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Highs and Lows in Ecuador’s Volcanic Corridor

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Highs and Lows in Ecuador’s Volcanic Corridor

Last year, Ryan Wilson met up with fellow bike traveler Joe Sasada to tackle the dirt road version of the Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route.  In Part one, they got their feet wet on this classic route, but in this chapter, Ryan and Joe visit the heart of Ecuador’s iconic volcano corridor and run into the trials and tribulations that come with any good bike tour.  Read on for a slice of the highlights and lowlights of their ride across the Andes.

Hey, Sweet Bikes: A Visit to Sour Bicycles in Dresden, Germany

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Hey, Sweet Bikes: A Visit to Sour Bicycles in Dresden, Germany

Over the last couple of years, our European correspondent Petor Georgallou has gotten to know Sour Bicycles, a small East German bike company who are trailblazing in their mix of domestic framebuilding in Dresden and continued importation of Taiwan-made bikes. Read on to hear about the unique conditions that have made the former states of East Germany a hotbed of innovation and manufacturing in Europe, as well as how a mega fail by Petor leads to the second of many shop visits in Germany.

Built PNW Tough: Super Pacific and X1 Camper Review

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Built PNW Tough: Super Pacific and X1 Camper Review

While many of us attempt to adhere to a bike-centric lifestyle most of the time, vehicles are an unavoidable aspect of transportation. Especially for those of us living in the expansive Western United States. And for folks who like to travel distances for recreation, or need to travel for work, having a vehicle that doubles as a somewhat self-contained living space is more than just a luxury. Josh learned long ago that #vanlife wasn’t for him, and pull-behind campers were more of a hindrance than help. So a few years ago he outfitted his pickup with a bed-mounted wedge-style canopy camper. Then earlier this year he swapped that camper for a Super Pacific X1.

Josh has been fielding a lot of questions about the X1, both at the trailhead and on social media, over the past few months. In advance of a long-term review, he shares an overview of Super Pacific, the X1 camper, and aspects that differentiate the brand in a crowded truck camper space…

Opening the Door: Onur Reflects on How His Single Speed MTB Saved His Life

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Opening the Door: Onur Reflects on How His Single Speed MTB Saved His Life

John first met Onur through the Land Cruiser world. He’s a legend in that community. Then, scary life stuff happened, and suddenly, Onur realized his lifestyle needed to change. He had a heart attack and had to get into shape… fast!  His life depended on it. Read on for a heartfelt story about how Onur reconnected with the bicycle, thanks to his supportive friends, and how he’s addicted to his trusty single-speed mountain bike!

Peer to Peer: 1994 Cannondale Track Bike

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Peer to Peer: 1994 Cannondale Track Bike

Few things are as beautifully simplistic as a brakeless track bike, especially a beloved Cannondale Track. While the blue anodized frames might be more iconic than the polished frames, there’s something alluring about those ground-down welds and shiny finish. Yet, this 1994 Cannondale Track has a bit more going on than a pristine appearance…

Glad We Crossed Paths: PAL X Smith Art Show Recap

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Glad We Crossed Paths: PAL X Smith Art Show Recap

This past Saturday, the PAL x Smith “Crossing Paths” art show brought a diverse crowd to downtown LA, uniting cyclists and individuals from all walks of life. With over 400 attendees showing their support, the event showcased a fresh perspective on cycling that resonated with the community. Glen Repol’s vision for PAL to serve as a bridge between art, street fashion, music, and more was clearly evident in the vibrant atmosphere of the event. PAL embodies its name, symbolizing the convergence of parallels and longitudes where diverse lines intersect.

Those who attended the art show witnessed firsthand the brand’s innovative approach to cycling, offering a refreshing and exciting glimpse into the future of cycling brands. The day was a testament to PAL’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the cycling experience for the new generation. Continue reading below for Glen’s recap accompanied by an extensive image gallery from the show!

The Witches Cycle: Chapter Two

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The Witches Cycle: Chapter Two

In Chapter Two of The Witches Cycle it’s October for Vera and Mary. The days are getting shorter and the leaves are turning red as the two witches continue their mission of using their powers to protect the natural world by bike. Find the complete pages of the manga in the gallery and read more from the author, Tony Concrete, on his intention behind creating the series below…

SLOWRIDER Presents “Always & Forever”: A Custom Classic Retrotec

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SLOWRIDER Presents “Always & Forever”: A Custom Classic Retrotec

Following up on “Groove Chronicles” which recently introduced the PAL x SMITH “Crossing Paths” Group Art Show, Matthew Mata-Aguilar is back with the custom Retrotec he built for the show.

The stunning “Always & Forever” truss fork Retrotec is a collaboration with PAUL Components and Ultradynamico, in addition to Jaime of Fabrica de Rosas who helped with the build.

Continue reading below for Matthew’s rundown of this special project!

From Madrid to Tucson: The 2023 Komoot Women’s Arizona Rally

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From Madrid to Tucson: The 2023 Komoot Women’s Arizona Rally

Last fall Cristina Maristany joined 70 other riders from all over the world in the Sonoran Desert for the Komoot Women’s Arizona Rally designed and hosted by Lael Wilcox and Rue Kaladyte. Over eight days, the self-supported group camped under the stars and overcame the challenge of traveling through remote zones with limited food and water. The total route was over 400 miles (650km) and 25,000ft (7,600m) of elevation through breathtaking Southern Arizona landscapes.

Below, Cristina recaps this spectacular ride with her own wonderful photos, in addition to a gallery from event photographer Ashley Gruber, and a video she produced about the rally….

Sips and Service: Hello Bicycle Cafe and Shop Visit

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Sips and Service: Hello Bicycle Cafe and Shop Visit

Iterating on the modern-day classic of bikes and coffee, Hello Bicycle & Cafe offers denizens of Tucson, Arizona, a lovely place to land right off the popular Loop bike path. The cozy cafe is stocked with local pastries and it sits right next to a well-organized shop, offering everything from factory-level suspension service, to complete bikes for purchase. It’s become one of Spencer Harding‘s favorite hangs and he shares a shop visit below…