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Rigs of the 2023 Tour Divide (Part 1): Drop-Bar Bikes

With the Tour Divide grand depart coming up on Friday, we’re pleased to present the Rigs of the 2023 Tour Divide. Like last year, we’ve split them into two categories and are kicking things off with more than 50 drop-bar rigs that will be taking on the 2,700-mile route from Canada to Mexico, including bag and gear highlights for each. Dive in here…

The Tour Divide is arguably the most popular bikepacking event ever, and each year, hundreds of riders from across the globe gather in Banff, Alberta, with plans to ride the roughly 2,700-mile route along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route south toward Mexico. There’s a vast range of riders in the 2023 edition, from ultralight endurance racers looking to best the impossibly fast sub-15-day pace to folks slowly rolling along the route for a month or longer. There’s no wrong (or right) way to enjoy the Tour Divide.

Last year’s Tour Divide was especially exciting, returning from a canceled 2020 event and an adjusted version in 2021. Sofiane Sehili took first place with a time of 14 days, 16 hours, and 36 minutes. Ana Jager was the first woman to finish with a time of 19 days and 54 minutes. And our friends Katie and Andrew Strempke took the first singlespeed spots in 19 days, 16 hours, and 11 minutes and 16 days, 19 hours, and 12 minutes, respectively. On Friday at 8 a.m., riders will start their journeys south to the US/Mexico border, a challenging feat we commend everyone participating for lining up to take on.

Like last year, we decided to break the rigs into two days to better showcase the overwhelming number of submissions. You can scroll down for a look at all of the drop-bar bikes submitted to our annual rig roundup, and keep an eye on the site tomorrow for our gallery of 50+ flat-bar rigs. When the event launches on Friday morning, you can also follow along live over on our 2023 Tour Divide Tracker, where we’ll be sharing a lot of great coverage in the weeks ahead.

Gainesville, Florida (USA)

BIKE : Salsa Cutthroat 2018 set up rigid, SRAM force group set 34T 1x front chainring 11-42T rear cassette. BAGS : Revelate Design all around the bike. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Favero Assioma power meter and Look Road pedals baby! My preference pedal and clear platform for long hours on the bike and as a veteran Tour Divide rider, I am prepared to put on minimalist hiking shoes for the hike a bike sections.

Ulrich “Uba” Bartholmoes

Age 36 / munich (germany).

BIKE : 2023 BMC Twostroke 01 One – the bike is totally custom built with Beast Components XS30 Carbon rims wheels with a SON Dynamo hub up front, a SRAM Eagle XS Red Drivetrain (34T x 10-52T), a RockShox SID SL Select + suspension fork and Beast Component drop bars. Pulley wheels and all bearings are low friction ceramic parts by Kogel to ensure smooth pedaling. Tires will be Hutchinson Skeleton & Taipan with 2.15”. My favorite highlight on the bike is my Supernova M99 DY Pro front light – its the brightest I have ever seen and will be my laser sword to conquer the nights! BAGS : I will use the Apidura Backcountry series with the 6L saddle pack, the 4L full frame pack, the 1L rear top tube pack and the 1L top tube pack, for a total of solid 12L to carry clothes, spares and food. If I need more room on the way I will find it in my Apidura Backcountry Hydration Backpack which also features an 2.5L water bladder. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : The bike and the setup for the race are a great work of art and the highlight. My focus is on the lowest possible weight, good durability and, above all, reliability. All components have been tested for many thousands of kilometers and will serve me well.

Everett Bedard

Age 50 / saskatoon, saskatchewan (canada).

