{"id":1888412,"date":"2026-04-17T10:21:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T07:21:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1888412"},"modified":"2026-04-17T10:21:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T07:21:59","slug":"spotted-all-the-new-and-unreleased-tech-from-the-sea-otter-classic-elite-gravel-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1888412","title":{"rendered":"Spotted: All the New and Unreleased Tech from the Sea Otter Classic Elite Gravel Race"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Argon-secret.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"content-wrap fp-contentTarget\">\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<div class=\"mb-base-loose flex flex-wrap gap-(--spacing-base)\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-start gap-(--spacing-base-tight) fp-remove\"><span class=\"font-utility-2 font-bold text-primary\">Logan Jones-Wilkins<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pub-date font-utility-2 text-secondary\">Updated April 17, 2026 12:20PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><i>Welcome to Velo\u2019s Sea Otter Classic coverage, where we share our favorite things we\u2019ve found at the 2026 show. Bikes, components, accessories, and more: if we think it\u2019s cool, you\u2019ll see it. See the rest of our\u00a0<\/i><i>Sea Otter coverage<\/i><i>.<\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\">Sea Otter is many things these days. Most come for the trade show, which hosts many of the world\u2019s most significant cycling brands, while some come to race themselves in road, mountain, and gravel events. A select few riders are here to kick off the Life Time Grand Prix, the world\u2019s premier gravel race series.<\/p>\n<p>Of everything to see at Sea Otter, the Life Time Grand Prix pro gravel race is one of the richest exhibitions of them all. Like its road counterpart, this is the pinnacle of gravel. The tech choices made here are no small cog in the wheel of gravel tech development for everyone.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-placeholder-wrapper relative w-full border-t border-b border-border-light col-span-full my-3 md:col-span-10 md:col-start-2\">\n<div class=\"mb-[30px] min-h-[30px] text-center\"><span class=\"font-utility-4 font-medium tracking-[1px] text-neutral-500 uppercase\">ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\">It is also the first event of the series, which means there are new frames, groupsets, and even some unreleased tech that make up the men\u2019s and women\u2019s peloton at the race. We went early to the start and got to work compiling a huge gallery of tech, dissecting every choice, trend, and flourish we could find. While we couldn\u2019t take photos of everything, we did our best to get as close as we could.<\/p>\n<h2>Gallery: Sea Otter Classic Elite Gravel<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983009\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kyan Olshove's full frame 2026 Sea Otter\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983009 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Kyan-rig.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Only at pro races can you roll up to the start and see a perfectly tuned Pinarello Grevil sitting so casually (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983008\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kyan Olshove's Front End Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983008 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Kyan-Front-End.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">This one belongs to Grand Prix newcomer Kyan Olshove. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983021\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Matt Wilson full frame 2026 Sea Otter\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983021 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matt-Wilson-full-frame.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Matthew Wilson, one of last year\u2019s Wild Card selections, was one of the first riders on the rollers warming up. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983024\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Matt Wilson Xcadey power meter Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983024 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matt-Wilson-Xcadey.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Right away, with Xcadey power meter front and center. Xcadey might not be discussed as much as its peers, but the company has a ton of different power options for good value. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983023\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Matt Wilson Ultegra shifters at Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983023 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matt-Wilson-Ultegra.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">A Shimano Ultegra\/XTR mullet for Wilson. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983033\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Russell Finsterwald full Look frame\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983033 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Russell-full-frame.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Russell Finsterwald was just behind Wilson, showing off the brand new Look C85 Cezal. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983131\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Finsterwald Look G85 Cezal\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983131 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Finsterwald-bike.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">We got to take a closer look at the, erm, Look G85 Cezal yesterday. <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983130\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Finsterwald custom Look flourish\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1152\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983130 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Finsterwald-custome-flourish.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Finsty gave himself a little bit of motivation with a selective decal placement.<\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983002\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Russell Finsterwald bacon strip Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983002 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Finsty-Bacon-strip.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">We got up close with the Look G85 Cezal yesterday. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982984\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Alexey Vermeulen's Enve Cockpit Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982984 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Alexey-Bars.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Soon, Alexey Vermeulen hopped up on the rollers to get his legs moving. The start is a 5-minute climb that the race will take on at well over 6 watts per kilo. Warm-up is key. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982987\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Alexey Vermeulen's 2x Shimano Drivetrainea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982987 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Alexey-Vermulen-2x.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Vermeulen makes it nice and simple to see who he is partnering with this year. Interestingly, he has stuck with a 2x GRX\/Dura-Ace combination. