Bikepacking Gear

Always caught between wearing clipless shoes in public and subjecting a pair of street shoes to the harsh tops of clipless pedals, Nic has long sought a viable alternative for his mostly clipless stable of bikes. In his Redshift Mousetrap review, he tries to figure out if these SPD adapters are a worthwhile alternative to flat pedals…

From the makers of JACK the Rack, the new WholeGrain Cycles CLIFF is a handlebar-mounted cradle that secures with just two straps and fits virtually any bike. We’ve been testing a CLIFF and the matching CARRIE harness ahead of today’s launch to see how well they work together. Find our review of the CLIFF and CARRIE here…

“What rack is that?” is a question we hear almost daily. Lately, the answer has often been the Restrap Switch Rack. After a couple of months of testing this modular, axle-mounted system and its Rack Cage platform, we share thoughts on fit, function, compatibility, and how it stacks up against other modern rack options. If you’ve spotted it and been curious, find our full review here…

The new microSHIFT Advent MX and MX Black groupsets are a redesign of the brand’s budget-focused Advent and Advent X systems. With claims of better shifting, increased durability, and a wider range, Neil put this fresh mountain bike group through its paces to see if it delivers the same affordable quality. Find his video and written reviews here…

Teravail’s latest cockpit launch includes a flat-bar combo that caught our attention. The Moonstone Bar has bold, moto-inspired dimensions, and the Lytho Lock-on Grips feature an unusual finned design that smooths trail chatter. We’ve been riding both ahead of today’s release, and there are some interesting details to point out…

Teravail is expanding its product lineup to include new drop bars, dropper posts, and more. We had a chance to take a look at the new Teravail Telec Dropper Post, the drop-bar Telec dropper remote, the new Teravail Feldspar handlebar, and Radia bar tape ahead of today’s launch. Find our first look and details here…

Having used many of the high-quality mechanical disc brakes on the market, Nic sought to round out his experience with the top-end Paul Klamper. In his review of the lauded, mechanically actuated disc brake, he walks through the benefits and drawbacks of the American-made caliper and whether its design still stands out a decade after its release…

After years of trying various techniques and packing styles, Neil shares the latest version of his layering system. For an in-depth breakdown of every element of his lightweight, all-weather-oriented kit, watch the video below…

With plenty of overlap between the backpacking and bikepacking worlds, Neil recently tested some alternative water storage solutions that have proven popular among backpackers. From compatibility with water filters to ease of use, Neil walks through the pros and cons of six bottles that stood out after months of extensive testing. Find his video and breakdown of each bottle below…

With so much technology integrated into our daily lives, it can be challenging to know which devices actually enhance our outdoor experience. From activity trackers to GPS devices, tech has inextricably changed outdoor recreation, for better and worse. In his COROS Nomad review, Nic tries to determine whether this sports watch is a meaningful companion for his time outside…

With dozens of options cropping up in the gravel and XC space over the last few years, Nic has spent significant time trying to find the ideal tire that’s light, durable, fast, and offers plenty of grip. In his Vittoria Peyote review, he finds out whether these XC race tires tick all the boxes…

Building on the original 9L version, the new Old Man Mountain 12L Atlas Rack Pack offers more capacity, an air-purge valve, side pockets, and a welded, waterproof construction. Find details and our first impressions on the larger Atlas Rack Pack here…