What I’d Do Differently (If I Didn’t Work in the Bike Industry)

BIKEPACKING.com’s founding editor, Logan Watts, recently published an opinion piece titled "What I’d Do Differently (If I Didn’t Work in the Bike Industry)." In it, Watts candidly outlines the bikes and gear he would opt for, and crucially, those he would eschew, if not for the professional obligation to constantly test and review the latest products. This personal reflection offers a rare glimpse into the preferences of an industry insider freed from commercial imperatives.

This piece gains its weight from Watts' long-standing influence within the bikepacking community. As the architect of one of the most prominent platforms for the discipline, his insights on gear are typically framed by the necessity of evaluating cutting-edge innovations. His hypothetical shift to older, simpler, or less expensive equipment underscores a growing sentiment among some riders: that the relentless cycle of product releases often outpaces genuine utility, or indeed, affordability.

Watts’ musings serve as a quiet indictment of the industry's perpetual innovation treadmill, reminding us that sometimes, the best gear isn't the newest, but simply what works. A refreshingly honest take from someone who knows the game.