~ Gear reviews ~

Bontrager sport saddle review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Bontrager sport saddle review

The Bontrager Sport Saddle is a good choice for adventure seekers and everyday riders looking for comfort without breaking the bank.

It’s designed with versatility in mind, offering plush foam and a flat profile that support various riding positions. Whether you're a commuter, recreational gravel rider, or mountain biker, this saddle delivers decent comfort, making it an ideal upgrade from the rigid stock saddles that often come with new bikes.

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JBL Endurance Run 2 wireless headphones review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

JBL Endurance Run 2 wireless headphones review

The JBL Endurance Run 2 Wireless headphones offer a solid choice for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts looking for reliability, comfort, and durability in their headphones.

 Designed with an ergonomic and lightweight build, these headphones promise to stay secure without causing discomfort, no matter how intense your activities get.

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FiveTen ‘Five Tennies’ approach shoes review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

FiveTen ‘Five Tennies’ approach shoes review

The Adidas Five Ten Five Tennies are a simple yet cult classic that continues to impress us with their blend of style, comfort, and durability (these are now almost 4 years old!).

These shoes may look unassuming, but their performance on both rugged trails and everyday activities sets them apart from many other approach shoes.

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On Running Cloud 5 Waterproof men’s trainers review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

On Running Cloud 5 Waterproof men’s trainers review

Engineered by the Swiss brand On Running, Cloud 5 Waterproof trainers are designed to offer the great combination of comfort, performance, and weather protection for those urban exploring adventures we all need!

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Merida 5.4-litre frame bag
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Merida 5.4-litre frame bag

The Merida 5.4L Framebag Travel is a good choice for mountain bike packers seeking a half-frame bag with high-capacity (we opted for the large with 5.4 litres of space) storage solution for bikepacking adventures.

Designed with practicality in mind, this frame bag offers plenty of storage without compromising on convenience or stability.

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M-Wave SPD to flat pedals transformer review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

M-Wave SPD to flat pedals transformer review

These simple adaptors from German bike kit manufacturers, M-Wave, are a super affordable way to turn a set of Shimano SPD pedals back into flats, for mountain biking or gravel riding when you need your feet free.

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Apple Watch Series 9 review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Apple Watch Series 9 review

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a solid companion for those who lead adventurous lifestyles, offering a good balance of performance, durability, and utility at a good price when compared to other sports watches.

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Bergamont Grandurance 8 gravel bike review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Bergamont Grandurance 8 gravel bike review

The Bergamont Grandurance 8 is a standout gravel bike that offers great value for money (and cool looks!), making it an excellent choice for both seasoned riders and newcomers to the gravel scene.

Priced competitively, this bike offers a feature set typically found in more expensive models, making it a smart investment for those looking to explore various terrains without breaking the bank.

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Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals review

These pedals are a popular choice among XC mountain bikers due to their robust design and reliability. Despite being lightweight, they feature a durable aluminium body and a Cromoly steel axle, ensuring longevity and consistent performance across various disciplines.

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Sonder Bomber bikepacking handlebar review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Sonder Bomber bikepacking handlebar review

The Sonder Bomber Flared Drop Bars are a great choice for bikepacking expeditions, offering a blend of comfort and control that enhances the riding experience across varied terrains. Constructed from 6061 aluminium, these bars are both lightweight (275g) and comfy, making them suitable for long-distance journeys where you need extra space for the front gar.

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Fizik Technogel handlebar gel set review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Fizik Technogel handlebar gel set review

If you’re embarking on multi-day bikepacking expeditons, gel pads for your handlebars are an excellent addition to your set-up, especially for those embarking on really long bikepacking expeditions (i.e., anything above 1500km).

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Merida Forkbag and cage review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Merida Forkbag and cage review

The Merida fork bag and cage is a solid choice for bikepacking adventures, whether you're heading out for an overnight trip or just need some extra storage on your ride.

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Adidas Terrex freehiker low review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Adidas Terrex freehiker low review

After a great experience with Adidas’ freehiker high top boots, we opted to test the freehiker low top trainers and had a similarly great experience!

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Columbia Mazama Trail Shell Jacket review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Columbia Mazama Trail Shell Jacket review

As we train for the Silk Road Mountain Race and the other bikepacking adventures, we’re always on the lookout for gear that can keep, and this waterproof shell jacket certainly delivers on performance.

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Belstaff Trialmaster pro wax jacket review

Belstaff Trialmaster pro wax jacket review

The Belstaff Trialmaster Pro Wax Jacket—a stylish and high-quality choice for adventure motorcycling. Its retro vibe, combined with modern protection, makes it a standout piece of motorcycle apparel.

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Whether you're a seasoned climber seeking new mountains to conquer, an endurance runner craving the rush of Marathon des Sables, or a bikepacker in search of the perfect mult-day route, we've got you covered. 

Check out our curated collection of articles, categorised to ensure you find the gear that speaks to the adventure you’re seeking to complete: