Gamut, Marin, Smith Optics - Sea Otter 2014

Gamut revealed their new Cillos stems, along with a narrow-wide chain ring offering.

Gamut

After 10 years in business, Gamut is expanding their product line with the addition of their new Cillos stems. Available in 40, 50 and 60mm sizes, the aluminum stems will be offered in either a matte black or matte grey finish. Claimed weight for the 50mm stem is 150g. The direct mount stem can be adjusted between 45, 50, or 55mm of reach, and is expected to weigh 130g. Pricing hasn't been finalized, but should range from $99 to $129. Gamut also had their new aluminum TTR rings on display, joining the growing number of narrow-wide chainrings on the market. 30, 32, and 34 tooth options are currently available for $59.99 USD.

Gamut's Trail S (left) and Trail SXC chain retention systems.

Even with the advent of clutch derailleurs and modified chaingring profiles there is still a market for chain retention or guide systems, especially when those options weigh less than 100 grams. Gamut's 80 gram Trail S guide uses a bearing-free lower roller for chain retention, and a TPU upper guide up top. The Trail S is available in three sizes and three mounting styles to accommodate chainrings from 28 to 40 teeth. Price: $129.00 USD. The Trail SXC offers bare bones chain retention with a miniscule 40 gram weight penalty. MSRP: $59.99 www.gamutusa.com

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Marin Bikes

The Rift Zone 29 is the latest addition to Marin's revamped mountain bike line. The full carbon frame has 110mm of travel paired with a 120mm fork in the front. Rather than having a traditional cartridge bearing or bushing rear pivot the bike relies on the flex of the carbon fiber to offer enough compliance as the bike goes through its travel. A 69.5° head angle and 440mm chainstays reflect the Rift Zone's trail bike intentions, and the claimed weight of 25 pounds is light enough that complaints should be kept to a minimum when it comes time to climb. Marin has worked closely with Fox and RockShox to ensure that whatever shock is mounted on the frame is custom tuned and matches the characteristics of the frame's suspension curve. Prices will vary depending on the parts package, but expect to spend somewhere around the $7000 USD mark to purchase the bike pictured.

There are no pivots on the Rift Zone 29's rear triangle - the bike relies instead on the flex of the carbon fiber. The bike's downtube protector has room to route housing should riders decide not to use internal routing.

www.marinbikes.com

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Smith Optics

Smith Optics' booth was a flurry of activity as cyclists from less-sunny locales than California stopped by in search of sunglasses. The Pivlock V2 (top right) is a frameless, large coverage option that Smith claims are the world's lightest shield style sunglasses. Multiple frame colors and lens options are offered, and the lens can easily be swapped out in a matter of seconds. MSRP: $159.99 USD. The Pivlock Overdrive (bottom right) also offers easily interchangeable lens, but in a bit more traditional looking package. MSRP: $199.99 USD. Smith also had the light mount bracket for their new Forefront helmet on display. The bracket screws into a threaded insert at the top of the helmet, and allows compatible lighting systems (the bracket was designed with Light and Motion's lights in mind) or GoPro cameras to easily be installed and removed. The brackets are expected to arrive sometime in May. www.smithoptics.com

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