BIKE : I will be doing a record amount of hike-a-bike next to Pepper, my 2018 Salsa Cutthroat Apex 1. I upgraded the derailleur to Force 1 and replaced the chainring to 30T. In the rear is a 11x42T cassette. Pepper will be rolling with a set of 2.35” Vitorria Mezcals on Bontrager comp line 30s. When actually riding, I will enjoy a Brooks B17 saddle on a Redshift seat post, as well as profile design aerobars with a 70mm riser on a Redshift stem for comfort. BAGS : At the heart of Pepper is a Rockbros half frame bag. On the bars, Pepper has a Revelate Harness with a Sea to Summit drybag. A couple Revelate Designs feed bags. One for food and one for bear-spray. Hanging up front will be an Axiom bar bag. Strapped to the fork by a couple of Salsa anything cages are a Salsa and Sea to Summit drybags. Top tube Revelate Magtank to finish things off up front. In the rear with be a Sea to Summit Drybag attached to an Aeroe Spider rack. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Sleep system includes a Stormbreak 1, McKinley Trekker sleep, bag, and Klymit pillow. Garmin 830, SPOT tracker, Magicshine RN 3000 headlight, with a Biolite 20,000mAh powerbank. On my back will be an Osprey 2.5L hydration pack. A Befree Katadyn to filter water, with some tablets for possible cow water and such. And to top it all off, my Bike Doctor Detours jersey.

Cameron Bennett

Age 25 / portland, oregon (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be Touring on a Timeline™ on a 2021 Salsa Cutthroat, rolling on a pair of 2.25” Vittoria Mezcals and running a mostly-stock GRX 810 drivetrain with some extra teeth provided by an 11-42 cassette and a goatlink. An SP dynamo hub will power a Sinewave Beacon attached to some Profile Designs T3+ aerobars. A PNW coast suspension dropper will be saving my butt from anything the Specialized Power MIMIC saddle can’t handle. Race Face Atlas flat pedals make for comfier hike-a-biking and city days. Not pictured are a Lauf TR Boost fork and Salsa stem meticulously hand-painted in a white-on-black topo of Portland’s west hills by my fiancée and a lovely little top cap from ATR in Stockholm. BAGS : I’ll be running a set of custom Rogue Panda frame and top tube bags with a topo print of Oregon’s Mount Hood. A Tailfin alloy rack with two Salsa EXP anything cages will keep the weight down and back and allow for a dropped post! Up front, I’ll have a bed roll on a Salsa EXP Anything Cradle and three Revelate feed bags mounted in front of the bars so I can stand to climb without them rubbing my knees. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : We’ll be raising money for p:ear, a Portland nonprofit with a bike shop whose mission is to develop professional skills for youth experiencing homelessness. Navigation will come courtesy of a Garmin Edge 810 and the ACA paper maps, tracking from an InReach Mini, and bonus lighting from a Fenix PD36R rigged as a helmet light. I’ll be sleeping well with a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1, old REI air pad, Nemo foam pad, and Katabatic Alsek quilt. A JBL Clip speaker, chess board, Kindle, journal, and Therm-a-Rest Trekker chair will keep me entertained on-route. Severely overweight first aid and repair kits will give us the best chances possible to keep rolling!

Marcel Besemer

Age 63 / veenendaal (the netherlands).

BIKE : Salsa Cutthroat Apex 1 2018 (quite standard, no suspension), Maxxis Ekon EXO 2.35″ front, 2.20″ rear, standard aero bars. BAGS : Salsa Framebag, Revelate Designs seatpack, Sea to Summit eVent bag in front with Revelate pooch, Revelate Top Tube and Decathlon top tube. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : All raingear, down jacket and 3-season sleeping bag from RAB, Therm-a-Rest Neo Air X-lite, little stove, lots of coffe powder, Etrex 30x, Son Dynamo hub 28-15, Terra Nova Laser Comp 1 tent, 12l backpack from RAB. Total load 10kg (22lbs).

Jorne Bluekens

Age 36 / oudenburg, west-flanders (belgium).