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982986\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Alexey Vermeulen's levers Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982986 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Alexey-Levers.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983026\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mismatched tires at Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983026 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mismatched-wheel.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Mismatched tires? At Sea Otter? Who is this rookie? (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983030\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Peter Stetina's mismatched tires at Sea Otter\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983030 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Peter-Stet.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Oh, it is Pete Stetina. He is on his farewell tour and knows a thing or two about ripping on gravel, so he gets the pass. He also is 2x Shimano, but behind Vermeulen, these were the only front derailleurs we could find. Times are changing, but for these two established names, the range of 2x is still king.\u00a0 (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982999\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DT Swiss X Canyon Sea Otter Frame\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982999 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DT-Swizz-X-Canyon.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">It is the first American race for the Canyon X DT Swiss All Terrain team. Their Canyon bikes are complete with Shimano groupsets, DT Swiss wheels (and when the time comes, suspension forks too), and Schwalbe tires. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982998\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DT Swizz X Canyon Front Wheel Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982998 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DT-Swizz-X-Canyon-3.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Speaking of tires, we did not see many mountain bike tires beyond the Schwalbe Thunder Burt in its narrowest 2.1 form. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982997\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"DT Swizz X Canyon rear wheel\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982997 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DT-Swizz-X-Canyon-2.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">That being said, for the rear, this rider still went narrow with a 45mm tire. That is a full 8mm difference, which is quite aggressive. 3-5mm is more common. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983020\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"New Pearl Izumi Aero Socks Andrew Lespy Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983020 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lespy-Socks.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">While our eyes were pointed down, and we saw these new Pearl Izumi aero socks. These are from their new Black line, and we have been testing them. They are quite impressive in feel, and I would imagine they are faster with that elevated piping. Andrew L\u2019Esperance is the rider wearing them.\u00a0(Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983058\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Andrew Lespy's shifter Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983058 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lespt-shifter.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Dura-Ace shifters for the Canadian. He had a XTR Di2 mech to handle the rear.\u00a0(Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983012\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bradyn Lange's helmet at Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983012 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Langes-helmet.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">The eventual champion Bradyn Lange was next on the rollers. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983010\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bradyn Lange's Canyon\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983010 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Langes-Canyon.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Full GRX for the Canyon X DT Swiss team, even though they had the larger derailleur cage to accommodate the 10-51t cassette needed to get up the steep bits. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983011\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bradyn Lange's conventional cockpit\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983011 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Langes-conventional-cockpit.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">A little flourish of custom decals for the US national champion who is a member of the Canyon X DT Swiss team this year. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983046\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ted King's Rene Herse Tire\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983046 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ted-King-Tire.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">The new Rene Herse semi-slicks, I wonder who it might be? (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983045\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ted King's Cannondale at Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983045 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ted-King-Bike.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Ted King, of course! (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983044\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Taylor Phinney on the Sea Otter start line\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983044 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Taylor-Phinney.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Taylor Phinney is out of retirement and back with a pair of very cool, retro-looking glasses. These look like a pair of Oakleys circa the beginning of his career, but we couldn\u2019t confirm that. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983000\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Dylan Johnson's new unreleased bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983000 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Dylan-Johnson-new-stuff.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Dylan Johnson was on a new frame, and from the look of it, it is unreleased.\u00a0(Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982996\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Dylan Johnson's unreleased bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982996 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DJ-New-Rig.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Johnson\u2019s bike was one of three unreleased frames we saw at the start. The other one at the men\u2019s race was from his Felt teammate, Adam Roberge.(Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982991\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Berd spokes at the start of Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982991 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Berd-spokes.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Berd spokes on the start line. These are built on Caleb Swartz\u2019s bike, a new rider in the Grand Prix. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982992\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Caleb Swartz messed up SRAM shifter Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982992 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Caleb-Shifter.