Cass Gilbert

In our fourth post about France’s 2021 Concours de Machines, we hone in on five more builders, learn the story behind their bike and its design challenges, and share detailed photos of each of these unique rigs. From crafty folds and upside-down forks to tasty morcels like integrated charging and homemade tents, find out all about them here…

In our third post about France’s Concours de Machines, we hone in on five builders, learn the story behind their bike and its design challenges, and share detailed photos of each of these unique rigs. What’s more, one of them is even for sale! See more here…

In our second report from the 2021 Concours de Machines, we showcase images of all the bikes, explain the format of this historical event, and share photos from a weekend of riding, camping, and talking bikes and bikepacking…

In part 1 of our coverage of the 2021 Concours de Machines in France, we check out PechTregon Cycles’ wild and feature-packed Luguru adventure bike, complete with its folding frame and handlebars, built-in stove fuel, integrated spare derailleur and friction shifter, and “octopus” Headshok-upcycled fork…

Documenting a bikepacking trip through photography can be a creative and rewarding experience. For some, it’s almost as enjoyable as the riding itself! But what’s the best way to carry a camera on a multi-day adventure, so it’s protected from dust, water, and vibrations but still easy to grab and use? Find our guide to the subject here, including our team’s preferred options and input from some of our camera-toting contributors…

Can there be a more poetic swansong for your favourite old mountain bike – the one you could never bring yourself to part with – than transforming it into something completely wondrous and magical? Cass remembers touring on his On One Inbred of yesteryear, and after painfully witnessing its dismemberment, rejoices in its imaginative reanimation…

Designed to work with their own baggage system and racks from other brands, Tailfin’s 5L and 10L Mini Panniers are the latest addition to an ever-expanding range. Cass Gilbert tried out a sample set for a few months before their official launch. Read on for full details on how they performed and some longterm feedback on the AeroPack itself…

Five years after his last custom framebag, Cass Gilbert tries one of Buckhorn’s made-to-measure bags for size, adding a splash of color to his bike. He talks about the bag, the process of ordering one, and considers why going custom can be such a satisfying experience, especially when the maker is local and rides the same trails as you do…

Jones’ SWB and LWB Completes feature significantly improved build kits… but the price has gone up too. Find all the details here, along with an analysis of the changes…

How best to carry a camera on a bikepacking trip is an age-old quandary. With its wide range of options and price points, PS Bagworks’ interchangeable Rider Strap and Wrist Strap have been working out well for Cass Gilbert. In this review, he explains why…

After a two-week tour through the Oaxacan mountains, Cass Gilbert gets the lowdown on Cjell Moné and his custom 5-speed La Roca, complete with an attention-grabbing Lefty fork. We ask him where he and his distinctive brand, Mone Bikes, are headed next. And we talk bread trucks, coaster brake hop-up kits, ’80s mountain bikes, and getting more people on bikes…

Cass Gilbert gives us a rundown of the only bike he’s ridden for the last 18 months, a dreamy Jones SWB. Find out what parts have worn out and what he’d do differently next time. Also, check out his complete lightweight gear list for relaxing weekend trips into the nearby mountains and exploring his new home. Read on for more…