Inspiration & Blog

In this cross between a Rider and Rig and Route Report, Cass heads off to ride the epic and wild Vuelta de Citlaltépetl, a loop he’s shared on the site and written about for The Bikepacking Journal, as a yearly bike touring pilgrimage of sorts. This time, he does it in style. Or, at least, in Corey-style, complete with a chimney-equipped hot tent pulled in a trailer by a pink Bike Friday…

Keeping the tradition alive, we put together a special edition of Readers’ Rigs this week: a collection of event attendees and their bikes from the 2026 Sea Otter Classic. The roundup is packed with interesting bikes—and plenty of strong opinions on the emerging 32” wheel size. From a lightning-fast Specialized prototype to a flock of Neuhaus Hummingbirds, there’s a lot to take in. Dive in here.

Part seven of our Sea Otter video coverage wraps up the roundups with an big assortment of standout bikes, clever components, and final takeaways from the show floor. From the eye-catching Sour Pasta Party 32 to low-drag DT Swiss hub internals and fresh gear from brands like Swift Industries, Curious Creatures, SQLab, Ortlieb, and Five Ten, there’s plenty to dig into…

Our fifth and final written roundup from the 2026 Sea Otter Classic saves some of the best for last. In this compilation, you’ll find a $350 32er fork, the new OPEN WI.DE. 2.0, a Tailfin teaser, the BTCHN’ Bandito, a stunning steel Fargo 32 build, and whole lot more. Dig in to everything below…

Part six of our Sea Otter Classic coverage highlights a wildly modified Surly Moonlander and the debut of the new OPEN WIDE 2.0 with a range of updates, including clearance for 2.6″ tires. The 32-inch conversation continues with prototype components from Fox/Race Face and expanded tire options from Maxxis and Panaracer. Lastly, Topeak showcases a lineup of modular racks and waterproof storage solutions. Watch it here…

Part five of our Sea Otter Classic coverage zeroes in on smarter bag systems, adaptable cockpit parts, and a few thoughtful component updates. Along the way, Neil checks out Old Man Mountain and Robert Axle Project, more 32-inch suspension developments from SR Suntour and KS, and Tout Terrain’s new Catalina prototype. Watch it here…

Belén Castelló’s latest bikepacking video series finds her arriving in the Philippines with only a loose plan for her trip. Once on the road, she connects with a new local friend who helps ease her into the journey through the unfamiliar country. Find the 40-minute video with a written introduction and photos here…

Next up in our 2026 Sea Otter Classic coverage is another smattering of bikes, tech, and gear from the expo. In Miles’s fourth report, he shares details on the upcoming Esker Lorax 32, a new Tout Terrain hardtail, a 32-inch fork from KS, the Significant Other Doom Scroll Prophecy, and many more. Dig in here…

In part four of our Sea Otter Classic video coverage, Neil looks at some compelling new bikepacking bags from Revelate and Restrap, a new production bike from BTCHN’, Niner’s all-new RLT9 Steel, and much more. Watch it here…

Reporting from the labyrinth that is the 2026 Sea Otter Classic, Miles is back with his third roundup of interesting new bikes and other finds from the expo. Part three showcases the new Niner RLT 9 Steel, electrochromic sunglasses, bikes from REEB and BTCHN’, a new rack-top bag from Restrap, and loads more. Find it all here…

Part three of our Sea Otter Classic coverage dives deeper into the sudden surge of interest in 32” wheels. Along the way, Neil checks in with REEB, Kenda, Neuhaus, Wolf Tooth, Stinner, and Vivo to explore new bikes, components, and prototypes that hint at where things might be headed next…

Following our second written roundup highlighting some of the most interesting bikes and gear from the 2026 Sea Otter Classic, Neil shares his video recap of day two, including conversations with Bourdeau Cycles, Vittoria Tires, and Marin Bikes. Watch it here…