Neil Beltchenko

The Velo Orange Utility Bar and Rack is a unique front rack system that works on any bike and provides an adjustable L-shaped platform that can haul up to 15 pounds. The Utility Bar has a pair “alien-eye mounts” and a corresponding set of rider-facing mounts for even more utility. Neil has been testing the system for the past few months. Find his review here…

The Otso Fenrir Ti is a full two pounds lighter than the stainless steel version we reviewed two years ago. Find an in-depth review of the Fenrir Ti after 550 miles of bikepacking, gravel grinding, and trail riding in Utah and Colorado here, plus photos, a swappable build kit, and more…

Early this year, SRAM Introduced the Eagle Transmission, their hanger-less drivetrain built around the Universal Derailleur Hanger dropout standard. As with most of SRAM’s drivetrains, a trickle-down group was inevitable, and it has arrived today. Find the prices, weights, and our full review of the SRAM Eagle GX Transmission here…

In case you missed it in the route guide, we also published this fun video documenting the Hartman Rocks Overnighter in Gunnison, Colorado. Watch it here and find a few additional photos from the sub-24-hour route…

Each year, we publish the Rigs of the Tour Divide, showcasing participants’ bike setups and gear. This time around, 124 folks submitted their kits for our two-part mega gallery. In this post and video, we dive into the stats and share some interesting findings from tire size to drivetrains and from types of seat posts to how many riders used racks. Find it all here…

As we approach tomorrow’s grand depart of the 2023 Tour Divide, we get to speculate about who might be the frontrunners, which is always a fun part of this race because it brings so many different cyclists with varied backgrounds to Banff. This year is no exception, with some of the best athletes in the ultra-endurance realm soon to toe the line. In our latest video, Neil discusses a list riders he anticipates being at the front of the pack…

We’ve tested a lot of SPD shoes over the years, but with most of them built around a BOA closure or some similar fancy ratchet system, some riders find that they’re getting a little too complicated. In his latest video review, Neil goes back to laces with the Pearl Izumi Canyon SPD…

Key factors to consider in a bikepacking-worthy tent are packability, durability, and how well it can withstand the elements, all while being a comfortable place to hang out and sleep for extended periods. Neil found a good balance of all those things in the Mountain Hardwear Nimbus UL1, and in our latest video, he shares his experience with the brand’s lightest tent offering. Find that plus a comparison with eight other double-wall one-person tents here…

After a recent trip with friends where finding a suitable campsite added to the challenge, Neil made this video to cover some basic information on the subject. Watch his latest video with a bunch of insight on how to find a campsite while bikepacking here…

In “Sloppy Joe (with Cheese),” Neil Beltchenko takes viewers on a bikepacking trip to Moab, Utah, where Mother Nature served up a generous helping of the elements and a reminder that things are never guaranteed to go to plan. Although his group’s time on the trail left them soaking wet and covered in mud, it was a lesson in seeing the beauty behind even the messiest of experiences. Watch it here…

The Viral Dérive is a trail and bikepacking-ready titanium hardtail with a Pinion gearbox, Gates belt drive, and plenty of mounts. We’ve been testing one against “the theory of the Dérive” over dozens of trail rides and several bikepacking trips for this review. Find the video review alongside a photo gallery and some written thoughts here…