Amgen tour of California 2012

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More tech tidbits from the Sea Otter Classic

  • Shield your eyes! Sidi's special 50h anniversary Ergo 2 road shoes are gleamingly bright and come complete with gold accents and commemorative stitching, too.

    Shield your eyes! Sidi's special 50h anniversary Ergo 2 road shoes are gleamingly bright and come complete with gold accents and commemorative stitching, too.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Wizard Kinetics' rear-mounted rack essentially takes the versatility of a roof rack and moves it to the rear of the vehicle.

    Wizard Kinetics' rear-mounted rack essentially takes the versatility of a roof rack and moves it to the rear of the vehicle.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A ratcheting strap pulls the front wheels in tightly on the Saris Thelma 2 though some time trial bikes may pose some difficulty depending on the clearance between the tire and down tube.

    A ratcheting strap pulls the front wheels in tightly on the Saris Thelma 2 though some time trial bikes may pose some difficulty depending on the clearance between the tire and down tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saris's unique Thelma 2 uses plastic cradles that wrap around the front wheel for a stable hold.

    Saris's unique Thelma 2 uses plastic cradles that wrap around the front wheel for a stable hold.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The curved base on the Saris Thelma 2 raises the rack a bit further off the ground for more clearance on lower vehicles.

    The curved base on the Saris Thelma 2 raises the rack a bit further off the ground for more clearance on lower vehicles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Yup, Saris's new Solo rack is so light that you could even carry it (and a bike!) on your back - but only if someone asks you very nicely.

    Yup, Saris's new Solo rack is so light that you could even carry it (and a bike!) on your back - but only if someone asks you very nicely.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Saris's redesigned Thelma 2 has new cradles that now fit high-volume 29" wheels and tires.

    Saris's redesigned Thelma 2 has new cradles that now fit high-volume 29" wheels and tires.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Rockford Fosgate was on hand at this year's Sea Otter Classic with its new Punch Plugs, designed to deliver a lot of bass in a small package and with a secure, adjustable fit to hold them in place while riding.

    Rockford Fosgate was on hand at this year's Sea Otter Classic with its new Punch Plugs, designed to deliver a lot of bass in a small package and with a secure, adjustable fit to hold them in place while riding.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Pivot Cycles created these bolt-on ISCG mounts for its team riders but says it will likely be available for consumers soon, too.

    Pivot Cycles created these bolt-on ISCG mounts for its team riders but says it will likely be available for consumers soon, too.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Osprey actually has multiple hydration packs currently available in a wide variety of sizes to suit particular applications.

    Osprey actually has multiple hydration packs currently available in a wide variety of sizes to suit particular applications.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Osprey is new to the hydration market but its lengthy experience in the outdoor world has yielded some of the best hydration packs we've come across.

    Osprey is new to the hydration market but its lengthy experience in the outdoor world has yielded some of the best hydration packs we've come across.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The drawstring main compartment helps keep contents clean and dry while multiple smaller pockets keep contents organized.

    The drawstring main compartment helps keep contents clean and dry while multiple smaller pockets keep contents organized.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Interchangeable straps Osprey's commuter packs make for customizable appearance.

    Interchangeable straps Osprey's commuter packs make for customizable appearance.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Osprey's commuter packs look to be more than durable enough for daily toils.

    Osprey's commuter packs look to be more than durable enough for daily toils.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Auto rack giant Thule now has a comprehensive range of luggage.

    Auto rack giant Thule now has a comprehensive range of luggage.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Timbuk2's Toolshed is designed to keep all of your repair items conveniently tucked together while the handlebar bags add a bit of color to what is typically a fairly drab-looking item.

    Timbuk2's Toolshed is designed to keep all of your repair items conveniently tucked together while the handlebar bags add a bit of color to what is typically a fairly drab-looking item.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Bikes are easily loaded on to Wizard Kinetics' rear-mounted rack when in the 'down' position.

    Bikes are easily loaded on to Wizard Kinetics' rear-mounted rack when in the 'down' position.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The clever linkage on Wizard Kinetics' rear-mounted rack allows for one-person raising and lowering and easier loading and unloading.

    The clever linkage on Wizard Kinetics' rear-mounted rack allows for one-person raising and lowering and easier loading and unloading.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • In addition to traditional wool, cotton and cotton/poly-blend caps, Walz Cycling Caps also makes these wicking models specifically for summer use.

    In addition to traditional wool, cotton and cotton/poly-blend caps, Walz Cycling Caps also makes these wicking models specifically for summer use.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Walz Cycling Caps built these limited-edition hemp models to raise money for victims of Haiti's recent earthquake.

    Walz Cycling Caps built these limited-edition hemp models to raise money for victims of Haiti's recent earthquake.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Walz Cycling Caps offers a broad range of colors, styles, cuts and fabrics.

    Walz Cycling Caps offers a broad range of colors, styles, cuts and fabrics.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Full-length housing on this Dave Turner one-off 'cross bike keeps the lines free from mud and water.

