This week's Debrief is a colorful affair, featuring a rainbow of new products and events that have caught our attention. From limited-edition saddles to custom pannier colors, there's a lot to explore and discuss. Let's dive in and uncover some of the most intriguing bits and pieces from the world of bikepacking and cycling.
A Rainbow of Panniers
Rockgeist has taken a giant leap forward by offering custom Microwave Pannier colors. This is a game-changer for those who want to personalize their gear. With over 40 options to choose from, customers can select any fabric and color from the fabric library. If you're not particular about holster colors, Rockgeist will also be making RX36 Black Microwave sets for faster shipping. This is a significant development, as it allows riders to truly make their bikes and gear their own.
Limited-Edition Brooks
Brooks England has collaborated with JJJJound, a Montreal-based design studio, to create two limited-edition saddles. The B17 and Flyer saddles are finished in an all-white treatment, with the underside left in their natural coloring. The side of each saddle is embossed with a dedicated JJJJound side stamp, and they come with a Brooks England x JJJJound hub shiner. This collaboration is a testament to the power of design and the appeal of limited-edition products.
German Engineering and Polish Chrome
Vetra Bikes has released the Rattlesnake Stem, a polished chrome finish stem made in Germany. With an 80mm length and a -6 degree rise, it's suitable for a range of classic and modern cockpit setups. It's designed for round-tube drop handlebars and is equally compatible with swept-back flat bars, making it a versatile choice for ATB, touring, and commuting bikes.
Titanium and All-Day Riding
Nordest Cycles has introduced the Supercross Ti Handlebar, made from Ti3Al2.5V titanium. With a 50mm rise, 11° backsweep, and 6° upsweep, it's designed for all-day riding and all-day ripping. The handlebar measures 800mm wide, uses a 31.8mm clamp, and weighs 465 grams, making it a lightweight and versatile option for riders.
Tooling Up
The introduction of Knipex's tiny SlimKnips got us thinking about those oddly specific tools that earn a permanent place in the workshop. Whether it's a precision cable cutter or something even more obscure, what's your favorite highly specialized shop tool, and why is it worth having around?
Events and Races
The Montana Bike Odyssey is a 1,750-mile loop through Montana, starting and ending in Bozeman. For 2026, there are also 500-mile and 235-mile route options. The event started this morning, and you can follow along live here.
The Ardennes Monster is Belgium's most poetic ultra, blending cycling legends with forgotten roads, deep forests, and lonely plateaus. The event offers three formats: a massive 1,050-kilometer loop through the heart of the Ardennes, a 500-kilometer version with the same soul and the same sting, and a 300-kilometer option to taste the adventure in a more compact dose.
The Port Angeles Super Loop (PASL) is an unofficial, solo, self-supported bikepacking ride on the north Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. It links everything that makes riding this little slice of heaven so special.
The Capitals is an 840-kilometer ultra-endurance race connecting the four Catalan capitals: Barcelona, Tarragona, Lleida, and Girona. This year's grand depart starts Sunday morning at 6 a.m. local time, with nearly 100 riders participating.
The Transcontinental Race (TCR) is an annual, self-supported, ultra-distance bikepacking race across Europe. The route varies for each edition, but participants are free to choose their own route between the mandatory checkpoints. This year's event starts on Sunday from Trondheim, Norway, with well over 400 riders participating.
Wish We Were Here
Lucas Winzenburg has recently returned to Peru, where he documented and shared the new 290-kilometer Conexión Oyón route. This route is a dream for many bikepackers, and I hope to experience it for myself in the not-too-distant future. It's a testament to the allure of exploring new places on two wheels.
Conclusion
This week's Debrief is a celebration of the diverse and vibrant world of bikepacking and cycling. From custom pannier colors to limited-edition saddles, there's a lot to explore and enjoy. Whether you're a rider, a shop owner, or simply a lover of the sport, there's always something new and exciting to discover. So, keep exploring, keep riding, and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible on two wheels.
