In April, I had the opportunity to attend my first Sea Otter Classic, a remarkable cycling industry event that rivaled my previous experience at Interbike in Las Vegas. However, Sea Otter stood out for its unique outdoor setting, with the expo situated within the infield of the Laguna Seca Raceway. With an impressive lineup of over 1100 vendors, attracting a staggering 80,000 attendees, and hosting a diverse range of bike races over four days, Sea Otter truly offered an experience for industry members and consumers alike.
Initially, I found it amusing to witness people casually riding their bikes around the expo grounds. Yet, as I spent a few days exploring the vast event on foot, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy. But I did get to ride, and that’s a story for another article.
Alongside the expo and races, a series of panel discussions took place over the course of four days. I had the privilege of attending the one hosted by Kathryn Taylor of Girls Gone Gravel. The focus of the discussion was “uplift,” centering around the importance of increasing female representation in the cycling industry. The Sierra Nevada Beer Garden was brimming with nearly 200 attendees, allowing participants to connect and network with women in the industry.
The panel moderator was Rachel Burnside, SHIFT Active Media, and the panelists, including racing legend Rebecca Rusch, Zwift’s Kate Veronneau, Cycling Weekly’s NA Editor Anne-Marije Rook, and former Zwift Senior Director – Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Impact Lisa Bourne.
The opening statement made me pause and was disheartening ―71% of women say they were considering leaving the cycling industry. Imagine being an HR director and 71% of your female employees considering leaving the company. It’s an alarming percentage and cannot be ignored.
I’ve been writing for RBR for over eight years, knowing enough about bikes and gear to hold my own. However, there are still instances in this industry, which is predominantly dominated by white males, where I am made to feel invisible or treated like a complete idiot. Something needs to change as the industry must reflect the makeup of those who ride bikes. We can start with mentorships, networking, and continuing the dialog.
More Products from the Expo
Sharing some more products, I came across while exploring the Sea Otter Classic expo. If you missed the first list, check it out here.
Hiplok
The company debuted its anti-angle grinder 1000 Series security solutions for cycles, e-bikes, and motorcycles, pictured above. The reps also gave me their Z LOK Combos or “coffee” locks. It’s a small combination lock to secure your bike mid-ride when making a quick stop for coffee. It’s small enough to fit in a jersey pocket and deters someone from grabbing your bike and riding away.
KAV Sports
Last, I wrote about KAV during their Kickstarter days, and during Sea Otter, they showed their 3rd generation 3D printed helmet. I spent time with Whitman Kwok, KAV CEO, as he walked me through downloading the company’s app, which would measure my head as part of the custom fit process. The app walks you through taking three photos of your head and then has you select the helmet panels and strap colors. My 3D-printed helmet should arrive in a few weeks, so watch for my review in the near future.
Topeak
Topeak introduced their new Elementa Gearbag, a compact seat bag with a ratchet tool and 10 bits. The two-pocket case attaches to the seat rails with a Velcro-type strap. Inside the bag is a small rachet tool with a maximum torque of 30 Nm, making it ideal for most roadside bike maintenance. At $64.95, this handy tool set is a must for bikecamping or multi-day rides.
Xpedo
https://xpedo.com/product-category/pedals
The company will launch their new power pedals in July at EuroBike. Prices will range from $739 to $885 (titanium) and measure power on the right and left sides—more details when the product is released.
KT
Jessica Klodnicki, KT’s CEO, took me through their new line of PRO ICE products. The innovative line features the KT Tape PRO ICE, infused with menthol for added relief. They also offer an ICE sleeve ice pack and Activate and Recover magnesium creams designed for pre- and post-workouts. The company also has an app that lets you designate your sport and pinpoint the specific area of pain. The app then provides written and video instructions on properly applying the KT tape and treatment.
UnTapped
Known for their maple syrup nutrition and hydration, UnTapped launched new flavors, lime, and maple, to their Mapleaid liquid drink mix. With 80 calories and 250 mg of sodium per serving, mix one Mapleaids pack with water. I tried a sample at their booth, and adding sea salt to the mix helped cut the sweetness with no aftertaste.
