Friday Debrief: Psychedelic Top Caps, Arc’teryx MTB gear, an Old-School Route Guide, New Bikes, and More…

The weekly Debrief highlights small but important bits of news, products, and things that caught our attention on the website, in the conversation, and elsewhere around the community. These include upcoming events and interesting items 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…

New Alloy Salsa Blackthorn AL

Made in Taiwan / $3,499+ at Salsa Cycles

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The new Salsa Blackthorn AL is an aluminum, more wallet-friendly version of the carbon Blackthorn that launched last year. Like the carbon version, there are two travel options (140mm or 160mm fork), two colors, and two stock builds to choose from. The Blackthorn 125 Eagle 70 costs $3,499 USD, the Blackthorn 145 Eagle 70 costs $3,799, and a 145 frame is available for $1,999.

White Industries x Ashley Anodized Top Caps

Made in the USA / $25 at White Industries

Machined by White Industries and individually finished by Ashley Anodized It, every piece carries its own variation in color, tone, and pattern. No two are exactly alike. The anodizing process produces subtle differences from part to part, resulting in a finish that can’t be duplicated or standardized. A portion of proceeds from each top cap will go toward youth cycling initiatives through the NorCal League, helping create more opportunities for the next generation of riders.

Ironwood Overnighter Zine by Molly Sugar

Made in USA / $2 at Long Distance Studio

Molly Sugar, creator of the Ironwood Overnighter route in Southern Arizona, put together a zine that acts as an analog guide for the route. Inside, you’ll find tips, a route map, and GPS links to keep you on track. The zines are available on Molly’s website or in-person at Campfire Cycling in Tucson.

2026 PEdALED Odyssey Collection

€150+ at PEdALED

PEdALED just launched its 2026 Odyssey Collection, which includes smarter, more spacious storage, lightweight, fast-drying fabrics, performance fits, and nature-inspired reflective patterns. The lineup features three jerseys, a merino T-shirt, bibs, shorts, a vest, and a jacket. Most items are available in men’s and women’s sizing, and in several colors.

RAR Bike Shop x Bags by Bird Bags/The Spindle ATL

Made in USA / Available in person at RAR Bike Shop

The newly opened RAR Bike Shop in Atlanta, Georgia, owned by our friend Devin Cowens, sets itself apart by focusing on “community, learning, education, and joy.” They just teased some new RAR Bike Shop-branded bags from Bags by Bird and The Spindle ATL, and they are available for purchase in person at 900 Murphy Ave SW, Street B5, in Atlanta.

MEC 2Kilo Project

Coming soon at MEC.ca

The MEC 2Kilo Project was a challenge to build a fully functional, ultralight camp system weighing less than two kilograms. Designed in Vancouver, Canada, the result is MEC’s lightest camp gear ever, consisting of the Alpha UL 1-Person Tent, Bravo 6 Sleeping Pad, Charlie 32L UL Pack, and Delta Pivot –2C Sleeping Bag. The collection drops in stores on April 18th and online on April 21st.

Mission Workshop Merino Long Sleeve Crew

Made in USA / $105 at Mission Workshop

Mission Workshop’s new Merino Wool Long Sleeve Crew is handmade in California from 100% ultra fine Merino wool. Designed as a base layer or crew, it has added length through the torso to stay in place during movement, and Merino’s natural temperature regulation keeps you comfortable in heat, cold, and everything in between. It’s available in gray, olive, and black, and sizes small to extra-large.

Whitebark Gear’s DIY 6 Pack Sewing Pattern

$15 at Whitebark Gear

For just 15 dollars, you can make your very own top tube six-pack bag. Simply print the pattern on standard 8.5″ × 11″ paper, assemble the pages, cut your fabric pieces, and start sewing. Follow along with the detailed step-by-step written guide and optional video tutorial for extra support.

Nocs Provisions x Audubon Society Spring Collection

Made in China / $189+ at REI

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Nocs Provisions’ new Spring Collection is a limited-edition collection of durable, adventure-ready optics created in partnership with the National Audubon Society. This collaboration makes a real impact, and a portion of the proceeds supports Audubon’s efforts to expand access to birding, protect critical habitats, and maintain conservation. The Spring Migration Collection includes the 10×25 Nocs Zero Tube, the 8×42 Pro Issue binocular, and the 8×32 Field Issue binocular.

