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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
At the Sea Otter Classic, wider, fat, and 'plus' were the most common buzz-words. Though, Open Cycles, which has only ever made a hardtail mountain bike, slimmed down a little to launch what Gerard Vroomen calls, "a gravel-plus bike." Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
The Open U.P. ('Unbeaten Path') is designed to accept an array of wheel sizes, from road and ’cross tires, to 27.5 x 2.1" mountain bike wheels and tires. Open had two models on hand, in two very different colors, set up two very different ways. This model with 700c WTB Nano 40mm tires still has plenty of clearance in the 3T fork. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
Here's the U.P. set up with an Enve mountain wheel and a Schwalbe Racing Ralph. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
The cluster around the seat collar is looking more and more similar on every cyclocross and endurance road bike we come across. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
Vroomen says that the U.P. uses geometry that's more aggressive than other gravel bikes out there, saying "The position on our road bikes works whether we're going five or 50mph." Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
The U.P.'s chainstays drop down below the BB 386 bottom bracket, to help with tire clearance. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
The U.P. will come with the new 3T Luteus thru-axle fork. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
There is a flat down tube, which should increase stiffness, and there will be a third bottle holder on the underside of the down tube. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
Rivets on the top tube behind the stem are for bolting on a bag, rather than using velcro straps. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
The seat tube has additional shaping, designed to keep everything stiff. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
Open employs a Syntace X-12 thru-axle, which uses the same threads to lock the derailleur hanger. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
Internal cables keep everything very clean. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
Another look at the braze-ons used to mount a frame bag. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
The clearance on the U.P is impressive. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
Vroomen claims that a 700x40mm gravel setup and a 27.5x2.1 mountain wheelset will have the exact same outer diameter, so the two setups will handle identically. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
We found this prototype Kenda gravel tire lying around in a booth. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
We couldn't find the width labeled on the tire, but we saw the exact tire on a pro's bike as well, and we'd guess its around 40mm. The casing feels like it should be strong, but it isn't super-heavy. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
Abbey Bike Tools' new pedal wrench is a thing of beauty with a 6 and 8mm swivel bit and a 15mm open wrench, it it can tackle any job. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
The HAG (Hanger Alignment Gauge) is quite the piece as well, and is a common tool to find in pro mechanics' travel boxes. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
This prototype Birzman multi-tool works like a 5nm torque wrench. When pushing on the end with the round silver button, the botton will pop into the tool, when 5nm of pressure is being applied. There was a 3, 4, and 5mm, as well as a T25 torx bit on the tool. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
Birzman pumps are some of the best-looking options out there. They work with presta and Schrader tube valves, as well as on suspension forks. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
The new Birzman Sheath hand pump can be used as a regular hand pump or with Co2. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
The Birzman Sheath's Co2 head can be removed from the pump and carried separately, if desired. The chuck is the same "Snap-It" design as Birzman's floor pumps. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
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Sea Otter Classic day three tech
Xentis is launching a wider version of its carbon tubular. This Squad 5.8 UD measures 24.6mm at the brake track. Photo: Logan VonBokel | VeloNews.com
The post Sea Otter tech, day three: Open gravel bike, Birzman, and more appeared first on VeloNews.com.
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