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Travis Reill

Travis Reill

Contributor

Hi! I'm Travis, a teacher turned stay-at-home dad turned freelance writer. Mountain biking is my passion. Fortunately, I've been able to pursue a storytelling career in that world. I also have the wonderful opportunity of being home with my kids. For myself and my kids, work and school are now daily adventures into the greatness of our surrounding wilderness. I couldn't choose a better life!

I'm a regular contributor to Singletracks.com, have feature articles in Mountain Bike Action magazine, and others. See you on the trails!

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

Opening and beginning to build the Canyon Spectral CF 8

3 things I wish I knew before buying my first mountain bike

Buying a mountain bike isn't cheap, but it can be a whole lot more expensive if you don't consider these things
Schwalbe Styx MTB tires for the rear wheels of mountain bikes on a sales stand, Hannover, Germany, September 17, 2022

What you need to know about mountain bike tires: A complete guide

Confused about mountain bike tires? So were we, but hers's everything you need to know
Going around a corner on a mountain bike with the Smith Forefront 2 helmet and Smith Wildcat sunglasses

3 great tricks to corner faster on a mountain bike

You can start cornering on your mountain bike faster by applying these 3 tips
A picture of a mountain bike near an alpine river during fall

3 problems on your mountain bike that may be easier to fix than you think

Mountain bike repairs can be expensive. Before dropping significant money, look at these three fixes
Pedaling a mountain bike up a hill is harder than going down. Riders coming down should stop.

Every rider should know these mountain bike climbing basics

While climbing on your mountain bike may not be as fun as going down, there are some tricks to make it easier
The new Audi eMTB e-bike

Audi has a new eMTB, and it’s looking as phenomenal as their cars

Audi tests the mountain bike waters with the release of their new e-bike the Audi eMTB
Several mountain biking water bottles

The 3 best ways to stay hydrated while mountain biking

Staying hydrated while mountain biking is essential. Here are the 3 best ways to do it
The Munds Mountain Trail is a challenging, remote trail in the Munds Mountain Wilderness in Sedona, Arizona.

3 things you need to know about mountain biking in Sedona

Keep these things in mind when mountain biking in Sedona
Jumping a gap on a mountain biking trail

3 must dos before riding your new mountain bike

You are likely very eager to ride your new mountain bike, but there are a few things you should do first
A snowy mountain bike ride with Pearl Izumi apparel

Cold weather mountain bike gear from PEARL iZUMi is perfect on chilly days

Is cold weather mountain bike gear from Pearl Izumi worth it? Read our review.
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch flat pedal mountain bike shoe

Is the PEARL iZUMi X-Alp Launch mountain bike shoe for you?

A flat pedal mountain bike shoe with the Boa system? Here's what we thought about the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch
Mountain biking down a trail in Evo Bike Pants

You know you’re a mountain biker if…

Here are some of the strange things that make a mountain biker a mountain biker
My Specialized Stumpjumper with Forge + Bond 30AM carbon wheels

3 mountain bike trends we hope to see the industry adopt

The mountain bike industry has changed a lot. Here are a few more things we'd like to see change
A Revel Rail 29 on a forest road

Revel Rail 29 review: One of the best mountain bikes we’ve ridden, but is it for you?

It isn't often that a mountain bike wows us. The Revel Rail 29 did just that.
Four used mountain bikes lined up

3 great reasons you should never buy a used mountain bike

You may think that buying a used mountain bike will save you buckets of money, but it might just be a headache in the long run
Forge+Bond and CSS carbon fiber manufacturing

FORGE+BOND swaps hub, cuts price for revolutionary carbon fiber mountain bike wheels (almost) in half

FORGE+BOND, makers of revolutionary carbon fiber wheels for your mountain bike, swap the hub and drop price by almost half
Men With The Pot Creators with bottle of beer in the woods.

