Gerow started as a freelance writer for Singletracks and was a full-time staff member from 2019 to 2022. His areas of expertise include component tech and tires, suspension setup, gravity riding, bikepacking, repair, and maintenance. A mountain biker since 1986, Gerow continues to contribute compelling and expert mountain bike and component reviews.
"If not riding then I'm writing, or quite possibly cooking something. I play bass with nine-and-a-half fingers, eat vegetables and fruit, and prefer movement as frequently as possible. I find discomforts and challenges more useful than most things, particularly what emerges from them. If I died and could return as anything I would choose a camp fire."
Author snapshot
- Instagram: @ribbonsinsticksmedia
- Location: Bellingham, Washington
- Previous location: Torino, Italy and Florence, Italy
MTB experience
- Mountain biking since 1986
- Current bike stable: Raaw Madonna (160mm) and a Kona Unit (rigid)
- Favorite place to ride: Jamniza, Slovenia
Writing experience and education
- Other publications: Craft MTN and various Italian blogs
- Masters of Sociology
- Firefighter 2 Certification, EMT, Hazmat Operations, Rope Rescue
If not riding then I'm writing, or quite possibly cooking something. I play bass with nine-and-a-half fingers, eat vegetables and fruit, and prefer movement as frequently as possible. I find discomforts and challenges more useful than most things, particularly what emerges from them. If I died and could return as anything I would choose a camp fire.
The Maxxis Rekon Race mountain bike tires feature low rolling resistance and ramped lugs.
Riders who want to update their bike geo by making the headtube angle slacker or steeper by 1° have a new USA-made option in the GeoShift headset from Wolf Tooth Components.
The Leatt Airflex hybrid knee guards are so cozy, you'll almost want to wear them off the bike.
If you're hungry for the fluid sensitivity and all day consistency of a coil shock, alongside a wide range of tunability, the Formula Mod might be your next great go-faster mountain bike upgrade.
The Pivot Mach 6 gets updated geometry, a new shock orientation, and a "gear dock" for on-bike storage.
Complete Privateer 161 enduro bike builds are available in the US for $3,719 or in the EU for €3,979.
The single rubber compound used for the Pirelli Scorpion Enduro S mountain bike tire is said to last more than 3 times as long as the competition.
Trickstuff in Germany recently decided to close up shop for a few months, restructure their ordering, manufacturing, and sales processes, and to launch a new website.
Once your little shredder is bringing home a six figure racing salary they can use the Carbon Hotwalk balance bike as a centerpiece for all of their trophies.
Like all other Knolly models, this alloy enduro sled comes in two travel options, with either 151mm of rear travel and a 160mm fork, or 167mm at the rear axle and a 170mm up front.
Originally designed to fit the larger front triangles of gravel frames, this pouch nests better than most inside the tight angles of a modern trail bike.
The Canyon Spectral goes 29er with 150mm of rear travel and either a 150mm or 160mm fork up front. Prices start at $3,699 for a carbon build.
If light weight and cash savings are atop your MTB helmet purchasing criterion, this is a good lid to consider.
Mountain biking trousers like the Maloja MOMOSM are designed to keep the elements outside and feel similar to the cozy couch that your riding buddies are sitting on as you enjoy the trail.
At some point someone may have told you that it's a terrible idea to pressure wash a mountain bike, because bearings.
The vented Bluegrass Rogue helmet features a Fidlock buckle, a MIPS liner, and secure eyewear storage.
The Specialized Flux 800 is a go-to mountain bike light with a wide beam that covers more than enough trail.
The Light & Motion Seca Comp 2000 stands out as a light for mountain bikers who need a helmet-mounted torch that really cranks out the fake sunshine.
The Bontrager Ion Comp R front bike light is a true commuter's light and also works well as a mountain bike light.
The Lone Parabellum all-mountain bike adds a mixed-wheel option to the unique sliding dropout and eccentric bottom bracket pivot frame.
The Lezyne Lite Drive 1000XL bike light makes a great lightweight, dual LED headlight for under $100.
The NiteRider Lumina OLED 1200 Boost front bike light works equally well on a handlebar or helmet mount.
Montana-based Esker Cycles has found a few ways to make their new Japhy steel 120mm hardtail special.
Things mountain bike reviewers no longer note: disc brakes, a 1x drivetrain, and Boost spacing, to name a few. Today, it's all about that seat angle, dropper travel, and external cable routing.
The Dainese Trail Skins Pro kneepads are comfortable and breathable, but sizing and maintenance can be hit or miss.
The Trickstuff Direttissima mountain bike brakes are designed and built to offer the best possible braking performance.
With 140mm of rear travel and a 150mm fork, this mountain bike should suit nearly any trail.
The Utah-based brand has a new aluminum mountain bike bar-holder on offer that comes in 35, 50, and 65mm lengths.
Gravity riders who enjoy testing the limits of their traction will find a formidable match in the rear-specific Schwalbe Big Betty mountain bike tire.
This improved set of chainlink pliers has 17 functions and includes bits to fit most bolts on a mountain bike.
The Santa Cruz Bullit is back, but this time around it's an electric enduro mountain bike with mixed wheels.
OneUp Components has a third iteration of its popular EDC stash tool system, and this time there's no need to thread the inside of your steerer tube.
Th Fizik saddle-mounted tool carrier packs a pair of 16oz CO2 cartridges and a multi-tool with a built-in inflator head.
If stiffness and durability are your top demands for a carbon-rimmed wheelset, you can have both of those things in a reasonable $1,299 package that weighs roughly 1800g with the ISOS 33 Enduro wheels from Quai.
The new Thule Tepui Foothill tent has a unique footprint that leaves space for bikes or surfboards or whatever adventure toys you want to mount on the roof.
This most recent aftermarket link from Cascade Components is designed for Evil's The Offering trail bike.
Specialized has a new mountain bike shoe on offer called the 2FO Roost, available in both clipless and flat versions.
The Breadwinner Bad Otis steel hardtail frame gets updated geometry and is highly customizable.
Inside the mountain bike helmet design and testing process with Bluegrass Eagle in Italy.
Tips for routing mountain bike brake hoses, shifter cables, and remotes neatly.
Stif Mountain Bikes spent three years refining their original hardtail, culminating in the new 130mm Squatch 29er.
The Panaracer GravelKing SS+ is a racy, tubeless gravel tire designed to go fast.
The 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO is in for test. We give this all-mountain bike a once over before hitting the trail.
Onza has a new version of the Porcupine mountain bike tire, plus inner tubes made in the EU.
By some accounts the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. We dig into how cycling apparel companies can effectively reduce their footprint.
The Magic Shine Monteer 8000s Galaxy is one of the brightest bike lights you can buy.
The Giant Recon HL 1800 and 800 bike lights make a great bar mount / helmet mount combo for trail riding at night.
It's a brilliant time to be a young mountain biker. It can also be tough to pull away from screens and get outdoors.
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