Why short-pole shelters and 50mm rubber unlocked alpine bikepacking
Reaching the pass above two thousand meters with a loaded gravel rig used to feel sketch on loose alpine shale. Upgrading to 50mm tubeless tires and switching to a short-segment pole tent that fits flush between drop bars transformed the whole descent. Keeping the center of gravity narrow without swaying panniers lets you actually ride technical switchbacks instead of pushing.

September 21, 2026 at 7:22 PM