Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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In our first video of the year, Neil dives into some of the biggest topics from 2025—from tariffs and bike industry trends to small builders, cottage makers, routes affected by weather, and the importance of being kind. He looks at how these issues shaped the past year and asks whether they’re likely to continue into the new year.

This video was supported by Tailfin, learn more about their offerings here: tailfin.cc/?utm_source=bikepacking.com&utm_medium=paid_video&utm_campaign=bikepacking_neil2026

Outline:
Intro - 0:00
The Industry in Worry Mode - 1:30
The Tariff Effect - 4:38
Small Builder Revolution - 8:19
Bike Industry Trends - 10:58
Bikepacking: A Mixed Bag - 15:18
Outdoor Industry Crossover - 17:30
Climate Changing Routes - 19:26
Year of the Drop Bar - 21:37
Be Kind, Keep Learning - 23:05

Related Links:
2025 Version of this video - youtube.com/watch?v=1oPyhxfP1EU
Is the Bike Industry Tariff-ied? - bikepacking.com/plog/2025-sea-otter-tariff-interviews-video
Tariff Trouble: The US-Made Conundrum - bikepacking.com/plog/tariff-trouble-us-made-cycling

Do you enjoy our videos, routes, and articles? Help sustain this resource by joining the Bikepacking Collective: bikepacking.com/join/?utm_source=youtube

#bikepacking #pedalfurther #happynewyear
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::About The Host::
Neil Beltchenko (instagram.com/neil_beltchenko/)
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam, +2.5" Ape index