Bontrager, Deity, Giant - Sea Otter 2015
Bontrager SE5 Tire
Bontrager's new SE5 tire takes the World Cup proven tread pattern of the company's G5 downhill tire and puts it into a much lighter package while still maintaining a high level of puncture protection. 'Enduro racing' is the intended application, but what that really means is that it's meant to be ridden the way many of us like to ride - hard and fast. The tire has a folding bead, but also uses Bontrager's Core Strength construction, a design that uses three pieces of reinforced casing, one on each side and one under the tread, to help ward off rocks and other sharp objects. The tread design is intended for rocky, loose and wet conditions, instances where a high level of traction and braking control are of the utmost importance. Available in a 2.3 x 27.5” (935 grams) and a 2.3 x 29” (990 grams) version, the SE5 retails for $74.99 USD.
The Bladerunner is formed in Deity's own mold and measures only 11 thick.
Coming soon: the TMac signature edition pedal.
New Pedals and Shorter Stems From Deity
Deity had a prototype version of their Bladerunner pedal on display at Sea Otter last year, but it looks like the wait is almost over, with the production version expected to be available within the next four weeks. The Bladerunner uses Deity's own molds (previous pedals used designs shared with other companies), to create a platform that measures 103 x 100mm and only 11mm thick at the outer edges. Grooves on the aluminum body are meant to provide extra grip, in addition to the tall outer pins and shorter inner ones that give the pedal a concave feel underfoot. All ten pins use allen bolt heads for easy removal or installation. The weight is expected to be 370 grams per pair, and they'll retail for $143.99 USD with six different color options including black, read, purple, and blue ano.
There were also a couple prototype versions of what will eventually be the Tyler McCaul signature edition pedal tucked into a back corner of the booth, although details still aren't confirmed. One thing's for sure - the TMac pro model is wide and very concave, which should make for a solid feel underfoot for stomping those massive hucks. They're expected to be available this June
Deity's popular Cavity stem is now available in a 35mm length to meet the needs of riders on modern bikes whose long reach works best with a stubby stem. Constructed for 6061 aluminum and designed for 31.8mm handlebars, the Cavity weighs in at a claimed 150 grams and retails for $99.99 USD.
Just like with trail and all-mountain bikes, downhill bikes are getting longer and stems are getting shorter, which is why there's now a 30mm long version of the Micro DM stem. Machined from 7075 aluminum, the stem uses a four piece design and comes with a lifetime warranty. MSRP: $104.99.
Giant's New Rail Helmet
Giant's not a newcomer to the helmet world, but the Rail helmet is their first venture into the trail/all-mountain category. It has the extended rear coverage that's become a requisite to be a legitimate contender, along with a goggle retention strap at the rear and a flat spot towards the front of the helmet that provides enough room for mounting a POV camera. 18 large vents along with internal channeling are designed to keep air circulating, and a ratcheting dial at the rear allows one handed fit adjustments. The Rail is expected to come in at 275 grams when it hits store shelves in June, which places it on the lighter side of the spectrum for this style of helmet. MSRP: $130. Colors: Black/Blue, White/Blue, Orange/Yellow, Black/White, Cyan/Blue. Sizes: S, M, L.
Be sure to check out all of our Sea Otter Classic images in this gallery.
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Is it taboo to wear a Scott, Giant, Bontrager, Specialized, etc while not riding the respective branded bike?
Like..I know to rock what ever you are most comfortable with, but be honest. If you see a guy wearing a Giant helmet on a Specialized Enduro, do you think less of that guy.
It's a shallow question, I know....but still
I really hope the sarcasm is coming through.
i don't feel like just because specialized might make good bikes, they'd be good at making helmets (even though they might be perfectly fine)
id take a tld/poc/giro/bell, or any company that is endemic to the protective sector of cycling.
so in this case i would not run the giant helmet
also i dislike giant for immature irrelevant reasons so yeah
www.allterraincycles.co.uk/Images/Original/128750_1.jpg
the handle bar is bontrager
A friend even rides 60-75 mile days on a $2500 giant trance, in cargo shorts. Crazy huh.
Of course there are exceptions. If you're sponsored or got a good combined package deal, that's great. Or sometimes brands support a cause and buying from them supports that cause. But people who buy all one brand just for the brand name, they're the people I think less of.
Then last summer one of my neighbors opened up his .50 cal on full auto. Now I wear an orange baseball cap outside (I'm currently on 10 acres with said neighbors owning around 500 acres).
Orange helmets are ok by me.
And $140+ for pedals are you kidding? Shimano Saints are $50 online!