Gerow

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.

 
Close-up of a muddy mountain bike frame showcasing the rear suspension system, including an orange shock absorber, chain, and drivetrain components. A water bottle and tool kit are attached to the frame, with a blurred background of green grass and a tree.
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear derailleur and cassette, showcasing the intricate details of the chain and gears. The image captures the mechanical components on a bike against a blurred background of greenery, highlighting the bike's functionality and design.
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A mountain bike leaning against rocks by a coastal landscape, with calm blue water in the background and mountains in the distance under a clear sky.
A pair of muddy boots and gloves drying on a specialized boot and glove dryer. The dryer has two vertical tubes for the boots and two sections for the gloves, all placed on a hardwood floor.
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A mountain biker riding down a narrow, uneven path surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. The trail is lined with rocks and leaves, indicating a rugged outdoor environment.
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A close-up image of a black LED light mounted on a bicycle helmet, featuring a power button and a Wi-Fi symbol. The background shows a blurred outdoor setting with hints of foliage.
A person with tattoos stands outside, facing away from the camera, wearing a black athletic shirt with a protective back insert. The background features trees and greenery under a clear blue sky.
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Close-up of a mountain bike's suspension fork with a blue adjustment knob and connected cables, set against a blurred background of autumn leaves.
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A close-up image of metallic ball bearings arranged in stacks, with a threaded rod and a flat disc component in the background. The bearings are shiny and cylindrical, showcasing their smooth surfaces against a dark background.
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A close-up image of an X-Fusion bike shock absorber, featuring a coiled spring and an adjustable reservoir. The shock is designed for high-performance applications, with clear branding and specifications marked on the spring, indicating a 450 lb/in rate. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
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A person wearing a purple top and blue patterned pants stands next to a mountain bike in a garden setting. The bike, which has a black frame and wide tires, is parked near a wooden fence and surrounded by greenery. The ground features sparse fallen leaves and rocks, indicating an outdoor environment.
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A cyclist performing a jump on a mountain bike in a forested area, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves, showcasing an action-packed moment in a natural setting.
A black mountain bike with thick tires is parked on a grassy area. The bike features a prominent frame design and a water bottle holder attached to the frame. In the background, lush greenery and a textured wall are visible, contributing to a natural, outdoor setting.
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A mountain biker leans into a curve on a dirt trail surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing a dynamic and adventurous riding style.
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A person wearing a black cycling helmet and reflective sunglasses smiles while standing in a lush green forest. They are dressed in a dark athletic shirt, surrounded by trees and foliage, suggesting an outdoor biking or adventure activity.
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A wooden signpost in a forest displaying various mountain biking trail options, including distances and difficulty levels, set among tall trees. A bike is partially visible in the background near a red safety netting along the path.
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A mountain biker expertly navigates a rugged downhill trail, surrounded by trees and roots, during a competitive race. The rider wears a blue and white racing suit and helmet, with the number 22 visible on the bike. In the background, spectators watch and film the event, showcasing the dynamic energy of the race.
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Close-up view of a bicycle wheel hub, showing the black hub with spokes attached to a disc brake rotor. The background is blurred, emphasizing the hub and spokes.
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A modern mountain bike positioned at an angle, showcasing a sleek design with a white and black frame, prominent tires, and detailed gear components. The background features a soft gradient, enhancing the bike's visual appeal.
A close-up of a hand holding a digital sports watch with a gray woven strap against a background of vibrant red leaves. The watch's display shows a timer, distance, total ascent, and elevation readings. The hand features visible tattoos.
A mountain biker posing confidently on a black and red bike, with one foot on the pedal and the other on the frame. He is wearing a red and black jersey with sponsor logos, including a Canadian flag on his left shoulder. The background features a yellow structure and tents, with an outdoor setting suggestive of a biking event.
