Tout Terrain’s bombproof adventure touring bike, the Outback Xplore II model includes two new chassis configurations, improved tire clearance, and a new geometry, all running off the Pinion gearbox system and Gates belt drive. Let’s check it out.
![Tout Terrain’s All New Outback Xplore II Touring Bike](https://media.theradavist.com/uploads/2024/05/240510_JJANK_ToutTerrain_KarwendelShoot-4142.jpg)
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Tout Terrain’s bombproof adventure touring bike, the Outback Xplore II model includes two new chassis configurations, improved tire clearance, and a new geometry, all running off the Pinion gearbox system and Gates belt drive. Let’s check it out.
Travis’s praise for the Forbidden Druid may occasionally seem hyperbolic. As if he’s exaggerating the thrills offered by a particular trail in an effort to convince you that it’s totally worth the climb. We understand why that would be a little off-putting if you’re reading this for objective buying advice. It’s hard to trust a bike review that sounds like a Happy Meal commercial. But whenever Travis talked about the Druid, it sounded like some sort of Greek myth that could defy the laws of nature … See? Now he’s got us doing it.
Tobin Ortenblad and Keegan Swenson are two of the three Santa Cruz Bicycles htSQD riders (Alexis Skarda being the third). And while Keegan’s one of the most powerful long-distance riders in the world in his own right, racing is a team sport… and in team sports, relationships – nay, friendships – are paramount.
Hear the stories, as told by Keegan and Tobin, about racing strategies, competition, psychological warfare, laughter, and camaraderie.
Industry Nine rolled out an updated big hit wheelset today, the Hydra Grade 300 v2.
The defining feature of this wheelset is an all-new Grade 300 alloy rim with Hollow Bead Wall technology–a triple cavity design that reduces pinch flats and increases impact resistance. Available in 27.5 or 29″, 30 mm internal width (!) and 32 hole lace-up, the Hydra Grade 300 v2 is built to withstand the harshest riding conditions. See more at Industry Nine.
For part two in this Vintage MTB Restoration Beautiful Builds video, John shows how to remove seized parts from the frame as he tackles a stuck bullmoose quill insertion on this Ritchey Annapurna with one easy step!
Travis often sneaks a scornful jab at thru-headset cable routing into his stories. In this Dust-Up, he explains why. And it’s not for all the obvious reasons.
In Episode 3 of Shimano‘s ‘Evolution Stories’, Andy meets Katy Winton. Katy’s been a presence within the top flight of enduro racing for a decade – but in this film, it’s not her awesome bike riding skills that are explored. Katy is neurodiverse. Watch to find out what dyslexia means to her.
Fairdale‘s Elevator ($599 frame), the brand’s first hardtail, arrives in a few days, but the brand sent us over an early look at this entry-level 29er. Let’s check it out!
Wahoo‘s Why I Roam series features our buddy Dillon Osleger. Dillon “gets it” and this short video showcases some of the major shortcomings we feel that the bike industry overlooks. Education on the land, its geology, biology, and human history is so important but it’s up to the individual to embark on those journeys. Check out some words by Dillon and photos below!
Common Ground, Rapha’s series where riding crews and filmmakers merge, bringing to life the behind-the-scenes moments that make riding magical. The series’ third film features Isaac Wallen, captured by Russell Holliday, riding his home-town trails in Santa Cruz, California…
We’re not a fan of model years–especially when the updates are tiny geometry tweaks–but it’s nice to have a few new colors offered up each year by small brands. Cotic’s FlareMAX wowed John in his review and this week, the UK-made operation announced two new colors of this “Less is More” shred sled: Amethyst and Moonstone.
Seeds of inspiration come from many places, people, and times in your life. Fyxo’s latest project was a trinity of such influences fused into one. Combining inspiration from Speedvagen, an old Shogun MTB, and MAD MAX to create his custom rusty Surly Krampus for Melburn Roobaix.
May is Bike Month in the United States, and locales celebrate the beauty of the bicycle in various ways, from group rides, workshops, and advocacy meetings. In the Southwestern state of New Mexico, John contributed to the local scene in Santa Fe by shooting promotional photos of a new Rocket Ramps-built flow trail, called Red Dog, in the La Tierra trail network with a crew of ladies.
The trail officially opens tomorrow, so if you’re in Santa Fe, be sure to check it out. If you can’t make it, no worries—we’ve got a great gallery showcasing this short but sweet flow and skill-building trail.
What could be a better mode of transportation for five young B.C. shredders embarking on classic southern B.C. roadtrip than an old skoolie dubbed the Cool Bus? With the legendary freeride TV shows from the 2000s serving as inspiration and Shimano’s new gravity shoes on their feet, Jacob Murray, Natasha Miller, Lucy Van Eesteren, Mateo Quist and Ryder Bulfone climb aboard the Cool Bus and set out on a four-day, 1,000-kilometer pilgrimage into the past.
You can spend $30 on a mountain bike helmet, or you can spend $300. So, Travis aimed for the middle and compared eight budget helmets with boutique swagger.
Germany-based Magura and SQ Lab are hoping to get you fit better on your braking system thanks to a new ergonomics checklist the two brands announced last week. Based on a variety of metrics, you can fine-tune your brake lever setup, grip spec, and more. The metrics are very easy, such as the graph illustrated above, stating that size small hands need 2 cm of brake lever extension, medium hands need 3 cm, and large hands 4 cm. There are even metrics for handlebar height and brake lever angles.
If you’re interested in pain-free riding, this one is an interesting read. Do so at Magura.
1x drivetrains don’t require a chain guard but on some bikes and in some terrain, the extra assurance is nice. For those wanting to ride with a chain guard on their gravel or mountain bike in rough terrain, there are a number of options out there, including Wolf Tooth’s GnarWolf Chainguide which just received some updates since its first launch in 2016. Let’s check out the features of the GnarWolf Chainguide rev 2 below.
Ever-digging through cycling esoterica, John landed a set of Paul Component Engineering Cranks recently, thus spurring a desire to wax poetic about them, juxtaposed by a recent comment he read last month on this very website. Read on for a ramble…