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Sea Otter Classic Coverage
The Subaru Sea Otter Classic powered by SRAM is the biggest cycling festival in America. It is held April 19-22, 2018 in Monterey, CA. It really offers something for everyone including racing (enter a race or just spectate), riding (gran fondos on road or trail) and a huge vendor/expo area for demo rides, checking out the latest and greatest bikes and gear or just hanging out with friends. It is a family-friendly event with lots of fun activities for the little ones. Mtbr.com has been a long time sponsor of the event and we see lots of great new mountain bikes, parts and gear!
For the latest news and updates, check below. More videos, photos and articles coming soon! Check back here often.
Henty Enduro Backpack – video
Justin Wages April 25, 2018The Henty Enduro Backpack provides the benefits of a hip pack with the stability of a backpack.
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Whyte Bikes S-150C RS aggressive trail bike – video
Mtbr April 25, 2018The 2018 Whyte S-150C RS is an aggressive trail bike with the ability to switch between 29er and 27.5+ wheels.
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Vittoria Air-Liner tire insert launched
Jason Sumner April 24, 2018There’s yet another player getting into the MTB tire insert game. This time it’s Vittoria, which launched the Air-Liner at the Sea Otter Classic.
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FSA K-Force Light WideR 25 carbon wheels launched
Justin Wages April 24, 2018FSA (aka Full Speed Ahead) is moving full steam ahead with two new XC-focused mountain bike wheels, plus something unofficial and wider.
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Syncros Silverton SL one-piece carbon wheelset
Jason Sumner April 23, 2018Check out this one-piece carbon wheelset, where the rim, spokes, and hub shell all come out of one composite mold. Just push in a hub bearing (DT Swiss 190s in this case) and off you go – quickly.
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wayold says:
“less force at the initial moment of inertia”. My brain’s still spinning with this one. Either nonsensical or a clever dual meaning of “moment”.
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gozar says:
It’s a physics term having to do with a force acting a distance from a fixed point. Imagine a lever – the fulcrum is a fixed point and the moment is calculated from the product of the length of the lever and the amount of force (torque) acting on it.
A wheel is a bunch of levers arranged in a circle, so “less force at the initial moment of inertia” means “takes less muscle to get the wheel spinning from a stop.”
I am a graphic designer, and this is just my understanding of it… if any engineers want to point out my errors please have at it!
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guy smiley says:
Brilliant, less is more, expect one-piece carbon wheels to explode on the road, cross scenes.
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myke says:
Mavic had a full carbon wheelset almost 10 years ago and lightweight much longer. i personally wouldn’t want this wheelset. i’ll put money on it having one of the most harsh ride qualities a mtb wheelset could have!
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A. Rider says:
So if you break a spoke, the entire wheel is done for?
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dje31 says:
Very impressive technology from Syncros. While there may be sticker shock to many, $3500 is not unusual for a carbon-rimmed wheelset with standard hubs, spokes, and nipples.
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Highway Star says:
Wow, expensive, unrepairable full carbon wheels. I’m sure they will go over just as well as the last dozen times around.
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Matt says:
The article brought the broken spoke point up and the response was that they are 35% stronger than a traditional wheel. Is the implication that you could continue to ride them?
Nice to see composite wheels making a comeback. I suppose.
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35% stronger then what traditional spoke? the ones we find on a walmart special?
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Shark says:
Interesting idea, I’d be too paranoid to take them in the woods though;)
There’s always the tri-spoke carbon design. -
Clive de Sousa says:
Everything looks great but I can’t help but think the ride quality will not be there. The stiffness has it’s performance benefit but it’s a hard ride.
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Rob says:
if the wheels are stiffer, more impact from the trails has to be absorbed by the frame & rider. stiff wheels are great to a point but I’m not sure more is always better.
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slownsteady says:
Sweetness…essentially it’s a mag rim…just hope you don’t break a ‘spoke’. Lifetime warranty?