BIKE : I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a steel 2022 Salsa Fargo with Ritchey Venturemax road drop-bar with Wolf Tooth bar tape to compensate vibration. The bike features a pair of Hunt Race XC wheels with tubeless Continental Protection 2.35” Cross King front and 2.25” Race King back 29” tires, SRAM GX Eagle 1×11 11-50 drivetrain with a 32T chainring. A Pedalcell dynamo up front will charge battery pack, Garmin Edge 1030, iPhone 13 Pro and Lezyne lights. Giving the wrists some rest using Profile Design aero bars on the handlebars. The Brooks cambium carved saddle is the one component that always shifts to the bike I go bikepacking with. BAGS : I have mixed Salsa frame bag, Restrap top tube and Apidura front and seat pack. They have proven themselves worthy many times before. Two water bottles are mounted to the fork and extra water will be in my small Salomon trail running backpack CamelBak as needed. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : My 600g Sea To Summit bivy tent and Therm-A-Rest light mattress will be my basic sleepover option. Base layer and socks typically merino, Rapha core bib shorts and lastly Castelli Perfetto RoS windjack. Never change a winning combination, I’ll be riding my 3rd pair of Shimano XC5 shoes.

Mike Buckley

Age 63 / hereford, arizona (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be on a Sage Barlow Ti. I’ve been experimenting and trying different options for a while now but think I might have finally got it right, maybe. Wheels are DT Swiss GR1600s with Pirelli Cinturato 650B x 45mm tires. Saddle is a Brooks C-17. I’m sold on the SRAM AXS 40T x 11-52T drivetrain after bikepacking across the U.S. last summer. I’m also a big fan of Big Agnes so both my tent and sleeping setup are from them. BAGS : Other than a beautiful Rogue Panda framebag, my bags are a from a variety of brands. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Handlebar is a Salsa Cowchipper Deluxe 520mm. Pedals Hope F-20 flats. Water filter is a Sawyer Squeeze. Tracking is via my iPhone on a SP-Connect stem mount and a Garmin 1040 Solar. A special shout out to M&M Bikes in Sierra Vista AZ who helped me get here, very much appreciated.

Paul Burdick

Age 44 / boulder, colorado (usa).

BIKE : Lauf Seigla with 1×12 mullet drivetrain using a 38T chainring, 10-52T cassette, XO1 Eagle derailleur, and Force AXS shifters. Profile Design Sonic Ergo 4525A aerobars mounted on a Fred Bar with SRAM wireless blips on the ends. RedShift ShockStop PRO Suspension Seatpost. SON Dynamo Hub with kLite Ultra gravel front light and Qube rear light. Whiskey No.9 36w rims with 2.25” Vittoria Mezcal tires. BAGS : Apidura Aerobar Pack, 2x Revelate Designs Feedbag, Tailfin Top Tube Pack, Rogue Panda frame bag, Apidura Frame Pack Hydration Bladder 3L, Tailfin AeroPack Alloy without pannier mounts and extended seatpost connector, ZéfalZ Box L. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Park Tool GSC-1 Gear Cleaning Brush for both brushing my teeth and clearing mud.

Benjamin Clark

Age 58 / enumclaw, washington (usa).

BIKE : Salsa Cutthroat. Shimano GRX, 2x, 11x42T. Son Dynamo in front, Chris King in back on HED Belgium G’s with Fleecer Ridge 2.2″. kLite front and back. Brooks C15 Carved on Ritchey seat post. Ebay carbon bars atop Ritchey Beacon bars with a Redshift Shocktop stem. Water: 3L Hydrapack in framebag, 24 oz bottle for mixing, Befree water filter with 2L bag. BAGS : Assorted bags from Revelate, Salsa, Porcelain Rocket, Dispersed and BroadFork. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Digging the Dispersed Top Tube bag for its capacity and my BroadFork Basho bag Jacquelyn made to spec that allows access to the bag while running aero bars. This is the way.

Age 28 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE : I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a steel Pipedream A.L.I.C.E. frame and rigid fork. Drivetrain is a SRAM 1×12 using the Ratio kit with road shifters. Front wheel built by Totem Cyclery in Denver using a SP hub paired with a Sinewave Beacon 2 and tail light. BAGS : A.L.I.C.E. is fitted with a custom frame bag from Rogue Panda with room for an Apidura 3L bladder. Seat bag is from Restrap and in the front I’m using a Revelate MagTank and Feedbag, Bedrock Bags Entrada handlebar bag, and Blackburn fork mounted bags. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : My delicate wrists will appreciate the RedShift ShockStop suspension stem and Profile Design aerobars, and my pale skin and fashion sense will appreciate Da Brim. My shelter will be a Big Sky Soul 2P, a little extra weight for some peace of mind.

