Editorial Policy
The Gear Stash publishes cycling gear guides, comparisons, and practical buying advice for gravel, MTB, e-MTB, and related cycling gear.
Our job is to help riders make better gear decisions. That means being clear about what we know, what we researched, what we compared, and what we have not personally tested.
Core standards
1. No fake testing claims
We do not claim a product was tested, ridden, field-tested, crash-tested, or used hands-on unless that is true.
Approved wording when direct testing is not confirmed:
- researched
- compared
- evaluated
- selected
- recommended for
- based on specs, rider feedback, availability, terrain, and use case
Forbidden unless true:
- tested
- hands-on tested
- field-tested
- lab-tested
- ridden for months
- we crashed in this
- we bought and broke this
2. Cycling-first focus
The Gear Stash is focused on cycling.
Current lanes:
- gravel
- MTB
- e-MTB
- cycling tech
- tires
- pedals
- shoes
- helmets and protection
- lights
- hydration
- maintenance and setup
We do not publish broad outdoor filler just to chase traffic.
3. Practical buyer guidance
A useful gear guide should explain who a product is for, who should skip it, and what tradeoffs matter.
We prioritize:
- terrain fit
- rider type
- sizing and compatibility
- value
- durability signals
- common failure points
- alternatives
- product availability
4. Corrections
If something is outdated, incorrect, or unclear, we should fix it.
Cycling gear changes quickly. Product names, model years, prices, availability, and standards can shift. We periodically refresh important pages and update recommendations when the evidence changes.
5. Affiliate independence
The Gear Stash may earn money from affiliate links, but commission potential does not determine recommendations.
We would rather lose a commission than recommend gear that does not make sense for the rider.
