More drop-bar goodies from Sea Otter
Roll up, roll up, here’s your latest round-up of wares from the Sea Otter Classic in California.
Before we get started, check out the rest of our Sea Otter coverage for more from the show, including Pinarello’s latest gravel bike, a slew of new and unreleased mountain bikes and more.
Let’s get down to business, with a new wide-tyred drop-bar bike from Vitus, an ’80s-inspired paintjob, new tools from Park Tool and Feedback Sports, US-made carbon saddles, disco-ready tyres and Specialized’s e-cargo bike.
All-road or endurance? A closer look at the new Vitus Venon Evo
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Let’s start with a new (and, officially anyway, unreleased) drop-bar bike, the Vitus Venon Evo.
We say ‘drop-bar’ because this is a bike that straddles the (often blurred) lines between endurance road, all-road and, well, fully-fledged gravel.
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You might remember this is the bike we showed you a prototype of this time last year.
In the past, the Venon has been Vitus’ endurance road bike, but the new Venon Evo, slated for an official launch in May, is a complete reimagining of the platform.
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Most notably, it has clearance for 45c tyres. Is this a sign of the future for the next generation of endurance bikes?
Meanwhile, on the frame, you’ll find eyelets (and a removable seatstay bridge) for full-length mudguards, two positions for the bottle cage on the down tube in order to accommodate a frame bag, and internal cable routing at the front via FSA’s SMR (Smart Cable Routing) stem.
!["Vitus]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-103-44f0401.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vitus")
!["Vitus]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-100-878cfe0.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vitus")
!["Vitus]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-101-4fdfca7.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vitus")
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!["Vitus]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-98-6f7d692.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vitus")
!["Vitus]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-96-2830228.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vitus")
While we don’t have geometry figures, it looks to sport an all-road shape (i.e. bridging the gap between road and true gravel).
There’s also an absence of top tube and fork cage mounts, again pointing to the fact that, while there’s generous tyre clearance, this isn’t a ‘proper’ gravel bike.
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Vitus had two builds on show at the Sea Otter Classic, revealing the Venon Evo’s Jekyll and Hyde personality.
The SRAM Rival eTap AXS build has 28c Michelin Power Cup tubeless tyres for $4,099, while the SRAM Force eTap AXS spec has 40c Michelin Power Gravel tyres for $4,899.
!["Vitus]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-110-6c82db9.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vitus")
!["Vitus]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-108-919e6bd.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vitus")
!["Vitus]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-109-4cd72e3.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vitus")
!["Sea]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-111-c494636.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Sea")
UK pricing is to be confirmed but, notably for riders on the other side of the pond, Vitus launched into the US at the end of 2022, hence the brand occupying a large booth at Sea Otter.
’80s flair from Vielo’s collaboration with WTB
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We stopped by the WTB stand to check out the brand’s new ebike and gravel saddles, with the latter on show on a bike produced in collaboration with Vielo.
The Vielo + WTB V+1, as it’s known, is described as “a modern off-road racer with an eye on the past”.
The paintjob is said to be inspired by the Repack gang of the early ’80s. WTB itself was founded in Marin County, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, in 1982, back when mountain biking was really getting started in the area.
!["Vielo]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/WTB-Vielo-V1-4a0916d.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vielo")
!["Vielo]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/WTB-Vielo-V1-2-774152d.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vielo")
!["Vielo]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/WTB-Vielo-V1-3-523ffb4.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vielo")
!["Vielo]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/WTB-Vielo-V1-4-09d65ee.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Vielo")
This collab takes its inspiration from the “colours, look and vibe” of the time and applies it to Vielo’s 1x-specific V+1 gravel bike.
Each frame is painted by UK-based custom specialists Fat Creations and apparently takes between 50 and 60 hours to paint. Each frame will be slightly different in the way the colour transitions are blended together, according to Vielo.
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Unsurprisingly, WTB components feature across the bike, with the brand’s CZR i23 carbon wheels, Riddler 45x700c gravel tyres and Gravelier carbon-railed saddle.
SRAM takes care of shifting duties with a Force AXS XPLR drivetrain, with its power meter crankset.
The price? £9,999.
US-made saddles from Wove
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Boulder-based saddle upstart Wove didn’t have a booth at Sea Otter, but we still managed to take a look at the brand’s two perches.
Wove’s aim with its Florida-made saddles is to achieve light weight, thanks to the use of a carbon base, while still retaining plenty of padding.
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The Mags is Wove’s new road/gravel saddle, coming in with a claimed weight of 126g.
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It’s a short-nosed saddle designed for an aggressive riding position, with a central channel for soft-tissue relief.
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We also took a look at Wove’s existing TT saddle, the V8.