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Tom says:
Really?! Break a spoke (and you WILL if you ride anywhere with trees and sticks on the trail). $1000 plus and shipping wait VS a $2 spoke and 15 minutes to replace it. I suppose if all you do is ride up steep fire roads, go for it. I guess there are customers for these but I’ll stick with wheels I can ride, work on, and get back out the same day when I break something. I’d spend the $3500 on a trip to ride somewhere really cool where I’ll break more spokes.
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Blackcomb Helicopter wants to expand your bucket list
Paul Andrews April 23, 2018Blackcomb Helicopters wants to put you in those rad videos of lucky riders being dropped atop other-worldly peaks with 360-degree views and nothing but downhill craziness ahead.
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preston says:
I’d be interested in riding to the tops of these routes. I’m guessing the main trail might be too steep/loose.
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ya, the pride is being able to ride to the top.
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Bollé Trackdown enduro helmet launched
Justin Wages April 23, 2018Features include Bollé’s Avid Progressive EPS technology to maximize ventilation and save weight. Fit is enhanced with their click-to-fit 360° retention system and full strap to create the perfect fit for most head shapes.
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Mondraker Foxy and Dune Carbon at Sea Otter
Kurt Gensheimer April 23, 2018Recently launched in the United States, Mondraker is a Spanish brand bringing an impressive arsenal of carbon fiber trail bikes to this side of the Atlantic.
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Zoic Ether shorts get tweaked
Paul Andrews April 22, 2018Known for attractive price points while retaining high quality, Zoic was showing loads of color options and several upgrades to its best-selling Ether short at the Sea Otter Classic.
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Intense M29 FRO special edition DH race bike
Kurt Gensheimer April 22, 2018Only 15 of these For Racing Only models will be sold. They are equipped with the same spec as the Intense Factory Racing M29.
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Pole Bicycles Machine 29er is functional work of art
John Bennett April 22, 2018The Machine is a 180mm front/160mm rear travel 29er with a 63.9-degree headtube angle and extremely steep 78-degree seat tube angle. Chainstays can accommodate up to a 3.0 tire.
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Sasha Kandakov says:
Beautiful bikes, but “canceling their carbon frame making plans due to the environmental impact” sounds quite hypocritical unless they make the whole bike out of bamboo. It’s obvious that eventually even entry level bike frames will be made of carbon… just because it’ll be ridiculously cheap and it’s more durable that alu alloys. Metal will always have fans in the bike industry though. I love my Al-Sc frame and it feels better than a carbon frame with identical geometry.
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7Mesh Cypress jacket features stretchy form-fit
Paul Andrews April 22, 2018British Columbia-based 7Mesh gave a sneak peek of its Cypress Jacket, a lightweight, breathable shell using multiple fabrics for functionality and fit.
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Top notch clothing right here. Grabbed an oro jacket earlier this year, its insane in the membrane. This looks like a nice mid-weight option.
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G-Form Pro Trail MTB glove debuts
Paul Andrews April 21, 2018The new G-Form Pro Trail glove has articulated back-of-finger padding using proprietary Reactive Protection Technology that is also found in its popular line of body armor.
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Niner to introduce first dedicated 27.5 trail bike
Paul Andrews April 21, 2018Niner dropped its second big Sea Otter surprise in two days with a prototype 27.5 mid-range trail bike being put through the paces by company pro Kirt Voreis.
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Norco Aurum HSP downhill bike launched
Kurt Gensheimer April 21, 2018Norco has launched the Aurum HSP, a full composite 200mm travel downhill rig with a high single pivot design available in both 27.5 and 29er wheel sizes.
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MTBguru changes name, expands app
Paul Andrews April 20, 2018Free social media app aimed at connecting riders with local knowledge and services, is changing its name to JAGZ.
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Niner MCR 9 RDO gravel bike sneak peek
Paul Andrews April 20, 2018Dubbed the MCR 9 RDO (as in magic carpet ride), the new Niner gravel grinder is a versatile steed that’s happy on pavement, dirt, and everything in between.
