Schwalbe, Giro, MRP - Sea Otter 2015

Schwalbe's Nobby Nic (left) and Rocket Ron will both be available in 27.5 x 2.8" or 3.0" by next fall.

Schwalbe Goes Plus Sized

'What about tires?' That's one of the underlying questions associated with the emergence of 27.5+, because no matter how many benefits supposedly come from running fat tires and wide rims, there's still a need for tires with a more aggressive tread pattern. The wider footprint of a 3.0" tire does provide extra traction, but in truly challenging terrain something more than a warmed over cyclocross tread pattern is necessary. Schwable may have the answer with their 27.5 x 3.0” Nobby Nic, although they're not expected to be available in the aftermarket until this fall. There will be a 2.8” version as well, and the tire will be available in a multitude of casing options – Snakeskin, TL-Easy, and Performance, as well as two compound choices – PaceStar or TrailStar. There's also a wider version of the Rocket Ron in the works that uses Schwalbe's PaceStar Triple compound.


A new shape for the AMg's upper guide and bashguard are intended to help make it as unobtrusive as possible.

Refined Retention From MRP

Front derailleurs may be going the way of the dodo, and narrow wide chainrings combined with a clutch derailleur do an incredible job of keeping chains from popping off, but that doesn't mean that there's no need for a chain retention device of some kind, especially for racers who can't afford to waste precious seconds fumbling with a greasy chain. MRP's latest offerings are the result of decades of refinement, and they're lighter, quieter and easier to set up than ever. The updated AMg has a slightly lower profile bashguard to go along with the decreased chainring size that riders are migrating towards, as well as a pared down upper guide that uses a softer plastic on the inside to keep things running silently. The chainring compatibility has changed slightly as well, with one version available for 26-32 tooth chainrings, and another one for rings with 32-38 teeth. The alloy version is available now for $120 USD, and a lighter weight carbon option is on the way that will retail for $170.

MRP's 1x guide is for riders who are looking for chain retention, but don't mind forgoing the bash guard. The 1x also gets the new smaller upper guide, and at only 39 grams for the top of the line direct mount carbon version, the weight penalty is miniscule. Depending on the mounting type and material, the 1x's price ranges from $55 to $115.


The Quarter is now available with a MIPS liner.


MIPS For the Masses

Giro continues to expand the number of helmets that come with a MIPS liner, and the Quarter is the most recent brain bucket to get the upgrade. For those who aren't familiar with the technology, MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), is a low friction liner that lets the inner shell of the helmet slide along it during an impact, movement that's intended to reduce the amount of rotational energy that reaches the brain during a crash. What's most impressive about the Quarter, and its youth-sized counterpart the Dime, is that the retail price is $60 USD, which makes it one of the lowest priced MIPS-equipped lids on the market. The skate-style helmet uses an EPS liner with a polyurethane outer to help keep it looking fresh. The Quarter is available in sizes S-L, and the Dime in sizes S and XS, with multiple color options for both.

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Be sure to check out all of our Sea Otter Classic images in this gallery.

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Reviews and Tech First Looks MRP Schwalbe Sea Otter