Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Neil Beltchenko
Associate Editor & YouTube Host
-
Santa Cruz Stigmata Review: Seven Thoughts on V4
69 Nov 2 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking 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…
-
14 Bikepacking Mistakes Everybody Makes (and How to Avoid Them)
68 Oct 20 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking GuidesThroughout 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…
-
Shimano GE5 Review: A New Perspective on Gravity/Enduro Shoes
6 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…
-
Mountain Laurel Designs DuoMid XL Review
6 Sep 26 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking 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…
-
31 mi. / 50 km 2 daysLost Canyon Overnighter
7 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!?
18 Sep 6 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking 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…
-
119 mi. / 192 km 2-3 daysGunni Grinder
20 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 / Bikepacking 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…
-
Timon Fish Sets New Colorado Trail Record
14 Aug 8 Neil Beltchenko / DispatchLate 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…
-
222 mi. / 357 km 5 daysSage and Saddles: The Gunnison Bikepacking Loop
160 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… -
Velo Orange Utility Bar and Rack Review: Utility Brack!?
11 Aug 1 Neil Beltchenko / AccessoriesThe 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…
-
Otso Fenrir Ti Review
22 Jul 20 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking BikesThe 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…
