Well, we’re wrapping up the 2024 Sea Otter Classic, and I have a lot of stuff to sort through. We just posted our overall Best of Show with input from the whole team, but this post will focus on some of my faves.
I snapped a ton of photos per usual. But I also snapped a few neat random bikes while walking the show. This won’t be a tech article, just a fun post about some cool stuff. But, don’t worry, I will get to the techy new stuff as well.
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Your dad..](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Your-dad-1536x1024.jpeg)
Plus, Zach, Jordan, and Tyler were here with me, so there will be all kinds o’ new bike bit coverage from those guys as well.
Here are a few fun photos of some random cool bikes and other stuff that interested me, including K-Edge’s cool trailer. Let’s get started with some oldies!
Ol’ School GT Ricochet
I started my career in the bike industry at GT Bicycles, way back in 1995. They hold a little real estate in my heart, and to this day I still bleed “blue and yellow”. So when I saw this bike stashed at the back of a booth, I had to grab a photo or two of it.
![Stuff I Liked at SOC ol' GT Ricochet side shot](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-ol-GT-Ricochet-side-shot.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Ol' GT ricochet front](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Ol-GT-ricochet-front.jpeg)
Restroom Ritchey
![Stuff I Liked at SOC old school Ritchey](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-old-school-Ritchey.jpeg)
I am a huge fan of Tom Ritchey and his designs. And this one is a stellar specimen. I’m guessing the owner was the guy sitting right next to it, or in the men’s restroom.
Quick story: Along with Grant Petersen, Tom Ritchey is one of my biggest “bicycle industry heroes”. I met them both at Interbike once… I ran into Grant first, and then Tom. While snapping a selfie with Tom, I told him, “This is cool, I got to meet my two biggest heroes today, I just talked with Grant”. And Tom said, “That’s impossible, Grant never leaves the house.” Given Grant’s quirky personality, I thought it was pretty funny. Plus Tom feels like he’s seven and a half feet tall.
Mint Merlin
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Old Merlin](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Old-Merlin.jpeg)
I saw this super clean Merlin being pushed around at the event and thought I’d ask the owner if I could get a photo of it. His name is Hong Quon, and he was A-OK with it…. everyone likes to share their love of bicycles. He informed me that he was selling this bike to Joe Murray later that day. Very cool bike! I was in a hurry to an appointment, so it’s just the one photo. Enjoy.
New Ritchey Rando
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Ritchey Rando full bike](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Ritchey-Rando-full-bike.jpeg)
The new Ritchey randonneuring frameset, the Montebello was at the Ritchey booth in all of its glory. It had a great build and was done up in sweet ol’ French Constructor style. The new frame is built with triple-butted steel tubing and the fork had routing for a dynamo light. Bob’s yer Uncle.
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Ritchey Rando designed by Tom](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Ritchey-Rando-designed-by-Tom.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Ritchey Rando front](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Ritchey-Rando-front.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Ritchey rando Equal brakes](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Ritchey-rando-Equal-brakes.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Ritchey rando crank](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Ritchey-rando-crank.jpeg)
It carries the Ritchey signature fastback seat cluster and modern thru-axle, flat-mount brake dropouts. It can clear 35mm tires with fenders and 40mm without. The new Montebello is designed with a more relaxed “all-road” geometry and is ready for long-distance riding.
B Vivit and the HotSalad Wild Sierra Roamer
![Stuff I Liked at SOC HotSalad with B Vivit](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-HotSalad-with-B-Vivit.jpeg)
For the last 7 years, Paul Components has brewed up a wild, custom steed for Sierra Nevada Brewing and the annual custom, one-off bike offering for non-profit. This year’s offering was no exception and features a frame built by B Vivit of HotSalad Bicycles. It’s an amazing frame with a lot of cool details. Check it out below. Also, you can donate to this year’s non-profit, the ROAM Collective here.
