Letter
from the Editor
GEAR IS GREAT
But we don’t travel for derailers
CONTRIBUTORS
➺ There are cyclists who love to tinker, and there are those who
simply want things to work with as little interference as possible.
While I respect (and sometimes envy) the latter, I’ve always
loved wrenching on my own bikes — often to the detriment of
their actual performance — and falling down the rabbit hole of
researching new and different gear.
In this issue, we present our largest Cyclists’ Travel Guide ever,
22 pages that examine a wide cross section of the bicycle travel
technology landscape. First, a follow-up on last year’s “Drivetrain
Dilemma” (A Big Shift, page 12) uncovers rapid and sweeping changes from
manufacturers large and small that have created a wave of new options for tarmac
or trail. We get advice from some of today’s most influential bike travelers on how
to avoid spending big bucks and make the most of easy-to-find gear on the cheap
(Dirtbag Bike Touring, page 20). There’s also our first look at a controversial subject
among cyclists of all stripes: eBikes (page 26). We’ve tried to provide information
without judgment, but one thing seems certain — these new bikes are here to stay.
A huge thanks goes to new Adventure Cyclist Technical Editor Nick Legan, who
steered this project from even before his title was official and contributed stories
under his byline and thoughtfully edited behind the scenes.
While I’m particularly excited about the Travel Guide, a contrast became clear
as the issue ground through production. Even as we open with a long look at the
latest in shifting, suspension, cheap camping hacks, expensive eBikes, and the rest
of the products we use to get out on two wheels, my eyes keep drifting past the guide
to Tom Robertson’s feature about cycling in Argentine Patagonia (Straight Roads
and Wind, page 34). I love the how, the what, and the where of new gear, but the
spectacular images of dusty roads, towering peaks, and new friends at the bottom of
the world capture something far more important: the why.
Alex Strickland
Editor-in-Chief, Adventure Cyclist
[email protected]
Volume 43 Number 3
ADVENTURECYCLING.ORG
While bike touring,
TOM ROBERTSON is
always careful to keep
a close eye on his gear.
But Patagonia (story
on page 34) was the
first place he’s ever had
anything stolen. “A dog
came into our camp and picked up a half
dozen eggs still in the carton and took off.
We could tell he was a pro.” See more of his
work at tomrobertson.com.
LEAD DESIGNER
Cassie Nelson
COPY EDITOR
Phyllis Picklesimer
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alex Strickland
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Willie Weir Patrick O’Grady
Dan D’Ambrosio Jan Heine
June Siple Josh Tack
COPY COORDINATOR
Dan Meyer
ART DIRECTOR
Greg Siple
[email protected]
TECHNICAL EDITOR
Nick Legan
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Michael Deme
[email protected]
APRIL 2016
KAREN BROOKS had
previously worked with
Lael Wilcox’s partner,
Nicholas Carman, and
has long admired the
couple’s epic but downto-earth stories and
photos from touring all
over the world (she profiles Lael on page 60).
Nicholas also knows a lot about bikepack-able
cameras and gave Karen some good advice
a couple of years ago. It turns out that Lael
has a “secret dirtbag lifestyle” and a fierce
competitive drive all her own, and her story
has inspired Karen to get out and tour more.
Follow Karen on Instagram and Twitter to see
the results @K4renBr00ks.
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Rick Bruner 509.493.4930
[email protected]
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