Sour News #012: Komooted, BESPOKED & Big Rides

Summer’s not quite over yet, but the crisp mornings in the Heide are telling us: fall is on its way – and with it, some exciting things we’re really looking forward to.

July 28, 2025

“When we get Komooted” - Or: When Algorithms Plan Our Adventures

If you haven’t read it yet, this piece on Bikepacking.com really got us thinking. It’s about how digital tools like Komoot are changing the way we explore, plan – and sometimes fail – on our rides. Between perfectly optimized routes and real adventure, there’s often just one wrong turn. And that’s where the magic happens.

When We Get Komooted

Following the sale of Komoot to private equity, Josh Meissner explores the broken relationship between corporate capital and our communities...

bikepacking.com/plog/when-we-get-komooted

BESPOKED Returns to Dresden

From October 18–20, Bespoked – Europe’s biggest handmade bike show – is back at Dresden Airport, and of course, we’ll be there! We’re bringing the full Sour lineup, some surprises, drinks, and plenty of good conversation.

Just like last year, we’re planning some group rides around the show – stay tuned for details!

Leanne Takes on the Silk Road Mountain Race

Our team rider Leanne is about to take on one of the toughest bikepacking races in the world: the Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan. She’s written a blog post about her preparation, gear, nerves – and the excitement of heading into the unknown. We’re incredibly proud and can’t wait to follow her journey.

👉 Read Leanne’s blog post here

Silk Road Mountain Race Pack List – Sour Bicycles

sour.bike/blog/stories/silk-road-mountain-race-pack-list

Double Choc Reviewed on The Radavist

We’re stoked to see our Double Choc featured in a full review over at The Radavist! It’s always exciting (and a little nerve-wracking) to see how our bikes are received out in the wild – and this one’s a good read.

A Review of the Sour Bicycles Sublime Double Choc: Stahl ist Wahl – Kyle Klain

Radavist contributor and perpetual unpaid intern Kyle Klain got to bite into Sour Bicycles’ trail full-suspension bike, the Double Choc, for a few months this spring. Read on for his thoughts and John’s photos showcasing the made-in-Germany Horst link platform… I’ll get this out of the way up front: I love steel bikes. I love German products even more. And if a frame has beautifully machined hardware or thoughtful details baked in, I’m already paying closer attention. While I want to admit to my preordained biases, a bike looking this good better ride just as well. These days, I tend…

theradavist.com/sour-bicycles-double-choc-review

What Else Is Coming Up?

  • Moonhunt 2025 – our legendary on/off-road scavenger hunt through the forests around Dresden is set for December. More info soon!

  • New builds, new colors, new ideas – we’ve got some beautiful frames in the works. If you haven’t seen them yet: check out our Flickr albums

Thanks for reading, riding, and being part of this.
See you soon – maybe at Bespoked?

Your Sour Team