Pedaling Nowhere

This week’s Debrief features new Maxxis tires, “what did we miss at Sea Otter?”, the updated Cedaero Bar Hopper V2 Pack, Rocky Mountain Element C99, a new Rambler Bags wax recipe, more Sea Otter bikes, two events to follow live, and more. Find it all here…

Our Reader’s Rig of the week comes from Jenna at Transit Cycles in Tucson, Arizona, who shares an overview of her bikepacking-ready titanium Esker Hayduke LVS. Learn more about Jenna, the shop, and her lovely cargo-hauling midtail here…

In preparation for an imminent six-week bikepacking trip to Peru, Tom Powell and friends recently pedaled out for one last shakedown overnighter to give everything a final check. Find Tom’s reflection on the experience, some last-minute lessons learned, a beautiful set of photos, and a charming short video documenting their night out on Vancouver Island here…

Gramm Tourpacking just opened a short pre-order window for custom Berlin-made Handlebar Rolls, and buyers can purchase one in a dizzying array of more than 40 colors and fabrics through May 5th. Learn more about the Gramm Handlebar Roll and its clever quick-release attachment system here…

With Chiang Mai’s smoky season in full swing and the air pollution score soaring, Sam Rice escaped to southern Thailand aboard his Curve GMX+ in search of long gravel roads, coconut trees, and clean air. In this review, he shares his thoughts on Curve’s new Carbon Walmer Bar. Find his impressions following three months of riding here…

Restrap just launched a feature-rich hydration vest aimed squarely at bikepackers and self-sufficient riders. Find the scoop on the Restrap Race Hydration Vest here. Plus, see details about The North Race challenge, a callout to ride as far north as you can from Restrap’s headquarters in 24 hours…

We caught up with David Turner to discuss the past, present, and future of mountain bike technology and took a look at a fresh titanium fork and two brand-new bike models Turner Bicycles launched at this year’s Sea Otter Classic. “Come for the titanium fork and stay for the beautiful dropouts.” Find it all here…

Kona has grown an impassioned fanbase and a cult-like following throughout its nearly four decades of operation. But with the brand hanging in the balance and facing an uncertain future, we’re paying homage to a mainstay many of us have ridden and loved for years. Find our tribute to a brand we hope will endure and a gallery of our favorite Konas from across the site here…

The Five Ten Trailcross CL Shoes are clip-in mountain bike shoes optimized for equal comfort on and off the bike. After a year of bikepacking, including two week-long scouting trips in the US, countless trail rides, and too much hike-a-bike, Miles reports on what might be his new favorite clipless mountain bike shoe yet. Find his Five Ten Trailcross CL Shoes review here…

Following several days spent roving around the grounds of this year’s Sea Otter Classic in search of interesting bikes, Logan shares six more of his favorites. Find photos and the stories behind two fresh Ritcheys, the Ti Omnium that Erik Binggeser pedaled more than 20,000 miles last year, and a pair of sublimely capable rigs from Sage here…

From the minds and quirky beach trailer of Hudski Bikes comes a brand-new bike that’s an evolutionary sequel to the Doggler. Read on for details about the Hudski Dualist, an interesting, do-it-all aluminum ATB featuring adjustable front/rear axle placement, added tire clearance, and a few clever upgrades to the acclaimed platform…

In Esker Cycles’ latest video, they meet up with the crew at Transit Cycles in Tucson, Arizona, for a little mid-week bikepacking adventure. Learn more about the Bitesized Bikepacking series and watch the four-minute video here…