    Full-length housing on this Dave Turner one-off 'cross bike keeps the lines free from mud and water.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Dave Turner built this one-off 'cross bike with heavily shaped aluminum tubing.

    Dave Turner built this one-off 'cross bike with heavily shaped aluminum tubing.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Don't get too excited: Dave Turner apparently built this 'cross bike as a birthday present and doesn't currently have plans to bring it to market.

    Don't get too excited: Dave Turner apparently built this 'cross bike as a birthday present and doesn't currently have plans to bring it to market.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • TRP will now offer its lightweight and powerful R960 road calipers in several anodized colors.

    TRP will now offer its lightweight and powerful R960 road calipers in several anodized colors.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Troy Lee Designs' casual range includes jeans with reinforced double-thickness knees.

    Troy Lee Designs' casual range includes jeans with reinforced double-thickness knees.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Timbuk2's saddle packs are made with the same durable Cordura fabric as many of its messenger bags.

    Timbuk2's saddle packs are made with the same durable Cordura fabric as many of its messenger bags.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Timbuk2 wisely carries on with what it does best: lots of messenger bag styles in an impressively broad range of colors and styles.

    Timbuk2 wisely carries on with what it does best: lots of messenger bag styles in an impressively broad range of colors and styles.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Timbuk2 is best known for its messenger bags but also has a full range of backpacks, too.

    Timbuk2 is best known for its messenger bags but also has a full range of backpacks, too.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • North Shore Racks' innovative design is specifically geared towards mountain bikes with its crown-supported cradle. It's especially well suited to shuttle rides thanks to its ultra-fast loading.

    North Shore Racks' innovative design is specifically geared towards mountain bikes with its crown-supported cradle. It's especially well suited to shuttle rides thanks to its ultra-fast loading.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Luna's new protein bars are similar to the Clif version but in a smaller size with fewer calories and less protein to satisfy smaller appetites.

    Luna's new protein bars are similar to the Clif version but in a smaller size with fewer calories and less protein to satisfy smaller appetites.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Lizard Skins' new Aaron Chase signature grip is paper-thin with a fine texture for ultimate bar feel.

    Lizard Skins' new Aaron Chase signature grip is paper-thin with a fine texture for ultimate bar feel.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • This well-finished item from Sonny's Bike Tools presses new bearings on to Campagnolo Ultra-Torque cranks.

    This well-finished item from Sonny's Bike Tools presses new bearings on to Campagnolo Ultra-Torque cranks.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Enduro has developed a new fully US-made bearing design that should be on the market later this summer. The angular contact design should be far more tolerant of side-loading than current radial-type bottom bracket bearings for improved bearing life.

    Enduro has developed a new fully US-made bearing design that should be on the market later this summer. The angular contact design should be far more tolerant of side-loading than current radial-type bottom bracket bearings for improved bearing life.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • e13 says its LG1 is tough enough for World Cup downhill racing but yet is also the lightest of its kind at just 195g.

    e13 says its LG1 is tough enough for World Cup downhill racing but yet is also the lightest of its kind at just 195g.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • e13's Guiderings are specially shaped for use with chainguides.

    e13's Guiderings are specially shaped for use with chainguides.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • e13's composite bashguard is tough yet light thanks to its hollowed-out design.

    e13's composite bashguard is tough yet light thanks to its hollowed-out design.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • We counted at least three video camera companies with displays at this year's Sea Otter Classic, offering further support to the idea that 'if you didn't get it on video, it didn't happen.'

    We counted at least three video camera companies with displays at this year's Sea Otter Classic, offering further support to the idea that 'if you didn't get it on video, it didn't happen.'

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Continental's Rubber Queen all-mountain tire has been renamed 'Trail King' but otherwise remains the same.

    Continental's Rubber Queen all-mountain tire has been renamed 'Trail King' but otherwise remains the same.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Continental says its tubular 'cross tires are still a work in progress but that it will offer these tube-type models for the time being to suit most conditions.

    Continental says its tubular 'cross tires are still a work in progress but that it will offer these tube-type models for the time being to suit most conditions.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Die-hard tubular aficionados out there will be pleased to see that Challenge also offers some of its tires with ultra-supple silk casings.

    Die-hard tubular aficionados out there will be pleased to see that Challenge also offers some of its tires with ultra-supple silk casings.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Challenge is best known for its 'cross tires but the company also offers a far more comprehensive range of road rubber with various treads and sizes available depending on the application.

    Challenge is best known for its 'cross tires but the company also offers a far more comprehensive range of road rubber with various treads and sizes available depending on the application.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Catlike PR and marketing manager Cristina Del Ramo Ortega has confirmed that US riders will be able to purchase the company's distinctive helmets sometime before September.