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MRP unveils dual-crown fork and coil shock
Paul Andrews April 20, 2018Colorado-based suspension specialists showing off a new Bartlett double-crown fork and Hazzard coil shock at Sea Otter.
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Sea Otter Classic gears up for 3rd annual eMTB race
Mtbr April 18, 2018Bosch eBike Systems and Haibike are inviting racers to participate in the 2018 Haibike eMTB Race epowered by Bosch, which will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 20, at the Sea Otter Classic.
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Scotch Henessey says:
I’ve recently bought my Son and I a pair Haibike All Mountain 5.0s. I’ve been riding MTB since 1989 non-stop. I have to say, Ebikes are an absolute blast. Me and my 14 year old son can go together without fitness being the usual barrier. I’m a fan no matter what the purists say. Everyone that has tried my bike has the same reaction…A huge smile and a audible “Whoa…I need to get one of these”!
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Ted says:
@”Scotch Henessey”
Enjoy the ride. Just keep them off public trails (unless your goal is “no bikes on trails” for everyone).-
Fred says:
@ Scotch Henessey
Don’t let Ted tell you what to do.
Keep riding your ebike where you want.-
Mark says:
Yeah, damn the rules and the potential negative consequences. Who cares if others suffer as long as you get what you want. Let’s all be like Mrs. Fred. (Dont tell me what to do. ‘Merica) over here. Not!
On a serious note…an E-bike race? Sounds like the type of event where they hand out participation trophies because everyone is special and we’re all winners. Lame
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jason says:
Ok…thanks for the advice. I ride my e bike all over Pisgah. No rangers give a crap. It’s not the e bike rider messing up trails. It’s the cool guy bro that doesn’t care about erosion, sedimentation or habitat.
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I live in So Cal. More than enough trails to choose from. They go uphill approximately 4 MPH faster than my Pivot 429. And they descend identically. I’m still trying to figure out why people assume these bikes will destroy trails. Oh well..way better things to worry about in life.
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m c says:
ted , you are indeed a pill . in case you haven’t noticed the blm and fs thrive on your type of exclusivity. we ALL need to stick together on access. the e bikes are no threat to the resource . I’ve been riding non motorized since the 70s and i see no problems with battery / pedal assist vs motor only . theres a huge difference.
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Rob says:
For me the issue is not whether e-bikes cause more erosion or any of the other complaints. If it is stated that no motor vehicles are allowed then that means no motors. Arguing that it is an assist and doesn’t have a throttle doesn’t change the fact that it is a motor. Right or wrong that is the current law and a motor is a motor.
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Jamis Bikes releases new 3VO suspension platform
Jordan Villella April 11, 2018Jamis Bikes new 3VO design dropping at Sea Otter claims a unique instant center, center of curvature and axle path that is said to eliminate unwanted motion when pedaling.
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smoothmoose says:
Interesting take on dual pivot design. New bikes don’t seem pushing the LLS geo much. But interested in hearing the ride reports.
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Doodgehull says:
Holy Batman of chain growth,
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Francis Cebedo says: >>Holy Batman of chain growth,
You have info on this? Do tell. -
benito says:
I’d hate to admit I’d ever buy a bike based on how it looks but these certainly seem like a big step forward aesthetically. At least compared to Jamis’s DS options over the past few years.
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Tom says:
Go Chris! Should be called “Speedgoat Sus” though.
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ezE says:
tanks for keeping 26’rs alive!
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dave says:
Holy cow! I had a Jamis with a single pivot and after 4 warranty rear triangles got rid of it. They couldn’t do a simple single pivot right and now they do this contraption? Good luck!
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dan says:
@dave ditto! About 8 years ago I had the biggest headache with Jamis rear triangles. Four replacements. One time they sent a rear triangle from another model.