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Swartz\u2019s levers have seen better days. Train hard to race hard. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983027\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Caleb Swartz Sea Otter 2026 Mondraker Arid\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983027 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mondraker-Arid.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">He was riding the Mondraker Arid.\u00a0(Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983041\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Starting line tire selections 2026 Sea Otter\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983041 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Starting-line-grid.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Tires, tires, tires. It is the talk of the town for good reason. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983007\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Keegan Swenson's Crux 2026 Sea Otter\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983007 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Keegan-Crux.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">We can confirm that Keegan Swenson\u2019s Crux was not one of the other unreleased frames. Will we see a new Crux in 2026?<\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983040\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Specialized Pathfinder X Roval Terra Clx III\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983040 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Specialized-Pathfinder-X-Roval-Terra-Clx-III.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Matt Beers was also on the Crux. Wheels and tires were the 50mm Pathfinder and the new lightweight Roval Terra CLX III.<\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982993\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Simon Pellaud's Cervelo Aspero 5\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982993 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Cervelo-Aspero-5.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">In many American races, Simon Pellaud might be limited by the limits to tire sizes for the Aspero 5. At Sea Otter, most of the competitors have seemed to join him at the smaller width.<\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983049\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Brendan Johnston's Giant\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983049 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trekkys-Giant.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">Brendan Johnston had an interesting mix of the old and the new. On the rear of his bike, it was the old SRAM mullet, since Giant is not UDH with its gravel bike yet.(Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983034\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983034 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Sea-Otter-running-scene.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Race time, so that means it is a mad dash for all the media to get out of the starting shoot after getting all the up close and personal glam shots.<\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983025\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Men's race rolling out 2026 Sea Otter Gravel\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983025 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Mens-race-rolling-out.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">And the men are off! Back down to the start to see what the women have for tech selections.<\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982989\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argon 18 secret gravel bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982989 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Argon-secret.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Right away, we spotted something interesting: an Argon 18 athlete on a unmarked, very different-looking bike. What a large head tube! <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983001\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ellen Campbell Mondraker Arid Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983001 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ellen-Campbell-Mondraker.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Ellen Campbell has a nice looking Mondraker Arid. The bike is from a longtime mountain bike\u2013only manufacturer, so it has a nice, unorthodox look to it. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983016\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cecile Lejeune Sea Otter 2026 bike\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983016 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lejune-2-2.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">The Trek Checkmate in Trek Driftless colors. (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983018\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cecile Lejeune Sea Otter 2026 bike 2\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983018 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lejune-3.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">It is Cecile Lejeune\u2019s! The Trek Driftless rider was a breakout athlete from the Life Time Grand Prix last year. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983017\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cecile Lejeune chainring Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983017 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lejune-2.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Like many of the women on SRAM, it was mullet season in Monterey rather than the conventional Gravel XPLR groupsets. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983028\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Morgan Aguirre Orbea Terra Race Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983028 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Morgan-Aguirre.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Morgan Aguirre is on the more aggressive Orbea Terra Race. With the vibe-shift to 45mm tires this year at Sea Otter, it meant riders with multiple gravel bikes could err on the side of the lighter builds. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983128\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Aguirre's Orbea Terra Race\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1152\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983128 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Aguirres-Orbea-Terra-Race.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">We got a look at her bike the day before the race. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983129\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Aguirre front tire\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1152\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983129 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Aguirre-front-tire.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">One change she made was pushing the limits on the front end to a 50mm Schwalbe.<\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983032\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Rose gravel bike Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983032 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Rose-Gravel-Bike.