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 WTB Verdict SG1 is a durable mountain bike tire with a sticky rubber compound designed to grip the trail in the toughest conditions.
The Maxxis High Roller gravity tire is designed to go downhill as fast as possible, climbing be damned.
Gerow pedals deep into the Chilcotin Mountains of British Columbia in search of a respite from the distractions of the modern world.
The all-new Ibis Ripley trail bike features DW-Link suspension and all the latest touches like UDH-compatability and in-frame storage.
The Wolf Tooth Resolve dropper post is offered in even more sizes and travel lengths, and the self-bleeding function is said to be improved. We put one to the test.
The Nemo Dragonfly is a lightweight and compact tent designed for bikepacking.
If you're able to pay for the fastest featherweight in the biz, a set of Crankbrothers Synthesis XCT 11 wheels should top the list of trail and XC considerations.
The Kenda Gran Mudda and Hellkat Pro mountain bike tires feature burly casings and work well best in loose but dry conditions.
The Light Bicycle AM930S wheels are confidence-inspiring, lightweight, and are value priced.
The new POC Lamina hip pack is as compact as they come, while still offering a bit of protection from any sharp bits inside.
If you don't have time to read on and you've got the $219 price tag covered just go buy it. The Lazer Jackal is really well designed.
What are all of those little ramps and divots for on the cassette, and why are some bike chains directional? We chatted with Nick Murdick from Shimano to learn more.
Depending on your trail temperament, the Öhlins RXF34 m.2 trail fork may wok better than a Fox 34.
The Manitou R7 Expert is a short-travel fork that gets a racy boost from an optional Incremental Volume Adjust kit.
The Whisky No.9 MTN Boost LT carbon fork is lightweight and features gear mounts designed for gravel riding and bikepacking.
If you're concerned about bike frame scratches, we've got some tips for prevention and repair.
Given their low weight and great grip the Mavic XA Flex shoes might be the perfect pair of flats for riders who want to race unclipped.
If you have €2,092.45 to throw down on the ultimate enduro race frame or a fantastic all-mountain ripper, I recommend the Raaw Madonna V2.2.
The Schwalbe Thunder Burt is a lightweight, fast rolling tire with small knobs that work well for gravel riding.
While there are both pros and cons to flats vs. clipless pedals, this little swap-experiment reminded me to maintain curiosity in this wonderful sport, and to consistently look for different ways to enjoy time with the trees.
Crankbrothers managed to drop roughly 100g from their Highline 7 dropper post with this new Highline 11 model that features titanium hardware and a carbon fiber quill and head.
The updated Fox 36 "all-mountain" fork sees an updated axle and crown with 150-160mm of suspension travel.
WTB has been designing components since 1982, and their new CZR i30 carbon MTB wheels are a testament to those long seasons of R&D.
Mike and Leigh take us through all the necessary safety tips for working around chainsaws and trimmers, and explain what it means to swamp for a saw operator.
US-made 1UP bike racks have a cult following among riders. We dig in to understand why.
The 100% Altis half shell bike helmet features rotational impact protection tech with a budget-friendly, $100 price.
We asked Giant Bicycles engineer Fedde Taekema what, if anything, is special about e-bike suspension kinematics.
Skate shoe lovers rejoice! The Leatt Shoe 1.0 v22 is a flat pedal shoe with a flexy, chill vibe.
Singletracks reader Moritz Raschbichler bought one of the first 50 Atherton bikes, and shares his build here.
The RockyMounts MonoRail holds bikes steady without scratches and doesn't move around much in the hitch. A great rack.
The component spec and geo on the YT Jeffsy Primus 26" kids bike solidly fits the bike's intentions, and the frame is built to blast.
The Thule Roundtrip bike transport bag has a built-in repair stand, plenty of room for storage, and has proven durable for international travel.
World Cup downhiller Frida Rønning started racing XC before moving to DH. She recently joined the Union racing team for 2022 and will be riding the Santa Cruz V10.
This sweet Fox Mainframe MIPS helmet looks decidedly similar to the brand's Speedframe Pro lid, and your buddies will have to pay close attention to know that it cost $89.95.
Let's learn how to pick the best testing track for balancing our bike suspension with squish expert Chris Mandell.
The waterproof Thunder Pant from Squamish-based 7Mesh is the most storm-ready we've tested to date, and we're confident Perun would give 'em the thumbs up.
Riser bars can benefit certain types of mountain bikes, and certain types of riders too. Taller handlebars may even help with manuals.
The Öhlins RXF 34 m.2 trail fork will only work with 29" wheels, it has a 44mm offset, and either 120 or 130mm of travel that can be changed by swapping part of the air spring.
We tagged along with a pair of longtime MTB trail builders to learn how eliminate puddles by cutting and maintaining drainage on singletrack.
The Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex mountain bike shoes are waterproof and stick tenaciously to both rocks and pedal pins, even with a good amount of mud caked into the soles.
Orbea has a new hardtail in the lineup, and this one's all about grassroots cross country racing.
Which parts of a brand's narrative matter to you when you're on the fence about a bike purchase?
The Teravail Warwick mountain bike tires tumble and roll with a broad variety of casing firmness and grip durability.
This prototype trail bike features flex stays and uses a 3D printing process that makes future production tweaks possible.
It's been a minute since we last saw a 27.5" rear wheel paired with the same diameter up front, and the new Pivot Shadowcat offers just such a platform.
Endura just released new trail shoes for mountain biking. Here's an early look at the Endura MT500 Burner flat pedal shoe.
Germany's Nicolai Bicycles has a pair of new hardtail mountain bike frames on offer, each in five different sizes or fully custom if you prefer.
Singletracks sat down with Colorado-based mountain biker Brooke Goudy to get her perspective on what's changed in mountain biking and what still needs work.
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