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.
A new rider asks, "How do I know when to put my saddle down or up, and how much should I push it down?"
The Magicshine Ray 2600 is an all-in-one bike light that can be mounted to a helmet or bars.
The Race Face Flank Core body protector features D3O pads on the shoulders and back sewn into a durable mesh shirt.
Tips for deciding when it's best to use the lockout on your mountain bike fork or shock, and when it's ok to leave it alone.
The mixed-wheel Starling Roost hardtail features a stainless steel frame and up to 160mm of front travel.
Learn everything about mountain bike bearings from how they're designed to how they work.
Coil shocks aren't for every rider or every ride, and are different from air shocks along a few key dimensions.
Rain or shine, warm or cool, these are the best mountain bike pants we recommend.
The updated Canfield Jedi DH bike has 203mm of travel both front and rear and features a high-pivot design.
Downhill doesn't get much simpler than this.
Gravel bikes made under biking cool. For some riders, over biking is even more fun.
The redesigned Canyon Torque enduro bike can be had with all three wheels size configurations in aluminum or carbon fiber.
Fox updated the Flox X air shock recently and we've had a chance to squish it through the PNW mud for a thorough test.
Singletracks tested and reviewed 11 different mountain bike helmets in 2021, ranging from half shells to full-face helmets priced from $55 to $500.
Secret mountain bike trails tend to be secret for a variety of reasons, some perhaps better than others.
Mountain biking is a competitive sport, and there are many different ways to race.
This Hope EVO mountain bike crank set has been creak-free throughout testing, and I'm confident it will hold up for several seasons to come.
Cotic is now offering mixed-wheel builds for their RocketMAX, Jeht, and FlareMAX mountain bikes.
Unfortunately swapping a hub isn't as quick and easy as changing a tire. These are the things to consider before getting started.
The updated Cannondale Scalpel HT XC race hardtail combines progressive geometry with a lightweight design.
Someone recently commented on one of our articles, asking "how can I take photos like these," so I wanted to share some techniques that I've learned.
The Garmin Enduro is a premium "top level trail tool" smartwatch that packs in a ton of mountain bike specific features.
Darcy Wittenberg shares the backstory behind the creation of "Long Live Chainsaw," a documentary about legendary pro mountain biker Stevie Smith.
"There's a difference between inviting somebody and welcoming them, and that's where the hard work comes in."
This new Bold LINKIN full suspension trail bike features a sleek, integrated look.
The Öhlins RXF38 m.2 is possibly the most supportive fork we have tested to date.
Cascade Components remixes SRAM Code disc brakes to squeeze 20% more power out of these popular MTB stoppers.
Ferns line our trails and are a plant species older than time, or rather older than the time humans have been around to record.
After sixteen years running, the 2021 Absa Cape Epic mountain bike stage race sees the event's first team of Black women to finish.
You may know the story of the French plumber turned professional enduro racer. The one who's really fast, even compared to other French athletes, and who raced moto for many years prior. That's Damien Oton.
Canyon adds more affordable alloy Spectral trail bike models, and also a youth bike with suspension tuned for lightweight riders.
Mondraker continues to push progressive geometry with the all new Raze trail bike and updates to the Foxy enduro bike.
When our waterproof gear starts to leak it can seem useless and in need of replacement, but with products like Endura's Re-Proofer, the material may well keep you dry once more.
The folks at Sprindex have created a coil spring that eloquently allows riders to change the spring rate without touching any tools.
We ask three insiders how to select the right dirt jump bike for your desired riding style and terrain, and what makes one bike better than the other.
Two riders take a critical look at mountain bike apparel fit, and aim to outfit more trail friends.
The Maloja MaxM vest is packable, adaptable, and comfortable on the trail during shoulder season.
Gravity riders tend to favor a rearward mountain bike pedal cleat position, so I decided to see how it feels on the trail.
Max Commencal is enthusiastic about the athletes he works with, and you will often see him hugging riders at the finish line of World Cup downhill races.
Fox has a new extra large mud fender to fit their 36 and 38 forks.
The Fox 34 mountain bike suspension fork is designed with trail riding in mind.
Mountain bike fender season is upon us, and Mucky Nuts has some sweet shapes to guard your face.
Grax drivetrain cleaner and lube prove long-lasting and keep parts spinning smoothly.
The Trek Top Fuel sees a slacker HTA, steeper STA, and improved anti-squat. This time around, even the alloy models get a get a snack-stash in the down tube.
Can Creek introduces a longer-travel eeSilk suspension seatpost along with a bolt on fender for Helm forks and more BB options.
Wider mountain bike handlebars are better, until they're not. Gerow experiments to see how narrow he can go while still maintaining control.
Alchemy has a new titanium hardtail with build prices starting at $6,299.
Mountain bike bottom bracket height affects how "in" versus "on" a bike feels, and also how the bike fits.
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