It was great to see so much excitement within the cycling industry at this year’s Sea Otter Classic, There were so many brands launching new helmets with the focus on safety, cooling, and aerodynamics. Sustainability was also a focus, with brands not only talking the talk, but walking the walk. I lost count of the number of brands launching ePumps, hopefully making CO2 cartridges a thing of the past.
Giant
With a nod to sustainability, Giant had on display an eco-friendly kids strider bike (retail $500) made from recycled carbon. The fork, frame, wheels, handlebars, seatpost are made from carbon, while the tires, grips and saddle are are from recycled materials, like ocean plastics. Giant claims the new strider cuts carbon emissions by more than 50% in production.
Fizik
Lots of buzz around the launch of their four new helmets, all touting a 5 star Virginia Tech rating. Read my article about the full launch here (https://www.roadbikerider.com/new-fizik-helmets/ ) and watch for my review on their Fizik Kudo road helmet in the near future.
KAV
Known for their custom 3-D printed helmets, KAV introduced their newest model, Rhoan. It is their fastest, coolest, and safest helmet yet. The company’s founder, Whitman Kwok, walked me through their streamlined fit app and color selection. I had my custom helmet designed and sent to production in a couple of minutes. Once I receive and test the new helmet, I’ll share my review.
SMITH Optics
Smith celebrating its 60th anniversary, launched the next iteration of a classic with the new Forefront 3 helmet. The MTB helmet boasts upgrades for safety, comfort, and ventilation. The Forefront 3 sells for $270 USD and watch for my review once I’ve had time to field test it.
The company also launched the new Defy performance sunglasses. They are lightweight, rimless, and use ChromaPop optics for a high-contrast view of the road or trail.
POC
The 5-star Virginia Tech POC Cytal helmet debuted at the show. At $330, the Cytal uses an integrated wing to enhance ventilation and aerodynamics.
POC also launched it new Cadence apparel collection for Spring, which includes Novus, a brand-new chamois. Created from scratch, Novus is significantly wider. Using pressure mapping, POC used the data to design a chamois that is comfortable and high performing.
ENDURA
New for Endura is their MT500 MTB helmet with MIPS and full Koroyd for $239.99. Core technology. Boasting a 5-star Virginia Tech rating, this helmet provides increased coverage, lightweight and large vents. Looking forward to testing and reviewing my first Endura helmet.
Wahoo
As announced just prior to Sea Otter opening, Wahoo launched the company’s first rear radar, TRACKR and the next generation of the ELEMT ROAM and BOLT. Details can be found in my write-up here: Wahoo Fitness Launches New Radar, Bike Computers at Sea Otter 2025
HIPLOK
The company was showcasing:
- BR1000 – A versatile bike mount for their anti-angle grinder U locks
- Z LOK COMBO 2025 – A reinforced, re-engineered reusable security tie
- TRACK – A discreet, tamper-proof AirTag mount with added security
KT
Newest product series, the KT Soothe Line, featuring the KT Tape Soothe and KT Health Soothe Magnesium Cream. KT Soothe Line, a recovery-focused collection of tape and magnesium cream infused with lavender to soothe sore muscles, reduce tension, and support active recovery.
MUC-OFF
It Blows! Precision Air Blaster. blasts away water from those hard-to-reach spots to help guard against hidden corrosion. Rechargeable air blower ($150)
Digital ePump makes pumping up tires a breeze. Set the pressure and the pump shuts off when it hits the selected pressure. The pump is presta and Schrader compatible and comes standard with a flexible hose. More on the ePump once I receive a sample to test.
The third piece of news from Muc-Off is the availability of its Mobile Power Washer in the United States.
PEPPERMINT CYCLING
Women-owned, Quebec-based cycling apparel company embraces women’s curves. They launched a redesign of their Signature jersey and in a nod to being more eco-friendly, removed plastic bags from its road line. The company will continue to move completely away from plastic bags as the line is updated. I received the Signature bibs and jersey to test/review and I am excited to get back home to go for a ride.
https://us.peppermintcycling.com
Tailwind Nutrition
The company launched High Carb Fuel at Sea Otter. Purpose-built for high-intensity efforts, this power-packed drink mix delivers 90 grams of carbohydrates per serving in the science-backed 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio—balancing with complete electrolytes to maximize energy absorption and minimize gastrointestinal distress.
High Carb Fuel comes in two flavors: Ginger Lime, featuring organic ginger extract to support digestion, and Lemonade, a refreshing option to keep athletes going strong. The formula is easy to mix—no complicated prep or waiting required—and includes complete electrolytes for all-in-one fueling and hydration.
Tifosi
Tifosi Optics launched the first-ever At-Home Try-On Program for prescription sports eyewear. While at-home try-ons have become standard for lifestyle frames, Tifosi is the first performance-driven brand to bring this concept directly to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
With more people shopping for eyewear online, Tifosi’s program makes the process easier by allowing customers to:
- Select pairs to try on in the comfort of your home, for a refundable $25 per frame.
- Try them on at home for up to 5 days to determine fit and feel.
- Return them for free with the included prepaid shipping label, then order your favorite with your prescription online.
The new offering brings a practical solution to online eyewear shopping, removing the guesswork while maintaining Tifosi’s reputation for affordability (prescription glasses start at just $99!).
Velocio
New LUXE collection—apparel designed for the longest rides.
LUXE bibs ($289)
Redesigned for 2025 with an updated chamois for improved support, new recycled fabric, and refined upper and waistline. Men’s available in 4 cm longer version and women’s available in 4 cm shorter version.
Merino LUXE Color block jersey ($199)
Two-tone merino wool construction combines with nylon and elastane for a jersey designed to meet the demands of the longest rides. Same patterning as Merino Luxe Jersey, with two-tone colorway. Fabric Content: 71% Wool, 18% Polyamid, 11% Elastane.
Merino LUXE Jersey ($199)
Natural merino wool combines with nylon and elastane for a jersey designed to meet the demands of the longest rides. Based on the CONCEPT Merino Jersey with a slightly relaxed “long-distance” fit and humanely sourced mulesing-free merino. The back panel incorporates merino mesh for exceptional breathability. Fabric Content: 71% Wool, 18% Polyamid, 11% Elastane.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
Wow, awesome job searching for and finding all these new products Sheri. Nice to learn anout them.
Thanks a lot,
Jim