Friday Debrief #233: The Latest in Bikepacking
This week’s Debrief brings you the latest in bikepacking gear, events, and community highlights. Here’s what’s new:
New Gear and Products
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Wilde Buckaroo Bars: Crafted in the USA, these all-terrain flat bars offer 50mm rise, 45-degree back sweep, and 800mm width, balancing touring comfort with singletrack precision. Available in clear, black, and nickel-plated finishes, priced between $130 and $180.
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Cane Creek GXC Seatpost: This rigid seatpost features a three-way adjustment system, allowing customization with a 4mm hex, 16mm box-end wrench, or by hand. Weighing 236 grams for the 27.2mm version, it offers a 10mm offset and is compatible with various saddle rails. Priced at $90.
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South City Stitchworks Love Handles in Cortado: A limited edition of the popular harness system in a light brown “Cortado” color. These bags are designed for durability and style, priced at $175.
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Onyx Hub Keychain: A functional and stylish keychain mimicking Onyx’s patented sprag clutch mechanism, serving as a reminder to hit the trails. Priced at $12.
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Tarptent MesoSpire 2 DW: Tarptent’s lightest two-person double-walled sil-poly tent, weighing 35.35 ounces (1,002 grams). It offers impressive interior volume and is spacious enough for two long/wide sleeping pads and tall users. Priced at $339.
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La Chouette Neon $HIT T-Shirt: Designed by Jacob from La Chouette bike shop in France, this t-shirt features a lifelike design of an owl riding towards a ramp, capturing the essence of facing challenges head-on. Priced at €35.
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Schwalbe E-MICRO PUMP: A compact electric mini pump weighing just 130 grams, capable of inflating tires up to 120 PSI. It features a digital pressure readout and is compatible with various valve types. Priced at €90.
Community Highlights
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Laini Bones on Strava KOMs: Laini Bones has been making waves by claiming Strava KOMs from top male cyclists, including WorldTour pros. She recently discussed her experiences on the “Talking Over You” podcast.
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Bikepacking the Cowichan Valley 8: Anna Dong joined a 20-person group bikepacking trip to Victoria, BC, following the Cowichan Valley 8 route. The journey covered 130 miles with approximately 6,000 feet of elevation over three days.
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Revelate Designs is Hiring: Revelate Designs in Anchorage, Alaska, is seeking a full-time customer service expert. The role involves providing thoughtful, personal support to customers.
Upcoming Events
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Pedaleo 2026: European Bikepacking Festival: Taking place in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, this festival features group rides, presentations, and community building. Tickets are available for those in the area.
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The Hills Have Bikes: A 1,130-kilometer bikepacking race from the Netherlands to Germany and back. The event kicks off in Amerongen, the Netherlands, on Saturday morning.
Wish We Were Here
- Logan Watts: Connecting the Sierra Madre: Logan Watts is planning a route to connect the La Travesía Oriental with La Vuelta de Citlaltépetl and Ojos De Tehuacan in Puebla, then onward to Oaxaca via Ojos de Cuitaclan and Vuelta de Santiago Apoala.
Weekly Social
- Theo’s Slug Gasser and Bike Knuckles by Jarod Bourdeau: This week’s social media highlights include Theo’s Slug Gasser and a pair of bike knuckles crafted by Jarod Bourdeau.
Stay tuned for more updates in the next Debrief.