feat: Adapt &b Add 4 blog posts from previous blog

content/post/adapt-or-die-bike-shops/index.md

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+title = "Adapt or Die"
+date = 2023-10-30
+categories = ["Culture"]
+tags = ["shop", "community", "retail", "india"]
+slug = "adapt-or-die-bike-shops"
+image = "adapt-or-die-bike-shops.webp"
+description = "How Indian bike shops can thrive in the age of online retail by evolving their role into local hubs of expertise and community."
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+
+In the age of hyper-convenience, where a bicycle can be ordered with a few clicks and delivered in less time than it takes to decide between frame sizes, physical bike shops in India find themselves at a crossroads. With online retailers offering vast catalogues, aggressive discounts, and door-to-door delivery, the average Indian cyclist increasingly turns to e-commerce to meet their gear and service needs.
+
+And yet — brick-and-mortar shops still have something the internet doesn't: real people, real conversations, and real community. But survival won’t come from nostalgia alone. It will come from adaptation.
+
+Here’s how:
+
+## 1. Educate Thyself — and Your Staff
+Online stores may win on volume, but they lose on context. Customers often don’t know what they truly need — and a well-informed bike shop can fill this gap. It starts with education.
+
+A shop that doesn’t invest in knowledgeable, passionate staff is already obsolete. If you’re selling gravel bikes, someone in the store should be riding gravel. If you’re pushing endurance saddles, someone better know what chamois rash feels like at 100 km.
+
+> Example: **Bums on the Saddle (Bangalore)** runs tech workshops for staff and customers alike, helping demystify component compatibility, drivetrain maintenance, and fit philosophy.
+
+A Bangalore shop owner once shared how a customer came in asking for an imported carbon frame seen on Instagram. After a half-hour conversation, the shop helped him spec a better-suited steel touring bike with wider gearing — and the rider returned a month later with stories of a 500-km ride he never thought possible.
+
+## 2. Be Present Online — Strategically
+An online presence doesn’t mean replicating what Amazon does. It means offering *your* perspective.
+
+Post real-world insights about bikes you carry. Highlight local rides, rider stories, gear tests, and workshop tips. Use Instagram, Google Maps, and YouTube to give your store a digital voice that reflects your on-ground identity.
+
+> Example: **The Bike Shop India (Gurgaon)** built its presence by posting educational videos about bicycle care and hosting live Q&As on Instagram. Customers feel informed, not sold to. ([instagram.com/thebikeshopindia](https://www.instagram.com/thebikeshopindia))
+
+## 3. Offer What the Internet Can't: Services
+The internet can’t true a wheel. It can’t assess knee pain during a pedal stroke. It can’t walk someone through a tubeless conversion.
+
+Physical shops need to double down on *service as product*. That means:
+- High-quality bike fits (even if done manually)
+- Hands-on diagnostics
+- One-on-one consultations
+- Component upgrades and tuning
+- Personalized builds for touring, commuting, or racing
+
+> Example: **Cyclofit (Noida)** built a reputation through their fit and tuning studio, attracting riders from across NCR. Their service bay is as central as their sales floor.
+
+> Example: **Decathlon** stores across India offer free first service and discounted tune-ups within six months of purchase — a simple but effective model for return visits.
+
+> Example: **Crankmeister (Bangalore)** is known for custom builds and high-spec touring setups. Their workbench has helped set up bikes that have gone across Spiti, Leh, and even the European Alps.
+
+## 4. Reward Loyalty in Unexpected Ways
+The LBS (local bike shop) advantage is in human relationships. Reward that loyalty.
+
+Offer:
+- Free minor tune-ups for repeat buyers
+- Exclusive preview nights for new stock
+- First-come booking for demo events
+- Credits for referrals
+
+> Example: **BOTS Bangalore** ran a “coffee & chain clean” morning — regulars got their bikes lubed while sipping free espresso. A small gesture, big retention.
+
+## 5. Become a Community Anchor
+The best bike shops aren’t just shops. They’re landmarks. Places where the Saturday ride starts. Where monsoon rides end over chai. Where routes are planned, parts are debated, and friendships are built.
