Day 2 at Sea Otter Classic brought some major footwear launches from Liv and Giant, bold new apparel from Pearl Izumi, expanded tire options from Bontrager, and an impressive new aero road helmet from Sweet Protection.
Liv
Today, Liv, the company dedicated to getting more women and girls on bikes, announced a large footwear launch — their biggest overhaul of the category ever. At Sea Otter, they introduced an all-new, wide-ranging collection of performance shoes for road, gravel, XC, and trail riders.
The Macha road series, Tesca XC and gravel series, and Liv Shuttle trail series have all been completely updated with new designs, technologies, and features. Every new model across these three ranges achieves greater efficiency, comfort, and control by using advanced materials, biomechanical design, and real-world testing.
Developed using science-based ergonomic shaping, 3D foot scanning data, and extensive rider feedback, the Macha, Tesca, and Liv Shuttle series are built on lasts designed for women, featuring a narrower heel and lower-volume forefoot, alongside wider fit platforms, tunable arch support systems, and precision closure technologies to improve stability, reduce pressure, and optimize power transfer across a wide range of riding conditions.
Giant
Like its sister company Liv, Giant introduced an all-new, wide-ranging collection of cycling shoes for road, gravel, XC, and trail riders. The Surge road series, Charge XC/gravel series, and Shuttle trail series have all been completely updated with new designs, technologies, and features.
Every new model across these three ranges delivers greater efficiency, comfort, and control through advanced materials, biomechanical design, and real-world testing.
Developed using science-based ergonomic shaping and extensive rider feedback, the Surge, Charge, and Shuttle series all feature wider fit platforms, tunable arch support systems, and precision closure technologies to improve stability, reduce pressure, and optimize power transfer across a wide range of riding conditions.
Pearl Izumi
Today, the launch of PI PRO/BLACK, the next evolution in premium, performance-driven cycling apparel, was announced. Developed in close collaboration with the brand’s elite athlete roster, the five-piece system is engineered for race-day intensity, with a focus on precision, weight, and fit.
PEARL iZUMi athletes tested PI PRO/BLACK over thousands of miles, providing continuous feedback to develop a race-ready kit. PI PRO/BLACK is approximately 30% lighter than PEARL iZUMi’s existing PRO line and combines advanced compression, ultra-lightweight materials, and aerodynamic construction.
The full PI PRO/BLACK lineup includes the jersey ($225), mesh jersey ($190), bib shorts ($350), wind vest ($150), and woven aero sock ($55).
In addition to the PI PRO/BLACK, the company launched PI/Red, designed for riders who put in the work day after day. It delivers high-performance, breathable gear at a more accessible price point.
Lastly, the S26 collection introduces fresh colors across PEARL iZUMi’s core styles. S26 blends technical function with everyday comfort, delivering gear that feels technical and comfortable in the saddle.
Trek Bicycle
Bontrager expanded its road tire lineup with two all-new offerings — Kwaremont and Hard-Case Max Pro. In addition, it also added more options to its race-ready Aeolus family.
The new Kwaremont road tire answers growing demand for high-volume road tires that blend speed, comfort, and control on rougher pavement. Available in 32–38mm widths and offered in RSL, Pro, and Comp construction levels, Kwaremont features a smooth, fast-rolling center tread paired with a herringbone shoulder tread for enhanced cornering traction and confidence.
Hard-Case Max Pro replaces the brand’s All-Weather tire family as a more durable, tubeless-ready option built for long miles and challenging conditions. Featuring bead-to-bead puncture protection, Armorskin sidewall construction, and a 60 TPI casing, Hard-Case Max Pro is engineered to resist flats and stand up to the elements — making it a reliable choice for riders who prioritize durability and all-conditions performance.
Bontrager also expanded its Aeolus road tire lineup with new Pro and Elite construction options, giving riders access to race-proven performance. These new trims bring Aeolus speed and efficiency to a broader range of budgets while maintaining the fast, confident ride feel.
Sweet Protection
I wasn’t familiar with Sweet Protection before this year’s Sea Otter. The Tucker III 2Vi Mips is Sweet Protection’s most advanced aero road helmet to date. It combines cutting-edge aerodynamic engineering, lightweight construction, and race-validated safety technology.
The new Tucker III 2Vi Mips helmet delivers outstanding ventilation with optimized front vents, an advanced internal airflow structure, and a rear duct that efficiently expels fast-moving air. The low-profile design features a straight cut-off at the back and a four-shell construction for a snug fit. The slight chamfer minimizes turbulence, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. The combination of superior ventilation and a precise fit ensures longer, faster, and more comfortable rides.
Weighing just 320 grams (Size M/L), the Tucker III 2Vi Mips offers top-level protection through 2Vi technology and the Mips system, which reduces rotational forces during a crash. Integrated eyewear storage and optional Snap-on Covers provide added comfort and enhanced aerodynamics. The helmet sells for $350 and comes in Burnt Brown, Bronco White, Light Lilac, Matte Black, and Satin White.
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.
Cycling shoes: I’ve yet to find a shoe supplier that offers leg length correction by inserting a thicker mid sole. A leg length discrepancy of 14 mm, not severe, but enough that I’ve sought to correct it in bike fittings. Thus far, no luck in finding maker or cobbler who will risk taking apart a $350/pair of shoes to insert a lift.
Maven,
I’ve had bike fitters put a shim under the cleat to compensate for leg length discrepancy. Everyone has a slight leg length discrepancy.
Sheri