Ben Crannell

Age 36 / nashville, tennessee (usa).

BIKE : I will be riding my Rodeo Labs Flaanimal 5.0. I am running 2.0″ Maxxis Ikons mounted to Boyd CCC Wheels. For the drivetrain I am running GRX 2×11 with a 46/30T chainring and a 11-46T in the rear. BAGS : I am running a combination of a bunch of bags but I am most excited about my South City Stitchworks custom frame bag. Revelate Designs Spinelock seat bag and feed bag. Ortlieb front roll. Rockgeist Cache top tube bag and feedbag. Oveja Negra snack pack. I have 2 water bottles mounted to my fork. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : I will be bringing a Durston X-Mid 1P tent with an Enlightened Equipment down quilt on a Nemo Tensor sleeping pad. Navigating with a Garmin Edge 830. I am also really liking running the Fenix BCR-30 with replaceable rechargeable batteries for my lighting system.

Shane Cunico

Age 59 / lac cruces, new mexico (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be racing the Tour Divide for a second time, having finished in 2021, on a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat GRX 810 1x. The bike is very close to stock. I have only changed out the original drivetrain parts with identical replacements due to wear on the originals. The only things not stock: I will be riding a Selle Anatomica H1 saddle. The front wheel is a SON dynamo hub laced to a Velocity BLUNT 32-hole rim. This will power my kLite Ultra Gravel light and my kLite Qube rear safety blinker kit as well as other things that need charging. Rear wheel is identical to the front but using a DT 350 hub. I am using Bontrager aero bar pads and clamps, mated to a pair of profile design bars, with a custom-made aero bridge holding all my electronics. I’ll be using Rene Hearse 2.2″ Fleecer Ridge Endurance Plus Tires. BAGS : My frame bag is the custom Rogue Panda Designs matched bolt-on frame bag made for my Cutthroat model. Up front sees me running an EXP Series Anything Cradle and a simple 15L dry bag. Also on the bars are two Revelate Designs Mountain Feed Bags. I am Tailfin 1.5L Top Tube Pack. Also from Tailfin, I am using their Carbon Areopack and 5-liter panniers. Finally, I have a Wolf Tooth B-RAD Mini Roll Top Bag mounted under the down tube. On the front forks I will be using twin Tailfin Large Cargo Cages with two 1.4L Nalgene bottles. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : An REI 1 person Quarterdome will serve as my shelter mated with a Western Mountaineering 30 degree Megalite sleeping bag and a Klymit Static V, insulated pad to round out my sleep system. I’ll also be carrying a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar for navigation. I’ll be using a Garmin inReach Mini for satellite tracking and emergency communication.

Kyle Daigle

Age 53 / baton rouge, louisiana (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be racing the Tour Divide on my 2020 Salsa Fargo with Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires mounted on DT Swiss wheels with a SON 28 dynamo front hub powering my Sinewave Beacon dynamo light and keeping my electronics charged and an E*Thirteen TRS+ 9-46T cassette mounted on a DT Swiss 350 rear hub with a 28T oval chainring. BAGS : I decided to spread the love here so I’ll be running a Rouge Panda custom frame bag, Ortlieb seat pack, Tailfin top tube bag, Oveja Negra jerry can and Revelate Designs feed bags. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : I’ll be spending my nights in a Zpacks Duplex tent and a Feathered Friends sleeping bag on a NeoAir Xlite air mattress.

Michael Dean

Age 66 / north bend, oregon (usa).

