No sponsorships. No filters. Just three pieces of gear that survived another week of dirt, sun, and questionable decision-making.
Specialized Recon 2.0 Shoes
We’ve been riding more gravel lately and are hoping to dip our toes into some bikepacking. I’ve been clinging to my first pair of cycling shoes — Specialized road shoes — for nearly a decade. They were great for road cycling, not so much for gravel. Walking in them was tearing up the soles.
So, the Recon 2.0 entered the chat. It’s the last generation, yes, but slightly less stiff (aka more forgiving) than the 3.0 and definitely easier on the wallet. I’ve been riding exclusively in the Recon 2.0 the past two weeks, and I don’t know why it took so long to buy new shoes. Clipping in and out is smoother than ever — no more fighting pedals at green lights. Bonus: you can walk around post-ride without shredding your shoes. I’m also faster now (don’t let Ryan tell you otherwise).
Alta Superior E-Quattro
We swapped out our old Thule rack for the Alta Superior E-Quattro on the van, and y’all — life-changing. Gone are the days of choosing which bikes to bring based on fear that the Thule extension might snap off on a rough road.
The Alta handles four bikes with ease, no brute strength required. Even better? It swings away from the van, giving us full access to the rear doors.
Also worth shouting out: Alta’s customer service. We sent them our van dimensions, bike types, and sizes — and they responded immediately with a tailored bike rack recommendation. A week later, it was at our door in Texas, ready to haul.
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
Let’s face it: we burn fast. Ryan grabbed the REI Sahara Shade Hoodie during one of REI’s big sales, and he hasn’t stopped raving about it since. It’s breathable, lightweight, and somehow stays cool even when the temps climb.
Also, Ryan no longer looks like a sun-roasted tomato by mile four — so we’re calling that a win for skin and morale. I’m already waiting for the next sale so I can grab one too. Maybe I’ll get the same color Ryan has. Matching moment pending…
If it made this list, it didn’t fall apart. That’s the bar.
Have your own gear recos? Drop ’em below.