Gear Reviews

The gear I use, the things I learn, and the bits I’d change.

Gear that earns its place

The truck has limited room, and so does the bike. The gear I carry needs to do something useful. These are my experiences with the bikes, clothing, gadgets, and other odds and ends I use while riding and roaming around America. If something makes a day out better—or turns into a pain in the ass—I want to tell you about it.

A rider’s perspective

I’m 59, an over-the-road truck driver, and a cyclist who gets out whenever time and weather cooperate. Walking helped me get moving before cycling became part of the picture. I look at gear through that everyday experience: comfort, usefulness, and whether I still want to use it after the new has worn off. There’s no prize here for owning the fanciest equipment.

What you’ll find in a review

I’ll share what I bought a product for, how I use it, what I like, and what gets on my nerves. Sometimes that takes a few outings to figure out; sometimes the first ride tells me plenty. I’ll distinguish an early impression from longer use and give you enough context to decide whether my experience is useful for your own riding.

Room for an honest opinion

A good review leaves room for the drawbacks. Something can work well for me and still be the wrong choice for you, and paying for it doesn’t mean I have to love it. These pages are a place for practical observations and a little humor. If a future review involves a supplied product, sponsorship, or affiliate link, I’ll make that clear.

From the gear cupboard