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Freehub issue 17.2 is HERE!

This issue of Freehub, loosely woven together with themes of community, is lined with examples of mountain bikers helping mountain bikers for nothing other than sheer love of the sport.

Danielle Baker writes about the all-too-short life of Matthew “Mattmo” Jeromkin and the trail that sprung up in his honor, now cared for by Nanaimo’s mountain bike community. Betsy Welch writes about Maui’s steady ascent toward building legal places to ride. Andrew Findlay reports from Poland, where a hearty community of mountain bikers are drawing inspiration from the sport’s most famous destinations to craft their own version of fat-tire nirvana. Ben Haggar shares nuances from Japan’s riding scene—home to an interesting mix of strict adherence to cultural norms while also striving for progression.

And, finally, in the feature “A Gift for Giving,” Brice Minnigh details the life of Don Cook, a Crested Butte icon at the forefront of so much development that we now take for granted in the bicycling world. While his contributions as a cyclist are more well-known, Minnigh dives deep into other aspects of his life: skilled dancer, exploratory pilot, popular ski bus driver, restaurateur. In reading Minnigh’s piece, though, a theme emerges: Above all else, Cook was a steadfast friend to many who cared deeply about his community.

Cover: Jinya Nishiwaki and Hailey Elise ride Japan’s Izu Peninsula.
Photo by Ben Haggar.
Illustration by Justin Santora.

Head to Freehub.com and subscribe to get your copy now.

#Freehub #MountainBiking #IndependentMedia #PrintMedia

Discover this year’s Freehub PRESENTS film festival lineup!

Sweet San Francisco // Clay Porter
I Have It All // Robin Sansom
Without a Doubt // Darcy Hennessey and Brandon Watts
Where There’s a Will // Pierre-Luc Arseneau
Bike Short // Kevin McDevitt
Monochrome // Peartree Productions

More Films Coming Soon

Preview the stories that illuminate the soul of the mountain bike community and culture. Join us this summer at Freehub PRESENTS.

Learn more about the films and grab your tickets at Freehub.com

Special thanks to our partners:
@evo
@maxxisbike
@orbeamtb_
@srammtb
@leatt_mtb

#freehubmag #FreehubPRESENTS #mtb

Discover this year’s Freehub PRESENTS film festival lineup!

Sweet San Francisco // Clay Porter
I Have It All // Robin Sansom
Without a Doubt // Darcy Hennessey and Brandon Watts
Where There’s a Will // Pierre-Luc Arseneau
Bike Short // Kevin McDevitt
Monochrome // Peartree Productions

More Films Coming Soon

Preview the stories that illuminate the soul of the mountain bike community and culture. Join us this summer at Freehub PRESENTS.

Learn more about the films and grab your tickets at Freehub.com

Special thanks to our partners:
@evo
@maxxisbike
@orbeamtb_
@srammtb
@leatt_mtb

#freehubmag #FreehubPRESENTS #mtb

Discover this year’s Freehub PRESENTS film festival lineup!

Sweet San Francisco // Clay Porter
I Have It All // Robin Sansom
Without a Doubt // Darcy Hennessey and Brandon Watts
Where There’s a Will // Pierre-Luc Arseneau
Bike Short // Kevin McDevitt
Monochrome // Peartree Productions

More Films Coming Soon

Preview the stories that illuminate the soul of the mountain bike community and culture. Join us this summer at Freehub PRESENTS.

Learn more about the films and grab your tickets at Freehub.com

Special thanks to our partners:
@evo
@maxxisbike
@orbeamtb_
@srammtb
@leatt_mtb

#freehubmag #FreehubPRESENTS #mtb

Discover this year’s Freehub PRESENTS film festival lineup!

Sweet San Francisco // Clay Porter
I Have It All // Robin Sansom
Without a Doubt // Darcy Hennessey and Brandon Watts
Where There’s a Will // Pierre-Luc Arseneau
Bike Short // Kevin McDevitt
Monochrome // Peartree Productions

More Films Coming Soon

Preview the stories that illuminate the soul of the mountain bike community and culture. Join us this summer at Freehub PRESENTS.