+
+Want to stand out?:
+- Open early. Offer hot coffee.
+- Host night rides and gravel socials.
+- Sponsor a local ride series.
+- Offer space for rider meetups, film nights, or training workshops.
+
+> Example: **Pedal Thirst Adventures (Pune)** organizes weekly morning rides from its shopfront and sponsors local events like Tour de Pune, turning their storefront into a hub. ([pedalthirstadventures.com](https://www.pedalthirstadventures.com))
+
+## 6. Collaborate, Don't Compete
+You’re not fighting brands. You’re working with them.
+
+Get your distributors and partner brands involved. Ask them to:
+- Launch new products at your shop
+- Offer training sessions for staff
+- Provide demo units for test rides
+
+Likewise, collaborate with other cycling-adjacent businesses:
+- Cafés
+- Fitness centres
+- Local tour companies
+
+> Example: **Track & Trail (Chennai)** partnered with a nearby café to host Sunday 'coffee rides' — bike demo + latte + social hangout. Win-win for both.
+
+> Example: **Firefox Bikes** sponsors club rides and community bike festivals where their dealers run on-ground support stations.
+
+## 7. Specialize — Don’t Generalize
+Too many Indian bike shops try to do everything: kids' bikes, fixies, MTB, road, e-bikes, service, and parts. In reality, most of them do none of it well.
+
+> Example: **Pedal Compass (Shillong)** is known for nurturing grassroots MTB talent in the Northeast. From supporting local racers to helping build trail-ready bikes, they've turned their store into a mountain biking nerve centre.
+
+> Example: **Velo Studio (Bangalore)** backs its retail reputation with a dedicated race team. By supporting athletes and showing up at the start line, they signal credibility — not just as a seller, but as a part of the sport.
+
+Pick a direction. Become *known* for something:
+- “The gravel shop”
+- “The bikepacking outfitter”
+- “The commuter tuning garage”
+
+> Example: **Vitti Trading (Bangalore)** is quietly known among serious riders for its curated range of high-quality Japanese cycling gear — from Sugino cranksets to Nitto stems. It’s the place mechanics go when they want parts that last decades.
+
+> Example: **Crankmeister (Bangalore)** has carved out a niche with fully custom long-distance rigs. If you’re riding to Nepal or through Bhutan, chances are someone will say: "Take it to Crank."
+
+> Counterpoint: A well-meaning shop in north India once tried to cater to all segments — from low-end kids' cycles to high-end carbon builds. Without clarity or depth, they struggled to win any particular crowd. A few years later, the shop shut down, unable to compete with specialists and online giants alike. Trying to be everything to everyone is a sure way to be remembered by no one.
+
+## Final Word
+Indian cyclists want more than access — they want understanding. And that’s where bike shops win.
+
+The choice is not between physical and digital. It’s between being just a shop — or being a destination. Those who adapt, evolve, and lead will find themselves at the centre of something bigger than just sales.
+
+{: .box-note}
+Gearlama offers consultancy services to online and physical bicycle stores in India to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. Contact us to unlock the potential of your store.

content/post/fenix-bc26r-review/index.md

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+title = "Fenix BC26R Review: The Perfect Light for the Long Road Home"
+date = 2023-10-27
+categories = ["Gear"]
+tags = ["lights", "endurance", "gravel", "bikepacking", "review"]
+slug = "fenix-bc26r-review"
+image = "fenix-bc26r-review.webp"
+description = "A long-form, field-tested review of the Fenix BC26R — a bike light built for endurance cyclists, not lumen chasers."
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+
+There’s something poetic about the way light cuts through mountain mist. It’s not just illumination—it’s assurance. For those of us who ride through the dark, whether into valleys or into ourselves, the right light is not about brightness alone. It’s about trust.
+
+The Fenix BC26R has been my daily companion for eight months. In that time, it hasn’t just lit up roads—it’s become part of the rhythm of my riding life.
