We were at Sea Otter, the sunny trade show in Monterey, California where the cycling world descended for the first big meeting of the year and that means new technology.
We’ve already kicked off our coverage with Tom Marvin’s recap of day one MTB highlights, plus a close-up look at the Bridge Bike Works stamped carbon bottom bracket.
Now it’s time for our first roundup of handlebar highlights, including an under-the-radar gravel bike from Pinarello, rim-brake wheels from Boyd, amazing kit from Attaqeur, and a never-before-seen road tire from Vittoria.
Pinarello Granger X gravel bike
Here’s a new but not new gravel bike from Pinarello: the Granger X.
This, the Pinarello rep said, was added to the lineup in late 2023 but has slipped under the radar given the recent launches of Pinarello’s Dogma X and Dogma F road bikes, as well as the Nytro electric road bike. These have been intense months for the Italian brand.
The Granger X joins the lineup as Pinarello’s second-tier gravel bike, sitting below the Grevil F.
Here’s how Pinarello’s nomenclature works now, with F (Dogma F, Grevil F) denoting the flagship bikes and the upcoming F (Dogma F, Granger X) endurance range.
Think of the Grevil F as the company’s fast gravel bike, with a Dogma-inspired frame shape, while the Granger X takes a more no-nonsense approach.
The Grangers frame is made from Pinarello Toray T600 carbon fiber, has top tube and fender mounts, and uses a round seatpost, so you can fit a gravel dropper post. There’s clearance for 50mm tires (or 2.2 inches with 650b wheels).
The bike we saw on display at Sea Otter, with a Shimano GRX 600, costs $3,800.
Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tyre
We’ve known for months now that Vittoria has a new road racing tire on the way, the Corsa Pro.
It has been used extensively on the WorldTour circuit with victories in Milan, San Remo and Paris Roubaix under Mathieu van der Poel, although it has not yet been officially released by Vittoria.
However, with the new Corsa Pro on display at the Sea Otter (a public show, not just a commercial affair), a release is certainly imminent.
What we didn’t know is that Vittoria will offer a second version: the Corsa Pro Control.
The Vittorias Control line typically offers more puncture protection.
In the current range, there is the racing tire Corsa and the equivalent Corsa Control.
While Vittoria representatives gasp, we can assume the same here, with the Corsa Pro likely to be the race day tire and the Corsa Pro Control a lively everyday option, with added puncture protection and /or the side.
The tread pattern is also different, with the Corsa Pro Control adopting an interrupted herringbone pattern on the outer edge of the tread, as opposed to the more minimalist grooved tread pattern of the Corsa Pro.
We also saw a Corsa Pro on display in a 24c size, so we can rest assured that Vittoria will continue to support narrower sizes with this new tire, as well as the 28-32c tires we’ve seen on the pro scene so far this year.
K-Edge computer stands
K-Edge had a number of new exterior mounts on display at the Sea Otter.
First, K-Edge is now offering a Hammerhead Adapter Kit, which allows riders to mount a Karoo 2 computer to an existing K-Edge front mount. The kit will be available from June.
Next, there’s an integrated front mount that fits Roval’s new one-piece cockpit.
With one-piece streamlined cockpits now all the rage, K-Edge have to produce a range of slightly different mounts to suit individual projects.
Expect to see this Roval option on display at the Giro d’Italia, with availability later.
Finally, if you need some new jewelry for your bike, the latest limited edition K-Edge mounts are available in purple, silver and blue.
Cane Creek Front Attack
We stay with the computer mounts, this time with a new option from Cane Creek.
It is a front stem, designed to be attached to the bicycle stem faceplate using extended bolts. Cane Creek claims it is compatible with stem bolts spaced from 22mm to 35mm.
Cane Crake describes the stand as a modular option, with the ability to adjust it in four positions: via top or bottom stem bolts and, thanks to the stand’s flip-up body, tilted up or down.
Comes with adapters to fit Garmin Edge or Wahoo Elemnt bike computers.
The mount itself is made from aluminum, with stainless steel bolts, and weighs a claimed 40g. There’s also an optional accessory mount (11g) for GoPro cameras and the like.
The Cane Creek Computer Mount costs $74.99, while the Accessory Mount is available separately and costs $19.99.
Boyd Altamont rim brake wheelset
Long live rim brakes!
That’s the opinion of South Carolina-based Boyd, with the brand continuing to support rim brakes with a new road wheelset, the Altamont.
Boyd is bringing production of all of its aluminum wheelsets back to South Carolina, including the Altamont.
The Altamonts rim is 27mm deep in the front and 31mm in the rear. The internal width of the rim is 21mm.
Those rims are laced to Boyd 85 Road hubs with Pillar Wing 20 spokes and Pillar brass nipples.
Claimed weight for the wheelset is 1,510g and they cost $725.
Attacker Erosion kit
Finally, for now, clothing brand Attaquer has a new design option for its race kit.
Want to stand out on the group ride? The Erosion line includes these Acid Lime Bib Shorts ($225), paired with a Shale/Lime Short Sleeve Jersey ($155).
The range also includes a Pebble/Orange Short Sleeve Jersey ($155) and an Asphalt/Lime Long Sleeve Jersey ($175).