Learn more about the films and grab your tickets at Freehub.com

Special thanks to our partners:
@evo
@maxxisbike
@orbeamtb_
@srammtb
@leatt_mtb

#freehubmag #FreehubPRESENTS #mtb

Discover this year’s Freehub PRESENTS film festival lineup!

Sweet San Francisco // Clay Porter
I Have It All // Robin Sansom
Without a Doubt // Darcy Hennessey and Brandon Watts
Where There’s a Will // Pierre-Luc Arseneau
Bike Short // Kevin McDevitt
Monochrome // Peartree Productions

More Films Coming Soon

Preview the stories that illuminate the soul of the mountain bike community and culture. Join us this summer at Freehub PRESENTS.

Learn more about the films and grab your tickets at Freehub.com

Special thanks to our partners:
@evo
@maxxisbike
@orbeamtb_
@srammtb
@leatt_mtb

#freehubmag #FreehubPRESENTS #mtb

Discover this year’s Freehub PRESENTS film festival lineup!

Sweet San Francisco // Clay Porter
I Have It All // Robin Sansom
Without a Doubt // Darcy Hennessey and Brandon Watts
Where There’s a Will // Pierre-Luc Arseneau
Bike Short // Kevin McDevitt
Monochrome // Peartree Productions

More Films Coming Soon

Preview the stories that illuminate the soul of the mountain bike community and culture. Join us this summer at Freehub PRESENTS.

Learn more about the films and grab your tickets at Freehub.com

Special thanks to our partners:
@evo
@maxxisbike
@orbeamtb_
@srammtb
@leatt_mtb

#freehubmag #FreehubPRESENTS #mtb

Check out this week’s staff pick, “Special Substrate,” to learn about the geologic history responsible for the notorious “jank” that makes up some of the Northeast’s iconic riding.
​
“There is an awful lot of pride among mountain bikers along the eastern seaboard of the United States in relation to the word “jank” especially in the northeastern peninsula of New England,” writes Dillon Osleger. “Originally a term used to convey the convoluted nature of roots and rocks that embody trails whose personalities skew toward an especially technical and thought-provoking nature, the word now stretches to describe the design mindset employed by many of New England’s builders who strive to maintain the area’s raw character.”
​
The geologic circumstances from 400 million years ago have positioned this region as a truly unique riding destination, having hosted prominent events such as Trans New England and rounds of the Enduro World Series.

Read the full article at Freehub.com

Words by Dillion Osleger

Photo by Mark J. Clement

Rocky Mountain is back, and the brand’s first post-resurrection ride is an e-bike. The all-new Altitude Powerplay uses Rocky’s own Dyname S4 Pro drive system, as opposed to a third-party motor. That means it can employ the LC2R, a concentrically rotating dual-link suspension system found on the standard Altitude.

Check out the full review on Freehub.com to hear how the new Altitude Powerplay performs out on the trails.

Across British Columbia, lift-access riding has become a defining part of mountain bike culture, shaping trail design and rider progression with as much gravity-fed descending as your body and bike can handle.

What makes BC special isn’t just the quality and quantity of bike parks spread across the province, but the variety of experiences they offer. Each park has evolved independently and garnered its own distinct personality stemming from a blend of each local riding community’s talented builders and unique terrain.

Explore British Columbia’s vast offering of bike parks at Freehub.com

Words by @benhaggarphoto

Photos by @ashvoykin and @reubenkrabbe

Across British Columbia, lift-access riding has become a defining part of mountain bike culture, shaping trail design and rider progression with as much gravity-fed descending as your body and bike can handle.

What makes BC special isn’t just the quality and quantity of bike parks spread across the province, but the variety of experiences they offer. Each park has evolved independently and garnered its own distinct personality stemming from a blend of each local riding community’s talented builders and unique terrain.

