Gravel Bike Trends & Industry Outlook: Reversed Stems, Brompton Gravel, and the 1000-Mile RAT #89

In this episode of ShiftLess, the band is officially back together to ring in the new year with a deep dive into the grit and gear of unpaved bicycle culture. Kevin and Brad are joined by DJ Caleb to navigate the latest innovations and economic shifts hitting the world of gravel cycling and ultra-endurance unpaved cycling.We kick things off with a look at the controversial B Moore Bikes raised reversed stem—is it a stroke of geometry genius or just "ridiculous" engineering? Kevin shares his recent experiences with Basepacking and how the Brompton G Line (gravel-specific folding bike) is changing the game for vehicle-supported scouting on The USA Trail.The crew also recaps a grueling, rain-soaked bikepacking trip through the Sam Houston National Forest, proving that "weather is always a factor." We celebrate a historic milestone as we discuss Tiffany Want becoming the first woman to complete the full 1000-mile RAT (Red River Across Texas).Finally, we get candid about the bike industry economy. From Brompton’s headlines of a 99% profit crash to the massive MSRP drops from major manufacturers, we analyze what the "dredging" of the market means for riders in 2026. Plus, a technical breakdown of safety gear: are $200 radar tail lights like the Garmin Varia worth the peace of mind on 70mph rural roads?The Reversed Stem Debate: Analyzing the physics and weight distribution of the B Moore Bikes setup.The 1000-Mile RAT: Honoring the first female finisher of the full ultra-endurance Texas crossing.Brompton G Line: Why the 20-inch wheel gravel folder is the perfect n+1 for nomadic cyclists.Bike Industry "Crash": Breaking down the accounting behind the headlines and why 2026 is the year of the "surplus."Texas Gravel Scouting: A first look at the new Jefferson, TX to Shreveport route and the deceptive elevation of East Texas.Safety Tech: Comparing the Lezyne Strip Drive Pro, Knog, and Garmin Varia for high-visibility daylight riding.Gravel cycling, gravel racing, bikepacking, ultra-endurance unpaved cycling, The USA Trail, Basepacking, Texas gravel racing, bike industry trends, cycling gear reviews, Brompton G Line, Red River Across Texas, Garmin Varia.“It’s not an adventure until something goes wrong.” — Go ride your bike.Key HighlightsSearch-Optimized KeywordsIndustry Statistics at a GlanceCategoryStatistic/Data PointBrompton Profit (2023)£10.6 MillionBrompton Profit (2024 Fiscal)£4,600 (Accounting for R&D/Operating Costs)Bike Sales VolumeDown 8.2% (91k units to 85k units)Market Trend30% Off MSRP from major brands (Stellantis-style surplus)Safety Tech (Lumen Count)Lezyne Strip Drive Pro: 400 Lumens / Knog Blinder: 270 LumensExport to SheetsRadavist review: https://theradavist.com/raised-reversed-mountain-bike-stem-review/Reach out and touch us: [email protected]