Gerow

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 cyclist in a blue jacket and helmet sits on a grassy hill, facing a scenic landscape of rolling hills and mountains under a clear blue sky. The foreground features a close-up view of the bike's saddle and rear wheel, emphasizing the bicycle's design.
A top-down view of a mountain bike's handlebars surrounded by colorful autumn leaves, with the bike's frame partially visible and a wooden fence in the background. The scene captures the vibrant colors of fall foliage.
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Close-up image of a mountain bike's crankset and pedals, featuring a black chainring and chain, with a partially visible rear shock absorber in the background. The setting includes a blurred green grass surface.
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Alt text: "A top-down view of a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate mountain bike shock absorber, featuring a black cylindrical body with measurement markings and an adjustable air chamber."
A sleek, modern mountain bike with a lightweight aluminum frame, featuring front and rear suspension. The bike is positioned on a light-colored surface against a dark backdrop. It has high-quality components, including Schwalbe tires and a precision drivetrain. The handlebars and seat are angled for optimal performance.
A side view of a mountain bike featuring a vibrant yellow frame with bold "Santa Cruz" branding in purple. The bike has large, knobby tires for off-road traction, a single chainring setup, and a sleek design suitable for trails. The seat is positioned upright, and the bike is shown on a plain background.
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A red mountain bike parked on a stone path surrounded by trees. A water bottle is attached to the bike frame. In the background, there is a grassy area and a bench along the path. The scene is illuminated by sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring a textured gray grip, brake lever, and a dropper post remote. The handlebar has branding visible, with natural greenery blurred in the background.
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A modern mountain bike with a sturdy frame, wide tires, and front suspension, positioned against a vibrant blue background. The bike features a black and silver color scheme, emphasizing its rugged design suitable for off-road terrain.
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A mountain bike positioned beside a gently flowing stream, with graffiti-covered concrete walls and a tunnel in the background. The bike is black, showcasing its wheels partially submerged in the water, surrounded by lush greenery and fallen leaves.
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Close-up view of a bicycle hub labeled "Spank HEX J-Type" with a blurred background of two bike tires and some greenery.
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A green BlendJet portable blender sits on a black table, surrounded by various smoothie and protein powder packets. The blender is filled with a blended dark beverage, while the packets feature colorful designs, indicating different flavors such as mocha chip and peanut butter. Soft sunlight casts shadows on the table, enhancing the vibrant colors of the products.
An illustration of a mountain bike frame in a striking color palette, featuring the brand name "Nukeproof" prominently displayed on the side. The frame design showcases its suspension components and sleek contours. The background is a solid, contrasting color that enhances the visibility of the bike frame.
A side view of a gravel bike equipped with gray panniers and a handlebar bag, designed for bikepacking. The bicycle features a sturdy frame, wide tires, and a comfortable saddle, suitable for off-road adventures.
Close-up view of a bicycle tire with a rugged tread pattern, positioned between the forks of the bike. The background features a blurred green grass setting, creating a natural outdoor atmosphere.
A mountain bike positioned on a forest trail, surrounded by lush greenery and fallen leaves. The bike features a light green frame and is equipped with robust tires suitable for off-road terrain. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a natural ambiance.
A black and white selfie of two mountain bikers on a chairlift, smiling and wearing helmets and protective gear, with a scenic mountainous landscape in the background.
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Alt text: A pair of black and blue cycling shoes with purple accents, featuring two circular Boa dials for fastening, displayed on a stone surface with a blurred green background.
Black high-top and low-top sneakers displayed on a gradient background. The high-top sneaker features a smooth, gray textile upper with a rubber sole, while the low-top sneaker has a lace-up design with a similar fabric and sole.
A tent set up by a calm lakeside, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. Backpacks and shoes are placed near the tent, with a serene body of water and distant mountains visible in the background under a twilight sky.
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A modern mountain bike with a silver frame, black front fork, and brown saddle, parked on a grassy path near a calm lake. The bike features wide tires suitable for off-road terrains, and the background is filled with lush greenery reflecting in the water.