BIKE : 2020 Salsa Fargo Apex, modified with a Sunrace 11-46t cassette and a 28t chainring (giving a 17.6 – 73.7 gear inches versus OEM 22.0-84.2); Salsa Alternator Plus rack; Brooks B-17 seat; Redshift suspension stem & both upper & drop grip set; Cane Creek Thudbuster v3 seat post; PedalCell generator; Profile Design T1+ aerobars; and Raceface Arc30HD rims, DT Swiss 350 hubs & Maxxis Ikon 2.25-2.35 tires running tubeless. BAGS : Rogue Panda custom framebag; Louise seat bag frame w/ Event bag; 2x Topeak VersaCage & 2x DOM Gorilla Bags; Salsa Anything Cradle, pouch & top loader bag; Revelate Jerrycan, gastank & feedbag; Ortlieb 70L pannier set; 2x 1L bottles. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : I’m touring the Great Divide at a leisurely, 3month pace, so I’m traveling heavy: approx. 65#. Big Agnes Cooper Spur UL-2 Bikepacking tent; 40deg bag w/ bivy cover & fleece liner; ultralight Klymit pad; Wahoo Elemnt Roam v1 and an old phone for navigation; full cookset including a fry pan.

Katie Dolan

Age 22 / seattle, washington (usa).

BIKE : I’m racing this years Tour Divide on a Titanium Tumbleweed Stargazer with a Corvus Cycles fork running big tires, low gears and high stack. Built up with SRAM Eagle drivetrain and 2.2″ Maxxis Icon tires. Shutter precision front hub and sinewave beacon light/charger. BAGS : Revelate Spinelock seat bag, Rockgeist framebag, Apidura aero pack, Apidura top tube bag for all the snacks and some Revelate feed bags. A mix of my favorites and what fit. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Rolling with three sets of metallic brake pads, head to toe Gore-Tex rain kit, six spare spokes and a curved needle thread. I may or may not have learned some lessons last year.

Sacha Dowell

Age 41 / perth (australia).

BIKE : My trusty Giant ToughRoad SLR GX1 with a 1×11 drivetrain, 32T chainring and 11-49T cassette. Tyres are 45/50mm (back/front). Add-ons include a SON Dynamo hub, and aerobars. BAGS : Most of my bags are from Bike Bag Dude: custom frame bag, handlebar roll, chaff bag and top tube bag. Plus an Ortleib Seat Pack. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : I’ll be using a Mountain Laurel Designs eVent Soul Bivy, Sea to Summit Spark 2 sleeping bag and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite mat. I use a Ground Effect Rivulet jacket and Monsoon rain pants as my waterproofs. My navigation device is a Garmin Edge 530.

April Drage

Age 42 / melbourne, victoria (australia).

BIKE : I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2022 Curve Cycling Big Kev called “Miles”. What’s special about this bike is that it’s an XS titanium 29er “gravel plus” bike, with a Curve Cycling Ride 415 carbon fork. Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.25 up front & 29 x 2.1 in the back. Big Kev is kitted out with a SRAM AXS (Rival/ GX) Mullet drivetrain (34T oval up front & 10/52 in the back). The wheels are Curve Cycling carbon Dirt Hoops, complete with DT Swiss rear hub & Shutter Precision Dynamo up front. I have my favourite Klite dynamo light mounted to VAP Cycling Butterfly 3 aero bars. My aero bars have some sneaky 3D printed mods, thanks to Curve Cycling technical lead Jimmy “JTS” Rostund. JTS also designed the 3D printed Klite Qube rear light mount that fits my Big Kev’s seat stay perfectly. BAGS : Revelate Designs feed bags and 10 litre Revelate Designs Spinelock seatpost bag. Aussie made Bike Bag Dude top tube bag (this dude makes such DURABLE stuff). My sleep kit is all wrapped up in an Exped waterproof compression bag that fits neatly in the sling that comes with the VAP Cycling aerobars. An Exped Flex Mat (trimmed to April Size) is so tough it doesn’t need a bag & rounds out the camping portion of the cockpit. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Curve Cycling Walmer Bars. Always a highlight, the sweep, the flare and the width are all game changing for bikepacking & day to day fun. They’re what you’d get if MTB bars & drop bars had a bikepacking baby. There’s plenty of storage space for bags & the extended 31.8 section either side of the clamping area means that my aero bars & endless gadgets are super easy to mount. I love that there are loads of options when it comes to hand positions, great for leverage when the terrain is tricky & they’ve given me a confidence boost when I’m descending. Most importantly, they’re very comfortable, especially with all the cushy gel I’m running under that crazy long bar tape!