+
+---
+
+## A Light Made for the Long Haul
+
+Endurance cyclists, randonneurs, and gravel riders don’t ride with haste. We ride for distance, for solitude, for discovery. And the gear we choose reflects that. Unlike mountain bikers chasing lumen wars or road racers chasing grams, we value reliability, simplicity, and long hours in the saddle without fuss.
+
+The Fenix BC26R gets it.
+
+---
+
+## Unboxing the Promise
+
+The packaging is functional, no frills—transparent plastic that shows you the light even before you’ve opened it. Inside:
+
+- The light itself — compact, purposeful
+- A 5000mAh 21700 rechargeable battery
+- Tool-free mount with cam-based release
+- USB-C charging cable
+- Spare O-ring, documentation, rubber shims for narrow bars
+
+There’s nothing ornamental here. Everything exists because it has a job to do.
+
+---
+
+## Build, Fit & Finish
+
+At first glance, the BC26R looks like a flashlight reimagined for the handlebar. And that’s no accident. Fenix, known for their tactical and EDC lights, has brought that DNA into this design.
+
+The bronze-accented power button is tactile and satisfying. The fins on the sides help with grip and heat dissipation. The slide-rail mount system is built into the flat underside, offering stability. The USB-C port is tucked under a thick rubber flap. It charges fast, and more importantly, it means **one cable for all devices** on a bikepacking trip. 
+
+And of course, it's built to last. IP68 waterproof. Shockproof. Dustproof. Monsoon-tested. Mountain-washed. Ladakh-hardened.
+
+---
+
+## The Battery Behind the Brilliance
+
+The 21700 cell is the unsung hero of this light. Larger than the traditional 18650s, it offers longer runtime and faster charging. But more than that—it’s **standard**.
+
+No proprietary nonsense. No sealed units. This is a battery you can buy, swap, or adapt. When gear is expected to last across seasons and expeditions, this matters.
+
+And in case you're wondering: yes, your old 18650s will work with a small adapter.
+
+---
+
+## Field Notes from the Himalayas
+
+I’ve ridden with the BC26R in snow, in slush, through three months of uninterrupted monsoon. It’s seen more rough days than most lights will in a lifetime.
+
+### It's Tough
+I've pressure-washed it after rides. Dropped it. Left it charging in the tent vestibule while it rained outside. It's shrugged it all off.
+
+### It's Reliable
+On two separate overnighters, I used the 600-lumen mode continuously for over seven hours. On one ride, I used the turbo mode briefly for a descent — runtime was still a remarkable 7h:10m.
+
+> I carry a spare cell. But I’ve rarely needed it.
+
+### It's Smart
+Double-press the switch, and you’re in flash mode — 600 lumens, daytime visible. No need to cycle through. It’s instant. It’s intuitive.
+
+---
+
+## Modes That Match the Ride
+
+### Turbo Mode (1600 lumens)
+
+My local ride to Nathatop is 15km with 900m of climbing. I like to watch the sunset, which means descending in pitch dark. That’s where turbo mode shines — a broad, bright flood that lets me see corners before I feel them. I angle it low to avoid blinding oncoming vehicles.
+
+### Mid & Low Modes
+
+600 and 400 lumens are ideal for general riding. But it’s the 50-lumen **low mode** that surprises — perfect for camp chores, setting up tents, or even just hanging around in the silence of the woods.
+
+### Flash Mode
+
+600 lumens, activated with a double press, excellent for daytime visibility. Simple. Unmissable.
+
+> A Danish study found a 19% drop in accidents with permanent running lights. There’s truth in visibility.
+
+---
+
+## Designed for the Bike, Not Just the Rider
+
+### Wide Beam
+A 100° reflector throws light not just ahead but to the sides. On narrow mountain roads with unmarked drops, this matters more than lumen count.
+
+### Side Slits
+Two small windows on the side illuminate faintly—perfect for being seen from the flank on unlit roads.
+
+### Recessed LED
+It’s tucked behind a lip. You don’t see the emitter. That’s good—it protects your night vision. Especially when climbing out of the saddle.
