Happy for you James. I’m also intrigued by your vision. However I’m puzzled as to what the differentiating factor between n-1 and Escape Collective is going to be? I subscribe to the latter and enjoyed your content during your tenure there (and previous endeavors). Have EC lost their way to such an extent that you felt compelled to strike out on your own and get back to your ideal vision for the industry and the journalistic voice that ideally keeps it honest?
At the most basic level, n-1 is going to solely focus on tech: the bikes, the gear, the technologies, the trends, the repair/maintenance/tuning of it all, the people associated with all of the above, and so on. I have very little interest in racing, and I have only passing interest in aspects of tech that pertain primarily to the super pointy end of the sport. My focus here will be on anything and everything tech-related pertaining to other riders like myself: experienced enthusiasts with deep curiosities, direct participation in a multitude of cycling disciplines. Basically, all gear, all the time, no (or at least very few) distractions.
Same. As an accidental cycling journalist with a mechanic bent, I’m always keen to hear from James, Dave, et al. I was rather surprised by his EC depart, and too would like to understand the N-1 differentiator. Longer form? Grumpier? More tech? More obscure?
Hi James, glad to read your words again. One thing that might resonate with the n-1 theme is how to make the bikes we already own and love continue to be there for us. Not necessarily vintage bikes (though that would depend on your perspective) but bikes that still look beautiful and provide a sublime ride experience but are falling victim to standards creep and planned obsolescence.
What do you do with the 10-15 year old metal road frame as the drivetrain wears out and the aging carbon fork starts to stress you out? As new group sets go disc brake and electronic, how can we breath new life into our rim brake/cable-stopped frames? And where can we find rims with a brake track?
I ascribe to the “bike of Theseus” model (a play on the ship of Theseus), whereby you keep replacing parts until there is no part left of the original and you end up with a unique extension of your preferences and habits.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who hit subscribe before reading the first article. You've earned our trust James, so it's a pleasure to follow your next journey too.
I felt some of your most valuable review were products that weren't as good as they should have been - I believe you saved me upgrading to Shimano 7900 and moving to SRAM road groups instead, while also knowing I could use Rival brakes & derailleurs with near-zero loss of performance.
No one else writes about how not to buy all the latest and greatest bits. So it seems N-1 is something we've already appreciated from your voice!
Sounds like a visit to one of our Outerbike Events might be in order. A piece about how our consumers pick their next bike could be really interesting. We’re headed out to Bentonville this weekend so if you’re in town stop by. And best of luck with this new endeavor. Excited to follow along! 👊
Pls do a podcast and YouTube! You were so great in your last podcast.. I’ve missed your voice and viewpoint. I’m so glad you are going to make a return! Like the gravel/ cross country bike and gear coverage angle. Like I said would love to see video coverage of the podcast and other topics. Welcome back!
Podcast is extremely likely, but video... that's a maybe, at least outside of video versions of the podcast. Unfortunately, video just requires more resources as well as a skillset I haven't yet taken the time to develop.
I get that.. especially right now that’s a lot. It would be great to be able to watch the podcast. Sound is really important, but video quality I’ve never really cared that much about. For me it’s just easier for my brain to be able to see who is talking.
Excited to see what is coming next, you've earned our trust. Get Dave over here for the ultimate power duo! EC is getting too focused on race coverage and it's just not as compelling for those of us more interested in tech news.
I don’t consume much stuff but as a former buyer & service writer I like to keep up. I’m particularly interested in sustainability in cycling and find the dominant use of carbon fiber problematic. I’d like to see a solution there.
That said my +1 is a cargo bike. Once the kids are old enough to get themselves around on their own I plan on going back to a car free life. I think there’s space in cycling media to focus on bikes as utility.
Cargo bikes FTW!!! Totally with you on that one. Assuming folks feel like they have the local infrastructure to do that sort of thing safely, it's hard to argue with the idea that you can ride *more* while also getting stuff done. I absolutely plan on tossing the occasional cargo bike into the editorial mix if/when I feel it's warranted.
And yeah, I hear you on the sustainability thing, too. Carbon fiber is certainly problematic from a resource perspective as compared to most other structural materials, but I think the general attitude of consumption is more damaging on the whole.
James, it's great to hear your voice again. I've been a fan for about a decade or so. And I certainly appreciate the n-1 approach. After years of wanting more bikes that I didn't need I have been going for fewer bikes that each do more things. So, I am in the n-1 or maybe even n-2 or n-3 camp. I am down to 2 bikes and I may end up with just one. My custom Ti Number 22 Drifter (James' reporting introduced me to no. 22) is my main ride and replaced my road race bike, cross bike, and most of my MTB just by changing tires. I still have my MTB for the wilder stuff. But, as I have gotten older I have found that I prefer crashing less and keeping both wheels on the ground more so the MTB sees less use. In any case- WELCOME BACK JAMES.
