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.

 
Two mountain bike tires are positioned horizontally, one on top of the other, resting against a backdrop of green ivy leaves. The tires have a rugged tread pattern, indicating they are designed for off-road cycling. A portion of a bike rim with purple accents is visible below the tires.
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A mountain biker navigates a rocky trail surrounded by trees and an audience. The cyclist, wearing a blue and red jersey with a race number, skillfully maneuvers over the challenging terrain while a photographer captures the action. Spectators can be seen in the background, highlighting the excitement of the event.
A vibrant purple mountain bike with a silver frame stands against a wooden wall. The bike features thick tires, a front suspension fork, and a sleek design, showcasing its suitability for off-road riding. Fallen leaves are scattered on the ground, adding a touch of nature to the scene.
A close-up view of a branch with vibrant green leaves set against a clear blue sky. The leaves display a rich texture, with some showing signs of small imperfections, while the sunlight creates a warm glow around them.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky terrain, leaning forward as they descend a large boulder covered in moss. The rider, dressed in a black jacket and helmet, showcases an intense focus, highlighting the skill and balance required for off-road cycling. Surrounding trees and foliage create a natural backdrop.
A black bicycle suspension fork with yellow accents is resting against the trunk of a tree, surrounded by fallen leaves and greenery in a forested area.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail surrounded by dense trees and greenery. The rider, wearing a blue helmet and a black jacket, is focused on the path ahead.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire showing a section with worn-out rubber and a small piece of debris embedded in the tread. The tire has a rugged design suitable for off-road use, with dirt visible on its surface.
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A group of three men are engaged in a rocky terrain project, smiling and collaborating. One man in the foreground is kneeling beside a pile of stones, while another man stands nearby, using a tool to move a stone. The third man, positioned slightly behind, assists in the effort. The background features greenery and hills under a blue sky, indicating a natural setting.
A GoPro camera setup featuring two models: the GoPro Hero 8 Black on the left and the GoPro Max on the right. The Hero 8 Black has a digital display showing video recording settings, while the Max features a large lens and a screen displaying a kayak view. The background is split with a bright orange section, enhancing the focus on the cameras.
A mountain biker descends a rocky trail during a competition, surrounded by a crowd of spectators. The backdrop features a scenic view of the ocean and colorful buildings along the coast. Flags and course markers are visible, indicating the race event. The atmosphere is lively as onlookers cheer for the rider navigating the challenging terrain.
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Close-up view of the front wheel of a mountain bike, featuring a black Kenda tire with prominent tread patterns. The wheel is attached to a suspension fork with a gold finish and graphics indicating it is a Fox component. Surrounding the bike are green grasses and small purple flowers, suggesting an outdoor setting. The image highlights the bike's ruggedness and readiness for off-road terrain.
Two mountain bikers navigating a dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and trees. One biker, dressed in black gear and a helmet, is airborne off a small jump, while the second biker trails behind on the winding path. The scene captures the excitement of downhill biking in a natural setting.
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A close-up view of a mountain bike tire with a focus on the rim and spokes. The tire features the branding "TCS TOUGH HIGH GRIP" and a size label of "2.5 29". A metal bike part is attached to the spokes, showcasing its design and attachment mechanism. The surrounding area includes dirt and fallen leaves, hinting at an outdoor setting.
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A black mountain bike with a red front fork is positioned on a gravel path surrounded by greenery. The bike features wide tires, a slim frame, and a modern design, indicating its suitability for off-road cycling.
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Two mountain bike wheels with rugged tires are displayed against a dark backdrop. The wheels feature pronounced treads for enhanced grip and are partially showing their colorful rims. The image conveys a focus on cycling equipment, highlighting the design and sturdiness of the tires.
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A close-up image of a foot wearing a black sneaker pressing down on a bicycle pump. The bicycle pump is positioned on the ground beside a bicycle tire, with the edge of the tire partially visible in the background. Surrounding the pump and tire are patches of grass and dirt, indicating an outdoor setting.
A collection of mountain bike tools including a digital pressure gauge, a pump handle, and a shock pump, arranged in a cross formation on a textured gray stone surface.
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A modern mountain bike with a sleek silver and orange design, featuring prominent front suspension forks, wide tires, and a streamlined frame. The bike is positioned on a textured dark backdrop, highlighting its high-performance components and stylish aesthetics.
A display of three pairs of ski goggles, featuring different colored frames and lenses. The goggles have straps with a logo pattern. The colors include red, blue, and a tan variant with mirrored lenses, set against a textured gray background.
A mountain bike positioned on a wet pavement, with lush green grass in the background. The bike features a sleek, modern design with wide tires, a sturdy frame, and a suspension system, suitable for off-road riding.
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A mountain bike displayed at a trade show, featuring a sleek black frame and prominent branding. Two attendees, a man and a woman, are engaging with the bike while another individual is seen in the background. The booth showcases various cycling products, with promotional banners and merchandise visible.
Close-up view of a mountain bike pedal attached to a rider's shoe, featuring a textured sole. The background shows a rocky surface with greenery, indicating an outdoor terrain suitable for biking.
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A pair of black cycling shoes from the brand fi'zi:k, featuring a sleek design with two circular dial closures for adjustments. The shoes are positioned against a tree trunk and have some dirt on them, indicating outdoor use. The sole is equipped with grips suitable for mountain biking.
Close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars and frame resting against a tree. The handlebars feature black grips and are branded "SYNCR." The bike has a blue frame with a water bottle mounted in a holder, surrounded by pine needles on the ground.
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Close-up view of a bicycle's rear cassette and drivetrain components, showcasing a detailed, metallic gear system. The image highlights the intricate design and engineering, with a focus on smooth, circular patterns of the cassette and the connection to the bike frame. The background is neutral, emphasizing the mechanical elements.
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Close-up view of a bicycle's rear derailleur and chain, with a focus on the TRP branding, set against a blurred green grass background.
A blue mountain bike is positioned among tall green grass and ferns in a forest setting, with trees visible in the background.
Close-up of a mountain bike tire featuring a white, studded tread design and tan sidewalls, sitting on a textured surface. The shadow of the bike frame is visible on the ground, with a rustic background.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a forest, with tall trees and bright blue skies in the background. The rider is airborne, showcasing skill and balance while riding a colorful bike.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail surrounded by greenery, wearing a helmet and protective gear, with a race number displayed on the handlebars.
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A close-up view of a bicycle with a colorful red and white helmet resting on the handlebars. The helmet features a spiral design and is labeled with the brand names "BELL" and "SMITH." In the background, part of the bicycle frame and another bike can be seen, along with a blurred person wearing green shorts.
A group of volunteers wearing bright yellow safety vests work together in a forested area, engaging in conservation efforts. Some are digging and moving stones, while others are observing or assisting. The scene is surrounded by tall trees and natural vegetation, indicating an outdoor project aimed at enhancing the environment.
A person holding a compact, rolled-up green tarp or outdoor gear in their hand, with grass and small flowers in the background.
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A blue mountain bike secured to a tree with an orange strap. The bike has a silver water bottle and a metal container mounted on the frame. The background features greenery and a gravel path.
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Close-up image of a mountain bike tire tread, showcasing various patterns and grooves designed for traction. The background features blurred green grass, emphasizing the off-road nature of the tire.
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