Note: Restrap and Tailfin provided both the racks and bags for this review. In my Bikeanalytics breakdown of the Trans Balkan Race 2026, I came across a number I didn’t expect: 41 percent of participants are riding with a rear rack. Of those, 23 percent alone are on a Tailfin system. The trend is even…
Note: Big Agnes provided me with the bivy for testing at my request. Anyone who follows my blog knows: I am constantly searching for the perfect setup between weight, weather protection, and comfort. But actually, it’s my curiosity to try out all the gear that’s out there. And actually, I used to be a convinced…
In December 2024, Schwalbe introduced the G-One RX Pro, a new gravel tire that replaces the two predecessors, the Bite and the Ultrabite, and is positioned as a kind of all-rounder for rough terrain. I rode the Bite and Ultrabite (in 50mm) at the Bohemian Border Bash and found both to be very good. However,…
Why it was time for a new bike For more than a year, I had been searching for a bicycle for myself that would succeed the Salsa Fargo. The Salsa Fargo is a wonderful bike, absolutely designed for long distances. As a result, its geometry is more upright, and I often refer to it as…
Note: Basic Bikes provided me with the bike for this test at my request. I used to be a real fan of the Rally Dakar, that famous race from Paris to Dakar in Senegal. I followed the stories of the riders and watched the TV footage whenever I could. This race was one of the…
Note: At my request, the bags were made available to me for testing by Sportsnut, the German distributor of Restrap. If you are involved in bikepacking, sooner or later you will come across the bags from Restrap. The Brits have been part of the scene for many years and now offer really good bags and…
Why even use a hydration vest? You often see them at ultra-events, but increasingly also in regular use during very hot weather: hydration vests. I usually ride with two bottles, often mounted on the fork. That was always enough for me. Then I started looking into nutrition and regular hydration and came across hydration vests….
Note: Decathlon provided me with the bags for testing at my request. Just over three years ago, I extensively tested the Decathlon Riverside Bikepacking bags and was impressed by their performance: waterproof, robust, cleverly designed, and with excellent value for money. And I really like the fact that behind the bags and bikes there is…
Note: I purchased the tires myself. Continental was not involved in any way. After riding over 3,000 km with the Schwalbe Rick XC, I wanted to know how the new Continental Dubnital, the successor to the Race King, would perform and whether it would provide more grip and puncture protection on tours. A few weeks…
Note: At my request, Big Agnes gave me the tent for the test. Tent or bivouac? For me it’s clear: comfort wins – especially when the tent only weighs around 1kg. Of course, I’m often travelling with a bivy sack, but a tent like this is a luxury that I like to treat myself to….
Note: Tout Terrain provided me with the bike for testing upon my request. Do you know that feeling when you get on a new bike, ride the first few meters, and think you’ve never gone so fast, so effortlessly, so well before? I test a lot of bikes, so I often get to experience this…
Note: At my request, Big Agnes provided me with the sleeping bag and sleeping pad for the test. I have known Big Agnes for many years and I am an avowed fan of this American outdoor brand. So far, however, I have only focussed on their tents and have been using a Copper Spur UV…
Note: Rose provided me with the test bike at my request. Thanks again! With the Hobo, Rose has an interesting bike concept to offer that is somewhat overshadowed by the gravel trend. The Hobo is actually intended as an everyday & leisure bike. It comes with a flat bar and a variable front wheel carrier,…
Note: At my request, Pirelli provided me with a set of tyres for testing via their PR agency. According to Wikipedia, scorpions live mainly in sandy or stony soils. And this is how the Pirelli XC tyres got their name, as they really come into their own on stony and gravely ground. The Pirelli Scorpion…
Note: Tailfin provided me with the bag for testing at my request. For me, top tube bags are one of the best ‘inventions’ of bikepacking. Not only do I utilise the space on the top tube to store things, but I also have direct access to them while riding. I’ve been using top tube bags…