165 articles

Seiji Ishii

Seiji Ishii is the climbing and cycling editor at Gear Junkie and has enjoyed a lifetime of outdoor adventure and sports, from participant and competitor to coach and trainer, and finally as an editorial contributor. His interests have spanned cycling, climbing, motorcycling, backpacking, and training for all of it. He has also designed outdoor and off-road motorcycling gear. He lives in Wimberley, TX, with his daughter and a small herd of pets. Read more of his musings at seijisays.com.

Spring Refresh: Cheap Gravel Biking Gear to Update Your Kit

Gravel biking season is here! Here are our cycling editor’s current cheap gravel biking gear favorites.

Written by Seiji Ishii May 26, 2023

Kingpin Suspension, SmartSense Radar: The Topstone Carbon 1 RLE Has the Goods, Rides it All

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLE with Kingpin rear suspension was a Swiss Army Knife of backroads and gravel adventures.

Written by Seiji Ishii May 18, 2023

Overlanding Is Car Camping: Fight Me

Is ‘overlanding’ just a made-up term, spawning brands and goods for the well-to-do that are really just car camping?

Written by Seiji Ishii May 16, 2023

Great Gravel Wheels That Happen to Be Aero: HUNT 42 Limitless Review

The HUNT 42 Limitless Gravel wheelset was fast, but they were also solid in every other aspect. The aerodynamics were just icing on the cake.

Written by Seiji Ishii May 15, 2023

The Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2023

We tested the best synthetic insulated jackets of 2022 with options for every budget. Top picks include Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and more.

Written by Seiji Ishii and Chris Carter May 02, 2023

Digital Coaching, Dynamic Resistance: Tonal Is the Fitness ‘Gimmick’ I Wanted to Hate but Didn’t

I didn’t want to like the Tonal. But it proved to be the most efficient and effective strength training device I’ve ever tried.

Written by Seiji Ishii April 17, 2023

Expensive Taste: My Favorite Belay Parka Has a Price Tag to Match

The Arc’teryx Alpha Lightweight Parka is a great belay parka. It was warm, windproof, durable, and packable. But the price is high.

Written by Seiji Ishii April 06, 2023

Scan Your Body, Choose Features for Perfect Hardshell Kit: Made Custom Apparel Review

Made Custom Apparel builds a custom-fitted shell with custom features. Remarkably, the price is comparable to other high-end shell systems.

Written by Seiji Ishii March 28, 2023

Surprise! Stout Revel Rover Carbon Gravel Bike Is Smooth, Nimble

The Revel Rover delivered a ride quality that belies typical carbon bicycle frames. It quelled chatter which helped it turn on rails. Check out our…

Written by Seiji Ishii March 20, 2023

WorldTour Winning Cycling Shoe Gets Gravel Treatment: Specialized S-Works Recon First Look

Specialized brings WorldTour technology and efficiency to gravel with their S-Works Recon shoe, which releases today.

Written by Seiji Ishii March 14, 2023

ENVE MOG First Impressions: Seeks Adventure, Will Race

ENVE MOG: The famed carbon wheel and component brand launches its first gravel back after two successful road bike releases.

Written by Andrew McLemore and Seiji Ishii February 23, 2023

The Best Electric Coolers of 2023

We tested the best electric coolers of 2023 with options for every budget and need. Top picks include Dometic, ARB, Engel, and more!

Written by Sean McCoy, Bryon Dorr and Seiji Ishii February 20, 2023

Lowa Alpine Ice GTX Climbing Boot Review: High Dexterity and Warmth, Low Bulk

The Lowa Alpine Ice GTX climbed ice exceptionally well due to its low bulk and kept my feet warm in extremely cold conditions.

Written by Seiji Ishii February 20, 2023

Pivot LES SL Mountain Bike Review: Near-Perfect Pure Race Hardtail

The Pivot LES SL is a near–perfect hardtail race bike — incredibly light, responsive, and efficient. But it is pricey.

Written by Seiji Ishii January 30, 2023

Grivel Dark Machine Review: Ultralight Ice Tools for the Steeps

The Grivel Dark Machine crushes on difficult ice with hero status. But on less difficult terrain, it can sometimes be awkward.

Written by Seiji Ishii January 23, 2023

Elite Rizer Review: Climb Like the Wind and Tuck Into Drafts, Indoors

The Elite Rizer adds grade and steering simulation to indoor training, adding realism and enjoyment to the pain cave.

Written by Seiji Ishii January 05, 2023

Arc’teryx Alpha SV Review: Last Shell Standing After Alaskan First Ascents

The Arc’teryx Alpha SV shell has been a go-to for alpinists since 1998. GORE-TEX PRO Most Rugged Technology improves the bomber shell.

Written by Seiji Ishii January 03, 2023

Trek Emonda SLR 9 eTap Long-Term Review: Light for Climbing, Slippery for Speed

Trek updated the Emonda SLR by adding truncated airfoil shapes for speed but still kept it light for climbing with 800 Series OCLV carbon.

Written by Seiji Ishii December 12, 2022

1UP USA 2-Inch Super Duty Double Review: The Burliest Bicycle Hitch Rack Ever

The 1UP 2-inch Super Duty Double hitch rack is, hands down, the burliest bike rack I’ve ever used. And I’ve had a bike rack on…

Written by Seiji Ishii December 06, 2022

Our Crusty Old Climbers Love This Gear, and It’s on Sale Now

Holiday deals for climbing gear are scarce this season. But we found a pair of holiday sales on goods our crusty climbers on staff love.

Written by Seiji Ishii November 25, 2022

Score Free ENVE Composites Goodies for a Month

Cycling deals are aplenty during the holiday season. It takes more than a percentage discount to garner my attention.

Written by Seiji Ishii November 25, 2022

The Best Outdoor Gifts for Kids

The holiday season is all about the kids. Really. But it can be challenging to find a gift that a child will truly enjoy and…

Written by Seiji Ishii November 23, 2022

Best Fitness Gifts: 10 Must-Haves for the Outdoor Athlete

Help the outdoor enthusiasts and fitness freaks train hard and recover better with these athlete-focused gifts.

Written by Seiji Ishii November 22, 2022

IBIS Ripley AF Mountain Bike Review: All the Fun for Half the Price

The IBIS Ripley AF delivers its much costlier cousin’s pedaling efficiency and suspension performance with minimal tradeoffs.

Written by Seiji Ishii November 22, 2022

The 10 Best Gifts for Climbers

Climbers can be choosy about gear. Rightfully so, as much of it protects life. Let the core climbers at GearJunkie help you decide.

Written by Seiji Ishii November 16, 2022

Best Gifts for Cyclists: 10 Great Presents for Your Favorite Biker

Cycling is so gear-oriented, and cyclists can be so particular. Let us guide you to gifts that the pedaler in your life will use and…

Written by Seiji Ishii November 16, 2022

Pinarello Grevil F: Races Gravel, No Apologies

The Pinarello Grevil F is a pure racing machine. It’s unapologetically efficient and ready to get you around the course as fast as possible.

Written by Seiji Ishii October 19, 2022

Iranian Climber Elnaz Rekabi Resurfaces in Tehran, but Concerns Remain

Elnaz Rekabi competed on Sunday in South Korea without the hijab headwear mandated by her government. She then disappeared amid reports that her cellphone and…

Written by Seiji Ishii October 19, 2022