Origin8, the house brand of J&B Importers, has aspirations of being more than just a house brand. J&B is making a push to expand the Origin8 product line into higher-spec areas, including carbon wheels and frames as well as growing areas of cycling like gravel.
At the 2018 Sea Otter Classic, Origin8 had a full selection of products on display aimed at gravel and monster cross enthusiasts.
Its shiny metallic orange carbon Hellcat CX/GX frame was fully dressed to show off this shift in Origin8 offerings.
Origin8's Hellcat CX/GX carbon frameset features clearance for 44mm tires, options for rear QR or thru axle, and if you wish, a shiny stainless steel flask and holder. 2018 Sea Otter Classic cyclocross and gravel new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
The T700 carbon frame is one example of the brand’s commitment to drop bar dirt riding. The carbon frame offers clearance for 44mm rubber, accepts either rear thru axles or QR through interchangeable dropouts (similar to Van Dessel’s ADD and Full Tilt Boogie).
QR or thru axle, the Origin8 carbon Hellcat can do either. 2018 Sea Otter Classic cyclocross and gravel new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
The company decked out the Hellcat with a full array of Origin8 gravel offerings. The wide, flared Gary dirt drop bar offers up a wide, shallow drop position to add some monster cross flavor to your cyclocross or gravel adventures.
Origin8's dirt drop Gary bar line adds flare to your monster cross build. 2018 Sea Otter Classic cyclocross and gravel new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
The company’s Wildfire tire aims to please both cyclocross and monster cross enthusiasts, with 33, 35, 38 and 40mm width options. The tire also comes in fatter 27.5" and 29er options. The tread has an uncanny resemblance to the Panaracer Comet 700c x 38mm tire, which we found makes a good monster cross choice despite not being tubeless-ready.
Origin8 offers its Wildfire CX and Gravel tires. The tread comes in 33, 35, 38 and 40mm widths, and sure looks a lot like the Panaracer Comet to us. 2018 Sea Otter Classic cyclocross and gravel new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
Want to add dirt drops to your mountain bike? Origin8 now has its Everland high-rise threadless stems. The stems come in 25 and 45-degree angles and in lengths from 60 to 120mm for proper dirt drop bar positioning. Keep in mind the 120mm length won’t feel nearly that long—simple trigonometry will reveal the true reach.
See a dirt drop bar in your future? Origin8. has a new Everland stem with 25 and 45 degree rises in 60-120mm lengths for a proper dirt drop fit. 2018 Sea Otter Classic cyclocross and gravel new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
Origin8 is pushing further into higher-end hoops and luxury items. The company now has high-end carbon Bolt wheelsets in both mountain, gravel and road configurations. The gravel tubeless rims are 21mm wide (internal), while the mountain model is 24mm. The gravel wheelset weighs about 1550g, and will retail for $1,400.
While the carbon hoops might help your performance, the company also proudly displayed its 6oz stainless steel flask and cage for your post-performance reflection or a social drink with friends. We’re not big fans of drinking while riding, but still kinda want one of these.
Origin8 is trying to move into higher price point and performance areas although its 6 oz stainless steel flask and holder might not help your performance. 2018 Sea Otter Classic cyclocross and gravel new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
See the gallery below for a closer look at Origin8's Hellcat gravel bike, Gary dirt drops, Wildfire tires and Everland high-rise stem.
More info: origin8.com
See what’s new this year with our coverage of the 2018 Sea Otter trade show.
Photo Gallery: Origin8 Hellcat CX/GX Bike, Wildfire Tires, Everland Stem
Origin8 is trying to move into higher price point and performance areas although its 6 oz stainless steel flask and holder might not help your performance. 2018 Sea Otter Classic cyclocross and gravel new products. © Cyclocross Magazine