+
+### Adjustable Mount
+The mount allows about 30° side-to-side rotation. It clicks into position. You can fine-tune where your beam lands, even with a handlebar bag in the way.
+
+### Symmetrical Beam
+You can mount the BC26R upside down, sideways, or however you need. The light doesn’t care. It just works.
+
+---
+
+## The Imperfections
+
+Nothing is perfect. And the BC26R isn’t pretending to be.
+
+### Proprietary Mount
+Out of the box, there’s no GoPro or Garmin compatibility. You can buy an adapter, but it costs extra.
+
+### No Cut-Off Beam
+There’s no facula line. On highways, I point it down to avoid dazzling drivers — but I miss the sharp line from older Fenix models.
+
+### Not Featherweight
+At 154 grams, it’s not light. But then again, it lasts long and doesn’t die mid-ride. That’s a trade I’ll take.
+
+---
+
+## Pricing & Purchase
+
+- ₹8000 (as of October 2022)
+- Available via [LightMen India](https://lightmen.in)
+
+> *This review is independent. LightMen provided the unit, but had no input in the content.*
+
+---
+
+## Final Thoughts
+
+In a world of overbuilt, overpriced, overly bright bike lights that die in a season, the Fenix BC26R is refreshingly honest.
+
+It’s not trying to be clever. It’s trying to be useful.
+
+And in that, it succeeds — gloriously.
+
+If you're the kind of cyclist who rides through the night, not because you're chasing anything, but because that's when the road finally feels empty, this light was made for you.
+
+It’s the best bicycle accessory I used in 2022-23.
+
+**Five out of five Lamas.** 🦙🦙🦙🦙🦙
+
+[→ See it on Gearlama Search](https://gearlama.com/search?q=fenix+bc26r)

content/post/missing-shoe-bikepacking/index.md

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+title = "The Tale of the Missing Shoe"
+date = 2023-02-22
+categories = ["Stories"]
+tags = ["bikepacking", "himalayas", "adventure", "real life"]
+slug = "missing-shoe-bikepacking"
+image = "missing-shoe.webp"
+description = "What began as a simple overnight stop on a solo bikepacking trip turns into a tale of madness, community, and a lost shoe in the Chenab river."
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+
+Bikepacking is cool — or so Instagram would have you believe. Beautiful backdrops. Clean, expensive gear. Friends laughing around a campfire. But out on the road, under a bruised sky and on the edge of exhaustion, bikepacking isn’t filtered and curated. It’s Type 2 fun —
+
+> Fun that’s not fun while it’s happening, but becomes a good story in hindsight.
+
+This is one of those stories.
+
+---
+
+It was Day 1 of my 5-day solo trip. A hundred kilometres behind me, my body caked in dust from 30 km of roadworks. The kind that turns roads into ruts, drivers into maniacs, and cyclists into ghosts. I rolled into a small town beside the Chenab river, chosen not for its charm, but because it had a temple — and temples are where I often sleep. They're usually calm, respected, and in small towns, the pujari is always more stoned than suspicious.
+
+This one was no different. The priest, high on Shiv's prasad, barely acknowledged me. "Stay if you want," he shrugged, then warned me of a madman who sometimes wandered in at night. I laughed it off — I’ve heard wilder things. My mind was more focused on the aroma of ghee-laden parathas wafting from a nearby dhaba.
+
+Dinner was spectacular. Butter-drenched, belly-filling, and deeply earned. I returned to the temple steps, slipped off my shoes, locked my bike to a pipe, and carried my bags and sleep system inside. There was even a plug point by the sanctum to charge my phone. Bliss.
+
+I slept like the dead.
+
+Well — almost. 
+
+At some point in the night, thunder rolled but the skies held. I rolled over. Later, laughter pierced the quiet. A man — probably the one I'd been warned about — was muttering and pacing. He stared at me. I stared back. My best stern face. My best evil eye. It worked. He wandered off. I checked my bike from my bivvy — still locked. All good.