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Four female mountain bikers, smiling and laughing, pose together in a scenic outdoor setting. They are wearing helmets and colorful biking gear, with a backdrop of rocky terrain and greenery. The atmosphere is joyful and friendly, showcasing camaraderie among the cyclists.
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A modern mountain bike displayed on green grass with a stone building in the background. The bike features a sleek black frame with yellow accents, prominent Maxxis tires, and a streamlined design ideal for off-road cycling.
Close-up of a bike's hydraulic brake caliper mounted on a pink frame, showcasing the shiny aluminum body and intricate detailing of the components. The caliper is positioned near the rear wheel, with water droplets highlighting its design against a blurred green background.
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A close-up view of a bright green fern leaf with intricate, feathery fronds, set against a blurred background of brown and green foliage. The leaf is glistening, indicating it may be damp or freshly watered.
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Two female mountain bikers, wearing helmets and sunglasses, smile and pose for the camera, with one making a peace sign. They are dressed in matching red jerseys featuring a logo, set against a colorful backdrop with the "Cape Epic" event logo displayed prominently.
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A man wearing a helmet and sunglasses is standing next to a mountain bike, looking confidently into the distance. He is dressed in a dark t-shirt with "ORBEA" and "FOX" logos. The background features a lush, green landscape with hills and a cloudy sky.
A mountain biker performs a stunt on a dirt trail surrounded by vibrant pink and green vegetation under a clear blue sky. The cyclist wears a helmet and a black shirt while executing a maneuver with one wheel off the ground.
A cyclist in a yellow shirt and helmet rides a mountain bike down a gravel slope under a bright blue sky. The sun shines brightly overhead, illuminating the rugged terrain and surrounding landscape.
Three black and silver bottles of apparel cleaner and re-proofer are displayed against a dark, rainy background. The products are labeled clearly, with the words "Apparel Cleaner and Re-Proofer" and "Apparel Re-Proofer." The bottles vary in size, with the largest featuring a spray nozzle. Water droplets are visible on the bottles, emphasizing the theme of waterproofing.
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Close-up of a mountain bike's rear suspension system, featuring a black coil shock absorber with a red and gray spring rate adjuster labeled "SPRINDEX." The aluminum frame and components, including a black suspension linkage and yellow shock body, are visible alongside a muddy tire, hinting at off-road use. Green foliage in the background provides a natural setting.
A black BMX bike with brown tires is parked on a concrete surface. The bike features a sleek design, highlighting its handlebars, frame, and seat. In the background, a scenic view of a body of water and cloudy skies can be seen, along with greenery and pathways.
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Two cyclists pause on a wooded trail during a sunny day. One rider wears a blue shirt and a red helmet, while the other is in a white shirt with a logo. Both are facing away from the camera, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage along the path.
A person wearing a black vest with a graphic design on the back stands in front of a wall covered in green ivy and peeling paint. The individual is seen from the back, wearing a long-sleeve shirt with a light pattern visible on the sleeves.
Alt text: The underside of a cycling shoe resting on a wooden log, featuring a patterned sole and a metal clip for attaching to bike pedals. Surrounding greenery is partially visible in the background.
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A close-up view of a mountain bike wheel navigating through a muddy trail covered with fallen leaves, with a rider's foot visible on the pedal and part of the bike frame in the foreground. The setting appears lush and wooded, suggesting an adventurous outdoor environment.
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Close-up of a mountain bike's front wheel and suspension fork, featuring a black tire with a textured tread pattern, a disc brake, and a visible logo detail on the fork. The bike is positioned on a grassy surface, highlighting various components, including a water bottle and shock absorber attached to the frame.
A close-up view of a mountain bike's rear suspension and drivetrain, showcasing the silver frame, black shock absorber, and detailed components. The bike is positioned on green grass near a body of water, with a water bottle attached to the frame. The background features blurred greenery and a bridge.
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A mountain biker in a helmet and sporty attire rides rapidly over rocky terrain, demonstrating skill and speed against a blurred backdrop of cliffs and nature.