Friday Debrief #210: Updates from BIKEPACKING.com
This week, we take a look at fresh gear releases, intriguing community events, and some notable discussions. Here’s what caught our attention on BIKEPACKING.com.
Featured Gear Releases
Surly Preamble: New Colors Unveiled
Surly Bikes has rolled out its versatile Preamble bike in vibrant new shades of Hi-Viz Black and Milky Lemonade. This light-duty steel commuter and touring bike boasts a Shimano Cues 1×9 drivetrain and 35mm wide Teravail Washburn tires, starting at $1,099. The Preamble’s robust design assures reliability and enhanced performance for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
Tailfin’s Expanding Pannier Lineup
Tailfin has expanded its range with the introduction of 22L panniers, perfect for carrying larger items on your next bikepacking trip. Priced at $165, these fully waterproof bags are compatible with Tailfin’s rack systems and come in a sleek black finish.
Mountain Laurel Designs’ Poco Pannier Colors
Mountain Laurel Designs has added 11 new colors to its lightweight Poco Panniers, now priced at $235. The roll-top closure and minimal design make these some of the most sought-after mini panniers in the market.
Ombraz Innovates with Photochromic Lenses
Ombraz has responded to demand by launching new photochromic sunglasses, available for $160. The lenses transition smoothly from semi-tinted to a deep dark gray, effectively shielding your eyes from varying light conditions.
Knog Blinder Series: A Step Forward in Illumination
Knog has unveiled its latest Blinder light series, designed for durability and versatility. With options ranging from 400 to 1400 lumens, there’s a model for every type of rider. Starting at $65, these lights feature a CNC-machined aluminum chassis and an impressive 120-hour Eco Flash runtime.
Rogue Panda’s Rigorous Destruction Test
After feedback regarding the Blue Ridge Accessory Bar, Rogue Panda designed a new model and put it through extensive testing to prove its strength. If you own the original version and haven’t received a replacement, reach out to Rogue Panda.
Community Insights
A Call for Rethinking Drivetrain Speeds
Neil shared his review of the microSHIFT MX groupset this week, prompting an engaging discussion about the practicality of modern drivetrains. Commenters reflected on whether an ideal number of speeds has already been established in the bikepacking world.
Captivating Community Events
- Tuatara 1000: An exciting 1,000-kilometer bikepacking challenge is underway in New Zealand, featuring nearly 50 riders navigating some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
- Tour Aotearoa: This year, over 300 riders are participating in New Zealand’s longest bikepacking event, stretching 3,000 kilometers from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
- Iditarod Trail Invitational: Following the historic Iditarod Trail, the world’s longest winter ultra-marathon has kicked off, allowing riders and adventurers to tackle grueling conditions across Alaska.
In Conclusion
This week’s debrief showcases not only the latest innovations in bikepacking gear but also emphasizes the communal spirit that encloses the sport. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, there’s no shortage of opportunities to engage with the bikepacking community, whether through gear discussions or participatory events.
Stay tuned for next week’s updates as we continue to bring you the best in bikepacking news.