Rocky Mountain Pipeline returns, Stan's goes even bigger, and more from Sea Otter

Held over four days outside of Monterey, California, the Sea Otter Classic delivers a wealth of new gear in addition to road, mountain and now e-bike racing. Here is a look at one old-is-new bike, plus some outright new technology as well.

Rocky Mountain Pipeline returns

Can the name that ushered in freeriding do the same for plus-size tires? Rocky Mountain’s original Pipeline defined the freeride movement of the late 1990s. Piloted by Rocky’s iconic Frorider team, consisting of Wade Simmons, Brett Tippie and Richie Schley, the legendary machine opened the eyes of crusty hardtail purists to the capabilities and insanity that a full-suspension rig with (relatively) slack angles and six big-hitting inches could deliver.

Today’s carbon Pipeline looks to offer the same eye-opening experience with its 27.5 x 2.8in Maxxis Rekon tires. The increased traction, stability, and confidence in ugly, chopped-up terrain from the plus-size tires allows riders, in Rocky’s terms, “to take the stupid line.”

Fat rubber lets riders “take the stupid line,” Rocky Mountain says

The Pipeline is based off Rocky’s Instinct platform, and features BC2 pivots, Ride-9 geometry and suspension tuning adjustments, as well as their SmoothLink rear end offering up 130mm travel. The front and rear axle spacing is Boost can swallow up to 3.25in tires.

Stan’s NoTubes new rims

Hope’s “because we can” bike

Marin Pine Mountain 1

Race Face Next SL G4 Cranks

BikeYoke upgrades old Specialized shocks

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

Rocky Mountain Pipeline returns, Stan’s goes even bigger, and more from Sea Otter