Is this the year of the 32″? Who knows? I mean, we’re not there yet, but I feel like I hear the 32″ wheeled train blazing a big wheeled trail towards Monterey, CA. I’ll be stoked to see all of the innovations in the 32″ wheel dept. by all the different brands. And no, I’m not grouchy about it. I think it’s exciting, albeit a bit frustrating sometimes, when the industry finds a new standard that could improve/change the rider experience for the better.
So, with that being said, I would guess that you guys will be reading about a bunch of new 32″ tech that the crew will be covering in the next few weeks. Speaking of the Bikerumor crew, the whole U.S.-based crew will be covering the show this year. Zach, Travis, Jeremy, Jordan, and I will be present and working the show. That’ll for sure be a good time.
Have a 32″ Wheeled Opinion?
I don’t… yet. There hasn’t been an opportunity for me to ride a 32″ wheeled bike, yet. I mean, I do have some initial thoughts on the matter, but I don’t really have a hard opinion yet.
But I bet you guys do. I, for one, would love to read your opinions, so drop ’em below..
We do have some 32″ bikes inbound for testing, so, stay tuned for that. Other than that and the other 32″ wheeled stuff we’ve covered, you’re definitely going to have enough 32″ stuff to read about (and some 30.5″ too!).
We Love the Sea Otter Classic
This is a really fun event to cover. And unofficially speaking for the whole crew, we all love to go. This year marks my 10th consecutive year covering the event for Bikerumor. It’s not really totally about the bikes and parts. It’s about finally seeing the people you’ve been calling and emailing all year, in person, sometimes seeing them again, or finally being able to put a face to the name.
The Sea Otter Classic is now called “the biggest cycling festival in the world”. It has been in existence since 1991 and has been officially called the Sea Otter Classic since 1993. It’s also considered the start of the race season.
For me, it just feels like home. Like a big family reunion and a giant group hug. There is a tremendous passion for bicycles and bicycle culture at this event. And I absolutely eat it up.
It seems to be getting larger and larger every year, and it takes a lot of work to get you guys the good coverage that you want. But for us, that’s the nature of the beast, and for me personally, it’s a real labor of love. For our readers, get ready for an onslaught of coverage, and we hope you’ll love it.
Stay Tuned!
To quote myself from my 2023 piece about the Sea Otter Classic:
“I guess I just wanted to say cheers to the bicycle lovers….all of you. Both in and out of the industry. I wanted to lift my hand off the handlebars and wave to you as you pass. Raise a frothy pint of brew to you, and to your style of riding. Nod my head to your discipline of choice and your efforts being put forth. The thinkers, tinkerers, inventors, enthusiasts, pros, amateurs, the shop guys, the wrenches, the game changers, the fellow retro-grouches…all of you. We are, after all, in this together. See you out there.“
That’s it. Stay tuned here for the coverage starting later this week.