This one weighs a claimed 140g and comes with the hardware to mount a bottle behind the saddle.
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The narrow, stubby nose is shaped to reduce thigh rub and irritation when, like the Mags, riding in an on-the-rivet position, this time when tucked into a set of aero bars.
Both saddles cost $595 each.
Spice up your gravel bike with these limited-edition tyres
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If you think black or tan-wall tyres are boring, then you’re in luck.
Panaracer is offering two limited-edition versions of its GravelKing tyres, ready to spice up any gravel bike.
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First up, the GravelKing SS, Panaracer’s fast-rolling tyre (SS stands for Semi-Slick), designed for dry terrain, is available in a Turquoise Blue option.
There’s also a Sunset Orange version of the GravelKing SK, designed as an all-conditions terrain, thus gaining more grip over the SS.
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Both limited-edition tyres are available in 700c x 32c, 38c and 43c sizes.
These have split opinions back in the office. Would you run either on your gravel bike?
Four new tools from Feedback Sports
Feedback Sports had four new tools for us to fettle at Sea Otter.
Feedback Sports Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet
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The Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet is a mini carry kit designed to be taken on rides.
It has a modular handle, which can be used in pen-style or T-handle orientations, plus a 25mm extension socket and 5Nm extension socket.
!["Feedback]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-45-a9bb501.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Feedback")
!["Feedback]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/Sea-Otter-day-two-47-22a9789.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Feedback")
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The kit includes 10 bits, covering the most commonly found bike bolts, according to Feedback Sports.
It costs $70 / €85 / CA$96 and is available from mid-May.
Feedback Sports Thru-Axle Chain Keeper
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This one does what it says on the tin.
It’s a simple – and affordable – thru-axle chain keeper, designed to hold your chain in place and keep it in tension, when working on or washing the bike.
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It’ll also come in handy when travelling with a bike.
It’s yours for $10 / €12 / CA$14 and, once again, available from mid-May.
Feedback Sports Thru-Axle Chain Tool 3.0
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This is the third iteration of Feedback’s chain tool.
It’s described as a “shop-grade” piece of kit, with key changes including a rubber handle with a knurled texture to improve grip and a big ol’ paddle to spin the tool in.
There’s also a storage compartment in the handle, should you need to keep a close eye on any small parts (for example, a chain quick link).
This one costs $40 / €12 / CA$14 and is available now.
Feedback Sports Rotor Truing Fork 2.0
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Finally, from Feedback Sports, we’ve got the Rotor Truing Fork 2.0.
Any guesses on what this is for? Yep, it’s a tool for truing rotors.
It’s got a steel core, said to maintain strength, an over-moulded plastic outer to prevent rotor damage, and two depths for 2mm-wide rotors, for repairing, Feedback says, both shallow and sharp deformations. There’s also a 2.3mm width for shallow fixes.
Like the chain tool, the truing fork is available now for $15 / €18 / CA$21.
Park Tool’s tampico brushes
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Park Tool has a new set of cleaning brushes with bristles made from tampico, a natural fibre derived from the agave plant, according to Park Tool.
The tampico fibres are said to be durable and chemical-resistant, while also retaining moisture well.
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The BCB-5 set includes a soaping brush, tapered bottle brush and straight brush, plus a drivetrain brush with nylon bristles. The kit also includes a soaping sponge.
The set costs $49.95.
Globe Haul ST e-cargo bike
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Specialized launched the Globe Haul ST in March and this is the first time we’ve seen the e-cargo bike because it’s brand new and only available in the US for now.
Globe is a Specialized sub-brand, introduced with a focus on urban mobility and, with it, ebikes.
The Haul ST has a 700W rear-hub motor, with a 772Wh battery said to offer up to 60 miles of range.
It’s a one-size-fits-all frame, with a telescopic seatpost capable, Specialized says, of accommodating riders from 4ft 5in to 6ft 4in. The quill stem can also extend six inches.
The Haul ST comes with a rack, mudguards, front/rear lights and a centre stand out of the box, plus Specialized offers a range of cargo-carrying accessories. On that note, Specialized says the bike can haul up to 419lb/190kg (including the rider).
The Globe Haul ST costs $2,700 in the US and Specialized is looking to push the brand into the UK next year.
Specialized Sirrus, just because
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Finally, you’ll likely have seen this in March, because Specialized’s launch of the seat tube-less Sirrus set the internet on fire last month.
Still, here it is again, with that whacky, 1x-only frame shape, said to improve comfort.
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There are two models in the new range: the gravel-lite Sirrus X 5.0 for $2,250 / £1,950 and the road-going Sirrus 6.0 for $3,000 / £2,400.