Explore British Columbia’s vast offering of bike parks at Freehub.com

Words by @benhaggarphoto

Photos by @ashvoykin and @reubenkrabbe

Across British Columbia, lift-access riding has become a defining part of mountain bike culture, shaping trail design and rider progression with as much gravity-fed descending as your body and bike can handle.

What makes BC special isn’t just the quality and quantity of bike parks spread across the province, but the variety of experiences they offer. Each park has evolved independently and garnered its own distinct personality stemming from a blend of each local riding community’s talented builders and unique terrain.

Explore British Columbia’s vast offering of bike parks at Freehub.com

Words by @benhaggarphoto

Photos by @ashvoykin and @reubenkrabbe

Across British Columbia, lift-access riding has become a defining part of mountain bike culture, shaping trail design and rider progression with as much gravity-fed descending as your body and bike can handle.

What makes BC special isn’t just the quality and quantity of bike parks spread across the province, but the variety of experiences they offer. Each park has evolved independently and garnered its own distinct personality stemming from a blend of each local riding community’s talented builders and unique terrain.

Explore British Columbia’s vast offering of bike parks at Freehub.com

Words by @benhaggarphoto

Photos by @ashvoykin and @reubenkrabbe

After a few months on Pivot’s longest-travel e-bike, our gear editor is ready to weigh in his long-term review, as well as an update on the state of the motor wars.

Read the full review by heading to Freehub.com

After a few months on Pivot’s longest-travel e-bike, our gear editor is ready to weigh in his long-term review, as well as an update on the state of the motor wars.

Read the full review by heading to Freehub.com

After a few months on Pivot’s longest-travel e-bike, our gear editor is ready to weigh in his long-term review, as well as an update on the state of the motor wars.

Read the full review by heading to Freehub.com

After a few months on Pivot’s longest-travel e-bike, our gear editor is ready to weigh in his long-term review, as well as an update on the state of the motor wars.

Read the full review by heading to Freehub.com

🚨GIVEAWAY CLOSED🚨Freehub collaborated with@hustlebikelabs to give away a set of REMtech Pedals in Gunmetal Gray and REMplate Pro Shoe Plates!

Congratulations to our winner Matt Griffith (@odyssey_kettlebell_griff)! A long time rider of flats, Matt is stoked to try a set of REMtech Pedals.

“I’ve seen a couple people rocking the mag pedals at the local bike park, when asked they always talk highly of them. I’ve always ridden flats and knowing my penchant for sudden dismounts clipless pedals have always held a certain dread. I can’t wait to see how these will affect techy climbs and descents,” said our winner, Matt.

The REMtech Magnetic Pedals are built for riders who want more foot retention than flats but aren’t sold on being fully clipped in. Rare earth magnets keep your feet planted through the tech, climbs, and chatter, delivering a stronger, more consistent connection than pins alone. Focus on the trail, not your footing. When things get sketchy, the release is natural. Just step off. No panic twist, no second-guessing. Paired with REMplate Pro shoe plates for a larger connection zone, this flagship setup helps you ride with more confidence, control, and freedom!

Contest closed May 29th, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST. Must be 18+ and limited to North America.⁠

🚨GIVEAWAY CLOSED🚨Freehub collaborated with@hustlebikelabs to give away a set of REMtech Pedals in Gunmetal Gray and REMplate Pro Shoe Plates!

Congratulations to our winner Matt Griffith (@odyssey_kettlebell_griff)! A long time rider of flats, Matt is stoked to try a set of REMtech Pedals.

“I’ve seen a couple people rocking the mag pedals at the local bike park, when asked they always talk highly of them. I’ve always ridden flats and knowing my penchant for sudden dismounts clipless pedals have always held a certain dread. I can’t wait to see how these will affect techy climbs and descents,” said our winner, Matt.

The REMtech Magnetic Pedals are built for riders who want more foot retention than flats but aren’t sold on being fully clipped in. Rare earth magnets keep your feet planted through the tech, climbs, and chatter, delivering a stronger, more consistent connection than pins alone. Focus on the trail, not your footing. When things get sketchy, the release is natural. Just step off. No panic twist, no second-guessing. Paired with REMplate Pro shoe plates for a larger connection zone, this flagship setup helps you ride with more confidence, control, and freedom!

