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More gear and riders spotted at Sea Otter

New tires from Kenda and Maxxis, cloths from Shimano. Gold-medal-winning XC racers ready to ride

Olympians at Sea Otter

With races going on all day and exhibitors showing the crowds loads of cool new gear and tech, the second day at Sea Otter was jam packed full of action. The Canadian mountain bikers were warming up the legs by racing short track ahead of the main event on Saturday.

Bell

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This Bell Zephyr got a celestial colourway. Nothing has been announced yet but maybe custom graphics are in the works? We will have to wait and see.

7mesh

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The new 7mesh Quantum jersey features the Squamish-based company’s new logo. The jersey is made from 100 per cent polyester and uses what 7mesh calls a mechanical stretch, instead of Lycra, making the garment more durable. Also on the racks were some nice Ashlu merino wool jerseys and the Highline Ultralight that has ultrasonic stretch seams and laser-cut sleeves.

Saris

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The Saris Freedom SuperClamp four-bike hitch rack has some new white logos, just the thing if you thought the previous yellow was a bit too flashy. The two-bike rack version now leans away from the car to allow users to get to their trunks while bikes are mounted. The racks have integrated locks and the ratcheting arms that hold the bikes in place without touching the frames.

Kenda

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Kenda keeps updating and refining its line-up of tires. The newest offering is the Hellkat Pro gravity tire with the tread designed to provide grip in all conditions. The casing is extra-tough so the tire can take a beating from sharp obstacles.

Knight Composites

Some new wheels have been in the works at Knight composites. While the company has become well-known for its aero wheels, which are widest at the centre of the rim for optimized aerodynamics on the tail edge, this 29″ enduro wheel is strong and light. Knight use expanded-polystyrene moulding to make its wheels, which is how most top carbon frames and forks are made.

Shimano

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Shimano has new urban wear ready to roll out. These pieces would have had very limited use in the hot California sunshine but would be perfect for spring and fall riding in Canada. Their design makes them comfortable while you’re on the bike and looks casual off so you don’t have to swap out your bike clothes once you arrival at your destination.

Velofix

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Velofix keeps expanding with a franchise opening in Montreal. The company was tuning up racers’ bikes at the venue with some of their trucks from the California fleet.

Boa

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Which colour would you choose for your Boa dials? These custom caps easily replace the stock ones already on your shoes to give them a bit more personality.

Mavic

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These newly released wheels come with the tires installed, a feature Mavic has had for some time now. What is new though is the company is also designing tires to go with their wheels. The idea is appealing if you want a tire optimized for the rim you are buying considering the variations in rims and tires that are available on the market. The new offerings are the XA Pro Carbon and XA Elite.

Maxxis

The tire company has made a nice, convenient strap to keep a spare inner tube close at hand in case of a leak or puncture. As riders walked around the booth, those with a keen eye may have been able to spot some not-yet-announced tires on the rack.

Olympic champs at Sea OtterSeaOtterDayOn24

Nino Schurter and Jenny Rissveds were signing autographs for fans following the short-track race. The two Rio Olympic cross country mountain bike gold medallists had good races with Schurter finishing second and Rissveds winning. The XC race is on Saturday and the two go into the races as favourites but there is a strong group of contenders here including Canadian Olympians Emily Batty, Catharine Pendrel and Raphaël Gagné.