakote options. Full internal routing with or without their stem is available as an option.

22bicycles.com

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Last time we covered Cinelli, it was for a special edition of this bike painted by artist Alessandro Mendini. Other than the paint, the Nemo Tig Gravel bike carries over unchanged other than spec updates and a massive selection of paint colors…but Cinelli itself has seen a lot of changes.

They’ve had a new owner for about a year, and they’ve set up a US warehouse in Asheville and headquarters in Austin. All of the bikes, however, are still made in the same Italian factory that they’ve always been, and the Nemo Tig is still made from custom oversized Columbus Spirit HSS steel tubes.

Clean, tiny welds connect the head tube, with internal brake hose routing constrasting the classic external shift cable routing.

It keeps the seat binder lug…

…and winged dropout for a classic look. The carbon fork has integrated fender mounts, and the bike is rated for bikepacking, albiet with strap-on frame bags since there aren’t many extra mounts beyond the top tube bag bolts. Tire clearance is 700×40 with an all-road geometry.

Available in 37 different colors, with your choice of white or black decals. Some colors (Green Special, Pearl White, and Champagne) are stocked and ready to ship from Asheville, but all frames in Italy are prepped for paint and waiting for the customer’s selection, so there’s no charge to select any of the colors if you don’t mind waiting about six weeks to get your bike.

The Cinelli Zydeco Lala is their base build of their original gravel bike (and also a cyclocross model for them, but with 40mm tire clearance). Built with more mounting points for a rear rack, top tube back, and partial internal shifter routing, it’s triple-butted Columbus Zona Aluminum tubing is ready for just about any adventure, even if it’s only in the urban jungle.

Cinelli-Milano.com

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From the looks of things at Sea Otter, Salsa Cycles is the next brand to venture into the world of eBikes. Not-so-hidden in their booth were two new bikes – the Confluence gravel prototype, and a prototype MTB called the Notch.

Clearly labeled as a prototype, the Notch is the more secretive of the two bikes. Salsa wouldn’t give us any details other than the fact that they’re working on an e-MTB, and what we can see – like the Split Pivot suspension design. Equipped with a Bosch motor and battery system, the Notch prototype had 29 x 2.6″ Teravail Kessel tires front and rear and a Rockshox ZEB suspension fork that looked to be in the realm of 160-170mm of travel.

Confluence Gravel Prototype

More is known about the Confluence gravel bike, even though it is still a prototype – the color and spec above are not production, but close. Built with a MAHLE SmartBike X35 system, the bike is a Class 1 with a 20mph top assisted speed, with 40 Nm of torque and a 250 Wh battery in the downtube. Like other MAHLE bikes, it will be compatible with their 208 Wh range extender to increase total battery to 458 Wh.

Designed around a 6061-T6 aluminum frame, the Confluence will be offered in six frame sizes for dropbar builds, and five frame sizes for flat bar builds. The frames will include a Confluence-specific full carbon gravel fork with a 12x100mm thru axle, and the bikes will have a 700c x 50mm tire clearance.

Other frame details include internal droper post compatibility, 68mm threaded bottom brackets, rack and fender mounts, and cargo mounts. Complete bikes will start around $2,499 with availability TBD.

salsacycles.com

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Alexey Vermeulen has a special bike for Unbound this year, a custom-painted ENVE MOG with a blueprint scheme dreamt up by the builders and painters at their Odgen, UT, factory and HQ.

With notes calling out frame features blended with fun quotes and a reminder to stay focused, it’s probably the prettiest way a brand has ever highlighted a product’s features. Click any photo to enlarge.

“Let Op” is Dutch, essentially translating to “Look Up!” or “Look Out”, just a friendly reminder to keep your head up during a race.

The backside of the seat tube was signed by the builders and painters who helped make this bike.

Alexey says he prefers a 2x drivetrain for the smaller gear steps, which helps keep a more consistent cadence, especially important in an event like Unbound where winds and mild elevation changes benefit from a more refined approach to one’s output.

The braided sleeve over the Di2 wire is something ENVE does for all such builds, just adding a little extra protection against snags and tears…for now.

It’s a lot of work being a brand ambassador…Willie was a tired boi.

ENVE’s other booth bikes were a custom painted ENVE MOG showing off other (likely much more affordable) options for customer bikes.

They also have a new Aegean Blue color option for their road bikes, which can have a matte pearl or full gloss finish…or a mix of the two to add a bit more visual interest without adding graphics.

ENVE.com

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