Fresh Salsa Spearfish C Colors and Builds

Made in Taiwan / $4,999+ at Salsa Cycles

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Alongside the new alloy Blackthorn, Salsa quietly released new builds and colors for their carbon Spearfish. Everything Neil liked about the model he tested remains the same, but there are now three fresh build options ranging from $4,999 USD to $8,999. Frames are also available for $3,499.

Arc’teryx Rhoam MTB Collection

Made in Vietnam / $180+ at Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx’s first-ever mountain bike collection, Rhoam, consists of men’s and women’s waterproof-breathable shells, softshell riding pants, stretchy mountain bike pants, socks, and a toque. According to Arc’teryx, all items are “articulated for comfort and unrestricted freedom to pedal, and made with breathable, weather-ready fabrics for spring rides.”

Generic Industries Retro Hats

$32 at Generic Industries

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Created by Eric Marth, Generic Industries brings a nostalgic tinge to modern apparel. The latest release is a trio of hats sporting some classic logos from bike brands and components of yesteryear.

In Conversation

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

Members, How Have You Saved?

Earlier this week, we announced our fresh list of nearly 110 exclusive bike and outdoor industry discounts for Bikepacking Collective members. We’ve worked hard to organize all of these offers over the past several months, and we’re proud to offer such an expansive discount program to our supporters. A couple of people mentioned discounts they’ve taken advantage of, and we’d love to hear from more of you. If you’re a Bikepacking Collective member, what’s something you’ve purchased with your discount? Or what additional discounts would you like to see? Let us know in the Conversation below!

Around the Community

News from around the bikepacking world…

Anthony Richelot – Objects With A Soul

Amundsen Sports’ latst video vignette introduces Anthony Richelot, who share a glimpse at his life in Grilly, France, and his love of old things. Although we’re not much into sports cars or fixed-gear bikes, we can relate to his passion and appreciation for simple things that are built to last.

Queer Cyclist Reflects on their First Bikepacking Race

After completing the Huracan bikepacking challenge this winter, Queer Cyclist’s Hannah Griggs took to her YouTube channel to break down her first bikepacking race. Filled with tips, reflections, and other musings, it’s an insightful look back that other viewers looking to do the same might find helpful.

No Surprise Fees From Rogue Panda for Canadian Customers

Miles popped by Rogue Panda Designs in Flagstaff, Arizona, earlier this month for a catch-up and learned that they’ve been including all applicable fees, tariffs, and duties at checkout. This means no surprise border fees and invoices for Canadian customers, which has been a real concern with everything going on in the world.

Here’s some more information on the situation, from Rogue Panda’s founder, Nick Smolinske: “UPS has a bit of a storied reputation in Canada, but that is pretty much due to the service UPS Standard. It’s the cheapest option for a US shipper, but unlike other UPS services, it charges a brokerage fee that is based on the value of the items declared, rather than a flat fee. This means that if we were to ship something like a custom frame bag via USP Standard without pre-paid duties, it would cost the customer a ton in fees.”

The best way to avoid this is to use a service that offers prepaid duties and taxes, which brings brokerage fees down to 0 on all shipments. But if that’s not an option, the next best thing for bag makers to do is to never ship UPS Standard on packages valued over $100 USD or so, and instead choose UPS Worldwide Expedited (or USPS if slower shipping is an option). It costs more up front for the shipper, but brokerage fees are a flat 10-15 bucks rather than a percentage of the package’s value.”

Events Starting Soon

What to watch this weekend and bikepacking events starting soon…

Dales Divide

A race for some, a ride for many, now in the seventh edition, the Dales Divide is a 600-kilometer ride from Arnside on the UK’s west coast, across the Yorkshire Dales, the Vale of York, the Yorkshire Wolds, to the East coast at Scarborough, and then returning via the North York Moors and the Northern Yorkshire Dales. There are over 260 riders registered for live tracking, and you can follow along live here.

2026 Stagecoach 400

The Stagecoach 400 is one of California’s longest mountain bike routes, highlighting Southern California’s geographic and cultural diversity. The route illustrates our area’s unique proximity to mountains, desert, and ocean, and it stands out among peer events for its challenges. Find our race rig roundup here for a look at over 40 riders’ setups participating, and then head over to the event page to follow their progress live.

Weekly Social

Some things we found around the ‘gram and elsewhere. This week, a clever April Fools’ Day product release from Atelier Medium and another Rodeo Labs MTB prototype…

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