Sea Otter 2021 – Walkabout Day 1

During my Walkabout on Day 1 at Sea Otter 2021, I saw some exciting products from FSA, Outbound Lighting, Vvolt, SQlab, and MRP.

FSA KFX SIC Integrated Handlebar

The FSA KFX SIC (Stable Integrated Cockpit) 1-piece handlebar is the complete race-ready cockpit.  By integrating the bar and the stem, FSA has eliminated unnecessary hardware and components. The result is a lighter weight system with increased strength in a visually stunning package. ICR (Integrated Cable Routing) compatible allows up to 5 cables or hoses to run internally, resulting in a clean, Integrated Cable Routing solution for frame and bicycle brands.

• Width 780mm, Length 65mm, Back Sweep 9°, Up Sweep 5°, Rise 5mm, 265 grams.

FSA KFX Modular Crankset 1X

FSA is proud to launch the brand new KFX range, bringing a new selection of lightweight and stiff components for mountain bikes. The pinnacle of the new range is the KFX 1x crankset. The KFX modular 1x superlight aluminum MTB crankset is created through an innovative manufacturing process that dramatically reduces weight while increasing stiffness. The hollow construction begins with forging, then precision CNC machining, culminating with advanced bonding technology. The blend of strength and stiffness gives a performance and lightweight ideal for riders seeking a professional level, top of the line, crankset.

• AL7075 100% CNC chainrings, Chainline – 51.8mm, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38T, 520 grams

FSA GRID Modular DM Crankset 1X

GRID is FSA’s alloy group specifically targeted to the budget-conscious yet demanding Enduro rider. This lightweight group was developed with our sponsored riders to ensure authentic trail-ready performance without breaking the budget.

• AL7075 chainring, 170mm/175mm, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38T, 695g

FSA Gradient Team LTD Stem

The Team OS35 Stem is a one-off design explicitly developed for FSA’s Enduro team riders. The minimalist design was optimized using FEA and validated on the most demanding trails. Short lengths to take advantage of modern long-reach top-tubes and slack head-tubes frames.

• 100% CNC machined
• CNC Faceplate
• No-Gap design
• Chromoly hardware
• 0° rise, L32, 40, 50mm
• Ø35mm handlebar clamp diameter
• 35mm fork clamp stack height
• Oil slick surface
• 123 grams (L35mm), 157 grams (L50mm)

FSA Gradient OS35 DH Stem

The new Gradient direct mount stem uses a “first of its kind” two-piece “helix” design to clamp the handlebar and attach the stem. This unique patent-pending design reduces hardware and unnecessary material. The result is a stout and stiff, lightweight stem.

• 35mm diameter handlebar clamp for additional control and stiffness
• Unique 2pc faceplate design combines both handlebar and fork clamping surfaces
• Length: 45mm
• Ø35mm handlebar clamp
• Extra-wide 68mm clamp
• 15-degree rise
• Direct mount stem
• Oil slick and sandblasted black anodized
• Weight: 173 grams (spacer) Ø35 x 45mm, 153 grams (w/o spacer) Ø35 x 45mm

Outbound Lighting Trail EVO

The Outdoor Lighting Trail Evo features an extreme beam pattern width thanks to the finely tuned blended Total Internal Reflection (TIR) optics, which creates a light shape to hit that perfect balance of peak brightness, smooth falloff, and insane peripheral coverage. The rock-solid bolt-on clamp mount has a slick snap-in installation system, making easy installation and removal.

Suitable for 150+ minutes of solid output and, should you need it, the ability to USB charge on the go

• Cree XD16 LEDs
• Batteries: Samsung 21700 cells
• Mounting Location: Handlebars
• Application: Trail Riding
• Runtime: 2.5hrs in Adaptive Mode
• Charging: USB-C with Pass-Thru Charging (0 to 80% in 3 hours)
• What’s in the Box: Trail Evo, Quick-Release Bar Mount, USB-C to USB-A Charge Cable, 2.5mm Hex Wrench, Instructions
• Lumens: Approximately 2100-2200
• Weight: 275g + 36g mount

Outbound Lighting Hangover

But slim does not mean dim. Some serious late-night thinking went into the Hangover, with countless hours prototyping the perfect beam pattern for trail riding. The resulting optics fills your entire field of vision with light, not just a spot down the trail. So, you can avoid what you want to miss and hit what you want to shred.

Suitable for 90 minutes of solid output, with the ability to USB speed-charge on the go, and yet only 100grams.