Bivo
Before Sea Otter, Bivo shipped me their new 17 oz. Trio Mini stainless steel insulated water bottle to test. I took it on my trip to try it out. Besides storing the Trio Mini in my backpack while walking the expo, I also left it in the hot car all day. The insulated bottle kept the water cold and tasting great. The bottle sells for $44 (17 oz), $49 (21 oz), and an optional $5 dirt cap to keep the nozzle clean.
KOO
I’ve been testing the new KOO ALIBI sunglasses for several weeks, and I like the photochromic lens that goes from clear to dark almost instantly. But it is also specifically designed for women and those with narrow heads. The shorter arms of the sunglasses avoid helmet overlap, making it so they don’t squeeze tightly into the head of the rider. The absence of rubber on the end of the sunglass arms eliminates pulling your hair as you take them on and off. However, a grooved pattern ensures that they stay put. Lastly, compared to the KOO Demos and Spectro sunglasses, the frame and uni-lens of the ALIBI sunglasses are more compact and proportionate on narrower faces. Prices for these shades run $190-$245.
100%
https://www.100percent.com/?pb=0
At only $109, the Slendale is an updated design of the original Glendale sunglasses. Available in five colors, the shield lens seamlessly integrates into a lightweight frame, providing a wide range of users with a comfortable fit at an affordable price.
ABUS
Gamechanger 2.0 helmet has an aerodynamic shape with a slightly wider back end. The Aero Blade optimizes the airflow with a unique grid structure and adapts to different speeds, side angles, and helmet inclinations. The MIPS version sells for $329.
For more price-conscious or entry-level riders, ABUS offers the Wingback helmet for $99, and does not come with MIPS.
OSMO Nutrition
The company launched its new Single Serve PreLoad Hydration and The Endurance Sample Pack. Now, they provide single-serve options for every product, including PreLoad, Power Fuel, and Rapid Recovery.
Jelenew
Last year, I reviewed gear from Jelenew, a Paris-based company, and at Sea Otter, they introduced several new pieces as part of their spring/summer 2024 collection. The collection includes Quick Release Zipped bib shorts, Velocity cycling shorts, and the Horizon, a longer-length short-sleeve jersey. Also, the company has added a maternity bib to the line. It’s exciting to start seeing expecting moms included in cycling gear.
Shredly
I ran into Marley Blonsky at the Shredly booth. You might remember her from the Shimano video that went viral in 2021. She’s been vocal in calling out the bike industry for not doing more to offer extended sizing. Now, she is teaming up with Shredly to develop extended sizing for the brand. The company offers performance riding and lifestyle apparel in fun fabric choices and thoughtful design details. One fabric they showed me does not absorb heat, keeping the fabric cool to the touch. They also offer a youth line, “mommy and me,” allowing girls to wear the same stylish gear as their moms.
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.
Jim Langley says
Great story Sheri! You found a lot of cool products, nice, nice work!
Jim
Sheri Rosenbaum says
Jim,
Means a lot coming from you.
Thanks
Sheri
Doug says
The KT tape comes with a video on how to apply it? They could skip that because KT tape can be applied however you would like! This is because you should go for what you think looks best. It doesn’t have any therapeutic value whatsoever so don’t apply it because you think it will help repair or support any muscles or joints. Buy it only if you think it looks cool or because of it’s placebo effect. Otherwise, save your money. Google Mayo Clinic and KT tape.
D L says
I have to disagree with Doug on the KT tape. I have ridden with rotator cuff pain on rides over 30 miles for a number of years. I heard about KT tape tried it with excellent results. My shoulder pain is mostly no more or sometimes barley noticeable even on 100 mi. rides. My riding partner has had neck pain even after surgery for a number of years as well. He tried the KT tape as instructed in their video’s and he says his neck pain although not gone away while riding but is greatly reduced. I would say if you have never tried it, try it, it may help in whatever pain you may have. if not nothing lost except a few bucks. I will say my PT has used Rock tape for my lower back pain without much help but it seems to stick and stay on longer than the KT tape.