Friday Debrief #227: The Latest in Bikepacking Gear and Events
This week’s Friday Debrief brings you the latest in bikepacking gear, events, and news. Here’s what’s new:
New Gear Releases
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Surly Steamroller Returns: Surly has reintroduced its iconic Steamroller model with a limited-edition Anxious Lavender frameset. This fixed-gear/single-speed bike, originally launched in 2000, now features rear brake cable stops and a fully drilled fork and rear seat stay bridge for enhanced safety. (surlybikes.com)
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PNW Ranger High Rise Handlebar: PNW Components has added a 75mm rise option to their Range handlebar lineup. This new version offers a wrist and back-friendly rise, maintaining the same specifications as the other Range bars, including a 35mm clamp, 2014-Alloy construction, 800mm width, 10-degree backsweep, and a 5-degree upsweep. (bikerumor.com)
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Cane Creek Flamingo Collection: Cane Creek has released a limited-edition Flamingo Pink color for their Invert suspension fork. This special edition is available for a limited time, offering a vibrant new look for riders.
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Canyon LUX ERA 32er Concept Bike: Canyon has unveiled a prototype of their 32-inch wheeled bike, the LUX ERA 32er. This concept features a bi-plane cockpit, inverted suspension fork, and integrated computer, showcasing the company’s vision for future bike designs.
Upcoming Events
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Olympic 420 Adventure: This bikepacking race traverses the Olympic Peninsula via the Olympic Discovery Route, featuring old logging roads and trails. The event is set to begin soon, with live tracking available for participants.
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The 360: A 360-kilometer, non-stop gravel loop around London, starting in the early hours with just 24 hours to complete the loop. The ride starts tomorrow morning, with live tracking available for riders.
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GCOR: A 450-mile gravel circumnavigation of the Olympic Mountain Range in Washington State, following the Olympic GC bikepacking route. The race starts on Sunday, with live tracking available for participants.
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Transpyrenees 2026: An unsupported, one-stage road cycling challenge that traverses the Iberian Peninsula and beyond, covering 1,124km and including 34 passes. The event starts on Sunday, with live tracking available for riders.
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BC Epic 1000: A 1,040km route from Merritt to Fernie, following a mix of service roads, doubletrack, and singletrack along a portion of the Trans Canada Trail. The grand depart is tomorrow morning, with live tracking available for participants.
Community Highlights
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Ryan Van Duzer Takes on the Divide: Ryan Van Duzer is attempting the full Tour Divide route on his own time. This video is the first in what he hopes will be a long series about completing the full Divide route.
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TREK’s 32er Leak: TREK released a short documentary featuring a conversation between CEO John Burke and co-founder Bevil Hogg. At about 37:02, the camera briefly captures an interesting-looking bike in the background, possibly a TREK 32er.
Additional News
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Fidlock’s 10th Anniversary Bottle and Base: To celebrate 10 years of business, Fidlock has released a limited-edition anniversary bottle and a signature-edition base that’s CNC-machined from aluminum.
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Cascada Trail Shirts: Cascada has released a new lineup of short-sleeve and long-sleeve riding shirts in unisex sizing. Made in Italy, these shirts are described as “soft as cotton, but with the performance of a technical garment, they’re lightweight, breathable, and stretchy.”
Stay tuned for more updates in the world of bikepacking.