Contest closed May 29th, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST. Must be 18+ and limited to North America.⁠

🚨GIVEAWAY CLOSED🚨Freehub collaborated with@hustlebikelabs to give away a set of REMtech Pedals in Gunmetal Gray and REMplate Pro Shoe Plates!

Congratulations to our winner Matt Griffith (@odyssey_kettlebell_griff)! A long time rider of flats, Matt is stoked to try a set of REMtech Pedals.

“I’ve seen a couple people rocking the mag pedals at the local bike park, when asked they always talk highly of them. I’ve always ridden flats and knowing my penchant for sudden dismounts clipless pedals have always held a certain dread. I can’t wait to see how these will affect techy climbs and descents,” said our winner, Matt.

The REMtech Magnetic Pedals are built for riders who want more foot retention than flats but aren’t sold on being fully clipped in. Rare earth magnets keep your feet planted through the tech, climbs, and chatter, delivering a stronger, more consistent connection than pins alone. Focus on the trail, not your footing. When things get sketchy, the release is natural. Just step off. No panic twist, no second-guessing. Paired with REMplate Pro shoe plates for a larger connection zone, this flagship setup helps you ride with more confidence, control, and freedom!

Contest closed May 29th, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST. Must be 18+ and limited to North America.⁠

In our latest parallax feature, “A Gift for Giving,” Brice Minnigh details the life of Don Cook, a Crested Butte icon at the forefront of so much development that we now take for granted in the bicycling world. While his contributions as a cyclist are more well-known, Minnigh dives deep into other aspects of his life: skilled dancer, exploratory pilot, popular ski bus driver, restaurateur. In reading Minnigh’s piece, though, a theme emerges: Above all else, Cook was a steadfast friend to many who cared deeply about his community.

Discover the extraordinary life of Don Cook at Freehub.com

Word by @bricemag

Photos courtesy of Kay Peterson-Cook and Kevin Montgomery

In our latest parallax feature, “A Gift for Giving,” Brice Minnigh details the life of Don Cook, a Crested Butte icon at the forefront of so much development that we now take for granted in the bicycling world. While his contributions as a cyclist are more well-known, Minnigh dives deep into other aspects of his life: skilled dancer, exploratory pilot, popular ski bus driver, restaurateur. In reading Minnigh’s piece, though, a theme emerges: Above all else, Cook was a steadfast friend to many who cared deeply about his community.

Discover the extraordinary life of Don Cook at Freehub.com

Word by @bricemag

Photos courtesy of Kay Peterson-Cook and Kevin Montgomery

In our latest parallax feature, “A Gift for Giving,” Brice Minnigh details the life of Don Cook, a Crested Butte icon at the forefront of so much development that we now take for granted in the bicycling world. While his contributions as a cyclist are more well-known, Minnigh dives deep into other aspects of his life: skilled dancer, exploratory pilot, popular ski bus driver, restaurateur. In reading Minnigh’s piece, though, a theme emerges: Above all else, Cook was a steadfast friend to many who cared deeply about his community.

Discover the extraordinary life of Don Cook at Freehub.com

Word by @bricemag

Photos courtesy of Kay Peterson-Cook and Kevin Montgomery

In our latest parallax feature, “A Gift for Giving,” Brice Minnigh details the life of Don Cook, a Crested Butte icon at the forefront of so much development that we now take for granted in the bicycling world. While his contributions as a cyclist are more well-known, Minnigh dives deep into other aspects of his life: skilled dancer, exploratory pilot, popular ski bus driver, restaurateur. In reading Minnigh’s piece, though, a theme emerges: Above all else, Cook was a steadfast friend to many who cared deeply about his community.