3 ways your mountain bike can open your next post-ride beer

Have you ever opened a beer with your mountain bike? It's a fun after-ride trick! Here's how you can do it
A SRAM brand crank arm on a mountain bike

How SRAM fooled us all and changed the mountain bike industry…in a good way

SRAM leads the way in mountain bike component innovation. Not only has SRAM changed the mountain industry, they pulled the wool over our eyes while doing it.
A full-face and a half-shell mountain bike helmet

Mountain bike helmet showdown: full face vs. half shell helmet

When it comes to purchasing mountain bike helmets, the options are full face or half shell helmets. Here's how to choose.
The Revel Rail 29 mountain bike in front of the garage of a house

Mountain biking mistakes: 5 things new mountain bikers should never do

The mountain biking world can be overwhelming, causing decisions based on outside sources, like social media. Unfortunately, this can be a money dump.
Georgia mountain biking trail turn.

The 5 best mountain biking YouTube channels (and why we like them)

Whether you want advice, inspiration for the pros, or a laugh, these are the mountain biking YouTube channels to watch.
The Revel Rail 29 mountain bike in front of the garage of a house

5 critical mountain bike skills you can work on in your driveway

Now that winter is here, many of us are not able to ride our regular mountain bike trails, but there are still easy skills we can practice in our driveways.
My Specialized Stumpjumper with Forge + Bond 30AM carbon wheels

Forge + Bond 30AM mountain bike carbon wheelset review: Simply put, the best I’ve ridden

Forge + Bond has hit the nail on the head with their newly released carbon fiber wheelset. I've put a few hundred miles on these wheels; here's what I think
A picture of a WTB mountain bike seat

Is your mountain bike seat uncomfortable? This is the secret to a more comfortable ride

Mountain bike seats are often the first thing to be changed out when a new bike is purchased. This is the one thing you should do before buying a new seat.
A mountain biker catches air

Do you think you should be better at mountain biking than you are? These 3 things could be holding you back

Every mountain biker will experience a period where they aren't progressing. These are the challenges getting in the way of your mountain biking goals.
Canyon Spectral Bike

Mountain bike gift guide: 12 fantastic ideas for the mountain biker in your life

Stop worrying about what to get mountain bikers. We have put together the best mountain bike gift guide that will have every rider pleased this holiday season
A man in a space suit riding on The Smart Tire Company's METL tires

This company is making airless bicycle tires with materials originally designed for NASA’s Mars Rover

The Smart Tire Company has created an airless bicycle tire using NASA- designed materials.
A Revel Rail 29 on a forest road

Mountain bike terminology and jargon, explained: What everything on your bike is actually named

Mountain bike jargon can be confusing, so we are explaining it all in a no-nonsense way.
Riding up a snowy trail in Trew Gear's Up Jack windbreaker

Mountain bike maintenance during the off season: 3 things you need to do

Before you hang up your mountain bike for the winter season, consider taking it to the bike shop for some maintenance. Here are the 3 things you need done.
The Revel Rail 29, Revel's top-of-the-line build for their long-travel trail bike

3 expensive mountain bike upgrades that are worth the splurge

If you are thinking about upgrading your mountain bike, and aren't worried about dropping some money, consider these three upgrades. They are worth it.
The Trew Gear logo on the front of their Up Jack windbreaker jacket

Ski and snowboard apparel brand Trew Gear crosses into the mountain bike world

If you thought Trew Gear was only snowboarding and skiing apparel, you might be mistaken. We found what items work for the mountain bike and tried them out.
SJCAM C300 action camera with the extra battery pack

SJCAM C300 is an affordable action camera, but can it do what the Insta360 and GoPro can?

Insta360 has captured the hearts and minds of the GoPro crowd, but the SJCAM C300 may just give both a run for your money
Georgia mountain biking trail turn.

How to resurface your mountain bike brakes

Before you throw away the fading brake pads from your mountain bike, try resurfacing them. Rubbing alcohol, steel wool, and sanding screens are all you need.
An image of the all new Canyon Lux Trail CFR

Canyon bikes introduces all new Lux Trail mountain bike lineup with 4 unique models

Canyon bikes has released its new Lux Trail mountain bike with four unique models and tons of new features.
A picture of a mountain bike near an alpine river during fall

Are you prepared for cold and wet mountain bike season?