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JB says:
I replaced at least 6 on my Dakar XC Comp
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Bnystrom says:
There appear to be at least 12 bearings in the linkage, plus the top and bottom shock pivots. This may be the “holy grail” of suspension design (who knows?), but how long will it last? I have nothing against Jamis, but like others above, I have one that had a rear triangle issue due to poorly aligned and installed bearings. This one has 50% more bearings, which really makes me wonder.
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Jase_Rad says:
Just Another Maintenance Intensive Suspension.
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Yakima Skyrise rooftop tent
Francis Cebedo June 15, 2017Yakima has enter the car camping game with the introduction of the Slimshady Awning and Skyrise Tent.
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ka81 says:
Can somebody explain, what’s wrong with traditionally placing tent on the ground?
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Rob says:
When I go to race events, many times (100% in my area) there is no camping allowed, you are not allowed to pitch a tent. But RV and campers in the parking lots are allowed. So this solves my situation of having to search for a campground close enough to race venue and taking the time to unpack the car to pitch a tent and then on the morning of race, pack the tent and car and get back to race in time for the pre-race routine.
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fix-the-spade says:
This thing is a portable flat surface. I would have commited murder for a flat surface to sleep on at a lot of the races I’ve been to. Also, it won’t get ground water coming up through the bottom at our typically sodden UK races. It frees up space inside the car for gear/food/the bike too.
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Tad says:
Your icon for one! It is much more comfortable than a tent and you are up above creepy crawlers.
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holden says:
Its named after a cool trail in Sedona!
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Video: Ellsworth Evolution 29er with 140mm travel
Justin Wages May 11, 2017Following on the heels of the Rogue 40 and Rogue 60, Ellsworth has launched the Convert, a mid-travel 29er that was designed in collaboration with Brian Lopes.
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YYC says:
Can these guys stop pimping suspension tech that is 20 years old as new?
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Steve says:
You’re right, there is nothing new about the latest designs from Ellsworth other than new machined parts. However, Ellsworth has been designing and refining their 4 bar link set-up for more than 20 years. It’s one of the first real suspension designs from last century that actually worked well and is still worth using today. Ellsworth’s suspension design is what Trek had to eventually emulate in order to finally have a suspension bike in their lineup that was worth owning, because up until that point they hard churned out nothing but complete garbage designs. Trek was the only one of the the big 3 to make crappy designs in the 90’s, as Secialized and Cannondale’s sucked too. It was common for the boutique builders to have suspension bikes that were significantly better than what the off the rack bikes had to offer.
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Rob says:
Just because it is old does not mean it is crap. Take a look around… The FSR suspension patent that Ellsworth is based on just expired. Now companies are coming back to it. Norco for example is using a similar design. Specialized never went away from it. “New” does not necessarily mean “good”. And like Steve said, the design has been refined over the years for the better.
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greg says:
specialized, yt, evil, canondale, santa cruz, fuji and about 90% off all bike brands use suspension tech that is 20 years old. Forget “4 bar” Dw-link, single pivot whatever it doesnt matter what matters more is leverage raito, stiffness, shock progression, frame geo and a whole host of things that go into a bike design. I have a rouge and it is a great bike for most trail riders and I personally love the way they have setup their 4 bar suspension.
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ken says:
So is Trek pimping a 4 bar linkage too? Pivot, which I love, is pimping a 5 pivot system called DW? SC still pimping its old VPP still? FSR? Respectfully dude, get real and give credit to a well made bicycle even though you may not choose to own it. I bet if you rode one you’d be sold.
My Ells ID 6″ travel bike climbed and descended like crazy back then. I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on this more slacked out Evolution! -
Hamilton says:
You know, there are ellsworth bikes, oval chain rings, and lauf forks and people that enjoy driving pt cruisers. Let people enjoy what they want.
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gg says:
That vid was darn sparse on details.
