Nic Morales

After years of trial and error, becoming a competent home mechanic has added another dimension and a greater sense of freedom to Nic’s cycling experience. But following some recent incidents with contemporary bikes, he began to wonder whether the crucial sense of agency he’d found through tinkering was fading in the face of modern designs. In this piece, he tries to answer one simple question: Do bikes still make us free? Find out below…

Now in its fifth iteration, the Singular Peregrine is one of the small UK brand’s longest-standing models. With minor updates that enhance its bikepacking capacity and overall prowess, the new Singular Peregrine is a refined version of their fat-tire, do-it-all bike. For more on what’s new, dive in below…

Earlier this year, Fabian Furrer launched the Aper Gear APEX1 via Kickstarter—a small, ultralight tent that uses a bike in its setup. With plenty of interest and backing from its initial campaign, the Aper Gear store is now live, and the APEX1 is available worldwide. For more on the launch of the new site, find details below…

Wheels Manufacturing just announced new aluminum chainrings in four sizes, two tooth profiles, and seven anodized colors. Made for modern gravel drivetrains, these new chainrings are compatible with both Shimano and SRAM chains. Find details below…

The Velo Orange There and Back Rack features ample mounting points and a modular design compatible with a variety of bikes and packing styles. With an adjustable vertical position, the flexible stainless steel rack claims to work seamlessly on both the front and rear of bikes with the appropriate mounting points. After six months with one, Nic weighs in on whether it’s really as versatile as advertised. Find his Velo Orange There and Back Rack review here…

The Swift Campout is returning for the 12th year, bringing back its signature video competition and over $4,000 in prizes. Supported by Wilde Bikes and Garage Grown Gear, the latest version of the summer solstice campout promises to be an exciting one. For all the details on how to get involved, read on below…

In 2026, most brands seem to struggle to produce a worthwhile entry-level bike. But despite industry headwinds and rising costs, the Primos Mono launched last year as an $800 complete. A steel ATB with name-brand components for well under $1,000? Surely, there must be a catch. After an extensive test period, Nic decides whether this budget-friendly ATB is worth the fuss…

One of Schwalbe’s most popular gravel tires, the G-One RS PRO, is now available in a fresh 29 x 2.35″ width. Launched last week, this fast-rolling mixed-terrain tire has been a standout for those seeking both grip and speed. Find details below…

Launched earlier this year, the Restrap Switch Rack is an axle-mounted rear rack system made for all kinds of bikes. Based on customer feedback, the brand has released an adaptor kit that allows the axle-mounted system to attach to rear rack mounts. Find details here…

Long in the works, San Francisco’s Slug Bikes has finally launched its titanium hardtail, the Slug Gasser. Available in two mechanical build kits or as a frameset, this alluring hardtail features some interesting 3D-printed tech. For more, check out all the details below…

The Ritchey SuperLogic Mountain Bars are the brand’s latest carbon mountain bike handlebars. Available in three rise options, they could be a good way to add comfort and reduce weight at the front end of a bike. For more on these new risers, read on below…

The new Canyon Grizl AL is the latest version of the brand’s bikepacking-ready gravel bike. Capable of fitting 29 x 2.1″ tires, the new Grizl AL promises versatility and performance at a competitive price. For more, dive into all the details below…