{"id":596078,"date":"2026-04-11T02:28:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T02:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/596078\/"},"modified":"2026-04-11T02:28:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T02:28:15","slug":"friday-debrief-216-bikepacking-com","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/596078\/","title":{"rendered":"Friday Debrief #216 – BIKEPACKING.com"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week\u2019s Debrief features the new Veloci Bongo Jungle, LNT gear, a question about whether titanium cranks should exist, Crust Fazed Out Bars, several fresh videos, events to follow live, and more. Find it all here\u2026<\/p>\n

The weekly Debrief highlights small but important bits of news, products, and things that caught our attention on the website, in the conversation, and elsewhere around the community. These include upcoming events and interesting items our readers shared in the comments. Check out this week\u2019s findings below.<\/p>\n

Bits & Bobs<\/p>\n

New products that are worth highlighting but didn\u2019t make the Dispatch\u2026<\/p>\n

Veloci Bongo Jungle<\/p>\n

$750 at Veloci<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Veloci<\/a><\/p>\n

Available in four sizes and with or without a matching rigid steel fork, the Bongo Jungle is a new hardtail that Veloci calls a \u201cblank canvas, ready to go in whatever direction your imagination takes it.\u201d It features a seamless, heat-treated, multi-butted chromoly frame with a 73-degree seat angle and a 67.5-degree head angle, paired with a longer reach and an extended wheelbase for confident cruising over any terrain, plus tons of mounts for bottles, cages, and racks. <\/p>\n

Karl Millett x Mishigami Challenge Tee<\/p>\n

$40 at Midwest Ultra Cycling<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Karl<\/a>
\n\"Karl<\/a><\/p>\n

UK-based illustrator Karl Millett<\/a>, who we featured in an installment of Rider\u2019s Lens<\/a>, has partnered up with Midwest Ultra Cycling for a special edition T-shirt that highlights the massive, 1,000+ mile route. It\u2019s a unique and fun design for an up-and-coming bikepacking race.<\/p>\n

Garage Grown Gear LNT Gear<\/p>\n

$0.35+ at Garage Grown Gear<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Garage<\/a><\/p>\n

Our friends at Garage Grown Gear\u2019s latest email included a nice reminder of the Leave No Trace principles, along with a new category of gear that can help folks travel in the backcountry without a trace. Find that above, and be sure to check out our Leave No Trace for Bikepackers<\/a>, which we originally published way back in 2015 and have since evolved.<\/p>\n

Otso\u2019s Mythology Collection<\/p>\n

$35+ at Otso Cycles<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Otso<\/a>
\n\"Otso<\/a><\/p>\n

Otso dropped some new apparel earlier this week. Pulling from their animal-centric imagery, the Mythology collection features some nice illustrations of their bear logo on some new hats, hoodies, and T-shirts.<\/p>\n

Crust Fazed Out Bars<\/p>\n

Made in Taiwan \/ $123 at Crust Bikes<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Crust<\/a><\/p>\n

Crust has released a new set of drop bars, though \u201cnew\u201d is a little generous. Simply a remake of their Towel Rack bars<\/a> but with a 31.8mm clamp, the Fazed Out bars also borrow the extra-long drops from one of their other 31.8mm offerings, the Nullabars. Available in both silver and black, the Fazed Out bars are made of aluminum and come in widths ranging between 560 and 660mm. <\/p>\n

In Conversation<\/p>\n

Exchanges and ideas that caught our attention in the site\u2019s conversation section\u2026<\/p>\n

Do we really need Titanium Cranks?
\n\"white<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s fair to say that, between Lucas\u2019s 10 Things I\u2019m Not Buying in 2026<\/a> feature and a first look at one very expensive titanium crankset<\/a>, we\u2019ve got quite the dichotomy of content on the site this week. As it happens, the question of whether titanium cranks should even exist came up in our Slack channel. I (Logan) love my eeWings<\/a>, and as I voiced in the recent What I\u2019d Do Differently (if I Didn\u2019t Work in the Bike Industry)<\/a> feature, I may not buy a titanium frame, but think it\u2019s a worthy metal for other components, including cranks. In my eyes, eeWings are a lifelong investment that perform well, stand up to time and abuse, and look great. On the other side, Neil mentioned that he thinks, and I quote, \u201cTi cranks are dumb.\u201d So, what do you think, should titanium cranks exist? Let us know in the comments below.<\/p>\n

Around the Community<\/p>\n

News from around the bikepacking world\u2026<\/p>\n

The Spirit of Gravel<\/p>\n

As human activities deface this planet, Alexis Cartier has been looking for ways to ride his bike more responsibly. In 2025, he linked nine of the biggest races in North America by bike rather than by flying or driving. The Spirit of Gravel explains the motivations behind his 15,000-kilometer, seven-month bikepacking trip across the continent, divided into six principles.<\/p>\n

What a Difference a Day Makes<\/p>\n

The vibes are just right in this video from Hands Bicycle Club, which documents a day off on the bikes with friends and serves as an easygoing 10-minute reminder of what it\u2019s really all about. Watch it above.<\/p>\n

Mathieu van der Poel: This is Home<\/p>\n

Although the professional racing scene is beyond the scope of what we cover here on the site, it\u2019s hard not to admire Mathieu van der Poel. Shimano\u2019s latest video above shares an inside look at his family, foundations, and philosophy.<\/p>\n

Events Starting Soon<\/p>\n

What to watch this weekend and bikepacking events starting soon\u2026<\/p>\n

Gravel del Fuego
\n\"Gravel<\/a><\/p>\n

Held at the southernmost edge of the planet, Gravel del Fuego has earned its title as the world\u2019s southernmost ultra-cycling race, challenging the boldest cyclists to ride far beyond the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields. There are routes ranging from 170 to 1,000 kilometers, and just 24 riders are participating. Follow along live here<\/a> starting tomorrow morning. <\/p>\n

Norfolk 360
\n\"Norfolk<\/a><\/p>\n

Norfolk 360 is a hybrid cycling event where participants ride both road and off-road segments that lead to some of Norfolk\u2019s most iconic sights. Cycling from coast to castles, riders will travel from Thetford Forest to the North Norfolk Coast, taking in breathtaking scenery along the way. Follow along via Instagram<\/a> for updates.<\/p>\n

Race Across South Africa
\n\"2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The Race Across South Africa is an unforgettable bike adventure that takes riders to remote parts of the country, where they will experience the country\u2019s true splendor and the warm hospitality of its people. The event kicks off on Monday, and you can keep an eye on it via their Instagram<\/a> feed.<\/p>\n

Weekly Social<\/p>\n

Some things we found around the \u2018gram and elsewhere. This week, an open house featuring some great Bay Area people and brands and a Sea Otter bikepacking campout and afterparty\u2026<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.<\/p>\n