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.
Group mountain bike rides can be about community building or race simulation, and it's rare that those elements overlap while the cranks are spinning.
Finding fresh trail challenges keeps the sport of mountain biking fresh and exciting. Here are nine positive changes I made in 2019.
Many mountain bike handlebars with a 35mm clamp diameter can feel harsh, so OneUp designed theirs with an ovalized shape to give them more flex.
If you dream of Italian party tracks, San Romolo has it all -- with less mountain bike traffic than nearby Finale Ligure.
We are checking out Merida's One-Sixty enduro mountain bike, in an affordable aluminum build.
The deeper we expand our understanding of how suspension works, the better we will be at using those costly technological bits to their fullest potential. Let's take an introductory look at the oil-damping side of our suspension.
One Up's EDC made waves when it debuted for its ability to simplify how we carry mountain bike tools on the trail. Now it gets simpler.
Planning to build up a mud masher for winter mountain biking? Here are a few things to consider.
Unic Wear gives riders the opportunity to design a full kit that will look as "pro" as they wish, in a variety of colors and design patterns, with a brief two-week lead time to receive the gear.
Every rider knows that trail maintenance is the minimum tax for the joy of mountain biking, and working on the trails that you love can also bring you bliss. Here are some of the ways that laboring on your local ribbons can benefit your physical and mental health, riding capabilities, and of course your greater community.
For mountain bikers who dig deeper into the backcountry, there are a few extra tools and emergency devices worth considering.
We are excited to be the first US-based publication to review the Selva R mountain bike fork, appropriately matched with the brand's new 4-piston brakes.
Going into the wet season, most of us will be tempted to get out on the trail eventually, which begs the question, 'when is it OK to mountain bike in the mud?'
Rudi's story is one of creativity and adaptation that can teach all of us something about ourselves and about life.
The Abus MonTrailer Ace MIPS mountain bike helmet boasts unique features like a transulcent visor and a simplified chin strap.
Super sweet bikes, trails to ride, shred friends, and the ability to take a day off and enjoy it all is reason enough to be thankful.
Gerow brings in the Cane Creek Helm 29er mountain bike fork for testing and give us his first impressions.
Paddling out is akin to pedaling up, and the similarities between wave surfing and trail shredding don't end there. Both sports can kill us if we're careless, or bring us to states of boundless joy if we're well prepared and informed.
I put some long miles on Shimano's flagship 12-speed mountain bike group over the summer and it has lived up to the hype.
Kristina Wayte recently collaborated with a group of talented folks to produce a unique mountain bike film for the Race Face Creator Series, and we wanted to share the story of her dirt art with our readers.
Two stories of mountain bikers who were saved thanks to protective equipment.
Fall and winter can be a perfect time to work on new mountain bike skills, and to focus on the parts of our riding and fitness that need some attention.
Gerow recommends the SDG Tellis dropper post and Tellis dropper lever regardless of budget.
For folks who love to slide around in the colder slop, we have a few tips to help prepare your whip.
There are loads of companies designing translucent mountain bike frame protection kits, and even more DIY tricks to protect your paint. What steps, if any, do you take to protect the glossy color on your frame?
With a convertible mountain bike helmet like the Parachute MCR from MET, you can have all of the protection you want, with a lighter weight and cooler package for climbing.
I recently tested a 2015 Giant Reign to see how it stacks up against the 2019 long-travel 27.5" mountain bikes I have ridden, and was surprised to enjoy most of what the bike has to offer.
REI takes OptOutside one step further for 2019 and adds events for consumers to participate in, rather than shopping.
After this small taste of the mountain bike trails across Croatia, I look forward to returning for more in the near future.
Fall is cyclocross season, and riding 'cross can help enhance your mountain bike skills through the winter.
The Hex Stand from Granite Design is a notably lightweight base to keep your bike in place while you work.
Here are a number of articles celebrating US military veterans that we have written over the years. Read on to learn about some surprising connections between mountain biking and the military.
Are you ready for a five or six day mountain bike party in the forest? Let's find out.
If you often find yourself carrying your bike to the top of things, the walking traction on these new mountain bike shoes from fizik can't be beat.
The mountain bike trails in Greece are great, and they're made even better with the right gear and experienced guides.
With the updated linkage kit, the rear end traction becomes laughably good, and there is still plenty of spongy bounce in the mid-stroke to keep the bike playful.
Whether you need another breathable short sleeve jersey to wear beneath a jacket or a sweater-like layer for those final high-alpine tracks, these mountain bike jersey options are worth considering.
Slicy's Smooth mountain bike tire insert will bring your tubeless tire setup a few steps closer to flawless.
Norco now has mountain bikers of all sizes covered with their new Ride Aligned Sight trail bikes.
A story about the elements of road racing that help make me be a better mountain biker, and maybe a better person.
A tale illustrating why it can be a good call to let someone back home know where you are riding your mountain bike.
Gerow tests the Evil Insurgent over a couple days on the mountain bike trails in Greece.
With all of the discussion around mountain bike frame geometry, consumers are better prepared to select bikes that fit their riding style and trails than ever before. We want to know which of those measurements you value most.
These three tools from Granite Design cover nearly any mechanical issue you might deal with alongside the trail, and they all store neatly in the cockpit for quick access.
The Pirelli Scorpion MTB S mountain bike tire performs admirably in most conditions, and could certainly be labeled an "all-around-tread" for anything but gravity-fed riding.
Avoid the deadly "sitting disease," and read about how our office life is shortening lifespans. Here are 6 apps to help break up your desk time with movement, and hopefully help you get out of the office in less time.
We asked readers if they have ever had a ride, or maybe a knee, saved by wearing pads, and they had some insightful dirtnap narratives to share.
Is there any correlation between EWS winning results and the bikes riders choose, or could the best riders win on any modern long-travel whip? Let's take a peek.
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