A mountain bike with a teal frame featuring white and orange accents is positioned against a rustic red wooden door adorned with black decorative elements. The bike has Maxxis tires and a high-performance suspension system, highlighting its rugged design suitable for off-road cycling. Green grass peeks through the stone pavement beneath the bike.
Close-up view of a transparent bike frame showcasing its intricate suspension system and components, set against a vibrant turquoise background.
Close-up of a unique metallic component, featuring a combination of gold and black finishes, likely used in a mechanical or engineering application. The piece has a complex design with multiple contours and moving parts, highlighting precision craftsmanship and modern aesthetics.
A close-up view of a surface covered with several black cut-out shapes, resting on a textured gray table. The shapes are irregular and vary in size, indicating a crafting or design process.
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Close-up view of a sleek black bicycle handlebar featuring a mount with four visible screws. The background is a smooth gradient transitioning from pink to orange. The mount is branded with the name "Faserwerk."
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A mountain bike stands on grassy ground near a calm river. The bike is silver with black components and has thick, knobby tires, indicating its suitability for rough terrain. The reflective surface of the water captures the surrounding landscape, enhancing the scenic view.
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A mountain biker in a white and black outfit navigates a rocky and rooted trail during a competition, with a crowd watching from the sidelines. Surrounding trees and banners add to the event's atmosphere.
A person standing next to a mountain bike on a gravel pathway in a park. The individual is wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt and black shorts, with colorful cycling shoes and knee-high socks. They have tattoos visible on their arms and legs. The background features green trees and grass, indicating a sunny day outdoors.
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A mountain biker in an orange jersey navigates a rocky section of a racing course, focusing intently on maintaining balance and speed. Surrounding the course are spectators watching the event, set in a forested environment with greenery in the background.
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Close-up of a bike's suspension adjustment dial, featuring labels for compression and speed settings; the background shows blurred grass and part of a bicycle tire.
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A black and white image of a night-time mountain biking event, showcasing riders in action on a dirt track. One cyclist is performing a jump over a ramp, while two others are racing on the track below. A crowd of spectators watches from the sidelines, captivated by the thrilling competition. Dust is kicked up from the track, adding to the dynamic atmosphere of the event.
Two helmet models from Leatt hanging on a tree branch, surrounded by a grassy area. The top helmet has a vibrant design in green and gray, while the bottom helmet is sleek and black with a logo.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire labeled "GROUND CONTROL," showcasing its textured tread pattern and a partially visible fork. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
A close-up view of a mountain bike helmet positioned on the handlebars of a bike, with a rider wearing a red jacket in the background. The scene is set in a forest, featuring a trail with dirt and greenery.
A split image featuring two mountain bikers. On the left, a rider in a black and green kit poses at the entrance of a trail marked "BLACK SNAKE," raising a finger in excitement. On the right, another rider competes on a dirt track, leaning into a turn with focused determination. The background showcases a wooded area, capturing the thrill of downhill biking at the 2021 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy.
Close-up view of a bicycle handlebar featuring a securely attached cargo bag, with a black plastic covering. The bike frame is partially visible, displaying the name "SOLARIS." The background consists of a green, grassy area dotted with small white flowers.
Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars and frame, glistening with droplets of water, against a blurred green background. Text overlay reads "Mid Travel Mashup" and "Trail Bike Reviews Coming Fall 2021."
A bright orange bicycle with a rugged design is parked on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and fallen leaves. The bike has wide tires and is equipped with a small brown bag attached to the handlebars, along with a water bottle on the frame.
A person sitting on a mountain bike in a rocky outdoor landscape, wearing a black beanie and a black t-shirt with patterned pants. They are making a peace sign with one hand while smiling at the camera, with a mountain formation in the background under a cloudy sky.
A man wearing a light beige jacket stands in front of a textured wall covered with green ivy. He is looking down and adjusting the jacket, with one hand over the zipper area. The background features a neutral-colored wall with patches of peeling paint.
A modern bicycle frame displayed in a split-color design, featuring sections in blue, green, black, and white. The frame showcases a sleek, minimalist style suitable for performance cycling.
Close-up image of a bicycle wheel hub with spokes, featuring a black component labeled "HUNT." The background is blurred greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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