    Catlike PR and marketing manager Cristina Del Ramo Ortega has confirmed that US riders will be able to purchase the company's distinctive helmets sometime before September.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Cannondale Headshok product manager Drew Hanna wouldn't confirm as such but we're betting this SRAM XX hydraulic lockout-equipped Lefty will be available to consumers for 2011. "I would tell you that there were several prototypes at Sea Otter and all were aimed at giving our Cannondale Factory Riders the best possible equipment that we can dream up," he said. "That includes working with SRAM as one of the team's technology sponsors. We have successfully partnered with SRAM to incorporate Solo Air Technology into all air sprung Leftys and more recently with an XX version of the Hollowgram SL BB30 crankset. These types of collaborations won't end anytime soon."

    Cannondale Headshok product manager Drew Hanna wouldn't confirm as such but we're betting this SRAM XX hydraulic lockout-equipped Lefty will be available to consumers for 2011. "I would tell you that there were several prototypes at Sea Otter and all were aimed at giving our Cannondale Factory Riders the best possible equipment that we can dream up," he said. "That includes working with SRAM as one of the team's technology sponsors. We have successfully partnered with SRAM to incorporate Solo Air Technology into all air sprung Leftys and more recently with an XX version of the Hollowgram SL BB30 crankset. These types of collaborations won't end anytime soon."

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • SRAM provided its top-level BlackBox athletes with these special XX brakesets.

    SRAM provided its top-level BlackBox athletes with these special XX brakesets.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Enduro partner Sonny's Bike Tools showed off this trick bearing puller for Campagnolo's Ultra-Torque cranks.

    Enduro partner Sonny's Bike Tools showed off this trick bearing puller for Campagnolo's Ultra-Torque cranks.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Epic's new HD video camera includes two built-in lasers to help dial in the field of view.

    Epic's new HD video camera includes two built-in lasers to help dial in the field of view.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The new KS handlebar remote for its telescoping seatposts takes up little room and is admirably smooth.

    The new KS handlebar remote for its telescoping seatposts takes up little room and is admirably smooth.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • KS's 27.2mm-diameter telescoping seatpost requires a separate reservoir to make up for the lost volume.

    KS's 27.2mm-diameter telescoping seatpost requires a separate reservoir to make up for the lost volume.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Kinetic Koffee is branching out into the energy bar market with its Gearhead Go Bar. It's baked locally using just eight ingredients (including honey) and it's awfully tasty.

    Kinetic Koffee is branching out into the energy bar market with its Gearhead Go Bar. It's baked locally using just eight ingredients (including honey) and it's awfully tasty.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Kinetic Koffee principal Mark Ritz says he was always impressed with some of the designs on the bags in which his coffee beans are delivered and now he's having select styles stretched over frames to sell as artwork.

    Kinetic Koffee principal Mark Ritz says he was always impressed with some of the designs on the bags in which his coffee beans are delivered and now he's having select styles stretched over frames to sell as artwork.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Hydrapak has made leaps and bounds over the past few years, in large part due to high-quality hydration packs like the Morro and Jolla.

    Hydrapak has made leaps and bounds over the past few years, in large part due to high-quality hydration packs like the Morro and Jolla.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Side pockets on the Hydrapak Jolla are conveniently sized for smaller items.

    Side pockets on the Hydrapak Jolla are conveniently sized for smaller items.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Hydrapak's Jolla pairs a capacious size with a handy organizer panel.

    Hydrapak's Jolla pairs a capacious size with a handy organizer panel.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Hydrapak's DualBot bottle features a self-sealing valve plus a high-volume conventional one for when you really want to get the water flowing.

    Hydrapak's DualBot bottle features a self-sealing valve plus a high-volume conventional one for when you really want to get the water flowing.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • GU's sampler pack includes a little bit of everything for those who want to try out some of the company's energy products without committing to a whole box.

    GU's sampler pack includes a little bit of everything for those who want to try out some of the company's energy products without committing to a whole box.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Genuine Innovations' new Air Chuck Elite features aluminum instead of brass construction and a pared-down exterior, bringing the weight down to just 17g.

    Genuine Innovations' new Air Chuck Elite features aluminum instead of brass construction and a pared-down exterior, bringing the weight down to just 17g.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Current US national champion Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski had his Gary Fisher Superfly 100 on display in the California sun.

    Current US national champion Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski had his Gary Fisher Superfly 100 on display in the California sun.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski's team-issue Gary Fisher Superfly 100 sports a RockShox Reba XX up front.

    Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski's team-issue Gary Fisher Superfly 100 sports a RockShox Reba XX up front.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Subaru-Gary Fisher has come up with a far more elegant front derailleur mounting solution with the help of a local machinist.

    Subaru-Gary Fisher has come up with a far more elegant front derailleur mounting solution with the help of a local machinist.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Winter is a ways off at this point but A'ME's new heated grips offer six levels of microprocessor-controlled warmth with convenient thumb-operated buttons and multiple battery options.

    Winter is a ways off at this point but A'ME's new heated grips offer six levels of microprocessor-controlled warmth with convenient thumb-operated buttons and multiple battery options.

    Photo credit © James Huang