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, Fall, Winter, Guide, Spring, Rain or Shine Matt Surch Castelli, Fall, Winter, Guide, Spring, Rain or Shine Matt Surch

Hope is Not a Layer: Closing the Safety Gap in Cold-Weather Cycling

A 'cool not cold' clothing system is a low-insulation setup by design. It relies on your metabolic output to stay viable. But what happens when that output drops to zero during a mechanical? I define the three pillars of a true stop layer - Accessibility, Structural Integrity, and Moisture Resilience - and explain why Climashield Apex is the superior choice for the 'recovery-to-dry' transition.

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Polartec Alpha Direct - Unlocking Castelli’s Breathe-first Paradigm

Cycling isn’t a static thermal environment. Heat load swings minute by minute with power and wind, yet most garments are designed around fixed temperature ratings. That mismatch explains why riders overheat on climbs, freeze on descents, and rarely feel “in balance” in winter.

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Down, Synthetic, or Both? Building Smarter Sleep Systems for Bikepacking

Don't get trapped by "packing your fears." This article explores the ins and outs of building a versatile bikepacking sleep system. Through a direct comparison of down vs. synthetic quilts, I show why modern synthetics are a legitimate, lightweight, and often more durable option for life on the bike.

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