![Stuff I Liked at SOC HotSalad Paul Klampers](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-HotSalad-Paul-Klampers.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC HotSalad custom cloth bar tape](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-HotSalad-custom-cloth-bar-tape.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC HotSalad made in the usa](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-HotSalad-made-in-the-usa.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC HotSalad Top tube anno](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-HotSalad-Top-tube-anno.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC HotSalad rear Klamper](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-HotSalad-rear-Klamper.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC HotSalad frame details](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-HotSalad-frame-details.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC HotSalad custom LD stem](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-HotSalad-custom-LD-stem.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC HotSalad custom headtube badge](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-HotSalad-custom-headtube-badge.jpeg)
Po Campo Cresent Bike Basket
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Po Campo Cresent Bike bag front shot](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Po-Campo-Cresent-Bike-bag-front-shot.jpeg)
This is a really cool and well-thought-out lil’ soft basket. It’s made to easily take on and off of your bike. It’s perfect for those who don’t want a hard, bulky basket but don’t want the hassle of a closed bike bag. This little gem has a wide opening that’s made to stay open allowing for easy storing and retrieval of your goods.
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Po Campo inside lining](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Po-Campo-inside-lining.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Pro Campo Cresent Bag soft top](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Pro-Campo-Cresent-Bag-soft-top.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Po Campo bag underside](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Po-Campo-bag-underside.jpeg)
It has a flexible, mesh lid that attaches at four points to keep your goodies in place when it gets bumpy. It uses Po Campo’s exclusive Visi-Hemp fabric that features reflective highlights throughout the pattern. A zippered pocket and key fob make it easy to get to the essentials. An all-around great little bag!
Aventon Reveals New Ramblas eMTB Color
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Aventon Ramblas new color 1](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Aventon-Ramblas-new-color-2.jpeg)
A few months ago I did a review of Aventon’s new eMTB, the Ramblas. At the press event, they hinted at a second color to be coming for their Ramblas eMTB. They gave us a little sneak peek, but we couldn’t write about it. Well, they’ve released it, and here are some not-so-great photos of it!
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Aventon Ramblas new color 1](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Aventon-Ramblas-new-color-1.jpeg)
Yes, it’s purple, and it looks really cool in the sunlight.
More Bitchen Bourdeau Bikes
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Bourdeau Space Horse side shot](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Bourdeau-Space-Horse-side-shot.jpeg)
I don’t know if you remember, but I covered a few of Jarod Bourdeau’s creations in last year’s “Bikes I Liked at Sea Otter” post. Well, Jarod was back this year with an ultra-modified All-City Spacehorse. This thing was cool.
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Bourdeau Space Horse front shot](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Bourdeau-Space-Horse-front-shot.jpeg)
It was a damaged All-City Spacehorse, left for dead and heading to the proverbial glue factory to be done away with. Jarod stepped in and saved it, and built some extra utility and versatility into it. Perfect!
Omnium Cargo Bikes
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Omnium Cargo bike](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Omnium-Cargo-bike-1.jpeg)
This was a really nice cargo bike that I could see myself enjoying. Omnium was started in 2012 by founder Jimmi “Jimbo” Bargisen, a bike messenger since 2002. He designed his dream bike in the Omnium cargo bike. This was nice to see a lot more cargo-type bikes at the Sea Otter this year.
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Omnium Cargo bike tourer full shot](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Omnium-Cargo-bike-tourer-full-shot.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Omnium Cargo bike tourer message](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Omnium-Cargo-bike-tourer-message.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC Omnium Cargo bike tourer side back](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-Omnium-Cargo-bike-tourer-side-back.jpeg)
As the needs of cyclists are changing, so is the expectation of what a bicycle can do. I also took some shots of an Omnium that is fully loaded and looks like it is ready for a tour across all of the countries.
K-Edge Brings Their Chips-N-Salsa Trailer!
![Stuff I Liked at SOC K-Edge trailer the boys](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-K-Edge-trailer-the-boys.jpeg)
It’s not really a trailer dedicated to the enjoyment of chips and salsa, but man, it’s sure perfect for that pastime! Bringing their trailer was not only easier than using an Easy-Up for K-Edge to set up their displays, but it looks pretty pro-level displaying your goods out of such a fancy trailer.
![Stuff I Liked at SOC K-Edge trailer inside](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-K-Edge-trailer-inside.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC K-Edge trailer chips and salsa](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-K-Edge-trailer-chips-and-salsa.jpeg)
![Stuff I Liked at SOC K-Edge trailer display cases](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stuff-I-Liked-at-SOC-K-Edge-trailer-display-cases.jpeg)
The trailer was built and put together as a labor of love by K-Edge owner Eric. And I’m here to tell you, he did an amazing job! I dug it and spent more time than I should’ve sharing stories and enjoying the chips, salsa, and beers – something that has become an anticipated Sea Otter tradition between us. Kudos guys!
Don’t worry SOC Officials, the trailer is on plywood, and the grass is fine.