~ Gear reviews ~

ELOPS FL 920 set rear light review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

ELOPS FL 920 set rear light review

The rear light of the ELOPS FL 920 set is a versatile and efficient USB-rechargeable LED designed to enhance visibility and safety during night riding.

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Maxxis Fat/Plus 26” Fatbike inner tube review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Maxxis Fat/Plus 26” Fatbike inner tube review

The Maxxis Fat/Plus 26” Fatbike Inner Tube is designed to meet the specific needs of fat bike tires, offering exceptional durability and reliability for extreme terrain at a really good price!

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Montane Atomic Waterproof Pants review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Montane Atomic Waterproof Pants review

The Montane Atomic Waterproof Pants are a great, lightweight option for bikepackers, fastpackers and generalist adventurers seeking reliable protection in wet conditions, at a decent price.

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Rab Microlight Gilet Vest review
Chris Shirley MA FRGS Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Rab Microlight Gilet Vest review

The Rab Men’s Microlight Vest strikes a solid balance between warmth, mobility, and eco-conscious design, making it a versatile choice for us outdoor enthusiasts.

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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.

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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.

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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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Triban Waterproof Overgloves (by Decathlon)

Triban Waterproof Overgloves (by Decathlon)

These overgloves are designed to provide an extra layer of protection atop your non-waterproof winter gloves (such as the Rab Baltoro gloves we reviewed recently).

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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: