Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Our Reader’s Rig of the week comes from Romeo in Iceland, who shares his loaded Specialized Diverge STR Expert and a little about his background as a BMX rider and circus performer. Meet Romeo, find some moody bike shots from Reykjavik, and check out his drop-bar rig here…
Words by Romeo Turanyi, photos by Odysseas Chloridis
Hello, my name is Romeo. I’m 34, and my life has been built around two wheels. When I was 10, I already knew I wanted to become a BMX rider, and that early dream became my reality. For more than 22 years, BMX was my world. I earned sponsorships, traveled the globe, competed at major events, and collected more wins than I ever imagined.
One of my proudest moments was winning the Hungarian Championship in 2017. Another highlight was riding at the BMX World Championship—BMX Masters in Cologne, Germany, where I sent a flair drop that I’ll never forget. I also had a big crash!
I wasn’t just a competitor; I lived the show life, too. For years, I performed as a BMX showman in the UK’s Blackpool Tower Circus, and my final season was in 2022 at Phantasialand in Brühl, Germany. When that chapter closed, I made a big move: I relocated to Iceland. Since then, I’ve worked as a mechanic and become a northern lights tour guide, discovering different parts of Iceland and having awesome adventures.
- Frame/Fork: Specialized Diverge STR Expert
- Rims: Roval Terra C 32mm Carbon
- Hubs: DT Swiss 370
- Tires: 50mm Schwalbe G-One R Pro (front) / 50mm Specialized Tracer (rear)
- Handlebars: Specialized Hover, 44mm
- Headset: Specialized
- Crankset: SRAM Rival mullet
- Pedals: Shimano Deore PD-M 8100
- Cassette: Sram GX Eagle 12-Speed, 10-52
- Derailleur(s): SRAM GX Eagle AXS
- Brakes: SRAM Rival eTap AXS Hydraulic, 160mm
- Shifter(s): SRAM Rival eTap AXS
- Saddle: S-Works Power
- Seatpost: S-Works carbon, 20mm offset
- Stem: Specialized Comp 80mm
- Front bags: Specialized/Fjallraven handlebar roll-top bag, 13L
- Frame bags: Specialized/Fjallraven frame bag 2.3L
- Rear bags: Tailfin Aeropack Carbon with two 22L panniers
- Accessory bags: Khibuhiker drybags, Apidura Race Long Top Tube bag
About two years ago, I found gravel cycling, and with it, a new passion. Iceland doesn’t offer many opportunities for BMX, so stepping away from that part of my life was tough, but gravel opened a new door for me and a different side of the world. Now, whenever I have the time, I head out on long gravel rides, exploring this incredible island and reconnecting with what I’ve always loved: freedom, challenge, and the simple joy of riding.
I’ve also built a small community on my Instagram, and I’m raising money for kids who live with mental illness through BuyMeACoffee.com. If anyone wants to help support the project, please do. I’m also planning a longer trip somewhere next year in association with Autistic Art Alapítvány and Khibu Hiker.
You can keep up with Romeo on Instagram.
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