The Goodies
Sea Otter Classic Round Up 2023
Special edition bikes from Yeti, Crankbrothers/Commençal, and We Are One as well as bikes from Pole and... Gas Gas?
Pistons and Pivots
Scott and Carrie's 1989 Ford E250 and Forbidden Dreadnoughts
A tale of Forbidden love, adventure, and diesel.
EDITORIAL
RockShox Recon VS RSD's Rigid Fork
Swapping out the Recon on a Trek Roscoe for a 510 mm axle to crown fork with 0 mm of travel
Review
Shimano S-Phyre Glasses
Two different lenses, a quick change system (that's not quite there) and magnets for simplicity...
REVIEW
OneUp Composite Pedals For Smaller Feet
The new OneUp Composite pedals boast two different pin configurations and a 15% smaller platform than the original.
New Product
P321's Elegant 6-bolt Conversion System
At Sea Otter we are always asked, "what's the best thing you've seen?" Six-Lock was the winner for 2023.
DOES THE FUTURE HAVE FEWER GEARS PT IX
Shimano Inadvertently Upgrades Friction Shifting
Andrew discovers the best friction shifting setup in the history of bicycles.
Product Release and First Look
Yeti SB135 & SB135 Lunch Ride
Tweener wheels are still rolling - and there's even a low fat option
Review
Lazer Coyote KinetiCore Helmet
A top rating from Virginia Tech, lots of vents, and a great price are highlights - but Karin was happiest about another feature...
FIRST RIDE IMPRESSIONS
Shimano Auto Shifts Into the Future
Riding impressions on so much stuff: all new Deore XT Di2, Auto Shift, Free Shift, EP-801 and LinkGlide. The Robots have truly arrived this time.
REVIEW
Bell Falcon XR & XRV MIPS Evolve Helmets
These casual-looking open-faced helmets bring breathability, a blinky light, and MIPS Evolve to the table.
Beggars Would Ride
Bell Curves and Middlemen
The bikes we want and the bikes we need are not always the same
Review
Kona Process 134 CR/DL 29
A playful and efficient trail bike suited to most riders on most terrain.
REVIEW
Manitou Jack Dropper - Revive Revisited
Following up on the Jack, based on the first great dropper post on the market, the BikeYoke Revive.
WATCHA PACKIN'?
Andrew's Mixed-Day Early Spring Outlay
It's late winter or early spring and rides will vary randomly from short to long, so a backpack's my best solution for ride support.
Bike Review
Digit Datum - That's A Wrap
Notes from spending a few months with the Digit Datum
EDITORIAL
Differentiation - Selling Used, Buying New, And Moving the Industry Forward
As new bike and component sales slow to a soft pedal, and the used market breaks a chain, companies will look to differentiate their products...
Review
7mesh - Ankle to Neck
The new 7mesh Glidepath pants are made for getting rowdy. The other pieces pair equally well with tequila or chamomile...
Review
Altangle Hanger & Hanger Connect Bike Stands
Does a bike repair stand need to be freestanding - or even standing at all?
EDITORIAL
Training For Wont
Making the mental and physical investment 'just' to get back my previous fitness and fortitude...
REVIEW
SwitchGrade - Tilting Saddles
The quality, condition, and use case for Aenomaly Constructs' SwitchGrade saddle tilt adjuster...
Maybe part 5? I lost track.
Uncle Dave's Guide to Bikepacking - Part 4
Uncle Dave has discovered the joys of buggering off into the woods, even if it's just for a few days - and not an EPIC(!) multi-day singletrack adventure...
Tool Review
Enduro BBB-222 - Investment Grade Bearing Puller Tool
The only thing classier would be a ball-peen hammer cast from solid gold
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Trek's Roscoe 7 Is 1650 USD (1880 CAD), Complete!
Trek's Best Looking Bike is a solidly-priced, Deore M6100 equipped hardtail with an awesome appearance in any of its three livery choices.