Day 2 of Sea Otter I came across more brands launching products. There’s still a big push in gravel and bikepacking as more riders seek adventures off-pavement. Read more.
Safety
GARMIN
For the show, Garmin launch the new Varia Vue headlight (600 lumen) and 4k camera. Since many states do not require front license plates, the Varia rear camera can’t capture the information of a vehicle from behind. However, with the new Varia Vue, as the vehicle passes, the rear plate is captured.
The Vue weights 200 grams and retails for $549.99.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/123193
Sunglasses
BleeqUp
This company isn’t the first to incorporate AI into a pair of sunglasses, but they’ve really honed the technology. The BleeqUp sunglasses use AI to capture the best moments during a ride without the use of a distracting display. In addition to capturing amazingly clear video, you can connect to other riders in your group via Bluetooth to chat. Or listen to open-ear music without disturbing others around you or compromising safety. The BleeqUp Ranger sells for $449.
These sunglasses are prescription compatible using inserts or having an optometrist replace the standard lenses. Available in three frame colors and over seven lens colors, you are sure to find one to fit your style.
Currently, the company has a Kickstarter campaign and is planning mass production May 1st. The company rep said they’d ship me a pair to test and I’ll share with you my experiences.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/961658469/bleequp-ai-cycling-camera-glasses
VINCO
This brand is new to me but has been around for some time. What’s unique is the company’s commitment to sustainability. The frames are made from Lignatura, a proprietary renewable material that replaces fossil fuel based plastics. It’s a bio-resin, derived from a byproduct of paper production.
The sunglasses are extremely lightweight, boast a panoramic shield that’s great for contact wears, adjustable, and rebuildable. What originally caught my eye was the sizing. The frames come in small and large, plus adjustable temples, making them ideal for someone like myself with a narrow face.
I received a pair of Sola in green for testing. The sunglasses are made in Italy, retails for $249 USD and can be found at https://vincoperformance.com.
Apparel
PEARL IZUMI
The company is celebrating its 75th anniversary and throughout the booths retro jerseys hung on the walls. Pearl Izumi launched several new items at the show including an Expedition PRO bibs with a new chamois, a packable wind jacket with straps to attach to the bike, and gravel bibs.
ASSOS
Gravel was the big launch at Sea Otter with the company’s new Tactica line, including bibs and jerseys for men and women. They were also showing the new Spring/Summer line of road gear which I reviewed just prior to Sea Otter: ASSOS New DYORA R and EQUIPE R collections – Quick Review.
Tires
Specialized
Specialized launched all new road, gravel, and MTB tires with new casing and treads. The Pathfinder TLR gravel tire is 19% faster, 25g lighter, and 30% more cut-resistant than the earlier version. At $54.99 this tire comes in 35, 40, 45, and 50 widths.
The new Tracer TLR all terrain gravel tire is more aggressive than the Pathfinder and sells for the same price. It’s designed for hardpack racing, loose gravel exploring, and single track.
Terra TLR trail gravel tire is for muddier and looser off road riding. Available in 45 or 50 and also the same $54.99 price.
For road, there’s the Mondo TLR endurance tire for $79.99. According to the company, it is the fastest, lightest endurance tire — winning Paris-Roubaix.
Next, is the S-Works Turbo TLR race tire for $79.99, combines road speed and durability.
Then there’s RapidAir TLR racing only tire, the company’s fastest race tire. Weighing 220g, RapidAir TLR is 33 seconds faster than its predecessor while reducing aero drag by 2 wats and rolling resistance by 3 watts.
Continental
The new Continental Grand Prix TR is more puncture resistant, perfect for all seasons, available in tube and tubeless ready, and comes in sizes 28 and 32. The new 4-ply puncture protection construction guarantees miles and miles of carefree riding.
https://www.continental-tires.com/products/b2c/bicycle
Gear
Shimano
Shimano showed its new PRO Sirin Team saddle for $219.99. The women-specific design distributes pressure to increase comfort.
TOPEAK
Topeak enters the high-flow valve market and gave me a sneak peak to their new 2026 TurboFlow Valve Series expected to launch Q3 2025. The TurboFlow and RapidHead is a high flow tubeless valve system, designed from valve to pump head, that allows 3x more efficient airflow compared to a standard Presta valve and pump head.
The company also had on display their new E-Booster Digital pump. It is compact and simple to use. Just preset the pressure and inflate. It fits Presta and Schrader valves and has a long battery life.
Nutrition and Hydration
Honey Stinger
Everyone loves peanut butter, and Honey Stinger launched its new energy waffle flavor that combines honey-infused filling with creamy peanut butter.
GU
Don’t get bored of the same flavor chew during the course of a ride. GU launched their Rainbow Mix bag of energy chews that combines all the fruit flavors.
BIVO
The Ventura lid was introduced at Sea Otter that retrofits all the company’s insulated bottles. For $15, the new lid has a clippable handle for carrying or strap it onto your handlebars. There are several RBR reviews for the BIVO bottles and they are highly rated by our team.
Watch for my next installment with more Sea Otter coverage as I focus on bike racks, bags, and packs.
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.
SVED Optical offers inserts for several brands of sunglasses. They replace the standard nose insert with one with lenses attached. Tell them that you want them for cycling and they’ll position the lenses slightly higher to accommodate our head-down position. I’ve had a pair of their bifocal inserts for a couple of seasons and they’re great!