Amazingly, because my wife suggested it, I have a Drifter Adventure being built now. We have our house and also a cabin and my wife thought it would be easier to have two bikes rather than take one back and forth almost every weekend. I had never even considered that option but after she suggested it I was easily convinced. I’m getting two forks- a RockShox Rudy and a rigid fork. Both Cerakoted to match. And a hydraulic quick connect in the front brake line to make swapping forks a 20 minute process. I wanted to try suspension because the dirt roads at the cabin are quite rocky and rough. Not to mention being at 8000 feet.
Ah, the infamous “n+1” debate. As someone who spent 30 years convincing people to buy more bike parts (because yes, more bikes do need more parts!), I can’t help but chuckle. You’re not wrong—having the right bike(s) is critical, but let’s be honest, the real joy is in the chase. That fleeting moment when you convince yourself that this new bike will make you faster, smarter, and better-looking.
It’s easy to say “n-1” when you’ve already got a stable of carefully curated rides that make you smile every time you look at them. But for the rest of us, half the fun is telling yourself, “If I just had one more bike… maybe that one would be the perfect ride.” Then repeat until you run out of garage space or financial sanity—whichever comes first.
So yes, I’m 100% on board with having the right bikes… and if that just happens to still be “n+1,” well, then who am I to argue? After all, the more bikes you have, the more SRAM parts you need. 😉
Looking forward to seeing where you take this journey. Maybe your next ride will be “the one,” but if not, there’s always another bike out there waiting.
Happy for you James. I’m also intrigued by your vision. However I’m puzzled as to what the differentiating factor between n-1 and Escape Collective is going to be? I subscribe to the latter and enjoyed your content during your tenure there (and previous endeavors). Have EC lost their way to such an extent that you felt compelled to strike out on your own and get back to your ideal vision for the industry and the journalistic voice that ideally keeps it honest?
At the most basic level, n-1 is going to solely focus on tech: the bikes, the gear, the technologies, the trends, the repair/maintenance/tuning of it all, the people associated with all of the above, and so on. I have very little interest in racing, and I have only passing interest in aspects of tech that pertain primarily to the super pointy end of the sport. My focus here will be on anything and everything tech-related pertaining to other riders like myself: experienced enthusiasts with deep curiosities, direct participation in a multitude of cycling disciplines. Basically, all gear, all the time, no (or at least very few) distractions.
Same. As an accidental cycling journalist with a mechanic bent, I’m always keen to hear from James, Dave, et al. I was rather surprised by his EC depart, and too would like to understand the N-1 differentiator. Longer form? Grumpier? More tech? More obscure?
Whatever it is, count me intrigued.
I’m excited to follow and see what’s next. Missing your voice in the industry.
That’s how you start off a Monday. Congrats James.
Hi James, glad to read your words again. One thing that might resonate with the n-1 theme is how to make the bikes we already own and love continue to be there for us. Not necessarily vintage bikes (though that would depend on your perspective) but bikes that still look beautiful and provide a sublime ride experience but are falling victim to standards creep and planned obsolescence.
What do you do with the 10-15 year old metal road frame as the drivetrain wears out and the aging carbon fork starts to stress you out? As new group sets go disc brake and electronic, how can we breath new life into our rim brake/cable-stopped frames? And where can we find rims with a brake track?
I'm excited to see what n-1 becomes.
I *love* this idea. Thanks for the suggestion!
I ascribe to the “bike of Theseus” model (a play on the ship of Theseus), whereby you keep replacing parts until there is no part left of the original and you end up with a unique extension of your preferences and habits.
Ha, I like that idea. I think I got pretty close with a CX bike a few years ago but parted with it before the frame gave up.
With mine, what’s left of the original are the bars, the rotors and the bar-end shifters. By spring, only the shifters will remain.
In.
My Outside subscription lapsed in May and I havent missed it. So my sub budget has an opening. Glad you’re back!
I'm sure I'm not the only one who hit subscribe before reading the first article. You've earned our trust James, so it's a pleasure to follow your next journey too.
I felt some of your most valuable review were products that weren't as good as they should have been - I believe you saved me upgrading to Shimano 7900 and moving to SRAM road groups instead, while also knowing I could use Rival brakes & derailleurs with near-zero loss of performance.
No one else writes about how not to buy all the latest and greatest bits. So it seems N-1 is something we've already appreciated from your voice!
