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.
In short, the Maxxis Dissector is grippier than an Aggressor on the steep stuff and faster-rolling than a DHR II when the pedals are turning.
Whether you need to replace worn pads or want to try a new compound to improve mountain bike brake performance, knowing how to properly swap pads will come in handy at some point.
Priced at $600 for the derailleur and shifter alone, we can't say that wireless shifting is now affordable, though It's certainly more accessible.
Fizik has a pair of new gravity pairs to share with their Versor and racier Tensor bike shoes, both of which can be had with clipless or flat soles.
The Last Bikes Cinto all-mountain bike features downtube storage in a wicked lightweight 2.1kg carbon frame.
The third generation Specialized Levo is designed for even more shuttle-free laps.
The updated 26-inch-wheeled Pivot Point dirt jump bike has swappable dropouts for a classic single-speed DJ setup or geared, dual-slalom drivetrain configuration.
We tested the Crankbrothers Highline 7 this winter. It's proven to be a reliable dropper and comes with a 4-year warranty.
We recently spent some time on the new Stumpjumper EVO, and we were surprised to see an aftermarket link for the bike so quickly.
The new A3 mountain bike helmet uses a MIPS Injection Molded Brain Protection System to deal with rotational impacts, and the side benefit of this new tech is that it foregoes the noisy yellow chunk of plastic in your helmet.
The X-Fusion H3C coil shock is offered in multiple sizes and costs about half as much of the competition.
If durability is above weight in your list of requirements for an affordable mountain bike wheel set, Syncros Revelstoke 1.5 wheels are worth considering.
Let's geek out about anodized bike parts, from the why to the how.
Since there are loads of newer riders getting into the sport we wanted to share a few of the mechanic-friendly elements worth considering when purchasing a new mountain bike.
The X-Fusion Manic isn't necessarily a mountain bike dropper post that stands out from the crowd, and in its case, that's mostly a good thing.
Guerrilla Gravity has updated the 120mm Trail Pistol 29er, now with a carbon fiber rear triangle that's said to drop 300g from the previous version and is 50% stiffer.
The Specialized the 2FO DH mountain bike shoe aims to keep your feet safe even if the riding is not.
Is that a bird or a cricket chirping? Nope, it's my brake rotor.
This latest iteration of the aluminum YT Capra enduro bike will sell for $/€3,499 with their Pro build, or $/€2,699 with the Base build kit.
This overview of mountain bike frame suspension kinematics will clean up some misconceptions so we can all understand a piece of MTB physics.
The new Insta360 GO 2 is said to be the size of a human thumb, with a 120° view from its f/2.2 lens, and 1440p recording capabilities.
Trickstuff Piccola brakes are among the lightest available and offer as much stopping power with two pistons as other brakes offer with four.
The Onza Porcupine RC offers gravity riders good grip, even in wet conditions.
Five Ten and their parent company, Adidas, are working to replace all virgin polyester with recycled materials for their product lineups by 2024. They're kicking off that commitment by using recycled materials in every flat-peddaler's favorites, the Freeride and Freeride Pro shoes.
The latest Alchemy Arktos can be configured with 120, 135, or 150mm of rear travel, and the longer-travel versions are available in mixed-wheel builds.
The POC Kortal Race MIPS helmet and Devour Sunglasses are arguably the burliest half-shell helmet and widest sunglasses in the MTB market.
Why does one seat post clamp have a 4mm head, and the other a 6mm? We ask the experts all your questions about mountain bike fasteners.
The Cotic Jeht is a steel, full suspension mountain bike with 140mm of rear travel that is more rabbit than rhino.
The new EVOC Trail Pro backpack comes in 10-, 16-, and 26-liter sizes with integrated spine protection.
The Salsa Timberjack can run up to 150mm of fork travel and features the option to go single-speed.
I want to swap out my pedals but the old ones feel like they are welded in place. Any tips for removing a stuck bike pedal?
More progressive suspension, longer travel, and extended chainstays. Cascade Components links make it a new bike.
The Deviate Highlander all-mountain bike sports 140mm of rear travel with the speed capability of a much longer travel bike. .
The new Specialized 2FO Roost clipless mountain bike shoes are a great pair for most trail days.
This alloy, single pivot Mullet Peacemaker keeps maintenance as simple as possible.
Mavic is now offering a full lifetime warranty with all sets of carbon-rimmed mountain bike and road wheels.
The best Maxxis tire for mountain biking in deep dust and mud is now even better.
If you've ever wondered how often you should lubricate your mountain bike chain, or what grease goes on the pawls inside your freehub body, this article is for you.
This cycling rain shell has a sly feature we have not yet seen on another jacket.
We can't always try before we buy mountain bike gear, so reading online reviews is important when making purchase decisions. That's why it's important for the writers to get things right.
The Raaw Jibb is said to maintain the Madonna V2 frame's character, in a shorter travel, trail bike package.
The Grand Himalayan Enduro is Nepal gives mountain bikers a chance to experience the trails and culture in this incredible location.
Frayed cable ends on a dropper-post remote can puncture skin which is certainly worth preventing. How do you prevent the fray?
Hope Fortus mountain bike wheels feature welded 6061 T6 aluminum rims and alloy hubs that are machine built and hand finished in Barnoldswick, UK.
Maxxis filled in the semi-slick gap in their gravel tire lineup today with the all new Receptor.
Professional enduro athletes have earned top results aboard mountain bikes ranging from 130mm to 180mm of rear suspension travel. Are their bikes not equally enduro when slid across the race tape?
Cross Country Olympian turned enduro pro, Adam Craig, grew up racing and riding on the natural singletracks of Maine, and is building trails in the state for an upcoming EWS qualifier on Sugarloaf Mountain.
The FSA SL-K cranks, chainring, and BB have been middle-of-nowhere silent no matter how long I stand and climb after slopping through the mud.
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