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Sea Otter Tech Sampler, Part One
A sampling of new and upcoming product from Laguna Seca
- Article Extras
- Photos
- Race Index
The range of bikes and components on display at a typical Sea Otter Classic never fails to impress, and this 2009 edition is no exception. Although oriented more toward mountain riders than road, the products on display cross all categories. Here is the first sampling of goodies from the infield of Laguna Seca, as component and bike brands roll out the red carpet for riders, spectators and media.
Ritchey
The biggest news at Ritchey is the introduction of the SuperLogic component category. This grouping designates higher-grade materials and lighter weight, and it supersedes the still-available WCS line. Now in SuperLogic trim, Ritchey offers:
- carbon road bars, in both Evolution and Logic II shapes;
- carbon mountain bars, in flat, low-rise and 10-degree sweep versions;
- carbon road wheels;
- carbon clincher disc mountain wheels;
- and a single-bolt seatpost.
The SuperLogic road carbon wheels use 46mm Lew rims with a blend of uni-directional, high-modulus, and Boron fibers. The braking surface is ceramic, nipples are internal, and DT New Aero Light spokes maintain aerodynamics. The 24-spoke rear wheel has a unique crow’s foot driveside pattern, with a radial non-drive side. Total claimed weight for the pair is 1,170 grams; suggested retail is $2,799.
SuperLogic carbon mountain wheels ($2,250) are similarly light at 1,330 grams. They are 28 spokes front and rear, with DT centerlock disc hubs.
In the WCS line, the range of new items includes a low profile saddle with carbon rails, the Carbon Streem, a single-bolt seatpost (also available in zero-offset), and carbon forks for both ‘cross and mountain. Additionally, in keeping with the latest fashion trend, most WCS-level components are now available in white.
GT
The 2009 GT Fury downhill bike is an anomaly in downhill racing with its all-carbon construction of both mainframe and swingarm. The 1.5-inch headset and 12mm Maxle rear thru-axle are de rigueur, but the extensively shaped frame members are unique. Suspension action is essentially a modified I-drive, with a huge main pivot for the swingarm and machined aluminum linkages to keep the bottom bracket shell moving independently.
Specialized Epic 29er
Another frame platform still in testing is the Specialized Epic 29er. Xterra triathlete Conrad Stoltz is on hand representing the brand, and at over 6-feet, he’s a good candidate to test bikes with big wheels. Rendered in welded aluminum, the full-suspension Epic 29er adopts many technologies from its 26-inch sibling. A remote reservoir Brain shock maintains suspension performance, and a tapered head tube adds a measure of front end stiffness. Stoltz’s bike is fitted with what looks like a debadged RockShox Reba 29er fork with a carbon crown. While the bike still has a test number on the top tube, it looks near to final form. Mechanic Myron Billy said that wheelbase did not grow appreciably with the move to 29-inch wheels, and that riders report liking the handling.
X-Fusion
Still making a valiant effort to break into the aftermarket suspension circle, X-Fusion is out with a new 6-inch travel all-mountain fork, meant to compete with RockShox’s Lyric and the 36 line from FOX. The air sprung Vengeance has 36mm stanchions and a new cartridge damper with high- and low-speed compression damping adjustability. A fork with uncut steerer tips the scales at 5 pounds, and is available in a tapered steerer as well as a full 1.5-inch option. The upper end HLR version should retail for $799, and a more basic RC model will be $699.
In rear shocks, the news is the Vector HLR. It’s meant to retail for less than a FOX DHX RC4, but still offer a range of adjustability. High- and low-speed compression as well as bottom-out resistance are all externally tunable. A titanium spring keeps weight down.
Genuine Innovations
Genuine president Marty Mares and communications director Michael Drabousky were walking the venue, dressed in full inflationary SWAT style regalia. They distributed CO2 cartridges to teams and sponsored riders, and showed the next refinements to the hybrid SecondWind-style mountain bike pump. Still all aluminum, it has lost weight and length, but maintains the patch kit/tire lever stash compartment inside the barrel. And it might wind up with the name “Mountain Pipe,” as it bears resemblance to a certain item of paraphernalia popular in the remote hills of California.
Stay tuned for more from these green hillsides of Monterey and the Laguna Seca Raceway, as we keep looking for more new products and tech.