Paul Ferucci

Age 54 / anchorage, alaska (usa).

Matteo Gagliardi Alberti

Age 50 / bergamo (italy).

BIKE : I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2017 Niner RLT steel (called Ninina)! The bike features a new pair of Teravail Rutland durable 650bx47mm tires and Hunt Carbon custom rims whit a Son dynamo hub. The drivetrain is a modified 1×11 SRAM Force with a 36T Absolute Black oval chainring and e-thirteen 10-46T cassette. I’m running Paul Component Klamper brakes, Selle Italia SLR gravel saddle, Deda Element seatpost, Deda aereobar, Redshift shockpost stem and XTR pedals. BAGS : My bag setup includes a Miss Grape saddle bag and handlebar bag, Revelate Designs frame bag, and a few other small bags from Revelate. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : A MSR Hubba NX1 tent, Marmot Helium sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad. For navigation I will use Garmin Edge 1040 solar. kLite ultra v2 for my lighting.

Mark Gibson

Age 62 / perkasie, pennsylvania (usa).

BIKE : My home away from home will be a Rodeo Labs Flaanimal 5.0. The local Philly guys at Redshift Sports will be keeping my bum and wrists pampered with their Shockstop stem and seatpost. My saddle is a 32-year old Brooks B-17. Having not gone with a Cutthroat frame I will attempt to appease the trail gods by wrapping my Hunt wheels with Vittoria Mezcals. The bits that make it move and stop are mostly Shimano GRX with a smaller Wolf Tooth chainring. A Son dynamo will power my Klite lights and Sinewave Revolution. The Profile Design aerobars are perched atop 50mm risers. BAGS : Mostly Revelate bags with a Tailfin AeroPack in the rear. Handlebar dry bag is held aloft by an Aeroe Spider cradle. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Too much roughing it is for the kids younger than my saddle. So, Nemo Hornet tent, Big Agnes SL pad, inflatable Sea to Summit pillow and snuggly Nemo Riff sleeping bag for me. Techy stuff includes Garmin Edge 840 and Inreach Mini. A squeaky dinosaur on the Ritchey Venturemax handlebars will scare off bears and a sticker of the Monty Python Black Knight in the cockpit will remind me to never quit. (“Tis but a scratch”).

Graham Goff

Age 54 / bozeman, montana (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2018 Salsa Cutthroat with 2.1″ Vittoria Mezcal tires and a Son28 dynamo hub. The drivetrain will be Wolf Tooth 30T chainring ring (not pictured) paired with a 9-46T cassette. Oh, and some Cinelli Turquoise bar tape as a reminder that this is FUN! BAGS : A full assortment of bags from Revelate, Apidura, Oveja Negra all centered around a custom full frame bag from Ghost Cat Bags. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : The same set up as last time, a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent, Patagonia hybrid sleeping bag, full NeoAir pad and a pillow for warm, dry and bug free sleeping.

Miron Golfman

Age 30 / anchorage, alaska (usa).

BIKE : 9ZERO7 Passage, GRX 810, 48-31T, Nexte carbon rims, Son Dynamo front hub, RaceFace Vault rear, Teravail Rutland 700x47mm. BAGS : TDF custom frame bag, Tailfin rear rack and bag, Revelate feed bags and Mag Tank 2000. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Ibex clothing kit, Sea to Summit Spark 18 with ground cloth, K-light MTB front and rear dynamo lights & Fenix HM61R V2.0 helmet light, GPS Wahoo Roam.

Bahadır Gungor

Age 34 / goteborg (sweden).