+
+At 5 AM, my alarm buzzed. I moved through my morning with practiced quiet — toilet, pack bags, check wallet, phone, roll up bivy. My legs felt heavy, but the road was calling.
+
+Everything was packed.
+
+Time to put on my shoes.
+
+Only... where were they?
+
+I had left them at the temple steps, out of respect. They weren’t there. Not inside either. I checked again. And again. Nothing.
+
+A creeping dread began to rise. These weren’t spare shoes. These were **the** shoes. My one pair. I ride in flats — one shoe for everything. Ride, walk, camp, repeat. Without them, I wasn’t going anywhere.
+
+By 6 AM I was fuming. Locals began to arrive for morning prayer and soon, my missing shoes became a community issue. Three men joined my search. The chowkidar mentioned the crazy guy had been by the river. We followed him there.
+
+We found the man. He was laughing. He pointed at me. Then at the river.
+
+One shoe had gone to meet the mighty Chenab. The other rested, soaked, on the riverbank.
+
+> I wasn’t pedalling anywhere with just one shoe.
+
+Rage boiled up. I grabbed the man by his collar. Then stopped. What was I doing, threatening a man who barely knew what he’d done? I let go. Sat back on the temple steps. Shoeless.
+
+The town rallied. They called the local shopkeeper who sold shoes. Problem: he lived in a neighbouring village and the shop only opened at 10. But someone had his number. They called. Explained. He agreed to come early.
+
+At 9:15 AM, I walked out of his shop in brand new **Lakhani** sneakers, flanked by a crowd that had become part of the saga. The whole town, it seemed, had shown up to see the ending.
+
+And I was just grateful to continue riding.
+
+---
+
+There’s no neat moral here — no Instagram quote or life lesson tied with a bow.
+
+Except maybe this:
+
+**Bikepacking will humble you.**
+
+It doesn’t care how much you planned or what gear you carry. There will always be a madman. A missing shoe. A moment where everything unravels — and you just have to laugh, wait, and let the river carry your expectations downstream.
+
+That’s what makes it Type 2 fun.
+
+It’s hell in the moment.
+And unforgettable afterward.

content/post/smanie-saddle-guide/index.md

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+title = "The Ultimate Guide to Smanie Saddles"
+date = 2024-05-25
+categories = ["Guides"]
+tags = ["guide", "gear", "saddles", "road", "gravel", "bikepacking"]
+slug = "smanie-saddle-guide"
+image = "comprehensive-guide-to-smanie-saddles.webp"
+description = "A detailed guide to choosing the right Smanie saddle in India — from the plush EX Explorer to the aggressive DRS Sport."
++++
+
+There’s a quiet, persistent discomfort that every cyclist knows — that nagging unease between rider and saddle that grows over hours, kilometres, and climbs. It begins as a minor ache. Then it settles. Then it lingers. 
+
+And then, one day, you find the right saddle. And the ride becomes… silent. Smooth. Whole.
+
+That’s what this guide is for.
+
+---
+
+## The Science of the Saddle
+
+Finding the perfect saddle isn’t about luck. It’s about fit. It’s about form. It’s about listening to your body — your sit bones, your reach, your posture — and matching it to the right shape and support.
+
+Smanie (pronounced *Sman-yeh*) approaches this science with a rider-first mentality. In India, they’ve launched a curated lineup that balances affordability with ergonomic integrity. It’s gear that works. And lasts.
+
+Each model in this guide has been tested. On trails. On tarmac. In the Himalayas. On commutes. They’ve seen sweat, mud, and monsoon. This isn’t a catalogue — it’s a rider’s account.
+
+---
+
+## The 2024 Smanie India Range
+
+Smanie’s 2024 Sport Series for India includes four models, all featuring a modern V-shape and central cutout:
+
+1. **Smanie EX Explorer Sport** – comfort king
+2. **Smanie Delta Sport** – XC performance
+3. **Smanie Apex Sport** – all-terrain versatile
+4. **Smanie DRS Sport** – aggressive road/race saddle
+
+All come with Chromoly rails, durable polyurethane covers, and thoughtful padding — at a price point that undercuts most competitors.
