Cass Gilbert

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?

Bikepackers are often drawn to the challenge of riding from Oaxaca’s rugged sierras to the pounding surf of the Pacific coast. But staying within its more mild-mannered valleys can be just as appealing, especially for family rides. Cass and his son Sage head out into the Valle de Elta, where dirt roads, experiential learning, and culinary delights await…

A custom cargo midtail made for a shepherd called Sean and his sheepdog Werner? Surely these are characters from a children’s book! Trust Pi Manson of Clandestine to bring such a whimsical dogpacking setup to life in his inimitable style. See it here…

Cass tests the Old Man Mountain Divide Rack in both its Taiwanese-made and MUSA forms. Read on for his full review after using it for over a year in several iterations: as a front rack, a rear rack, direct mounted to the frame, with the optional thru-axle kit, and hauling everything from panniers stuffed with gear to a dog in a milk crate…

Cass heads out on a well-loved local overnighter that promises a glorious spot for making coffee outside with a view. This time, however, he also broaches the world of e-bikepacking and wonders when it might have a place, whether it can be as immersive an experience as pure pedal power alone, and where e-bikes may play their most valuable role…

Cass heads out with Chad and his Mexico-bought “26 ain’t deaders,” complete with DIY bags, motorbike handlebars, dollar-fifty brakes, and a Dangle Boot. He ponders the essence of an ATB and wonders if perhaps we should all foster a vintage mountain bike in preparation for our planet’s uncertain future, and even load it up with homemade gear to celebrate the halcyon days of All Terrain Biking. Plus, find out what thrift-store specials have earned a place in Chad’s technicoloured bags…

Coinciding with Jones Bicycles’ 20th Anniversary, Cass knuckles down to write a long-term review of his dream bike, the Jones Titanium Plus LWB Spaceframe. After months of daily use, technical singletrack climbs, enduro trail descents, multi-day bikepacking trips, and even trailer pulling, he attempts to explain why the latest iteration of Jones’s iconic mountain bike is as special as it’s always been…

In our latest Rider and Rig, we catch up with Samer Abouhamad on his way down to Patagonia aboard his streamlined Bombtrack EXT. We talk Beirut, Redshift Kitchen Sinks, Crocs, cakes, and we even rescue a little puppy too. Plus, find Samer’s full gear list for his journey across the Americas…