The Sea Otter Europe 2026 festival in Girona showcased a plethora of innovative gravel and mountain bikes, highlighting the industry’s commitment to pushing boundaries. Here are some of the standout releases:
Pinarello’s Updated Dogma XC
Building on its road racing legacy and Tom Pidcock’s successes, Pinarello unveiled an updated Dogma XC. The new frame offers a more versatile geometry, moving away from extreme angles, and incorporates less exclusive components to enhance its adaptability. However, this versatility comes at a premium, with prices ranging from €8,700 to €15,000.
Honda’s Entry into E-MTBs
In a surprising move, Honda introduced an electric mountain bike equipped with a Shimano motor. This model pays homage to Honda’s downhill heritage from over two decades ago, featuring a distinctive frame design. While details remain limited, the design has certainly caught the attention of enthusiasts.
Focus’s Aluminium Orbea Wild
Focus presented the aluminium version of the Orbea Wild, a model previously tested by Vojo. This variant offers the same performance and aesthetics as its carbon counterpart, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality without the carbon price tag.
Van Rysel’s RCR-G Gravel Bike
French brand Van Rysel introduced the RCR-G, a performance-oriented gravel bike. Distinguished by its high-profile wheels and Shimano Ultegra road groupset, the RCR-G is positioned in the All-Road category. Priced at €6,599, the limited ACE edition includes two wheelsets—one for road and another for gravel—catering to diverse riding preferences.
Megamo’s 32-Inch Gravel and MTB Bikes
Catalan brand Megamo, hosting the event in its hometown, showcased several new models, notably the 32-inch gravel and mountain bikes. These bikes mark a significant shift in wheel size trends, offering enhanced stability and performance.
Avona’s 32-Inch Gravel Bike
Engineering specialist Avona unveiled its first 32-inch gravel bike. The compact design, showcased in size M, features a proprietary crankset and new Schwalbe tyres, indicating a focus on performance and innovation.
Schwalbe’s 32-Inch Gravel Tyres
Schwalbe announced the upcoming release of its first 32-inch gravel tyres—the G-One RS Pro and G-One RX Pro—in April 2027. Available in 50mm and 55mm widths, these tyres aim to provide improved stability, traction, and comfort, aligning with the growing interest in 32-inch gravel bikes. (cyclingweekly.com)
Scott’s 32-Inch Wheel Integration
Scott’s latest models incorporate 32-inch wheels, reflecting the industry’s shift towards larger diameters for enhanced performance. These bikes are designed to offer a smoother ride and better handling on diverse terrains.
Marin’s Gestalt Entry-Level Bike
Marin introduced the Gestalt, an entry-level gravel bike featuring an aluminium frame and a convenient top tube bag. Priced at €999, it offers an accessible entry point into the gravel biking world without compromising on quality.
San Marco’s ‘Short Fit’ Saddles
Saddle manufacturer San Marco expanded its ‘Short Fit’ range, tailored for gravel and off-road riding. The new design features a ‘T’ shaped rear rail attachment, allowing for increased saddle movement and comfort. Prices for these saddles range from €79 to €159.
The Sea Otter Europe 2026 festival underscored the cycling industry’s dedication to innovation, with these releases setting the stage for the future of gravel and mountain biking.
Highlights:
- Schwalbe goes large with its first 32-inch gravel tyres – but where are the bikes to use them with?, Published on Friday, September 18