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!

First Ride Review: Veolo Bike Trailer

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First Ride Review: Veolo Bike Trailer

After a successful Kickstarter campaign at the end of 2023, the Veolo bike trailer is moving to production—available for pre-order now with an expected arrival time of May 2024. Hailey Moore has been looking for an analog system for carrying more commuting cargo by bike and was intrigued by the Veolo’s lightweight build, modest storage footprint, and hefty carrying capacity.

Read on for her first-ride review of this German-made bike trailer…

Artificial Selection: A Revel Bikes Tirade 29er Hardtail Review

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Artificial Selection: A Revel Bikes Tirade 29er Hardtail Review

Announced today, the Revel Bikes Tirade is a 29er, 140-millimeter travel titanium hardtail, unlike anything the brand has offered in the past. With generous tire clearance, beautiful cable routing, and more, it’s clear Revel has used merged its own design prowess, learned through making phenomenal full-suspension bikes, and the re-labeling of its titanium brand, Why Cycles, to force an evolution of the almighty hardtail. Read on for John’s nerdy science talk intertwined with commentary on how hardtails are still having a moment in 2024 below!

Bike Touring Cork in Ireland: Hardtails, Hills, and Horses

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Bike Touring Cork in Ireland: Hardtails, Hills, and Horses

Nick McIntyre takes us on a mosey through Ireland’s southernmost county on some choice cuts from the Golden Age of 26-inch MTBs. Sharing company with a small group of friends, Nick writes about rolling past stashed-off coves, winding back roads, and an unexpected day making petty bets at the Ballabuidhe Horse Fair after one of the wettest Irish summers on record. It was a given that there would be some downpours to deal with along the way, but these only made the odd break in the clouds all the sweeter. Read on for Nick’s retelling of bike touring in Cork and don’t miss his 35 mm gallery. 

Sueños de Colombia: Scarab Cycles Paramo Ultra Gravel Bike Review

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Sueños de Colombia: Scarab Cycles Paramo Ultra Gravel Bike Review

The Paramo Ultra from Colombian bicycle builders Scarab Cycles is arguably the brand’s most versatile offering. With clearance for thicc tires, sliding dropouts, and comfortable geometry, the Paramo Ultra is inspired by the unrelenting high-elevation Andean mountain terrain where Scarab is based to provide a capable ride experience in even the most demanding pursuits. And because every Scarab is built to order based on a rider’s size, discipline, and style, no two builds are ever the same.

Josh has ridden a Paramo Ultra for the past six months both in Colombia where it was made and on his local roads and trails around the Sonoran desert. Below, he shares his thoughts on the build as well on Scarab’s overall approach to fabricating custom bicycles in the mountains outside Medellín…

Rogue Panda Check-In and Tall Bike Check

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Rogue Panda Check-In and Tall Bike Check

Even as the custom and production bag maker community has continued burgeoning over the past few years, one name has remained an innovator in the space: Rogue Panda. When John was in Flagstaff, Arizona, last October, he swung by the shop for a quick peek and spent some time documenting one bike that stood out among the rest!

Our Favorite Fat Bike Reviews

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Our Favorite Fat Bike Reviews

Fat bikes are strange birds in the cycling world, with their crazy-wide q-factors and monster clearances, but they are also extremely capable platforms that lend room for a lot of creativity. As an arctic blast sweeps across much of the US, and snow blankets our favorite Southwest trails, we’re taking a look back at our ten favorite fat-bike reviews from the last few years. You’ll see a few of the usual suspects from Surly, but we’re also resurrecting one-off creations from the archives and even a Readers’ Ride. Drop into the comments and let us know how you’re getting ‘Fat’ this winter!  

Falconer Cycles Now Offers Titanium Frames: A Look at Cameron’s Hardtail Touring Bike and Rack

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Falconer Cycles Now Offers Titanium Frames: A Look at Cameron’s Hardtail Touring Bike and Rack

Falconer Cycles is now making titanium frames and last weekend, he unveiled a stunning titanium hardtail touring bike to John…

For creatives – be it sculptors or painters – expanding into other mediums is often fulfilling and cathartic. Learning new methodologies and processes keeps makers engaged with their work. Lots of bicycle fabricators start out TIG welding steel frames and, later, expand into working with titanium. This offers new horizons for not only the brand but also for loyal followers to access a superior material.

Cameron Falconer is the latest builder to be documented here expanding into titanium from steel. While in Southern Arizona last weekend, John caught up with Cam who showcased a titanium hardtail touring bike with a custom titanium rack. This was “John’s modern bike shoot of the year” as he put it excitedly and you can see why below…

2024 Metal Gravel Bikes Under and Around $2000

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2024 Metal Gravel Bikes Under and Around $2000

Finding affordable bikes that cost under and around $2000 can be challenging, so we compiled a list with a twist… We’re big fans of metal over here. Metal gravel bikes can be superior to their carbon cousins in many ways, especially if you’re planning on strapping bags to them and taking them out on longer rides, overnighters, and tours.

We get requests all day long for more affordable bikes, and following up with our 2024 Under and Around $2000 Hardtails article, we present our Metal Gravel Bikes Under and Around $2000 post, so let’s get to it!