The Sea Otter Classic returns to Monterey, California in April for the 27th edition. It’s one of the world’s largest cycling events and features the largest consumer bike expo in the US. To celebrate, Paul Components hooked up with their favorite brewer, Sierra Nevada, on a project that will slate your thirst for fresh candy anodisation.
Sierra Nevada’s iconic green Pale Ale is the preferred brew for quenching a post-ride thirst, and Paul and the Team at Paul Components Engineering have been drinking it since, like, forever. As an example, when they found a batch of Blue Balls — a seat binder bolt produced from 1992-1994 — they were buried in a Sierra Nevada carton.
Paul loves a good collaboration as much as a Pale, and his passion for US manufacturing is well-documented, so a plan was orchestrated to connect as many small businesses involved as possible. Naturally, a bike that pulled together the specialities of everyone was the solution.
Sacramento’s Squid Bikes were keen to get on board, offering one of their Shred To Ed’s frames and full custom paintwork. It’s a locally-made aluminum frame that’s basically a big BMX, perfect for ripping down to the liquor store, in fact, ‘Ed’s’ is the name of Squid’s favorite bottle shop.
Petaluma’s White Industries jumped in with their legendary cranks, chainrings, bottom bracket, freewheel and their new headset. Velocity rims weren’t far behind with a pair of their bombproof, US-made Dually rims. All of the ingredients were taken to the anodisers to be hit with a beautiful, sparkling, Pale Ale Green.
Ironically, the current interest in anodisation is reminiscent of mountain biking’s era when the first Sea Otter Classic occurred. The bike will debut at the latest event over the weekend of April 19-22 and, if the contributors are any indication, it’s going to make a big splash. Who else is feeling thirsty?
Paul Components Website | Facebook | Instagram
