Bike Hugger

05/27/2026

It belongs in the shed, but somehow it completes the hallway.

05/18/2026

The Fidlock Hip Pack with magnets instantly became my go-to choice. I’m picky about hip packs—like the princess and the pea. Fidlock has always seen the unremarkable “attachment point” as a design challenge: magnets, mechanical locks, modular mounts—they turn details into clever systems that make bikes cleaner, quieter, and more practical.

The Fidlock Hip Pack with magnets instantly became my go-to choice. I’m picky about hip packs—like the princess and the pea. Fidlock has always seen the

05/18/2026

Bills move through Congress faster than middle-aged gravel cyclists agreeing on a route.

05/18/2026

War Creek flowing fast.

05/15/2026

Skip the unboxing—straight to the ride. Rolling out in the new Cytal helmet and Cadence Collection kit this weekend.

05/01/2026

The Sweet Protection Shinobi RIG® Photochromic is the rare cycling lens that actually keeps up with how fast conditions change on the road or trail — and that’s what makes it worth talking about for Bike Hugger readers.

The Sweet Protection Shinobi RIG® Photochromic is the rare cycling lens that actually keeps up with how fast conditions change on the road or trail — and

04/28/2026

A wave of high‑quality Chinese gravel bikes and gear is hitting the market this year, and a good chunk has already arrived. I couldn’t make Sea Otter, so my friend Jasen Thorpe stepped in.
Here’s his report from the Sea Otter Classic. Also noteworthy: fast, aero gravel, OPEN's enormous 700 x 2.6 bike, and more; including, Quesabirria. And, we hope Charles Manantan heals fast.

Sea Otter Trends 2026 Ed. note: I wasn’t able to make Sea Otter this year. Jasen Thorpe shared his thoughts about the show with me over email. Disclaimer

04/28/2026

Well, that's one way to upgrade!

04/28/2026

If you came for wildflowers, you’re in luck. The valley is in full bloom right now.

04/16/2026

Imagine a gravel bike that dares you to take it anywhere—across terrain so wild, most wouldn’t even call it gravel. That’s what OPEN delivers as it unveils the WI.DE. 2.0 at Sea Otter: bigger tires, more storage, and the same fast DNA that set the original apart.

OPEN WI.DE. 2.0 Launches at Sea Otter: Bigger Tires, More Storage, Same Fast DNA Imagine a gravel bike that dares you to take it anywhere—across terrain