BIKE : Brother Cycles Big bro 29er, Curve Walmer bars 55cm, SRAM AXS X01/Force mullet setup, Absolute black 36T chainring, Hope rotors and RX4+ calipers, wheels are WTB CZR i30’s laced with Sapim CX rays onto a DT 350 in the back and SP Dynamo in the front. Tires are 2.35″ Mezcals. Profile Design A35 aerobars with 30mm spacers. Full Klite kit for lightning and charging duties. BAGS : Custom frame bag by THLP BAGS, custom roll top and ditty bags by Nimbus Packs. The rest is Revelate gear. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Very excited to run a dynamo setup for the first time and not having to stress about power banks or my lights lasting through the night. Many friends helped me get this bike together, so a shout out to them!

Age 46 / Gibsons, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE : I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide on a 2014 Salsa Fargo. Rolling on Vittoria Mezcal 2.1” tires, 1×11 drivetrain with a 36x51T low, and SP dynamo in front. BAGS : Rockgeist partial frame bag, Tailfin rear thinger, Revelate harness, top tube bag and feedbags, Apidura bags on the forks, with bottle cages added with King Cage USBs. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Big Agnes Copper Spur, Nemo pad, down quilt, eTrex 20. Custom mini fender on the front from my LBS, thanks Elphi Cycles!

BIKE : Cannondale Topstone with RockShox Rudy fork. Zipp 101 wheels & 45mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tires. Eagle 10x52T with a 36T Quark up front for measuring the 64w I’ll be pushing most of the time. BAGS : Restrap bags over, under and throughout. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Helium bivy & 28 degree bag. 2 Velocio chamois because life is too short for crusty bunz. Everything and the kitchen sink. Only thing I’m missing is an electric bear fence.

Age 28 / Canberra (Australia)

BIKE : Custom Built Hunt Bikes Landcruiser v2. Sram AXS drivetrain with White Industries MR30 Cranks. Running a 34T on the front with 10-50T on the rear. Klite lighting setup and navigation powered by Dynamo hub. I’ll be running the ol’ faithful 2.2” Maxxis Ikon’s. BAGS : Custom Hungry frame and feed bags, Porcelain Rocket seat bag, Diy front roll setup. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : My favourite bits of kit would have to be my tent and filming setup. I use a Zpacks Solo tent which makes for a roomy sleep and super light carry weight. As an adventure filmmaker I also love to bring along my cameras and drone. (watch this space for a 2023 TD film!)

Erik Larson

Age 53 / tucson, arizona (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be racing the Tour Divide on a 2020 Cutthroat. Very little changed from my 2021 border to border run except that I have added a Lauf fork so I yell a little less at the washboards. I run a SON Dynamo hub to keep the lights on and I’m riding on a pair of Fleecer Ridge tires (endurance). GRX 1x with a 36T Wolf Tooth ring up front and a 42T on the back to keep spinning over the passes. BAGS : Revalate for the most part with a custom shelter bag to protect my house GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : ZPack Hexamid Pocket Tarp to keep the rain/snow off.

Age 41 / Lutsen, Minnesota (USA)

BIKE : Salsa Cutthroat. BAGS : Cedaero, JPaks, Salsa, Revelate. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Sheltering with my trusty Ray-Way Tarp which has been my go-to shelter for over ten years. Navigating via Hammerhead Karoo 2.

Justinas Leveika

Age 34 / tolga (norway).

BIKE : Trek Procaliber SL. Monstercross, dropbars and 100mm suspension at the front. Hunt XC beyond wheels with dynamo powering Supernova M99 DY pro light. BAGS : Tailfin R&D bags, top tube, frame bag, rear rack. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : I have never used a dynamo before, but this race might change my opinion.

Jared Linzmeier

Age 38 / amherst junction, wisconsin (usa).

