Announcing our 2026 Experimental Bikepacking Team!
We started our Experimental Bikepacking Team in 2025 with a wild idea: Could we build a team for a sport comprised of races based on individual effort? What would it consist of? How would it work?
It worked better than we'd dreamed! We discovered that shared knowledge, preparation, and encouragement made everyone more successful. The team was so rewarding that we expanded it for 2026!
We received so many amazing applicants, and we want to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone that applied! It was incredibly tough to narrow down to the following fifteen. But after many hours of deliberation we present to you:
OUR 2026 TEAM RIDERS!
Alex Schultz @schultzy954
Poli Berber @berber.poli
Susie Douglas @susiedouglasmtb
Miguel Ovalles @racemetalbikes
Mateo Paez @whatswrongwithpaez
Paula Soler @lapantera.soler
Dexter Kopas @kopeus
Alyssa Gonzalez @__alyssagonzalez
Hannah Simon @hannahmsimon_
Jackson Long @jlointheflow
Eric House @drlovehouse
Karin Pocock @karin_pocock
Melvin De Groot @meolvin
Conor McKenzie @conormckenzie
Jake Dugdale @jake_is_outside
A huge thank you also goes out to the new and returning partners that believe in this crazy idea of ours: @oceanandsan , @silca_velo and @robertaxleproject . We're so excited for what's to come in 2026! We'll see you out there!
Thousands upon thousands of thru-axles depart our shop doors, and every single one is manufactured right here in Oregon!
We design, test and produce nearly two hundred different versions of thru-axles to fit almost every bicycle out there.
Our team is small but we get a lot done!
#thruaxle #precision #robertaxleproject #bendoregon
I went through their nifty axel finder for both rear & front. They have both is several sizes. I’m not getting paid for posting this, only trying to help you get the parts you need. @robertaxleproject
The paradox of rolling down stairs in order to try to climb a podium.
A couple of months ago, I told myself that if I wanted this idea of becoming competitive again to work, I would need a couple of miracles. The first one has already happened: to believe.
Luckily, there were people who believed in me even before I did 🙏
#therobertaxleproject #wildernesstrailbikes #konabicycles #mtbmexico #urbandownhill
We make thru-axles to fit almost every bike out there!
But how do you know which axle your bike needs?
Our Axle Finder makes it easy! Simply answer the drop down questions and you’ll have your solution quicker than shop dog Bohdi can make another lap across the office.
Check out our Axle Finder - Link In Bio!
WE RIDE IN UNITY!
We’re doing a “feeder ride” to pedal to the Unity Ride that is departing from Thump Coffee on York Ave this upcoming Saturday.
At 10AM we’ll depart from Colorado Bridge overlooking the whitewater park, traveling on paved routes though the westside of town to arrive at Thump by 11am. This “first leg” of the Unity Ride will be an opportunity for people to participate that don’t have dirt capable bikes or don’t want to pedal the gravel loop.
We’ll see you at 10am this Saturday!
And that's a wrap on 2025!
Thanks to every one of you for including us in adventures near and far! Cheers to daily commutes, weekend overnighters, spur of the moment bikepacking trips, and months-long expeditions! Who knows what we'll get up to next year, but its bound to include at least a few nights spent out under the stars!
See y’all next year!
Lightweight, low profile, and anodized to perfectly match your King components, King Thru Axles are the perfect pop of refined detail to bring together your bike build.
Made in collaboration with @robertaxleproject right here in Oregon, King Thru Axles are currently available in 10 sizes and 3 colors - Black, Matte Turquoise, and 3D Violet.
Link in bio to order yours, or visit @robertaxleproject for more fitment options.
#chriskingbuzz
#chriskingcolors
EDIT: Applications CLOSED! Thanks to every single one of you that applied! We received so many amazing applicants. We’ve got our work cut out for us!
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Applications are still open for the 2026 Experimental Bikepacking Team. We’re looking for 10-15 members wanting to take on some of the toughest bikepacking races on earth.
The application window is open through November 30th. Click the Link in Bio for more info!
They might be nothing more than some tubes of metal but they are some damn niiice tubes of metal to be able to last the 45,000 km (27960 mi) that I’ve done since putting @robertaxleproject on my rig. I first met the RAB crew at Sea Otter 2024 and was lucky enough to connect with them at their HQ in Bend, Oregon where the axles are made. It means a lot to me being able to see the places and meet the people that create the things that keep me rolling, so I gotta say a big thanks again to Katy, Chris, and Erik for showing me around (and letting me sleep on your couch for a couple nights).
Apply Now for the Experimental Bikepacking Team!
We started our Experimental Bikepacking Team in 2025 with a wild idea: Could we build a team for a sport comprised of races based on individual effort? What would it consist of? How would it work?
We had five inaugural members: @hannahmsimon_ , @drlovehouse , @berber.poli , @whatswrongwithpaez , and @stephaniehall94 . We discovered that shared knowledge, preparation, and encouragement made everyone more successful. Through well earned podiums and unexpected scratches, we realized that none of these events happen in a vacuum. Camaraderie and community are more important than even the podiums we’re chasing.
And so for 2026 we’re expanding the team! We’re looking for 10-15 members wanting to take on some of the toughest bikepacking races on earth. Winning isn’t everything, but effort matters.
If you’re a skilled rider looking to push bikepacking and endurance racing forward beyond even podiums we’d like to hear from you. The application window is open through November 30th. Click the Link in Bio for more info!
