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Surly Bridge Club Review: Versatility and Inclusivity
132 Aug 7 Cass Gilbert / Bikepacking BikesUpdating our original Surly Bridge Club review six years after it was first published, we’re revisiting the enduring budget-friendly platform to see how its promise of versatility has withstood the test of time. Find Cass and Neil’s two-in-one video and written review of the Bridge club as it takes on commuting, camping, dirt touring, and everything in between…
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The Best Way to Patch a Sleeping Pad
7 Mar 13 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking GuidesInflatable pads are an essential part of a good night’s sleep while bikepacking, but they’re also prone to punctures. In this video and written guide, Neil shares some tips for locating and repairing holes in your sleeping pad at home and in the field. Dive in here…
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Are Satellite Messengers Dead? (Video)
29 Feb 13 Neil Beltchenko / PlanAfter testing both the inReach Messenger and the new iPhone satellite messaging feature on a recent trip, Neil had a realization that could save him money, space, and frustration. Find out what he learned in his latest video…
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How I Pack My New Hardtail for Bikepacking (Video)
12 Feb 6 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking GuidesIn his latest video, Neil shares a detailed walkthrough of how he loaded up his new Goodday Curiosity hardtail for a five-day winter bikepacking trip along the Fool’s Loop in Arizona. Watch the video and find a list of everything he packed here…
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What’s with the Bivy? Two Ultralight Bivy Setups (Video)
12 Feb 3 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking Gear ListsDuring a recent bikepacking trip in Arizona, Neil checked with his riding companions Joe Cruz and Willie Hatfield who tackled the route with ultra-minimal sleep setups. In our latest video, he sits down with them to hear the thought process behind their bivy-centric gear choices. Watch it here…
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Revel Rascal Review
8 Jan 15 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking BikesDoes its unique five-pivot (!?) suspension design make the Revel Rascal a more versatile trail bike than most others in its class and a better climber than many XC-oriented bikes? Neil shares his thoughts on the latest version in his full review here…
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Framing the Question: Our Aluminum Bike Survey
37 Nov 19 Neil Beltchenko / CultureA few weeks ago, we surveyed folks with a few questions about aluminum bike frames. The results weren’t too surprising, but the comments we received afterward stoked the fire on the topic. Are aluminum bikes really as harsh as some people claim? Is aluminum as strong as other materials? Does it fatigue more than steel? Is marketing hype pushing riders toward pricier options? There’s a lot to unpack. Dive in to our aluminum bike survey recap here…
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Guide to DT Swiss Hubs: Ratchet Types, Wheel Maintenance, and 54T Upgrade
36 Oct 17 Logan Watts / Bikepacking GearAfter a recent visit to the DT Swiss Americas office in Grand Junction, Colorado, we have loads of insight to share. In this guide, we dig into everything you need to know about DT Swiss hubs, including the different ratchet systems, a crash course in preventative wheel maintenance for a big trip, and the DT Swiss 54T ratchet upgrade, a worthwhile and easy DIY improvement for classic ratchet hubs….
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Rigs of the 2024 Colorado Trail Race Stats Analysis
9 Aug 13 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking BikesWe compiled data from more than 40 submissions for the Rigs of the 2024 Colorado Trail Race into a spreadsheet to gain insights into the bikes and gear featured in this year’s event. In this article, we explore the data and reveal some intriguing statistics, such as the most popular tires, drivetrains, types of bags, pedals, lights, and more. Dive into our Rigs of the 2024 Colorado Trail Race stats analysis here…
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How to Talk to Bikepacking Bag Makers: A Practical Guide
9 Jul 16 Guest / Bikepacking GuidesNavigating the world of custom bikepacking bags can be daunting, even for experienced riders. Adding to our growing archive of guides to understanding and getting the most out of custom-built bike luggage, Ty Domin of Yeah Nah Thread Works compiled this primer featuring several key pointers to keep in mind when discussing projects with one-off bag makers. Read it here…
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Three Bikepacking Rigs of the Straddle and Paddle
1 Jul 15 Neil Beltchenko / Bikepacking Gear ListsAndrew, Mitch, and Neil just got back from a four-day ride on the Straddle and Paddle, a beautiful 180-mile bikepacking route in northern Minnesota that starts on the shores of Lake Superior, loops up to the Boundary Waters, and eventually meanders back down to the big lake via forest service roads, dirt doubletracks, and bike paths. In this piece, Andrew, Mitch, and Neil share the rigs and gear they used on the route…
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A Look at Allan Shaw’s Latest Race-Ready Omnium Cargo
5 Jul 11 Allan Shaw / Bikepacking BikesFollowing a successful Silk Road Mountain Race, Allan Shaw will soon attempt another ultra-distance race aboard a cargo bike. In this piece, he shares an in-depth preview of the unique OMNIUM Titanium Cargo V3IR he plans to pedal some 4,000 kilometers between Spain and Italy. See his one-of-a-kind Via Race rig here…