Fall is here but that doesn't mean we have to stop riding our mountain bikes. A few simple changes can have us riding year round (weather permitting).
A caution sign on a mountain bike trail telling riders to stop for riders coming up

3 unspoken rules of mountain biking you should know

There are three things other mountain bikers may not ever tell you - but we will. There are the unspoken rules of etiquette on the trail
A 12-speed cassette on a mountain bike

Mountain bike drivetrain showdown: Shimano vs. Sram

Shimano or Sram? We rank, review, and rate drivetrains from two of the biggest names in the mountain bike game.
Mountain bikes resting in the back of a truck

Your weird mountain bike questions, answered

Ever wonder why clipless pedals are called that when you actually clip into them? This and more of your weird mountain bike questions, answered
Pushing the Canyon Spectral back to the top of the hill

Buying a new mountain bike or mountain biking gear? Our guide helps you figure out what’s right for you

You have a lot of options when it comes to a new mountain bike and mountain biking gear - so let us help you figure out what's right for you!
Opening and beginning to build the Canyon Spectral CF 8

How to choose the right mountain bike for you: Your 3 biggest considerations

Looking for a new mountain bike? Buyers remorse can be a real thing, especially if you don't take these three things into consideration.
Pedaling a mountain bike up a hill is harder than going down. Riders coming down should stop.

5 mountain biking habits everyone on a mountain bike must learn ASAP

If you're on a mountain bike, these are the habits you need to have to ride safely and aggressively
A picture showing the beautiful landscape and clear skies of Death Valley

You can mountain bike into Death Valley and watch the next solar eclipse on October 14

You can take a really cool mountain bike ride into Death Valley to watch a solar eclipse. It doesn't get cooler than that!
A large sign on a tree on the side of a mountain bike trail telling riders that e-bikes are not allowed

You may want an electric mountain bike, but you probably shouldn’t buy one – here’s why

Electric mountain bikes are amazing, but they've got some serious drawbacks. We get deep on why your next MTB purchase shouldn't be electric
A picture of the Smith Shift MAG sunglasses with a Smith helmet

Mountain biking gear review: SMITH sunglasses dominate the mountain with Shift MAG

Smith's Shift MAG sunglasses handle every mountain biking need
A shot of the Canyon Spectral CF 8 on a trail

The mountain bike mullet: Why you probably can’t do it (yet)

The mountain bike mullet is a popular option, with the front wheel larger than the rear, but you might not be able to do it on your current bike
A shot of the Canyon Spectral CF 8 on a trail

Canyon Spectral CF 8 mountain bike review: A trail bike for an active rider

The Canyon Spectral CF 8 is a long-travel trail bike with a twist: it can't be found in bike shops. Ordering and assembling are on you — so is the money you save.
Setting the sag on the Canyon Spectral while setting up the suspension

How to set up your mountain bike’s suspension in 10 minutes

Want to get the most from your mountain bike? Making sure your suspension is set up the right way will get you the optimal performance.
The Smith Wildcat sunglasses with Red Mirror ChromaPop lens

Review: Why Smith’s Wildcat sunglasses are must-haves for mountain biking

Smith has made high-quality eyewear for a long time and the Wildcat sunglasses are no exception. Smith's high standards and style make their way to the trails.
A picture of 2 trail bikes that have had some component upgrades

Save money on mountain bike upgrades with these simple tips

Whether it's a want or need, upgrading comes with mountain biking. Call them tips, tricks, or hacks, there are ways to save money while upgrading your bike.
At the top of the trail in Evo's Bike Shorts and Evo's Bike Jersey

We tested out some of Evo’s most popular mountain biking gear

You ride more confidently when you're wearing the appropriate gear. Evo sent us some of their best mountain biking apparel to test and review.