Pedaling Nowhere

With our fall fundraising deadline just around the corner, we’re excited to unveil our latest Collective Reward dream build: a complete Sklar PBJ outfitted for just about any adventure. Built around Sklar’s versatile steel ATB frame, this special setup features Sklar’s PBJ handlebars, Lightweight Rear Rack, and Ti bottle cages, a custom Rockgeist frame bag, a Swift Industries Zeitgeist handlebar bag, and a pair of our bottles. One lucky winner will take it all home. Dig into the details here…

Beyond powering our work and helping secure the site’s future, one of the many benefits of Bikepacking Collective membership is exclusive access to hefty discounts of up to 30% from nearly 110 leading bike and outdoor brands. Browse our ever-growing list of partners below and join today to start saving…

German brand Tout Terrain is shaking things up with today’s announcement of its debut drailleur-based 29er, the Catalina, which is also its first model offered as a standalone frame kit. Learn more about the new Pinion-less Tout Terrain Catalina steel hardtail here…

This week’s Debrief features IKEA-inspired saddle bags, chrome Allygn racks, Apidura’s new long top tube pack, a fresh Kona Unit X, an escape from car hell, a Munda Biddi FKT, Tumbleweed merch, two events to follow live, and more. Find it all here…

Our Reader’s Rig of the week comes from Mer in Arkansas, who shares the 1996 DEAN Colonel she bought for $200 and thoughtfully rebuilt into a showstopper that balances budget-friendly and boutique bits. Meet Mer and see her DEAN here…

Neil has used tons of bags and gear-hauling systems over the years. From his days as a racer to his recent exploration of modern design, he has bins full of bags and racks that show how carrying stuff has changed since he started bikepacking. In his latest video, he digs through his boxes of bags and explains what worked, what didn’t, and why. Watch the full video below…

Drawing on data from its earlier steel and titanium hardtails, Spot Bikes has released a new Rocker Carbon hardtail. Designed to feel like a metal bike without the weight penalty, the Rocker packs a series of features that make it an intriguing option in 2026…

Yesterday, we gave Bikepacking Collective members first dibs on our latest fall merchandise drop, featuring fresh stickers, restocked tees and bottles, and returning favorites like maps and ATB sticker sheets. A few items have already been snapped up, but there’s still plenty left, and we’re now opening the shop to everyone. Browse the collection here…

Last night, Ted King became the first finisher at the 2026 Arkansas High Country Race, completing the challenging 1,020-mile route in just 4 days, 8 hours, and 58 minutes. Learn more about his record-setting ride here…

Our 258th gear giveaway comes from the small team at Revelate Designs in Alaska, who will hook up a couple of randomly selected winners with Burrote rack-top bags and matching Constrictor Straps. Find details on how you can win and sign up to support our work as a member of the Bikepacking Collective here…

Teased earlier this year through their Concept Labs program, Revel’s El Jefe Grande 32er is officially here. Based on the light, fast, XC-oriented 29″ El Jefe frame, the El Jefe Grande is a big-wheeled version that delivers the same idea. For more on this new 32er, read on below…

As riders in the Arkansas High Country Race settle into their fifth day of pedaling, Aaron Arnzen offers a detailed update on how the race is progressing. Find his report with photos from Aaron, Monica Foltz, and Kai Caddy here…

Rogue Panda just added a smaller version of the original Bamboo Shoots inner bar ends that are 25mm shorter than the version we tested. Learn all about the new Bamboo Shoots Short King version here…

Leigh Foster’s latest video chronicles a charming summer bikepacking trip around Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, a little-known but exceptionally beautiful region of rolling terrain dotted with small towns full of friendly people. Watch the 20-minute release here…