Hiplok Returns to Sea Otter Classic 2026
Sea Otter Classic continues to be one of the largest events in the cycling calendar (and a personal favourite of ours). It brings together thousands of riders, brands, media, and industry professionals.
For us at Hiplok it gives us the chance to connect face to face with our retail partners, distributors, and cycling friends from around the world.
The four-day show delivered everything from a packed out stand and crowd favourite 'Spin to Win' competition to gravel racing, brand collaborations and after-hours events.
Inside the Hiplok Stand
This year's stand design was built around the milestone of our 15th Anniversary. At the centre of the space was a visual timeline charting the evolution of Hiplok products, from our earliest innovations through to the latest high-security solutions.
Alongside the timeline, we also showcased a fully rigged out Ridley Kanzo Adventure bike display featuring our full range of mounting options. It was also the bike used by Hiplok Head of Sales to compete on the 60-Mile gravel race.
As well as our hero display there were plenty of opportunities for visitors to get their hands on Hiplok products, with the team on hand to demonstrate features, talk through real-world use cases and help riders find the right security for their needs.
Spin to Win
One of the big draws to the stand this year was our new Spin to Win competition. Running throughout the show, visitors were invited to spin the numbers on our oversized Hiplok Z LOK COMBO (link) and use the code to try to unlock a secured box full of Hiplok goodies.
It quickly became a crowd favourite. The challenge brought plenty of entertaining moments, while also giving people an understanding of how the Z LOK COMBO works in real life. Watching riders try their luck, guess the code, and celebrate near-misses (or wins) created constant entertainment around the stand.
The lucky winner, Nick, cracked the code and walked away with a full set of Hiplok ride essentials. From SWITCH (link) folding lock to the TRACK (link) AirTag™ holder. And they will help keep his bike secure wherever he rides.
Gravel Race Highlights
Hiplok's Head of Sales, Stuart, took on the Sea Otter Classic Gravel Race for the third consecutive year, with co-founder Ben Smith joining him for the first time.
The 2026 route featured two 30-mile laps across a stunning mix of Californian terrain, including tarmac, sand, and gravel. Each lap finished with a punishing 2-mile climb up 'Lookout Ridge,' with gradients ranging from 5% to 20%, followed by a sprint up the iconic Corkscrew.
"The weather was superb, which made the event very enjoyable. Fitness wasn't where I'd like it to be, so it was just about getting round, having some fun and soaking in the surroundings and the amazing route," Stuart said.
Brand Partnerships at Sea Otter 2026
Sea Otter is always a great opportunity to collaborate, and this year we partnered with some of our favourite brands, Beeline, Muc-Off, and Restrap, to offer a cycling bundle worth over $700.
Visitors could enter by scanning a QR code at the stand, with one lucky winner taking home a full setup including Hiplok SWITCH 105, RIDE SHIELD, TRACK, Z LOK COMBO, Beeline Velo 2, Restrap Switch Rack, and Muc-Off's Valet Bag Ultimate Bike Kit.
Beyond the giveaway, Sea Otter gave us the chance to catch up properly with brands, hear what they've been working on, and see their latest products in action.
Restrap
Restrap debuted their new SWITCH Pannier Rack, expanding their growing range of SWITCH system products.
The SWITCH system is designed to give riders flexibility in how they carry their gear. Whether that's carrying a lock or switching in accessories like bottle cages. They can easily be swapped using the same mount, depending on the ride.
As part of this, Restrap has become a long-term partner, integrating the SWITCH system into their gravel and bikepacking bags. Their latest range continues to build on this collaboration, adding more options to the ecosystem while maintaining compatibility with the same mounting system.
The new pannier rack supports additional carrying setups while staying true to the modular, adaptable approach behind SWITCH.
One of the standout moments was an after-hours event at AMG Cyclery, supported by Other Brothers Beer Co.
With around 100 people in attendance, the evening was lively and full of great energy. Riders and brands came together to connect, share stories, and get hands-on with the latest gear including the new SWITCH range.
A highlight of the event was watching a film by Restrap ambassador Josh Reid, documenting his incredible journey on the Tour Divide, a 2,734-mile ride from Canada to Mexico. Seeing the SWITCH pannier system put through that level of real-world testing brought the product story to life in a powerful way.
Muc-Off
Muc-Off played a key role both in the giveaway and behind the scenes. Their Valet Bag Ultimate Bike Kit was part of the prize bundle, and their on-site wash station proved invaluable throughout the event.
After long, dusty days (especially following the gravel race), being able to clean, protect, and relube the display bike made a huge difference. From thick Monterey dust back to a showroom finish, the results spoke for themselves.
Beeline
Beeline also contributed their Velo 2 navigation device to the bundle. It's a compact, minimalist GPS designed for intuitive navigation and ride tracking.
Throughout the show, the Velo 2 was mounted on our display bike, paired with its protective silicone case. Its clean design and rider-focused functionality made it a great fit within the overall setup, especially for gravel and adventure riding.
Watch Sea Otter Highlights Video
Want to experience it for yourself?
Watch our highlights video for a feel of everything that happened at the show. From the energy at the Hiplok stand and product demos, to behind-the-scenes moments with the team and Stuart and Ben taking on the gravel race. See how we show up at events, connecting with riders, and showcasing our latest security solutions.
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