Friday Debrief: Gear Hacks, Elkhorn Pre-Order, More Tour Divide, Pan Celtic Race, and More

We started “The Debrief” on our YouTube channel last year as a way of highlighting the week’s news and things that caught our attention on the website, in the conversation, and elsewhere around the community. To take this a step further, we’re posting a weekly Debrief here on the site to highlight all of those things and more, including upcoming events and interesting things our readers shared in the comments. Check out this week’s findings below.

Bits & Bobs

New products that are worth highlighting but didn’t make the Dispatch…

Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Pre-Orders

The versatile Old Man Elkhorn rack that we reviewed a couple of months ago is now available for pre-order from their website. The rack goes for $148 USD and OMM will start shipping racks on July 22nd. Find our review here.

$148 / Made in Taiwan / Details

King Cage Champagne of Cages Shirts

King Cage just released their new Champagne of Cages shirts, which seem like a fitting option for the maker of the some of nicest bottle cages out there. There’s a 3/4 sleeve and short sleeve T-shirt available with the new graphic, available in a full range of sizes up to XXL.

$26 / Made in USA / Details

SimWorks Tiny Bubbly Pedals

Created with their partner, MKS, SimWorks just downsized their standard Bubbly pedals to offer something a touch smaller. The Tiny Bubbly Pedals have a smaller body and cage, but are otherwise identical to the original, featuring the same butter-smooth spin and durability. We’ve been using the original Bubbly pedals since their release, and we can attest to their smoothness and beautiful aesthetics.

$98 / Made in Japan / Details

High Above Nova now in Black

The High Above Nova hip pack is a pared-down version of their Lookout pack. It features a sleeker and lighter design, is made from waterproof X-Pac material, and the bottle holder is integrated but easily folds away thanks to a neat magnetic Fidlock buckle. As always, the Nova is handmade in Washington and the new all-black colour is the latest addition to their lineup.

$90 / Made in USA / Details

WTB CZR Wheels now offered in 27.5″

WTB’s enduro-rated CZR wheels are now available in 27.5″ as rim-only and complete wheel options. They have a 30mm internal width, durable carbon construction, reinforced spoke beds, use traditional J-bend spokes, and WTB offers a lifetime carbon replacement policy.

$569-849 USD / Details

In Conversation

Exchanges and ideas that caught our attention in the site’s conversation section…

Half ‘n’ Half Pedals, Anyone?

In our recently published all-time favourite pedal roundup, there were some readers commenting on the usefulness of dual-sided (half flat, half clipless) for bikepacking. Lucas commented that he feels they’re more of a compromise than anything, and a little frustrating to spin into the correct position, while others say the ability to switch between pedal types has been great for long-distance rides, city riding, and keeping knees happy. Some of the options mentioned were the XT PD-T8000 and PD-EH-500 pedals.

Around the Community

News from around the bikepacking world…

2022 Tour Divide in the New York Times

The New York Times featured a comprehensive piece covering the 2022 Tour Divide earlier this week. The story centered around the events caused by unpredictable, extreme weather and the effects of climate change on the longstanding event. It’s worth a read. Find the full article over at NYtimes.com.

Events Starting Soon

What to watch this weekend and bikepacking events starting soon…

Catalunya Trail

The Catalunya Trail is a self-supported event through some of the most spectacular areas around Catalonia, Spain. Starting in Girona, the route takes riders to the most iconic areas around Girona as Aiguamolls de l‘Empordà and Cap de Creus. They will pass through the high mountain passes in the Pyrenees and remote areas full of old Catalan culture. The event started this morning, and you can follow along live here.

Pan Celtic Race

The Pan Celtic Race is a 1,600-mile self-supported cycling adventure, journeying through the Celtic Nations of Cornwall, Wales, Ireland, and finishing in Wales. The grand depart takes off this Sunday at 9 a.m. from the coastal town of Kingsand. There are more than 200 riders registered, and you can follow along live here.

Wish We Were Here

Shedding a little light on a route one of us is dreaming about riding at the moment…

Kyle Ponce (@kyleponce): Oaxaca, Mexico

As I listen to the pouring rain from my apartment window here in Berlin, my mind wanders to warmer and sunnier places. I’m thinking about Mexico, of course. I’m dreaming of pedaling my Surly Troll from the magic Pueblo of Oaxaca all the way to the shining Pacific Ocean on the Puerto Escondido route. In my mind, I can taste all the quesadillas, tlyaduas (giant cheese and meat-stuffed tortillas), tamales, and fresh-cut fruit I’m enjoying along the way. I’m going slow because I don’t want to miss a thing. I’m stopping to catch some shade and I buy some pulque—a milky fermented agave beverage–from a local vendor. It’s sweet, cool, and a bit fizzy. It totally hits the spot. I’m in Mexico with my bicycle and I’m on my way to the sea. What could be better?

Weekly Social

Some things we found around the ‘gram and elsewhere. This week, a couple of promising gear hacks…

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