Discover the extraordinary life of Don Cook at Freehub.com

Word by @bricemag

Photos courtesy of Kay Peterson-Cook and Kevin Montgomery

In our latest parallax feature, “A Gift for Giving,” Brice Minnigh details the life of Don Cook, a Crested Butte icon at the forefront of so much development that we now take for granted in the bicycling world. While his contributions as a cyclist are more well-known, Minnigh dives deep into other aspects of his life: skilled dancer, exploratory pilot, popular ski bus driver, restaurateur. In reading Minnigh’s piece, though, a theme emerges: Above all else, Cook was a steadfast friend to many who cared deeply about his community.

Discover the extraordinary life of Don Cook at Freehub.com

Word by @bricemag

Photos courtesy of Kay Peterson-Cook and Kevin Montgomery

Check out the latest episode of Freehub’s Bike Showcase, our new video series where @spencerastrapov breaks down his favorite aspects of the industry’s latest bikes to hit the market.

In our most recent installment, Spencer puts Rocky Mountain’s all-new Altitude Powerplay to the test in some prime spring riding conditions. Watch the full video to hear about the standout features of the Altitude Powerplay and how it rides across a variety of terrain.

Watch the full video on YouTube or at Freehub.com

It’s rare when trails built during the formative years of mountain biking still hold up to today’s standards.

And, rightly so, it was a different time. Early ‘90s bikes were shorter, with smaller wheels and a narrower turning radius for tight, slow tech or entirely focused on cross-country racing. In turn, trail design was based around different parameters. Many of mountain biking’s original, bucket-list trails just aren’t possible to ride on today’s longer, faster, and squishier bikes. Except in Kamloops.

Read the full Kamloops Travel Guide at Freehub.com

Words by Ben Haggar

Photo by Dylan Sherrard

For smaller riders, or those dealing with limited front triangle space, Fidlock’s bottle system is absolutely game-changing. And, for the rest of us, it makes a lot of sense, as long as you make sure that your bottles are securely loaded before you ride off into the sunset.

Read the full Fidlock review by heading to Freehub.com

For smaller riders, or those dealing with limited front triangle space, Fidlock’s bottle system is absolutely game-changing. And, for the rest of us, it makes a lot of sense, as long as you make sure that your bottles are securely loaded before you ride off into the sunset.

Read the full Fidlock review by heading to Freehub.com

I will forever be grateful to Chantel and @michaeljer Jeromkin for trusting me with the story of Matthew’s brief life. Through them and their community (@forbikes.ca, @reza.trails and more), I was able to get to know Matthew—appreciate his compassion, admire his talent, and mourn his stolen life.

This story about youth, mental health, ADHD, and addiction was important for me to tell. As a parent, it opened my eyes to the dark corners of this world that exist far closer than we like to believe and as a mountain biker, it reminded me of how the sport and community can hold us together in our hardest moments.

Photos by the talented @davesilverphoto.

Thank you @freehubmag for giving Matthew’s story a place to live.

I will forever be grateful to Chantel and @michaeljer Jeromkin for trusting me with the story of Matthew’s brief life. Through them and their community (@forbikes.ca, @reza.trails and more), I was able to get to know Matthew—appreciate his compassion, admire his talent, and mourn his stolen life.

This story about youth, mental health, ADHD, and addiction was important for me to tell. As a parent, it opened my eyes to the dark corners of this world that exist far closer than we like to believe and as a mountain biker, it reminded me of how the sport and community can hold us together in our hardest moments.

Photos by the talented @davesilverphoto.

Thank you @freehubmag for giving Matthew’s story a place to live.

I will forever be grateful to Chantel and @michaeljer Jeromkin for trusting me with the story of Matthew’s brief life. Through them and their community (@forbikes.ca, @reza.trails and more), I was able to get to know Matthew—appreciate his compassion, admire his talent, and mourn his stolen life.

This story about youth, mental health, ADHD, and addiction was important for me to tell. As a parent, it opened my eyes to the dark corners of this world that exist far closer than we like to believe and as a mountain biker, it reminded me of how the sport and community can hold us together in our hardest moments.

Photos by the talented @davesilverphoto.

Thank you @freehubmag for giving Matthew’s story a place to live.