Cass Gilbert

The Hammerhead Karoo 2 promises a gorgeously detailed display and a host of training features. But is this premium device also suitable for bikepackers riding on and off the grid? For this long-term review, Cass tries it out on extended bikepacking trips and day rides to see if it’s enough to tempt him away from his trusty Wahoo…

From the minds at Tailfin in Bristol, UK, comes yet another option in the brand’s growing, modular and waterproof bikepacking range. The Tailfin Cage Pack is available in three sizes, from 1.7L to 5L, and features nifty Speed Hooks that take much of the fiddliness out of similar bag and cage style setups. Cass got the chance to check them out before their launch for this review…

Built for a potter in Bristol, UK, the Clandestine Green Lane Rouleur is a bike that aims to connect the byways, bridleways, and green lanes of the Bristolian countryside, in both style and comfort. Pi Manson shares the thought process that went into the bike, details of its countryside-friendly mudguards, and insights into the Cleland Cycles school of bicycle geometry that influenced its design…

As Oaxaca’s eco centres open their gates to outsiders, Cass heads back into the mountains to re-ride a familiar route with new friends—and a dog in a trailer behind him. Doing so reveals that even in the height of the dusty dry season, the Sierra Norte remains awash with life, as long as you take the time to look around you…

We talk cargo bikes, Border Collies, and tree planting with JC, Zaïna, and Basquiat – aka Cargodoggo. Find out how Basquiat and JC found each other, how Zaïna’s identity as a BIPOC rider has shaped her newfound love of bike touring, and how the Cargodoggo team got into dogpacking. Plus, check out a gallery of their photos from the San José del Pacífico Grand Dirt Tour and glean sage dogpacking advice, should you be inspired to do the same…

Newbie dogpackers Cass and Huesos share their experiences – and experiments – in cratepacking. Read on to find out all the details of their current setup and those they aspire to, along with a selection of photos from recent dirt road rambles in Oaxaca, Mexico…

While fostering an abandoned pup rescued on a trail ride, Cass heads out with human and canine friends into Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte. Read on to discover Huesos’ tragic origin story, along with dogpacking tips, a packlist, and a mini-review of the K9 Sacks backpack used on the trip…

It’s always a pleasure to meet up with old friends. Cass enjoys the chance to entertain a bikepacking and foodie amigo in Oaxaca, the perfect locale to ride bikes and eat fine fare. And Cale brings a wonderful custom Waltworks along for the trip. Read on to find more about Cale and his partner Melissa’s bikes, complete with S&S couplings, portage handles, and back-friendly geometries…

As a cyclist with over two decades of all-weather commuting, and a veteran of ten Arrowhead 135s – Minnesota’s winter ultra race – we asked Dave Gray, former Surly product designer and general off-grid survivalist, to share his packlist and tips for winter bikepacking…

Cass shares his rundown of gear favourites and more from 2021, including mini panniers, a magic carpet bike, a burly cargo rack ‘n’ milk crate, shiny carving knives, a memory catcher, and bikepacking with a once-abandoned hound…

After relocating to Mexico, Cass Gilbert rediscovers the joy of cycling in sandals in the dry season and the rainy season alike. For those planning to ride the Baja Divide this winter, or heading to a similarly warm locale, read on for his full review of Bedrock’s Cairn 3D Pro II sandals…

Joining the ever-growing ranks of Tailfin gear comes the Mini Cage, a chopped-in-half version of their Small Cargo Cage that’s designed to carry anything from an inner tube, to a tool kit, to a water bottle, to a Nalgene bottle. Cass Gilbert spent a few months with one permanently affixed to his bike, and reports in for this review…