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The Sea Otter Classic is always a whirlwind of excitement, filled with sun-soaked rides, catching up with old friends, and discovering innovative new products. This year was no exception, with several standout brands and products challenging conventional cycling tech. Here’s a rundown of some of the most intriguing finds from the event.
NICH Cycling
NICH Cycling made a splash with its official entry into the U.S. market. Founded by Chinatip Boonchokhirunmetha, the brand derives its name from Chin’s nickname, spelled backward with a few letters swapped. NICH already has a strong following in Thailand, and their bikes turned heads at Sea Otter. The NICH Faith Aero Frame stood out with its striking paint job and elegant silhouette. The booth showcased top-tier builds, including some impressive wheels, and Bikerumor has a review ride lined up for the near future. NICH is poised to make waves in the U.S. cycling scene.
Velo Summit Shoes
Walking past the WOVE Saddles booth, Bikerumor stumbled upon Velo Summit’s unique carbon road shoes. The standout feature is their innovative rear-mounted cam-style closure system. Unlike traditional forefoot closures, this design aims to reduce pressure on the forefoot while improving aerodynamics. Though slightly heavier than top-tier road shoes, Velo Summit hinted at lighter models in the pipeline. These shoes are a testament to the brand’s willingness to rethink conventional designs.
Mountain Flow Mobile Bike Wash (MBW)
Mountain Flow, known for its lubes and cleaning products, introduced the Mobile Bike Wash (MBW)—a portable, battery-powered washer designed for trailhead convenience. With a five-gallon capacity and 60 minutes of spray time, the MBW offers water pressure between a garden hose and a gas-powered pressure washer. Built from durable rotomolded HDPE and powered by a lithium-ion battery, this $299 washer is perfect for post-ride cleanups without risking damage to bike decals.
VeloToze Hydration Pack
VeloToze unveiled its HydroVest, an advanced base layer with a built-in hydration reservoir. Designed to fit snugly under a jersey, this vest eliminates the need for bulky hydration packs, offering a sleek, aerodynamic solution for road and gravel riders. The HydroVest also doubles as a cooling vest when filled with chilled water or slush, making it ideal for hot rides. At $65 (reservoir sold separately), this product could revolutionize on-the-go hydration.
TPU Tubes by Aeron
Aeron made a bold claim: the world’s best TPU inner tubes. These tubes feature multi-layer construction, with road models weighing as little as 22g. Aeron touts reduced rolling resistance, improved puncture protection, and better air retention compared to traditional butyl tubes. Positioned as a lower-cost, simpler alternative to tubeless setups, these tubes are also 100% recyclable. Priced between €17.95 and €24.95, they offer a compelling option for cyclists looking to save weight without the hassle of tubeless maintenance.
AHHA Racks Proto-Toaster
AHHA Racks showcased an updated, cost-effective version of their popular Toaster rack. Known for their transport-friendly designs, AHHA’s racks are ideal for races or group rides. While the current Toaster retails for around $230, the stripped-down version is expected to be more affordable. AHHA also teased custom rack designs, including a standout piece at the MAVIC booth, hinting at exciting possibilities for personalized bike storage solutions.
Spinning Edge Tech – Tire Rotator
The Tire Rotator is a niche but ingenious tool designed to simplify the process of applying sealant to tubeless tires. By spinning the wheel on a drum, the machine evenly coats the tire’s interior with sealant, eliminating the need for manual flipping or shaking. While not a must-have for every cyclist, this tool is a game-changer for those who frequently set up tubeless tires. Priced at $299, it’s a luxury item but one that could save time and frustration in the workshop.
Final Thoughts
The Sea Otter Classic continues to be a hub of innovation and camaraderie in the cycling world. From NICH’s stylish frames to Aerons’ ultra-light TPU tubes and Velo Summit’s unconventional shoe design, this year’s event showcased products that push the boundaries of cycling technology. Whether you’re a casual rider or a tech enthusiast, there’s always something new and exciting to discover at Sea Otter.
