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.

 
A close-up view of a mountain bike positioned on lush green grass, with trees lining the background. The bike has thick tires and a sleek frame, showcasing its design and features.
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A close-up view of a green Mavic athletic shoe resting on a tree branch, surrounded by lush green foliage. The shoe features a yellow sole and a unique fastening system.
Two mountain bikers navigate a winding trail through a lush, green forest. One rider, in a black outfit with a backpack and a helmet, is seen leaning forward as they steer their bike along the path, surrounded by ferns and trees. The second rider is in the background, also on a bike, both cyclists focused on the trail in a natural outdoor setting.
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A mountain bike parked in front of a brick wall, overlooking a cityscape with buildings, rooftops, and mountains in the background. The bike features a silver frame, black tires, and colorful handlebars, with a backdrop of a clear blue sky and a few clouds.
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Close-up view of a bicycle wheel, highlighting a colorful rim design with purple and blue geometric patterns. The image shows the tire tread and spokes against a background of green grass and clover. A small logo sticker is visible on the rim.
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A mountain biker performing a maneuver with their bike, lifting it above their head while standing on a dirt path surrounded by greenery and trees. The scene depicts a dynamic outdoor setting with a cloudy sky in the background.
A modern mountain bike with a gray frame, featuring front suspension and a sleek design. It has wide tires labeled 'MAXXIS' and is equipped with a high-performance drivetrain visible at the rear. The bike is positioned against a plain background for clarity.
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A mountain biker in protective gear races around a bend on a dirt trail surrounded by trees, kicking up dust as they navigate a challenging course marked with red and white tape.
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A red and blue mountain biking helmet resting on a textured tree log, with green foliage in the background.
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An orange mountain bike leaning against a wooden fence, partially surrounded by green foliage. The bike features thick tires with a prominent tread pattern, and a suspension system with gold-colored shock absorbers.
A scenic view of mountain bikers navigating a winding dirt trail through lush green hills, with a clear blue lake and distant mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
  6
A person wearing a blue athletic jersey and black shorts with the word "FASTRHOUSE" printed on the side stands beside a mountain bike. They are holding the bike's handlebars, and a small black bag is attached to their waist. In the background, lush green foliage and pink hydrangea flowers create a vibrant outdoor setting.
A smiling woman wearing a blue cap and a blue t-shirt sits in front of a whiteboard marked with "DESIGN A BIKE." She is in an outdoor setting with colorful tents and trees in the background. The atmosphere appears lively and engaging.
  4
A black tool case opened to reveal a variety of hand tools, including wrenches, pliers, a hammer, and screwdrivers, organized neatly in a foam insert with blue and silver accents. The case is placed on a grassy surface with small flowers.
A close-up image of a bicycle rear derailleur being serviced, with a person's hand applying grease with a cotton swab. The derailleur features a mix of metallic and black components, resting on a white paper towel. A small container of grease is visible in the background.
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A collection of gardening tools arranged on a white background, including a metal shovel, various rake heads, a curved saw, and multiple tool handles with blue and gray connections, designed for modular versatility.
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Mountain bike in turquoise with gold suspension fork, showcased against a black background. The bike features a sleek design, rugged tires, and high-quality components, ideal for off-road cycling.
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A mountain biker in a red outfit is mid-action, navigating a steep turn on a dirt trail. The biker is leaning forward over the handlebars of a white mountain bike, with a rocky terrain and trees in the background. Safety barriers are in place, and a crowd can be seen in the distance watching the race.
A group of competitive mountain bikers navigating a challenging course during a race, with one rider airborne as she jumps over a ramp marked with the Mercedes-Benz logo. Spectators watch from the sidelines, while scenic mountains and a lively event backdrop can be seen in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
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Close-up of a mountain bike's crankset, showcasing a black ROTOR KAPIC crank arm and chainring, along with a silver chain. The image highlights the bike's details, including a rear shock and part of the frame, set against a blurred wooden background.
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A bottle of Stans No Tubes Race Sealant placed among green leaves, accompanied by a small container holding a racing valve and tape. The label highlights the sealant's ability to eliminate flats, with notes on maximum sealing power and suitability for extreme conditions.
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A mountain biker leans heavily into a turn on a dirt track surrounded by trees, showcasing an intense moment during a downhill racing event. The biker is wearing a helmet and protective gear, and rides an orange mountain bike. In the background, an audience can be seen watching and taking photos, while colorful safety barriers are set up along the course. Dust is kicked up from the bike’s tires, highlighting the speed and excitement of the race.
Close-up of a bicycle wheel rim featuring a vibrant graphic design in shades of purple and teal, set against the textured backdrop of a tree trunk. The rim is partially obscured by the spokes, with a clear view of the tread on the tire above.
