It seems that we were just here, and I was getting lost on my annual ride to Laguna Seca Speedway for the biggest show in cycling. I get lost every year commuting to the show…it’s almost a joke now. I think I know where I’m going, then… nope. More exciting than that, however, is the wild and wonderful gear and racing that the Sea Otter Classic brings to the cycling masses.
This year, I started off slow, looking passively for the elusive 32″ gear that fuels our comments section. But after a look, I was on a distraction sidequest, finding everything from shoes to new race fuel to racks. It’s a healthy mix – enjoy!
RSVR Hydration
So, do we even need a bag for the bladder? RSVR Hydration is pitching its pack as a body-integrated performance system rather than a conventional hydration bladder. The new bladder/bag is aimed at cyclists and endurance athletes who want hands-free hydration without the usual bulk and bounce. Plus, the hydration chamber is divided into three sections to reduce sloshing, which can be uncomfortable while riding.
It’s modular too. If you want to build a race-day-only pack, you can go with the bare bones version. If you’re looking to do a trial run, you can add some extra pieces to hold your gels. The options are pretty legit and smart.
Another highlight of a HeatSync design is intended to pull body heat away from the athlete.
They are on Kickstarter now, check them out here.
Updated Giant Footwear
It’s been a few years since Giant last refreshed its footwear. For 2026, they are coming out swinging with a full line of new footwear, ranging from entry-level injected nylon soles to full-carbon, top-of-the-line models.
Giant developed this new line completely in-house, making it more of a statement than before. The updated line uses Vibram rubber and new insoles with arch-support tokens. The updated shoes are shipping now and are available from below $100 to $270 for the Surge and Charge Ones.
Check out more at Giantbikes.com
New Rack From Tailfin
If you’re a fan of bike packing but not a full-on bikepacking rig, you’ll wanna check out Tailfin. They provide bike solutions without additional rack mounts and snap on/off with a quick, non-invasive mounting process. The current rack offering from Tailfin is the Cargo Pack or Speed Rack, both excellent options, but both are over $400. They are carbon fiber and very handsome looking. But something new is on the horizon.
The new updated Cargo Pack drops the carbon for alloy, and makes a few slight adjustments for a more cost-friendly version. It still has the same easy on/off, and looks very similar to the carbon version. But with some additional weight, less bling, and yes – less money. No price was given, but keep a lookout on the Tailfin site for a new drop.
Enervit Nutrition
If you’re a fan of World Tour racing and wild Eurocentric nutrition, get your Rapha wallet ready – Enervit has landed in the USA.
You can find all the best gels, bars, cherry juice powder, and more. You can find the full catalog on Feed.com and other fine purveyors of cycling nutritional gems. Enervit.cc
