Cass Gilbert

In this Rider and Rig, we catch up with dogpacking duo John and Mira shortly before the grand depart of the 2023 Tour Divide. Find out about John’s motivation to travel the world with Mira, learn why he chose to race this particular route, and enjoy a gallery of Mira in action. Plus, aspiring dogpackers can get granular with a detailed breakdown of their Pinion-powered titanium race rig…

If you’ve lamented the decrease in tire options for 27.5 and 29+ bikes, there’s finally some good news! Developed in conjunction with Jones Bikes, Duro’s chunky Crux is now available in 27.5 x 3.25″ and 29 x 3.25″ sizes, featuring new D-Tech casing and a tubeless-ready design. Find our review of the Duro Crux 29 and 27.5 here…

Convenience has become so second nature that we often seek it out without thinking, even in our outdoor adventures. If you’re disheartened by all the discarded packaging that seems to accompany the pursuit of the simple life, check out this fully updated guide to Low-Waste Bikepacking for hints and tips for reducing the trash you create on your next bike tour…

In this Rider and Rig, Cass Gilbert chats with airplane mechanic and self-confessed roadside scavenger Mason Steinbrueck about his 1991 Bianchi Advantage, an eclectic build that includes a homemade mushroom-themed framebag, a self-brazed front rack, a collection of orphaned dinosaurs, and many time-patinaed components with stories of their own…

In this review, Cass Gilbert and Neil Beltchenko check out Tailfin’s latest release, a range of five top tube packs available in three sizes and with two closure systems. As we’ve come to expect from this innovative brand, they find there’s far more to these bags than initially meets the eye…

Having used the original all-in-one USB-charging dynamo light over a number of years, Cass wires up its successor, the Sinewave Beacon 2, for a long-term review on the steep and bumpy roads of Mexico. Read on for his thoughts after almost a year of using it on multi-day bikepacking adventures and day-to-day transportation…

For our early Bedrock Mountain Clogs review, Cass and Virginia test both the Synthetic and “Eco Leather” version on the trails and streets of Oaxaca, Mexico. Read on for details on Bedrock’s latest all-terrain footwear…

In a world that idolizes the latest and greatest, we deconstruct Daniel Schmidt’s lightweight Salsa El Mariachi bikepacking rig built solely with second-hand parts and winter specials. We talk about his guiding company, Ramble Bikepacking, his trail work through the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, and how to avoid the perils of doomscrolling. And despite his “low-key competitiveness,” we discuss the value of allowing time to stop and interact with those around you…

As an end-of-the-year biking finale, Cass and Sage set their sights on the rugged and imposing Sierra Norte, the high country in which they both love to camp. This time, however, they’d pedal all the way up from their front door, ascending into the misty heavens with the power of their minds, a dozen memelas, 32 marshmallows, Imagine Dragons, two RC cars, and a Magic Bungee. And they ask: What was your first monster climb? The one that made you realise what you and your bicycle were capable of? Read their story here…

As part of our continuing “Best of 2022” coverage, Cass picks his favourite gear, both old and new, that has survived the vagaries of this year’s rutted roads and trails, along with some noteworthy themes that have stood out too…

Cass heads out for an overnighter with visiting bike travellers and celebrates the rich variety of pedalling machines that are always passing through town. He considers the dubious merits of the fabled Pan-American Highway, and wonders… how many punctures does it take to ride the quietest road?