Hiding among Sea Otter’s booth of new release parts and brand new bikes are all kinds of spectacular custom painted bike and more than a few very cool and very retro builds.
Here’s a few of the best builds at Sea Otter 2023 from mountain biking’s past and a couple from its future.
Continental / Fat City Cycles
Continental is enjoying a bit of a revival with the Kryptotal line of tires that landed at Sea Otter last year. With the expanding range of very capable youth bikes hitting the market, the German brand decided to make an equally capable 26″ tire to match. It also added new life to this Fat City Cycles Wicked Lite frame it had on display in its booth.
Brad Copeland’s black and gold Scott Super Trail
Copeland’s known as a mechanic to the stars, though he recently stepped back from the relentless travel of the World Cup scene to work closer to home at Hush Money Bikes. His official duties at Sea Otter didn’t involve wrenches at all. He was just there to say hi to friends and show off his incredible custom Scott. With gold accents from Ceramic Speed X and Better Bolts to match the black and gold paint scheme, this “Super Trail” version turned heads.
Gary Fisher / 12 Speed
12 Speed Products had a flashy XS Gary Fisher in its booth. The retro frame, mixed with modern parts, was actually showing off a Doormate remote garage door opener. 12 Speed’s new version mounts on a top-cap, making it compatible with mountain bikes.
We Are One – Arrival
Beautiful racing stripe details
Clean linework that extended the length of the frame
Not custom: every Da Bar / Da Stem combo comes in this velvet bag inspired by many Canadian’s drink of choice…
Back to the present day, We Are One recently updated its rim profile so the Kamloops, B.C.-based brand just had fun with a few custom frames. With racing stripes and a bright white base, this 170mm Arrival stood out among the sea of booths.
Ibis Szazbo
Ibis Szazbo
Looks complex but there are minimal moving parts. Just a lot of tubes
Anyone remember Noleen forks?
Triple chainrings once existed on mountain bikes
The Szazbo was Ibis’ first aluminum full suspension bike and the brand brings it to Sea Otter every few years. Repeat appearances don’t detract from this wild suspension layout and frame design. Who really misses the wild west days of mtb design?
Kool-Stop Penny Farthing
It’s Kool-Stop taking the cake for the most old-school bike at Sea Otter, though. What’s…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…