Sea Otter Europe 2026 – Robyn's impressions from Girona

For Robyn it was the first trip to Girona, and certainly not the last. Catalonia proved to be a very hospitable region, with open and warm-hearted people. The city lives and breathes cycling, and you can feel it on every corner. Sea Otter Europe itself is visibly growing. There were lots of visitors, the mood was positive and the weather was glorious. The sun was so strong that the products on the stands got really hot. The audience was a colourful mix: dealers, consumers, many families and true bike enthusiasts. Alongside Spanish dealers, a striking number of dealers from France were also there. Many media representatives were on site too, showing how important the show has become in the European calendar.

Robyn went to Girona to take a look at the market and spot the trends that will shape the industry in the coming years. One thing is clear: Sea Otter shows a strongly sport-oriented slice of the market. That is exactly why it is worth a look, because what emerges here often reaches the broader market a little later.

What caught Robyn's eye:

  • 32 inch has arrived: 32-inch wheels are a big topic, especially in gravel racing, thanks to higher speed, acceleration and good control. For smaller frame sizes, 30.5 inch is already being discussed.
  • Gravel, road and eMTB shape Spain: The Spanish market is strongly sport-oriented, with many e-mountain bikes. It was striking that mainly the high-end and entry-level segments were represented. A classic mid-range segment was hardly to be seen.
  • New drive concepts: Continuously variable transmissions for e-bikes (E-CVT) are on the rise. Many test bikes were set up as fast S-pedelecs. It will be exciting to see how well the technology works with the cut-off at 25 km/h.
  • Ergonomics for everyone: Shorter cranks, for example for women, and gearing for riders who ride in a sporty way but not necessarily at racing level are in demand. Robyn still sees gaps in the range here.

Conclusion: Girona is worth it, both as a show and as a place. Robyn came back with plenty of inspiration and one clear recommendation: if you want to make contacts here, you should speak Spanish or bring someone who does. Many visitors speak neither English nor German.

Adiós Girona – see you next time!

https://www.seaottereurope.com/
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