About

Have a nice ride!

Hi, I’m James, also known as Bucky to some. I ride my bike a lot, to explore and for fitness, but also for everyday life like going around town and commuting. I cover quite a few miles every year, and over time I’ve gained a strong understanding of the cycling world through the industry, friends, and bike racing. Lately, I enjoy commuting to work on my bike and longer rides. I prefer escaping rather than competing.

Of recently years I have been very fond of putting cake in the middle of my rides and routes. A cafe stop or an epic sandwich point on a mtb ride. Josh tries to talk me out of this.

What’s the behind your product reviews?

• I review stuff that I enjoy investigating or using. I’m not paid by sponsors and I don’t make any income from this site (other than click throughs to Amazon, which really just covers the cost of hosting this page).
• My reviews are balanced, truthful and detailed. I often find time to use the products a lot / ride them before making any judgement.
• Educated and profession as a product designer, I bring that insight to all reviews, in details , materials, features and manufacture.
• I’m a little bit Eco biased. I like things that are built to last and are thoughtfully considered.

What’s behind your product testing and insight?

Educated from a scientific and technical background of product / industrial design. Working with woods, plastics, metals, fabrics and engineers for the past 20 years has given me insight and knowledge to go to get real answers. There is less marketing hype here and I’m pretty candid so if it’s rubbish- I will say so.
Depending on what it is that I am reviewing, I will either test on weekend (longer rides) or use in daily life on commutes etc. Certain things I will test for extended periods of time, like a jersey or a rain jacket. Other things only require shorter duration to get a good read on.

Let’s talk about routes… Where do you get your routes from?

After living for quite a few years in the Portland, Oregon area, I decided to write up the best road and gravel rides. These are in the Portland, South Washington and Mt. Hood Areas. My routes I have ridden 10’s of times, so I know the roads well and have refined them over the years. The routes generally have amazing views or points of interest and encounter the less popular yet premium roads /trails of the areas. Proven routes mean the best roads in a safe manner for an amazing ride.

Who are these routes for?

My rides and routes cater to riders with a mid to higher levels of fitness. All routes can be ridden for recreation, fitness or training purposes, that’s up to you, but ultimately they were selected for recreation and the best possible route. A lot of my routes are larger and maybe all day routes, but I do have a section of shorter stuff.

Socials:

Find me on instagram and facebook page Buckyrides