The 2017 Sea Otter Classic kicks off on Thursday April 20th at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. The event attracts nearly 10,000 athletes and over 70,000 attendees. In addition to racing, there are many other non-competitive rides, clinics, and demo opportunities to test out new bikes and gear. This event is the major “season opener” for the bicycling industry drawing nearly 400 vendors and exhibitors. The four-day festival includes an international food court, entertainment, bike demos, activities for kids and families, free samples, new products and great bargains. If you haven’t attended, check out our “Weekend Planning” post for general event details and travel tips.
Sea Otter is an incredible opportunity to test out a variety of new bikes before making a purchase. You can speak with product managers to get first hand suggestions on bike models to fit your riding style and budget.
For most demo or test rides, you’ll need a helmet, valid ID and credit card to be used as collateral. Many demos are free, some may ask for a donation to a cycling related charity of advocacy group.
You must have a festival pass to enter the venue. If possible, order in advance and save a few dollars. 1-Day passes are $15, $20 at the gate. Children 12 and under will receive free admission.
Each brand has a slightly different protocol with their demo bikes. Be sure to follow these brands on social media to learn more and ask demo related questions. Find the full exhibitor list here, event venue map here.
Mountain Bike Demo Test Ride Opportunities
- Trek - Bikes available from their road, mountain and electric bicycle lines // Booth #427
- Focus - Be the first to see and test ride the game changing eMountainbike models JAM² and BOLD² stateside! Next to these spectacular bikes you´ll get the chance to also test ride their latest products such as the PARALANE, JAM, BOLD and O1E // Booth #740
- Giant & Liv - Free demos on new bikes, including e-bikes // Booth 653
- Felt Bicycles - VIP Ride with Mike King (Friday & Saturday Options). MUST RSVP online to reserve your bike
- Pivot Bicycles - Full demo fleet available // Booth #723
- YT-Industries - Their TUES, CAPRA and JEFFSY will be available in every size and spec // Booth #573
- Turner Bicycles - Full demo fleet available // Booth #609-612
- Proudfoot Cycles - Taking demo reservations. Contact them to book a bike // Booth #467
- Polygon Bikes - Ride a Square One EX // Booth #470
- Orange Bikes - Meet owner Ashley Ball and Sales Manager Jay Tolan, take out a demo bike // Booth #408 & #422
- Cycle Monkey - Demo bikes available // Booth #468
Things to Bring:
- Hydration Pack
- Wallet with ID and credit card to leave for collateral for bike demos
- Jacket
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Multi-tool to make small adjustments on your demo ride
- Your normal cycling shoes & pedals
- Backup battery to recharge your phone
- Note card with your current bike geometry, saddle height, shock pressure, etc. This will help the demo staff setup the test bike to match your riding style.
Is your brand demoing new bikes and gear? Let us know and we’ll add you to our list!
Check out our other Sea Otter posts for additional demo & event opportunities:
- Road/Gravel/Adventure Bike Demos
- Electric Bike (eBike) Demos
- Mountain Bike Demos
- Kids’ & Youth Bike Demos
- Gear & Accessory Demos
- Women’s Specific Clinics & Events
- Plan Your Weekend Sea Otter Classic Event Tips
Photo Credit: Trek Bicycles Facebook
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