PARTNERS

I - Matt Surch - conduct hypothesis-driven evaluation of cycling products, systems, and equipment architectures. Projects frequently explore the interaction between components, rider behaviour, environmental constraints, and design intent. Findings are published publicly where appropriate and may also inform product-development discussions with partner organizations. My overarching objective is to reduce uncertainty around product behaviour and system performance in real-world use.

Ongoing Collaborations Roster

Castelli Cycling

Long-term apparel testing, technical feedback and editorial work examining clothing as part of the complete riding system.
Explore the Castelli work →

Lake Cycling

Long-term footwear testing, technical feedback and product education focused on fit, construction, foot stability and performance across four seasons and multiple disciplines.
Explore the Lake work →

Woven Precision Handbuilts

Long-term wheel and tire-system testing using custom wheelsets to explore rim dimensions, tire volume, ride characteristics, durability and cross-platform versatility.
Explore the Woven work →

Julbo

Helmet and eyewear testing across disciplines and changing conditions, focused on optical adaptability, protection, ventilation and long-duration comfort.
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Effetto Mariposa

Workshop and field testing of maintenance and tubeless systems, focused on reliability, repairability and the small details that keep bikes working.
Explore the Effetto Mariposa work →

SQlab

Long-term contact-point testing and technical feedback across saddles, handlebars and pedals, examining how ergonomics, fit, comfort and safety interact.
Explore the SQlab work →

Current Editorial Projects

These are active, multi-part investigations rather than one-off product reviews. Each develops through repeated use, comparison and technical analysis, with findings published as evidence accumulates.

Tire Maxing: Road, Gravel and XC

An ongoing project with Continental and Woven examining how casing construction, tread, volume, pressure and rim width change speed, control and durability as tire formats progress from 32 mm road to fast gravel and 2.4-inch XC. The objective is to define where larger tires expand capability without sacrificing the qualities that make a bike fast. Continental tire testing will include the Oct. 3 Gravel du Parc race, a demanding 130km route in our stomping grounds, a mix of pavement, dirt road, gravel road, sand road, singletrack, and a ski hill ascent.

Wheels serving as test platforms are Woven Precision Handbuilts A52 (25mm internal width), G52 (30mm internal, gravel rim), and M9XC (30mm internal, MTB rim). Tires on test:

The 14 L Race-Bikepacking System

Development of a compact, modular carrying, hydration and sleep system around POC ULTRA bags, a 14-litre capacity constraint and a sub-seven-pound overnight baseline. Testing focuses on waterproof TPU construction, shape control, aerodynamic integration, water management and what limited carrying capacity reveals about necessity.

  • The hydration strategy pairs HydraPak’s Breakaway+ 30 oz filter bottle with a Contour 3 L reservoir, reducing the need to carry water between reliable sources while keeping the primary reservoir clean.

  • Sleep insulation is provided by Therm-a-Rest; the NeoAir XLite NXT MAX (Regular-Wide) will be compared to my current Decathlon Forclaz pad and Therm-a-Rest XTherm NXT. The XLite NXT MAX represents Therm-a-Rest's most recent (2023) structural revision to the platform: baffles increased from 2.5 to 3 inches, and internal construction changed enough to cut audible noise by roughly 83% compared to the previous XLite generation. R-value is 4.5, sufficient for three-season use, and my measured weight is 528g (under the claimed 540g).

    Explore the bikepacking work →

Dynamic Clothing Systems

Continuing work with Castelli treating apparel as a dynamic thermoregulation system rather than a collection of isolated garments. Current testing examines AirCore, Ristretto and Alpha Direct across changing effort, temperature, wind and moisture, translating material architecture into practical guidance.
Explore the clothing-system work →

The Two-Bike Question: Gravel + XCM

Development toward 2027 examining where fast gravel ends and lightweight mountain biking begins. The project compares geometry, suspension, tire volume, gearing, cockpit format and carrying capacity across racing, FKTs, long-distance riding and bikepacking.
Explore the gravel-platform work →

Previous Collaborations

T-Lab Bikes

Custom titanium gravel-platform development exploring geometry, handling, 650b wheels, high-volume tires and the evolving capabilities of drop-bar bikes.
Explore the T-Lab work →

Brodie Bicycles

Cyclocross and gravel collaboration centred on mixed-surface performance, adaptable platforms and early experimentation with 650b wheels and high-volume tires.
Explore the Brodie work →

absoluteBLACK

Chainring and drivetrain testing examining oval-ring performance, gearing and the relationship between rider, terrain and transmission.
Explore the absoluteBLACK work →

Kogel Bearings

Long-term testing of bottom brackets, bearings and pulley systems, focused on drivetrain efficiency, durability and serviceability.
Explore the Kogel work →

René Herse Cycles

Extensive high-volume tire testing across bikes and terrain, foundational to Teknē’s work on 650b wheels, casing construction, pressure, traction, comfort and energy conservation.
Explore the René Herse work →

Steelwool Bicycles

Custom steel bicycle and race-team collaboration exploring frame design, durability and locally developed, rider-tested platforms.
Explore the Steelwool work →

Handske

Cycling glove testing across disciplines and conditions, focused on fit, dexterity, bar feel, protection and durability.
Explore the Handske work →