And half of it was Francis getting screen time ! -
Matt says:
I have as my back up bike a 2013 Ellsworth Epiphany 275. 4-bar link suspension. I never really liked it. Head tube angle not slack enough, and the rear tire would contact the seat tube when the rear shock was fully compressed. The derailleur hanger design was crap too. Any hit, and it would bend. Try to straighten it and often it would break. No through the frame cable routing either. Good customer service. I don’t know if Tony is involved in the day-to-day ops anymore or designing the products. But I hope whoever is, is doing a better job. I say this as a guy who owned 4 of their bikes.
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zooey says:
I did maintenance work on an Ellsworth that had the carbon damaged in the RD hanger area. There’s a small set screw that secures the hanger to the frame. More like just holds it, while the axle really keeps it tight on the bike. Well, the hole in the carbon for the set screw became a curved slot, while the hanger swung like a pendulum from normal riding. Owner didn’t claim noticing any shifting issues, but said he spent a lot of time trying to eliminate brake rub. I mainly noticed since I have a peeve with downward pointing levers, and wanted to re-clock the axle nut.
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UtahKen says:
I have a 2009 first gen Evolve. I have been trying to find a bike that I like more. I have looked at Specialized FSR, Pivot, SC, Ibis. Every time I get back on my 4 bar based Evolve, I realize that that i have really not found something better. The others are good, but hard to say better and they all have their own quirks. Not the least bit worried about the age of the suspension principle. Most performance cars have suspension designs WAY older. One story to share. There is a section of technical ledgy climbing we ride. More often, the folks that ride evolves/evolutions or similar (lensport) 4 bar and a bit less relaxed head tubes tend to have the most success. That said, I would like a bit more rake. I really like the thinking behind what is being shared on the new Evolution geometry – long top tube, more relaxed and the ability to go 27.5+ or 29. Likely my next bike
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New tools for the home (or pro) mechanic
Saris Mercanti May 11, 2017Do you believe in having the right tool for the job? If so you’ll definitely find something to love in this roundup of new tools.
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Speedplay Syzr and Brass Knuckles pedals
Francis Cebedo May 10, 2017Speedplay is a company with deep engineering roots. So when designing the Syzr pedal, they went all in to eliminate play and design in proper float in a mountain bike pedal.
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azimiut says:
I like my frog pedals, I hope they keep making them. Only problem is the cleat wears out fairly quickly.
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froze says:
Why on earth would SpeedPlay go from a very simple, highly functional, very reliable pedal design of the Frog for a more complicated design that is common with other pedals with all the same issues of other pedals if not more so as witnessed by other users here? I understand on their website that the Frog is still available, I love that pedal, I hope they don’t do away with it and replace it completely with SYZR. As one poster mentioned the cleats wear out quickly but I’ve used them now for 4 seasons and still working ok but they are clicking.
Fellow cyclists: cycling has become the new golf of corporate types, and thus big money has entered the scene, and like golf, once the manufactures realized these people will spend obscene amounts of money for anything with fancy do nothing words prices go skyrocketing to make huge profits at the expense of common everyday cyclists who can’t drop money like that for stuff, which is why a SpeedPlay thinks they can get away with charging $420 for a pedal worth $100 retail, and people will think if it cost more it must be better and SpeedPlay is betting on that mentality.
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Keith says:
Welcome to capitalism.
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10 new protection products to keep you safer on the trail
Saris Mercanti May 08, 2017Here’s a round-up of the latest offerings from POC, Alpinestars, CamelBak, Leatt, Oakley, Julbo, G-Form and more.
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Expensive foam!
i know, it makes no sense. was R&D that much with these? i think it invites these cheap Chinese copy cats to the table at that price.
holy moly $170 dollars for some closed cell foam! pass
My experiments with ghetto tubeless set ups were quite successful back in yearly 2000-s and if I ever feel the need of low pressure I’d pay a visit to Lowe’s =))) http://forums.mtbr.com/wheels-tires/diy-tire-insert-experiment-1045458.html
So $170 for a pool noodle?