Well, here we are, winding down our coverage of the 2026 Sea Otter Classic. Well, at least I am. I had taken a lot of photos and shared most with you guys. But, I had a lil’ folder on my desk top called “Rando Shots”, and thought I’d dump them here. They felt kinda like leftovers after going to dinner: like, there wasn’t very much left, but too much to throw away. You know what I mean?
So, I thought I’d share some parting thoughts about the show, along with the contents of that folder. They’re not great photos by any stretch of the imagination, but I think you might like ’em.
But, before we get into my parting words, let’s take a moment to celebrate my occasional partner in mischief & monkey business, who happens also to be our amazing ad salesperson, Riley, shotgunning a non-alcoholic beer by Best Day Brewing.
Best Day Brewing’s non-alcoholic beer is, by the way, incredibly tasty! Look for a Beyond the Bike piece about this brew real soon.
Parting Words…
As you probably already know, I really love attending the Sea Otter Classic. It’s always been a great time. This was my 10th year in a row for Bikerumor, and there hasn’t been one bad experience. Even when we ran on a shoestring budget and had to choose which of us got the bed, the floor, or the bathtub, it was always fun. Looking forward to 10 more years, perhaps!
As I mentioned in my recent pre-Otter piece, the whole Bikerumor crew attended, minus Steve, and Cory, our European editor in Prague. So, the workload felt a little more focused and not so overwhelming. That was nice, and a big reason why this time around, the SOC felt different. It felt like there was a “smaller” feel to it.
The footprint of the show was bigger than ever, but the vibe felt smaller and more connected. That is to say, there were a lot of really cool, smaller brands and some I’d never heard of before the show. And both were offering bitchen and innovative products.
There were far, far too many eScooters around, like, one is too many, in my opinion. But a lot of great new bikes and bike products for kids and parents, which was really great to see.
More brands were offering free, decent, and often really good coffee at their booths, with the winner probably being Salsa Cycles (and, if you read my stuff, you aren’t really surprised about my pick. Right, Tim?). What? It’s not my fault that they do just about everything really well.
I did notice a lot fewer cargo bikes this year, sparking the question: Were the last two years the pinnacle of America’s interest in Cargo Bikes? My guess, for the most part, is yes.
Yes, 32″ Wheels Ruled the Roost
It was pretty obvious that the 32″ wheel was indeed the star of the show. There were a lot of 32″ bikes and 32″ adjacent parts, like forks, tires, wheels, rims, and bike rack adaptors.
The rest of the crew handled most of the 32″ wheel coverage. If you missed any of it, search “32” wheels” on our site to get all caught up.
Say what you will about the industry introducing new “standards”, it is pretty exciting. Personally, I’m excited to see what comes of it. Will it be a flash-in-the-pan kinda situation, only to crash and burn in the end? Or will it be a total game-changer, like the introduction of the 29″ wheel? Who knows?
I will say that a lot of brands, and not just the smaller ones, are going “all-in” on the concept. I even saw more than one 32″/29″ mullet bike at the show. There were new 32-specific parts, prototype forks, and some full-suspension frames, plus built-up one-offs. I mean, there was a lot of 32″ stuff going on.
All of which sounds promising, and my prediction is that it will stick, but not be like the 29er, maybe just for taller riders, or the outliers that need something new and fresh to wake up the passion for riding again.
We will see.
Thanks for Reading!
Well, that’s it. I wanted to extend a thank you to everyone who goes outta their way to open the site and read our stuff. You guys rule! We will continue to provide all the news and stuff that keeps you guys engaged.
There may be some more events and shows that the crew will be attending throughout the year, so keep an eye out for that. But, for me personally, I will only be attending one other show this year, the MADE Show this August. So stay tuned here for more info about that.
Not sure who, if anyone else from the crew, will be joining me yet on that adventure. Rest assured, the coverage will be fantastic like always.
Ok, thanks again! Now, get out and ride your bikes!
The post Adios Sea Otter Classic, Until Next Year: Parting Words & Some Random Photos appeared first on Bikerumor.