#rogue-panda

Reportage By: john watson

That Guy Has Style for Days: Gideon’s Madrean 27.5″ Hardtail

Over the past year, I’ve had quite a few people roll through Santa Fe on road trips. Knowing Covid is still running rampant all up and down the Rockies, I usually opt for a meet-up outdoors. Whether that means for a cup of coffee or a bike ride, I like catching up with people but want to err on the side of safety these days. Last March, our good friend Gideon came through town with his new-to-him Madrean 27.5 hardtail. If you recall our Shop Visit with Madrean – and our older Shop Visit from 2013 with Cycles d’Autremont – then you’ll recognize Hubert d’Autremont’s handiwork…

Reportage By: john watson

John’s Moots Womble 29er Loaded for the San Juan Hut Telluride to Moab Route

The word supple gets thrown around a lot, mostly related to randonneur, road, or gravel bikes with a bi-plane steel fork and typically, rim brakes, yet I’m convinced I’ve built the most supple, modern mountain bike, just in time for our San Juan Hut trip this week. Check it out in detail below…

Radar

Rogue Panda and Collette Marie Launch “Food Chain’s a Bitch” Custom Fabric Design

Our friend Collette is an artist living in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She designed this logo called “Food Chain’s a Bitch” for Matt from the Monumental Loop. Matt used it in his custom Rogue Panda framebag and after much demand, Rogue Panda has offered this as a custom design option for their framebags! See more at Rogue Panda under “more” options for the fabric choices.

We’ve got a project we’re really excited to launch with Collette, so say tuned for future updates as events warrant…

Reportage By: john watson

Kyle’s Sklar Touring Fat Bike in 29+ Mode

With the snow melting and the season ripe for desert ramblings, Kyle Klain took his 2016 NAHBS-built Sklar fat bike and converted it to 29+. After spending all winter with fat-bike 26+ tires, this Sklar has undergone quite the transformation. This weekend while celebrating my 40th birthday in southeastern Utah, I documented Kyle’s stunning build in the morning sun. Check it out in detail below…

Radar By: john watson

The Radavist Authors’ Favorite Small Business Products: John Watson

John Watson picks up this series we began with Ryan Wilson during the pandemic. Consider this a shout out to our favorite small businesses in the cycling industry. Here are some of John’s personal picks.

Small businesses are the foundation of the outdoor industry and many have been seriously impacted by the pandemic over the last couple of months. While money is understandably tight for a significant portion of people, if you do have the means and are dreaming up your next bike trip or local ride, I wanted to offer up a few suggestions for gear that I believe is worthy of investing in from some of my favorite small businesses in the industry.

Radar

Rogue Panda Has a New Website and a Discount Code!

Rogue Panda, makers of burly, lightweight bikepacking bags in Arizona, just launched their new website, making it easier to order custom and universal fitting bags for your next trip. They have many designs in stock and ready to ship as well as forms to get your custom bag made with ease, including their state flag designs.

Check out our Reportage today and then head over to Rogue Panda to see their new site. Use the coupon code NEWSITE2019 for $20 off any $100 or more order.

Reportage By: John Watson

Bikepacking Bags Made in Arizona at Rogue Panda

A small, unassuming garage accessed from a residential alley in Flagstaff houses one of the world’s best bikepacking bag makers: Rogue Panda Designs. The folks here pride themselves on thoughtful design, innovation, and blending function and form seamlessly. I visited RP on my way back from Utah to get a prototype bolt-on frame bag, chat with the makers, and snap some photos of the shop.