We are still working on combing through info from Sea Otter, but here is a quick roundup of some notable news from the event.
Velo Saddles
When it comes to saddles, Velo is the largest manufacturer in the world, making saddles for many of the brands you know and love. For over 40 years, they have built a reputation as a top-level manufacturer, but also began to develop their own line of saddles. I’ve personally been riding their Angel line for the last 4-5 years for road, gravel, and cyclocross, and find them to be one of the best on the market for me.
Velo has been focusing on ramping up production to cover supply for the brands they work with, but they still had a wide range of saddles on display at Sea Otter, including some bright Angels. Along with the two-tone colorways, Angel models are available in more standard colors, along with chromo, titanium, and carbon rails, along with different widths and lengths to find a saddle for every rider. They also have a cool oil slick colored Angel TT with matching bar tape that not only looks great but is also extremely grippy.
We’ll have more on Velo with reviews coming soon for the Angel TT and Prevail TT.
 Specialized
One of the hottest items at Sea Otter was the new Specialized Crux. Originally the brand’s cyclocross offering and now their top-of-the-line gravel bike, it goes to show you that you really can do just about anything on a cyclocross bike (something we highlighted with #ProjectOneBike). The Crux blends its racing-winning CX heritage with performance gravel geometry, creating a bike that will get you to your next podium, or at least to the top of the hill faster. With lessons learned from the Aethos, the S-Works frame weighs in at a scant 725g, making it one of the lightest frames on the market with clearance for 700x47mm or 650bx2.1″ wide tires. The bike they had on display paired the S-Works frame with the Terra handlebars, Alpinist seat post, Terra CLX wheels, and SRAM Red eTap AXS drivetrain. The new Crux is available in Comp, Expert, Pro, and S-Works levels.
Roval
So, speaking of Roval, there were a few other items on hand besides the mix of Alpinist and Terra items on the S-Works Crux. Missing from the Crux was the Terra carbon seat post. Made with a mix of composites that allow for varying degrees of elongation, the Terra seat post adds some vertical compliance to help smooth out rougher roads. It adds only 60g or so over the superlight Alpinist seat post. It’s only available in 27.2mm, but comes in two lengths, and 0 or 20-degree setback.
The Terra carbon handlebar on the S-Works Crux is another gravel-specific piece. The drops feature an egg shape to make them more ergonomic on rough gravel roads. It features a compact drop and short reach, with a 12mm flare starting in the drops for extra control and wrist clearance. It’s available in 38, 40, 42, 44cm widths
There was more than just gravel though. Roval also had their Alpinist line and Rapide handlebars there. The Alpinist line includes their cockpit, seat post, and wheelset. The cockpit is an integrated bar and stem combo, weighing in at 255g for the equivalent of a 42cm wide bar and 110 stem. It is available in three widths (40, 42, 44) and a range of lengths from 80 to 130 lengths. The seat post is focused on weight as well. The interesting thing about the design is that it is a 12-degree setback. Depending on the orientation of the cradle though, it makes the saddle 0 or 20-degree setback. It’s available in two lengths, and only in 27.2mm.
HipLok
The HipLok booth was probably one of the loudest over the two days at Sea Otter. No, they didn’t have a DJ or a hair metal band belting out power love ballads. Instead, it was the screams of countless angle grinder discs meeting their demise trying to crack a new D1000 bike lock apart. While it took a beating, it withstood everything it was up against for much longer than a bike thief would put towards it. It is the world’s first anti-angle grinder lock and holds a Diamond Sold Secure rating. It uses a square profile premium hardened steel core to protect against bolt cutters. It also uses Ferosafe, a graphene reinforced ceramic that is designed to destroy angle grinder discs and carbide-tipped drill bits. The lock itself features anti-rotation, double locking tabs, so a would-be thief would need to drill through both sides to open the lock. It’s available now through Kickstarter and will retail at $345. This isn’t the lock you are going to take with you on your lightweight climbing bike at 4lbs, but for a commuter or eBike, it is the ultimate lock.
Adidas Sunglasses
Adidas had some of their 2022 lineup at the event, but also had something special that you can get now. The model names aren’t the best, but the SP0066 is something pretty unique. It’s a 3D-printed sunglass, something they made only 150 of. To get a pair, you have to be a Creator’s Club member, which you can sign up for on their site to get access to special edition shoes and clothing and rewards for your purchases. The SP0066 is made from a flexible nylon structure that has been given a rubber coating for comfort and grip. The unique frame has a lattice structure and a spherical wrap-around lens. It is currently selling for $350 and the site only shows 4 left.
The SP0041 also caught our eye as a performance sunglass for on the bike. The SP0041 is a half-frame design with the top being open. This helps open up visibility when riding in an aggressive position, along with increased ventilation. It features adjustable rubber nose pads and no-slip adjustable rubber end tips. It is available with various tinted mirrored lenses or a Vario photochromatic lenses using molded-in film technology for durability. Adidas also applies a super-clear coating to protect mirrored lenses from water, dirt, grease, and oil for ease of cleaning. We don’t have pricing at this time, but it will be available in four colors
Dynaplug
Dynaplug had their latest Air tool on hand, along with a drill to show it in action. Once they drilled a hole in a tubeless mountain bike set up, the Air tool made quick work of plugging and filling the tire so you can get back on your ride. There are five main parts of the tool, the CO2 cartridge, the plug, the sleeve that holds the plug in place, the tool that connects it all together, and the cap. Once inserted into the hole, twist the CO2 cartridge to pierce the seal, untwist to fill, retwist to stop, and then pull the Air tool out to leave the plug behind, creating a permanent plug for the puncture.
The Air tool is available in black, or a range of anodized colors, and also comes with thread on hose to act as a standard CO2 inflator.
Chrome Industries
Chrome Industries had some new shoes and winter clothing on display, but it was the Cobra 3.0 Hoodie that caught our eye. Made from a blend of Merino wool needed for heat regulation and recycled poly for durability, it blends two great materials to create an outer garment that will keep you warm and perform for years on and off the bike.
For the 3.0, they added a new two-way zipper to allow venting and freedom of movement in different positions. Thumb loops help keep the sleeves in place and fit nicely under gloves. A full pass-through rear pockets, front hand pockets (something we wish more cycling outer garments would have), and a form-fitting, athletic cut round it out. It’s available in men’s and women’s models and retails at $180.
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