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Aguirre\u2019s PAS Racing teammate Karolina Migon was riding a Rose gravel bike. Rose is not huge in the US, but it has been a staple in the women\u2019s gravel peloton over the last few years.<\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983014\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Lauren Stephens Vittoria tire Sea Otter Gravel 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983014 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Lauren-Tire-Close.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Lauren Stephens was on the new recycled compound from Vittoria. They don\u2019t have this tire in many bigger sizes, so this is the first time we have spotted it at a big start line. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983039\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Race radio at Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983039 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Speaker.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">She also had this curious little radio device that we were seeing for the first time as well. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983053\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"XTR mech at Sea Otter Gravel\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983053 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/XTR-Mech.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">From both SRAM and Shimano, the mullet drivetrain was big at Sea Otter. The course is defined by a very steep final climb so this isn\u2019t the most surprising, however it was interesting to see just how ubiquitous it is, especially with the Shimano athletes. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983038\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sofia SRAM XX mech at Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983038 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Sofia-XX-mech.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">The top two women both ran mullets, with Sofia Villafa\u00f1e running a SRAM XX rear mech to power her across the mixed terrain on the Sea Otter gravel course. <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983037\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983037 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Sofia-Crux.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Like Beers and Swenson, it was the usual crux for Villafa\u00f1e as well. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_982990\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argonaut frame at 2026 Sea Otter Gravel\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-982990 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Argonaut.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Lauren De Crescenzo has a new bike sponsor this year in Argonaut, a custom builder out of Bend, Oregon.<\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983052\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Wove saddle at Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983052 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Wove-saddle.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">On her Argonaut, the experienced gravel pro had a Wove saddle, a popular option throughout the women\u2019s peloton as the small brand out of colorado specializes in unique ergonomics built for high-speed racing and aero positions. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983005\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983005 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Haley-Preen.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Of all the different groupsets and details from around the start, it was interesting to see the setup from the Liv riders like South African Haley Preen.<\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983029\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Old Sram at Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983029 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Old-Sram.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Giant and Liv do not have gravel bikes with UDH dropouts. So, for the SRAM athletes, that means the best solution is an older mullet set up. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983132\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kate Courtney Allied Able for the 2026 Sea Otter Gravel\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983132 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/KC-bike-1.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Kate Courtney was racing her first major gravel race at Sea Otter. She did it on an Allied Able. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983057\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983057 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Kate-Courtney-frame.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">We caught up with her the day before the race to check it out! Compared to the mullet\u2019s Courtney was fully decked out with SRAM Red XPLR, Schwable tires (which are the big winner of the tire wars this year, they are everyone on the line), and some Duke Racing Wheels. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983133\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kate Courtney SRAM drivetrain Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983133 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Kate-Courtney-SRAM.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983135\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kate Courtney Wheels Sea Otter 2026\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983135 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Kate-Courtney-Wheels-Sea-Otter-2026.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_983031\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sea Otter 2026 roll out\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-983031 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Roll-out.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">And that was all we had time for before the race hit the road! Thanks for following along. <\/span> (Photo: Logan Jones-Wilkins\/Velo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<div class=\"mb-base-loose flex flex-wrap gap-(--spacing-base)\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-start gap-(--spacing-base-tight) fp-remove\"><span class=\"font-utility-2 font-bold text-primary\">Logan Jones-Wilkins<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pub-date font-utility-2 text-secondary\">Updated April 17, 2026 12:20PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-gear\/sea-otter-gravel-bike-tech-deep-dive\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/velo-cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Argon-secret.jpg&#8221;] Logan Jones-Wilkins Updated April 17, 2026 12:20PM Welcome to Velo\u2019s Sea Otter Classic coverage, where we share our favorite things we\u2019ve found at the 2026 show. Bikes, components, accessories, and more: if we think it\u2019s cool, you\u2019ll see it. See the rest of our\u00a0Sea Otter coverage. Sea Otter is many things these [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,71],"class_list":["post-1888412","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-velo-outsideonline-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1888412","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1888412"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1888412\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1888412"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1888412"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1888412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}