Sea Otter 2008
New Saint, Trek Session 88 and more...
Words by Dan Barham. Photos by Dan Barham.
I only go to Sea Otter on odd years. That's how it's worked out anyway - 2001,3,5,7. Until last year I had a perfect weather record - no rain at all. 2007 had one terrible day but otherwise it was pretty nice so I'm calling my record intact. If it's bluebird this year my streak is done because the even years have been shite in the 'O' decade. So it's an off year for me and Dan Barham is snooping around in my place. He's just sent me some words and photos of a brand new bike and some other cool stuff. Stay tuned for more from Dan's keen eye in the coming days.
Here's a sneak teaser shot from the new 'Dual Stunt' event, the finals of which are on Sunday. Is that Voreis? Looks like it to me.
The slalom course is looking prime in all its hardpacked loveliness - more shots from closer up on Saturday.
Trek Session 88 DH - 8" of travel, uses the same 1-piece 'EVO link' as the '08 Fuel and Remedy lines, along with the now Trek-standard ABP axle pivot. Expect to pay around $5999 to get a bike that builds to a lovely 37lb. Click image to enlarge.
Session 88 FR - indentical geometry to the DH version, but with a more freeride component build. Click image to enlarge.
Nico Vink and Andrew Shandro broke in the Session 88 DH and FR bikes on the World Cup circuit and the Shore, so you can be sure they've been tested thoroughly.
Bontrager rads up the decals
Trek Session beer... if you're going to drink lager at least make it a rad brand.
New brakes that we weren't meant to have seen yet. The Avid Elixir. Click image to enlarge.
New Saint rear mech using a variation of Shadow technology. Notice the internal cable routing. Like the Remedy the Session 88 will pivot at the rear axle - what Trek calls 'Active Braking Pivot' or ABP. Click image to enlarge.
Pedros gathered the world's bike media together to announce the anticlimactic news that they'd bought themselves out with some financial something-or-other. Luckily they brought free beer.
E2 headtube flares from 1.125" to 1.5" for the best light weight / stiffness compromise..
Anything you want to see at Sea Otter? We'll ask Dan to chase it down. Comments and Requests here
