Components

Harking back to the good ol’ days of long bar ends and loud colours, the Onza Canis 27.5 x 2.85” Skinwall tires not only look great, but offer low rolling resistance and enough tread to tackle a wide range of trail conditions. Read on for our full review after riding dirt, sand, roots, and rocks across British Columbia, Colorado, and beyond…

After a long and bumpy ride with earlier versions of the Selle Anatomica saddle, we were happy to see the release a stronger and lighter Series 2 saddle frame. For this long-term review, we put a few thousand miles on the X2 leather skin and then swapped it out for the new heavier duty H2.

The Rekon+ is a 27.5 x 2.8” tire from Maxxis available with an eye-catching skinwall design. Spencer J Harding tested a pair of them to see how they stand up to the rigors of shred-sledding and loaded touring…

In celebration of another great year for the bikepacking community, we’re happy to announce our 2018 Bikepacking Awards. Part one of three recognizes gear that’s made a lasting impression in categories including Best New Component, Best Tools, and Top Five Bikepacking Bikes. Plus, some thoughts on the bikes that have captured our interest for 2019…

Fyxation’s Mesa MP Subzero Pedals are big, grippy, and designed around a durable nylon body with a chromoly steel spindle. Although they’re purpose-built with winter riding in mind, these pedals are certainly worth checking out if you’ve been considering giving flat pedal bikepacking a shot, no matter the season…

With the gearing needed for loaded bikepacking, SRAM’s 12-speed drivetrains are without a doubt intriguing. And, as more affordable groups and parts emerge, 1×12 is becoming increasingly attractive to bikepackers looking for a modern drivetrain. After 2,500+ miles on the Eagle X01 group and putting the 12-speed Eagle GX drivetrain through its paces in Georgia and Armenia, here’s our full review, complete with a detailed comparison, drawbacks, and a tuning how-to…

For those seeking a brief escape from the city – a microadventure, as UK adventurer Al Humphries calls it – the humble bivy bag is one of the most simple, discreet, and affordable ways of spending a night in the wilds. We check out two budget camping offerings from British manufacturer Alpkit, and consider both the joys and tribulations of bivvying in Europe…

OneUp’s Shark 50T expansion kit takes the popular Shimano 11-42 cassette and adds more gear range and smoother shifting. For those interested in (but without the budget for) SRAM’s Eagle drivetrain, the Shark 50T Sprocket and Cage Kit might just fit the bill. Here are Miles’ impressions after a few months of bikepacking, day rides, and dreams of someday tracking down the elusive Sharkeagle…

Interested in a large platform pedal? How about a massive platform pedal. Pedaling Innovations’ Catalyst promises a more comfortable ride and better performance with their 143mm design. Skyler Des Roches tested a pair over thousands of miles to see if those claims hold water.

Interested in converting a 700C cyclocross or touring bike into a 650B gravel bikepacking rig? Or maybe you’re just intrigued by 650B / road plus? With the promise of dirt-friendly tires and a more supple ride, there’s plenty to like. We took an Advocate Lorax and made the switch. Find out what we learned about 650B, everything you need to know about such a conversion, and details about the specific components we selected.

Teravail just unveiled their spring line, including skinwall versions of the 27.5+ Coronado, gravel-centric Cannonball, road plus 650B x 47mm Rampart, and Tour Divide ready Sparwood. Get the details here. Plus, our first impressions of the tan sidewall Sparwood…

Are you thinking of giving flat pedal bikepacking and mountain biking a go? At $50, Kona’s composite Wah Wah IIs may be the excuse you’re after. We took a set to Baja California to see if they’re as tough as they are affordable…