Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Neil Beltchenko
Associate Editor & YouTube Host
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Pipedream Sirius S6 Review
43 Dec 7 Neil Beltchenko / bikesHow does the slackest bike we’ve ever ridden perform out on the trail? The answer might surprise you. Learn more in our review of the Pipedream Sirius S6, the brand’s latest hardtail that improves on the S5 we reviewed last year with the same unique geometry rolled into a beautiful titanium frame with loads of mounts…
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2023 Triple Crown Challenge Recap + Interview with Katya Rakhmatulina
3 Nov 7 Neil Beltchenko / cultureIn this piece, Neil recaps the unprecedented 2023 Triple Crown challenge results, highlights the top finishers of the Arizona Trail Race, and sits down with Katya Rakhmatulina, who won the 2023 Arizona Trail Race 800 and set a new Triple Crown Challenge Record.
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Santa Cruz Stigmata Review: Seven Thoughts on V4
68 Nov 2 Neil Beltchenko / bikesThe Santa Cruz Stigmata, the brand’s longstanding gravel bike, was recently updated with new geometry and some intriguing features that further expand its capabilities. Version four (V4) was marketed for “big races, big distances, or big dumb rides,” and we couldn’t resist putting it to the test. Neil’s been extensively testing the latest Santa Cruz Stigmata for several months for this full review…
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14 Bikepacking Mistakes Everybody Makes (and How to Avoid Them)
68 Oct 20 Neil Beltchenko / tipsThroughout the past decade, our team at BIKEPACKING.com has learned from many mistakes, and we continue to make them from time to time. Here, we discusses these mishaps, reflect on what led to them, and offer some advice for avoiding similar misfortunes…
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Shimano GE5 Review: A New Perspective on Gravity/Enduro Shoes
5 Oct 16 Neil Beltchenko / apparelDespite their gravity/enduro label, Neil found the new canvas Shimano GE5 shoes to perform exceptionally well while bikepacking. In his latest video review, Neil shares his experience with them and what makes them a good multi-disciplinary shoe. Watch it here and find a written review, pros and cons, and a selection of photos…
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Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid XL Review
6 Sep 26 Neil Beltchenko / gearWhen bikepacking, your sleeping quarters are nearly as vital as your bike. After all, you often spend more time in your shelter than you do pedaling. In this review, Neil delves into pyramid shelters and, specifically, what sets the Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid XL apart as an excellent option for two people. Read it here…
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31 mi. / 50 km2 daysLost Canyon Overnighter
6 Sep 13 Neil Beltchenko USAThe Lost Canyon Overnighter offers a convenient loop that starts and ends in Gunnison, Colorado, taking riders through a fascinating geographical transformation. This 30-mile route begins in the arid high desert and ascends toward the Fossil Ridge Wilderness, a small but mighty range that tops out at 13,000 feet and is home to the preserved remains of many prehistoric sea creatures. Despite its challenging nature, this overnighter highlights the remarkable diversity of landscapes right in Gunnison's backyard... -
BikeYoke Sagma Review: A Suspension Saddle!?
16 Sep 6 Neil Beltchenko / gearCan a saddle with built-in suspension offer more comfort on long rides? The BikeYoke Sagma features integrated elastomers designed to reduce vibrations and remedy saddle suffering. In our latest review, we dig into the details after trail riding and bikepacking with the Sagma Carbon for several months…
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119 mi. / 192 km2-3 daysGunni Grinder
16 Aug 31 Neil Beltchenko USAThe 119-mile Gunni Grinder is a beautiful gravel bikepacking route highlighting Central Colorado's vast and varied landscapes via a short 2-3 day ride. It takes riders through rolling hills and mountain passes that abound with wildlife, desert flora, and high alpine forests. This journey combines well-maintained gravel roads with less-traveled doubletrack to make a fantastic gravel loop from the bikepacking hub of Gunnison, Colorado. -
REEB SST Review
21 Aug 29 Neil Beltchenko / bikesOver the last few months, Neil has put a ton of miles on the REEB SST, a unique steel full-suspension bike with 120mm of rear travel. In this review, he dives into what makes this Colorado-made bike stand out among a sea of options and discusses its distinctive geometry, specifications, and pedaling performance…
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Timon Fish Sets New Colorado Trail Record
14 Aug 8 Neil Beltchenko / newsLate Sunday, Timon Fish finished the Colorado Trail northbound route with an incredible time of just 3 days, 16 hours, and 13 minutes, setting a new fastest known time in the process. Find a brief post-ride reflection from Timon and a few photos from the route here…
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222 mi. / 357 km5 daysSage and Saddles: The Gunnison Bikepacking Loop
102 Aug 8 Neil Beltchenko USASage and Saddles is a week-long bikepacking route that travels through the incredibly diverse landscapes of Gunnison County, Colorado. The 222-mile route begins in the vibrant town of Gunnison and forms a spectacular loop by traversing the high sage desert to the south before turning north into the Sawatch mountain range. The route uses a variety of dirt roads ranging from smooth and fast gravel paralleling dreamy fly-fishing streams to chunky, high alpine doubletrack…
