It’s been about 7 years or so since attending my last Sea Otter. I’ve been to the event for many years, primarily to race. I’ve done the downhill, super-d and XC. Years of them. This was just a check-in. What is going on with mainstream bicycles and who was representing them. What’s new. What’s cool.
I had at least one goal. I need a front tire for the new all-road chassis. A 32″ front tire exactly or similar to the Maxxis Aspen 32×2.4 (686/61mm) one that we’ve seen on social media. Sadly, those that knew who I was didn’t want to help me. This is frustrated but expected. The hunt continues.
I was mostly looking to hang out and promenade. I was hoping to show off the new X-Wing (Starfighter) MTB to media. I made sure to be highly visible floating around in the pits. Isn’t it funny that the 40 or so media folks that I walked past didn’t seem at all interested in bicycle design. Zero interest. I understand that this is an industry that cares little beyond marketing but wow.
While I was mostly being social, I did do a few audio interviews:
Alex Troughton, Archibald Cycles
http://www.peterverdone.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/250412_Alex-Troughton-Archibald-Cycles.mp3
Yusaku Yoshimura, Yoshimura Cycling
http://www.peterverdone.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/250412_Yusaku-Yoshimura.mp3
David Turner, Turner Bicycles
http://www.peterverdone.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/250412_David-Turner.mp3
Zachary Liu, Bike Builders of Berkeley
http://www.peterverdone.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/250412_Zachary-Liu.mp3
Sadly, even though I charged four camera batteries before leaving the house, only one was holding a slight charge. I need to restock. For this reason, I only have a few photos that were taken before it all went dark.
It was a show full of gearboxes and belt drives. There was great stuff and junk. Everyone was selling.
I will say, the bike stand from Enduro Engineering is pretty awesome and I’d love to use one. The stainless steel crank boots from Intend are sublime and soo super cool.