A mountain biker in protective gear rides down a ramp, airborne over a wooden structure, with trees in the background. The cyclist has a race number displayed on their chest.
A black protective vest laid out on a wooden surface, featuring the brand logo "SHRED." The vest has a mesh texture, multiple pockets, and a zipper closure. Surrounding the vest are green leaves, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A mountain biker in a blue long-sleeve shirt and white pants is crouched down near a riverbank, inspecting his bike. The scene features lush green grass and trees, with a historic building visible in the background. The biker appears focused as he adjusts his gear, while his bike rests on the ground beside him.
Close-up of a bicycle hub resting on a stone surface, surrounded by green trees. The hub has a shiny metallic finish with black accents and is positioned at an angle to showcase its details.
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A mountain bike with a turquoise and black frame is positioned on a grassy field, surrounded by trees, showcasing its components like the Kenda tires and the DT Swiss wheels. The bike features a suspension system and a sleek design, ideal for off-road cycling.
A mountain biker wearing a blue outfit navigates a dirt trail with a steep incline in a mountainous landscape. Lush green fields and bright yellow wildflowers surround the trail, with stunning rock formations and peaks visible in the background under a clear blue sky. Red safety barriers line the path in the foreground.
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A mountain biker navigating a winding dirt trail through a forest. The rider, dressed in blue and black cycling gear with a helmet, leans into the turn on their bike, which features bright orange accents. Surrounding foliage includes green leaves and scattered brown foliage typical of a wooded area. Safety tape marks the trail, indicating a race or event.
  3
A smiling man with long hair, wearing a brown hat and a yellow jacket, is standing in a foggy forest holding a rusty shovel. Bare trees surround him, giving a rustic outdoor atmosphere.
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A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain in a forested area. The bike features a blue frame and thick tires, with the rider positioned above a pile of large stones and moss. The background consists of tall trees and natural vegetation, indicating an outdoor adventure setting.
  2
A silver mountain bike stands in a shallow stream, surrounded by green foliage. The bike features thick tires with tan accents and a sleek frame design, showcasing its intended off-road capabilities. In the background, a wooden bridge and natural rock formations can be seen.
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A person kneeling on grass is adjusting a bicycle tire, focusing intently on the wheel. They are wearing a red shirt and black shorts, with visible tattoos on their arms and hands. A black bicycle tire is in their hands, and the ground is covered with green grass and a few fallen leaves.
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A close-up view of a muddy trail surrounded by lush green foliage in a forest. The foreground features the tread of a tire, indicating a recent journey through wet conditions. The path is partially submerged in water, showcasing the natural landscape's rugged terrain.
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A mountain bike with a sleek, matte olive green frame is positioned on a wooden surface by a sandy beach. The bike features thick, textured tires labeled "Maxxis," optimized for off-road terrain. The background shows a calm sea with gentle waves.
An athlete wearing a white jersey adorned with colorful stripes proudly holds a gold medal, smiling in a green outdoor setting with trees in the background.
A mountain biker in a yellow long-sleeve shirt and helmet rides down a rocky trail surrounded by greenery. The bikers' focused expression suggests an adventurous spirit as they navigate the terrain. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a vibrant outdoor scene.
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A pair of black headphones with red accents rests on the grip of a bicycle handlebar, surrounded by a lush green lawn dotted with small flowers. The bicycle features a light green frame, and the handle grip is textured and orange.
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A mountain biker riding along a narrow, rocky trail with a scenic view of rolling hills and farmland below. The rider is wearing a bright yellow and turquoise jersey, black shorts, and a helmet, while navigating the terrain on a green bike surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky outcrops.
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A mountain biker in bright orange gear using a broom to clean a wooden trail surrounded by trees. A mountain bike is parked nearby.
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A person standing near a river, holding a mountain bike, with their back to the camera. They are wearing a blue and black athletic outfit and have visible tattoos on their arms. In the background, a scenic view features a large building resembling a castle along the riverbank, surrounded by greenery and trees.
A mountain biker falls onto the rocky trail while attempting a downhill ride, with spectators in the background cheering and observing. The ocean can be seen in the distance under a clear sky. Nearby, a person reaches out to assist the fallen rider. Blue safety tape marks the course path.
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A black duffel bag with the words "showers pass" printed on its side, placed on green grass with small white and pink flowers. The bag features sturdy handles, a zipper, and reflective strips.
Close-up view of a bicycle's rear brake system, featuring a dominion brake caliper mounted on a blue frame with a "Plus Compatibility 27.5" label. The image shows the brake disc and part of the bike's gearing system in a natural outdoor setting.
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