Neil Beltchenko

Just announced, the completely redesigned Industry Nine Hydra2 hub offers a burlier axle, improved bearing design, 60% less coasting drag, and a whopping 870 points/0.41° of engagement. We had the chance to put several hundred miles of trail riding and bikepacking on one ahead of today’s release. Find our full Industry Nine Hydra2 review here…

Garmin just released its 2024 report on satellite messenger SOS calls, detailing who made the calls, where they originated, what activities were involved, and more. In our latest YouTube video, Neil shares some insights and unpacks trends from the data. Watch it here…

With today’s launch of the Old Man Mountain Hemlock Fork Packs, we take a look at the four preeminent quick-release fork pack options on the market in this video review roundup. Find it here…

After testing both the inReach Messenger and the new iPhone satellite messaging feature on a recent trip, Neil had a realization that could save him money, space, and frustration. Find out what he learned in his latest video…

In his latest video, Neil shares a detailed walkthrough of how he loaded up his new Goodday Curiosity hardtail for a five-day winter bikepacking trip along the Fool’s Loop in Arizona. Watch the video and find a list of everything he packed here…

During a recent bikepacking trip in Arizona, Neil checked with his riding companions Joe Cruz and Willie Hatfield who tackled the route with ultra-minimal sleep setups. In our latest video, he sits down with them to hear the thought process behind their bivy-centric gear choices. Watch it here…

Ever wonder what to wear while bikepacking? You’re in luck! In this video, Neil shares his bikepacking layering system, including what he wears on the bike, at camp, and in wet or cold conditions. Plus, he highlights key tips to help you plan a layering system for your next adventure. Watch it here…

Does its unique five-pivot (!?) suspension design make the Revel Rascal a more versatile trail bike than most others in its class and a better climber than many XC-oriented bikes? Neil shares his thoughts on the latest version in his full review here…

In our first video of 2025, Neil dives into some key bike industry trends and topics he’s keeping an eye on for the year ahead. From bikepacking routes and bags to new standards, plus more serious issues like the “doom and gloom” surrounding the industry, Neil covers it all. Watch it here…

Though he’s gone back and forth on using dynamo wheels over the past decade, Neil finally sat down to take an in-depth look at the pros and cons these rotationally powered systems offer. With additional photos from Josh Meissner’s dynamo hub guide, Neil gives his insights from years of racing and running dynamo wheelsets…

What’s the deal with these long top tube bags? With the launch of Tailfin’s Long Top Tube Bags today, Neil digs in to find out and shares his thoughts on the trend, exploring the pros, cons, and several of the options available on the market. Find it all here…

The season for end-of-year roundups is here! In Neil’s 2024 Editor’s Dozen, he shares his favorite gear from 2024, tested through the Arizona winter, summer in the Midwest, and countless overnighters and day rides around Colorado. These standout items truly earned their place as gear worth mentioning. Dive in here…