+
+Before we dive in, this short video offers a brilliant breakdown of saddle anatomy and fit principles:
+
+{{< youtube COrWg2JXYgo >}}
+
+---
+
+## 🟤 Smanie EX Explorer Sport
+
+This is the saddle you want when your ride lasts longer than your playlist. Generously padded. Slightly longer. Built for endurance.
+
+I’ve used the EX Explorer on overnighters, through city commutes and gravel ambles. Its plush 18mm EVA padding feels like riding with suspension under your hips.
+
+- **Flat top, flat sides**
+- **Wide and long** (267mm × 155mm)
+- **Most comfortable for upright posture**
+- **Ideal for: touring, hybrid bikes, heavy riders, or city commutes**
+
+> It’s not a race saddle. But it’s a survivor.
+
+### Pros
+- Maximum comfort
+- Great price (₹1900)
+- No-fuss build: PU cover, PP base, CrMo rails
+- Ideal for rough terrain and variable posture
+
+### Cons
+- Slightly heavy
+- PU surface isn’t the most premium looking
+- Padding might raise ride height
+
+---
+
+## ⚪ Smanie Delta Sport
+
+If your ride is a 2-hour power session or an XC loop through pine and dust, this is your tool. Compact. Balanced. Fast.
+
+I’ve run the Delta on my United Clovis for weekend rides and midweek intervals. It rewards a forward position and has just enough flex for technical terrain.
+
+- **Shorter profile** (length: 246mm)
+- **Medium-density PU foam**
+- **Flat profile**
+- **Ideal for: XC, gravel racers, training bikes**
+
+> You’ll forget it’s there — and that’s the goal.
+
+---
+
+## 🟢 Smanie Apex Sport
+
+The most versatile of the lot. Wide-nosed and gel-cushioned but still firm enough for longer days in the drops.
+
+I’ve ridden 6+ hour days on the Apex, across tarmac and stone. It handles heat, sweat, and shifting postures beautifully.
+
+- **Short & wide** (248mm x 145mm)
+- **Gentle slopes front and side**
+- **Gel inserts, low-profile padding**
+
+> It disappears under you. The best kind of gear does.
+
+Perfect for riders who want freedom to move and a saddle that feels like part of the bike.
+
+---
+
+## 🔴 Smanie DRS Sport
+
+The race-day option. Minimal padding, sculpted edges, and a shape that supports high-cadence riding in a tucked aero position.
+
+- **Most aggressive slope**
+- **Large central cutout**
+- **Best suited for: racers, time trialists, fast climbers**
+
+> This is not your Sunday coffee ride saddle. But it might win you a podium.
+
+---
+
+## 📊 Comparison Table
+
+| Feature                   | Explorer Ex | Delta Sport | Apex Sport | DRS Sport |
+|---------------------------|--------------|--------------|-------------|-------------|
+| Cutout Size              | Small        | Small        | Medium      | Large       |
+| Front-to-back curvature  | Flat         | Flat         | Gentle      | Aggressive  |
+| Side-to-side curvature   | Flat         | Flat         | Gentle      | Curved      |
+| Padding                  | High         | Medium       | Low/Med     | Low         |
+| Weight (g)               | 368          | 282          | 311         | 313         |
+| Price (INR)              | 1900         | 3550         | 3550        | 3550        |
+| Best for                 | Touring, Hybrid | XC, Gravel | All-round Gravel | Road Race |
+
+---
+
+## 🧭 Final Thoughts
+
+Choosing a saddle is like choosing a travel companion. It won’t make the climb easier, but it will make the journey better.
+
+Smanie’s India range is proof that thoughtful design doesn’t have to be expensive — and that your comfort doesn’t need to be compromised for performance.
+
+If you're still unsure, ride with one. Let your body decide.
+
+→ [Find Smanie Saddles on Gearlama](https://gearlama.com/search?q=smanie%20saddle)