Sounds like a visit to one of our Outerbike Events might be in order. A piece about how our consumers pick their next bike could be really interesting. We’re headed out to Bentonville this weekend so if you’re in town stop by. And best of luck with this new endeavor. Excited to follow along! 👊
Down for that for sure. Won't be in Bentonville but let's chat offline.
Pls do a podcast and YouTube! You were so great in your last podcast.. I’ve missed your voice and viewpoint. I’m so glad you are going to make a return! Like the gravel/ cross country bike and gear coverage angle. Like I said would love to see video coverage of the podcast and other topics. Welcome back!
Podcast is extremely likely, but video... that's a maybe, at least outside of video versions of the podcast. Unfortunately, video just requires more resources as well as a skillset I haven't yet taken the time to develop.
I get that.. especially right now that’s a lot. It would be great to be able to watch the podcast. Sound is really important, but video quality I’ve never really cared that much about. For me it’s just easier for my brain to be able to see who is talking.
Excited to see what is coming next, you've earned our trust. Get Dave over here for the ultimate power duo! EC is getting too focused on race coverage and it's just not as compelling for those of us more interested in tech news.
Happy for you and look forward to the journey.
I'm currently curious about aero wheels for road. I'm looking for something excellent in crosswinds, good with a 30C tire and remotely affordable!
I don’t consume much stuff but as a former buyer & service writer I like to keep up. I’m particularly interested in sustainability in cycling and find the dominant use of carbon fiber problematic. I’d like to see a solution there.
That said my +1 is a cargo bike. Once the kids are old enough to get themselves around on their own I plan on going back to a car free life. I think there’s space in cycling media to focus on bikes as utility.
I like to bake too.
I’m in on N-1.
Cargo bikes FTW!!! Totally with you on that one. Assuming folks feel like they have the local infrastructure to do that sort of thing safely, it's hard to argue with the idea that you can ride *more* while also getting stuff done. I absolutely plan on tossing the occasional cargo bike into the editorial mix if/when I feel it's warranted.
And yeah, I hear you on the sustainability thing, too. Carbon fiber is certainly problematic from a resource perspective as compared to most other structural materials, but I think the general attitude of consumption is more damaging on the whole.
James, it's great to hear your voice again. I've been a fan for about a decade or so. And I certainly appreciate the n-1 approach. After years of wanting more bikes that I didn't need I have been going for fewer bikes that each do more things. So, I am in the n-1 or maybe even n-2 or n-3 camp. I am down to 2 bikes and I may end up with just one. My custom Ti Number 22 Drifter (James' reporting introduced me to no. 22) is my main ride and replaced my road race bike, cross bike, and most of my MTB just by changing tires. I still have my MTB for the wilder stuff. But, as I have gotten older I have found that I prefer crashing less and keeping both wheels on the ground more so the MTB sees less use. In any case- WELCOME BACK JAMES.
I've got a Drifter X frameset in for a review!
Amazingly, because my wife suggested it, I have a Drifter Adventure being built now. We have our house and also a cabin and my wife thought it would be easier to have two bikes rather than take one back and forth almost every weekend. I had never even considered that option but after she suggested it I was easily convinced. I’m getting two forks- a RockShox Rudy and a rigid fork. Both Cerakoted to match. And a hydraulic quick connect in the front brake line to make swapping forks a 20 minute process. I wanted to try suspension because the dirt roads at the cabin are quite rocky and rough. Not to mention being at 8000 feet.
You had me at cargo
Ah, the infamous “n+1” debate. As someone who spent 30 years convincing people to buy more bike parts (because yes, more bikes do need more parts!), I can’t help but chuckle. You’re not wrong—having the right bike(s) is critical, but let’s be honest, the real joy is in the chase. That fleeting moment when you convince yourself that this new bike will make you faster, smarter, and better-looking.
It’s easy to say “n-1” when you’ve already got a stable of carefully curated rides that make you smile every time you look at them. But for the rest of us, half the fun is telling yourself, “If I just had one more bike… maybe that one would be the perfect ride.” Then repeat until you run out of garage space or financial sanity—whichever comes first.
So yes, I’m 100% on board with having the right bikes… and if that just happens to still be “n+1,” well, then who am I to argue? After all, the more bikes you have, the more SRAM parts you need. 😉
Looking forward to seeing where you take this journey. Maybe your next ride will be “the one,” but if not, there’s always another bike out there waiting.
#TheRightBikesPlusOne
Yes, the chase is real.
Congrats, James! I'm so excited to see how you're going to continue to bring your unmatched journalism to the world.