• Cree LEDs
• Battery: LG 18650 cell
• Mounting Location: Helmet
• Application: Trail Riding
• Runtime: 2.5hrs in Adaptive Mode
• Charging: USB-C with Pass-Thru Charging (0 to 80% in 60 minutes)
• What’s in the Box: Hangover, Quick-Release Action Camera Mount, Curved Helmet mount with adhesive pad,  USB-C to USB-A Charge Cable, Instructions
• Lumens: Approximately 900-1000
• Weight: 105g + 20g mount

Vvolt Sirius

The Vvolt Sirius models have a powerful mid-drive motor from Taiwan’s MPF drive with torque and speed sensors to deliver up to 350% rider power. Vvolt is the first brand to offer the MPF system to the US in commuter and fitness-oriented ebikes, making the selection due to their reputation for quiet operation and durability based on self-lubricating full-steel motor gearing.

Vvolt pairs this super-resilient engine with the most demanding transmission on the market: Enviolo’s CVT rear hub runs for tens of thousands of miles without requiring service. As with Alpha models, Proxima and Sirius drivetrains are linked by Gates Carbon Drive belts that run clean and silent without oil.

All models include a Bluetooth-compatible handlebar computer that syncs to an available mobile app with integrated speed/distance/range info and GPS navigation. Riders in hilly locales can also use the app to make their bike more responsive for tackling steep grades, while riders looking to maximize range can reduce motor sensitivity to add an extra layer of battery conservation.

• Frameset: Vvolt lightweight alloy, 100mm travel air-sprung suspension fork w/ lockout
• Motor: MPF Drive, 250w nominal / 500w max power, 80Nm torque, four assist levels plus walk mode.
• Battery: Celxpert removable internal mount, 10.4ah, 375wh
• Drivetrain: Enviolo CVP gear hub, 380% gear range, Gates Carbon Drive CDX Belt
• Wheel Size: 27.5″, max clearance 2.4″
• 2 Sizes: S/M, L/XL
• 3 Colorways- Slate, Chalk White, Mila
• MSRP: $2699

Vvolt Alpha

Volt’s entry-level models are the Alpha and Alpha S. With simple, one-speed gearing, it’s all about the ride, amplified by the Acer hub motor and silent-running belt drive. These models feature wide 27.5×2″ tires to tame any surface and excel on dirt roads and around town. At $1399, Alpha models are the most affordable ebike in the US market to feature the combination of belt drive, clean-lined internal battery, and powerful hydraulic disc brakes. The diamond-frame Alpha presents a traditional look, while the Alpha S offers a lower step-through frame, making it easier to hop on and off, especially when loaded with cargo.

• Frameset: Vvolt lightweight alloy, alloy fork with fender, rack, and accessory mounts
• Motor: Acer/Xplova rear hub, 350w nominal power, 45Nm torque
• Battery: Celxpert removable internal-mount, 10.4ah / 375wh
• Drivetrain: Gates Carbon Drive CDN, Singlespeed rear freewheel
• 2 Sizes: S/M, L/XL
• 2 Colorways- Slate and Chalk White
• MSRP: $1399

SQlab 6OX Infinergy ERGOWAVE Saddle

The remarkable thing about the new SQlab 6OX Infinergy ERGOWAVE active in the saddle’s foam, which is no longer made of classic PU foam, but of the BASF Infinergy material known from running shoes. This material is robust and brings comfort on a whole new level, especially in off-road conditions, due to its quicker recovery. The cover is not pulled over the entire surface of the saddle as in classic saddles. There are only “tapes” in the critical places. These are automatically attached to the Infinergy foam without any glue.

SQlab 610 ERGOLUX 2.0

The 610 ERGOLUX 2.0 was developed especially for the comfort-oriented mountain biker and the sports-oriented trekking rider. The two-stage wave shape, which has already proven successful in the sporty ERGOWAVE saddle shape, has been further developed as a comfort variant under the name ERGOLUX and is adapted especially to the requirements of the comfort-oriented bike rider. The 610 ERGOLUX sitting surface has been tuned to be slightly larger and somewhat softer. Despite a sportier look, comfort for the sitting bones and the ischial branches has been increased. With a moderate to a sporty sitting position, the first stage provides the perfect grip toward the rear and thereby assures direct force transfer to the pedals. The second stage accommodates the sitting bones, or the ischial branches that bear the load in the sporty sitting position, thus ensuring the best possible pressure distribution. The lower saddle nose thereby provides pressure relief to the sensitive structures and the branches of the pubic bones to the same extent in men and women. The SQlab active-saddle technology lets the saddle follow the pedaling motion as comfort increases, the vertebral discs are mobilized, and pressure on the sit bones is minimized. Pain in the lumbar spine, especially on more extended tours, can thereby be reduced.

MRP

MRP has a new coloring program for their forks called ShredKOTE, which utilizes a Cerakote finish. Initially, they’ll only have 12 colors for their fork lowers and crowns, with more options in the future. It will add a $149.95 upcharge to the regular fork price, though only $99.95 for the lowers. The Cerakote finish is a ceramic coating that adds protection from scratching and marring.