Understanding Cycling Through Practice: Everything is Connected

Tekné is an ancient Greek concept describing knowledge gained through making, doing, and experience.

Tekne Cycling is where I document and share what I learn through riding, experimentation, field testing, product evaluation, and writing. Whether exploring remote routes, testing equipment, developing products through Matter Lab, or analyzing complex cycling systems, the goal is the same: to better understand the relationships between riders, equipment, behaviour, and environment, and share learnings with the cycling community and industry.

Collective Excellence

Journal

Long-form writing, analysis, field notes, and technical investigations.

Ride Guides

Routes, travel reports, and lessons learned from the road and trail.

MATTER LAB

Product testing, development, prototyping, and small-scale manufacturing.

Work with Tekne

Product testing, technical storytelling, and development feedback.

Featured Posts

ALL POSTS

Castelli and Polartec Launch AirCore — Why It Matters, First Impressions

For decades we’ve equated protection with resistance; AirCore replaces that logic with regulation. The Gabba taught us how to dress for weather. AirCore teaches us how to stay in balance with it.

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Field Notes: The ‘Secret Gravel Stelvio’

This post was inspired by the mismatch between perception of the gravel Stelvio route - also referred to as ‘the fourth way’ - based on a popular summer 2025 GCN video, and the actual experience of riding it. This is at once a cautionary tale and a valorization of the route. The last thing I or anyone would want is for a novice gravel rider to take on the route and fall off a cliff.

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Praxis, Media, Theoria Matt Surch Praxis, Media, Theoria Matt Surch

PODCAST of the WEEK #2

“The Stache is outstanding because Payson McElveen’s interesting confluence of life history, vocation, intellect and curiosity propel long-form (often 2hr +), in-depth conversations with fascinating figures from within and without cycling that transcend sport.”

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Matter, Footwear, Lake, Winter, Fall, Spring Matt Surch Matter, Footwear, Lake, Winter, Fall, Spring Matt Surch

MATTER: Lake MX145 Foul-weather Boots

Lake’s MX145 hit a sweet-spot for riders interested in extending their riding season and/or taking some of the suffering out of cyclocross. Every aspect of the boot’s design and construction suits its intended purpose, rendering the MX145 a highly versatile option for riding in wet and/or cold conditions from around -12 C to +12 C.

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MATTER OF FACT: Gravel Bike Key Questions and Materials

“I would appreciate any recommendations you have have for a great gravel bike. I already have a cross bike, but I am looking for a new ride suited for long days of riding gravel, trails and races like the D2R2.  A bike which could handle wider tires than most cross bikes would be also be great.”

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