BIKE : I am so excited to experience this route! I’m riding a Mason InSearchOf. I have been very happy with the Vittoria Mezcals so I’ve got a new pair of 2.35” mounted both front and rear with Tubolight foam inserts. SRAM Rival / GX Eagle AXS wireless 12-speed hybrid groupset, 32T chainring, Hunt H Impact All Mtn carbon rims with a SON Dynamo hub up front. Lighting and charging by Sinewave Beacon. Ritchey Venturemax bars and Fizik Terra Argo saddle. Fox 34 stepcast fork. Profile Designs aero bars. Shimano XT PD-T8000 pedals with one side flats. BAGS : I’ve got a custom frame bag from Buckhorn in Fayetteville. I got to meet Sam and check out his workshop while I was riding in Arkansas earlier this year. For my seat bag I am planning to go with an Oveja Negra Gearjammer L bag (Wack Pack colors for fun), top tube Revelate Mag Tank 2000, Randi Jo Fab custom Ruby Coffee pocket tender stem/feed bags, Rockgeist dry bag and armadillo protector and Horton pouch mounted to the Goodday Curiosity spacer cradle. Tailfin small bag on the downtube on a Tailfin mount. I’ve been pretty happy with the Osprey Seral 7 hip pack so I’ll probably bring that too for some added snack storage and additional hydration. UL Apidura 13L backpack for extra capacity from resupply spots. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : MLD bivy, Enlightened Equipment quilt and puffy, Montbell down pants, rain and some riding gear from Albion, sun sleeves, Pearl Izumi X Alp Summit shoes, NRS socks, showers pass gloves, merino wool layers from Black Diamond and Smartwool. Merino cap from Randi Jo. Wahoo Roam for nav. As much instant coffee from my company, Ruby, as I can pack into the crevices!

John O’Malley

Age 64 / christchurch (new zealand).

BIKE : Salsa Cutthroat with 1×11 30/11-46T drivetrain, Brooks Cambium C17 saddle, Profile T3 aerobars with 70mm risers, Maxis Ikon 2.2” tires, Son Dynamo hub and KLite front and taillights. BAGS : Mixture of Revelate, Apidura and BBD bags plus a Paper Roads dry bag up front. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Macpac Bivy, Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite foam pad and Sea to Summit Spark II sleeping bag.

Sue O’Malley

BIKE : I will be riding a Salsa Cutthroat with a 30-11/51T drivetrain, Profile T3 aerobars, SON dynamo, Supernova front and rear lights (plus a KLite rear light), Cambium C17 seat, Maxis Ikon 2.2″ tires. BAGS : I will be using a mixture of bags from Revelate framebag and feedbags, Revelate Pronghorn handle bar roll, Apidura seat bag, BBD Top Tube Garage. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Macpac Bivy, Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite foam pad and Sea to Summit Spark II sleeping bag.

Zach McCandless

Age 28 / canon city, colorado (usa).

BIKE : I will be piloting a 2023 Otso Fenrir. The bike consists of a stainless steel frame with a Enve Carbon Mountain Fork. The Fenrir is equipped with a mixed 1×11 drivetrain and a 34T chainring. The Fenrir is rolling on Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires mounted on a 29″ Industry Nine Trail S wheelset. BAGS : My bike is saddled up with Revelate Designs and Bedrock Bags. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Chamoisless and afraid.

Hank McCullough

Age 61 / greenville, south carolina (usa).

BIKE : I will be racing the 2023 Tour Divide on a 2019 Salsa Cutthroat set up with a Sram AXS drivetrain (34/10-50T). NOX Teocalli carbon hoops laced to a Son 28 dyno hub and DT Swiss 350 rear hub. Backside protected by a 3-D printed Specialized Power saddle (155), to the extent that is possible! Klite Gravel system for lighting. BAGS : Bags are mostly stock. Salsa frame bag. 14L Terrapin, harness, feedbags and legacy zip front pocket from Revelate and a huge top tube bag made by the Strempkes at Dispersed Bike. MLD dry bag in the harness. Three large bottles on the fork and feed bag, and an extra 2L bladder when needed. Top compartment of the frame bag is almost entirely dedicated to food and extra water; bottom all the sundries I hope not to use. Rain gear in front pocket for easy access. Bear spray goes in a small hip pack from Hyperlite Mountain Gear that I can stash at some point. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Old man decided a good sleep (my goal is to hotel it as much as possible) is worth an extra 12 oz., so my shelter will be a Six Moons Design Lunar Solo Tent versus a bivy. Western Mountaineering 30 deg bag and Big Agnes Zoom UL pad complete the sleep system. Using a Garmin 1040 Solar for navigation with a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V1 and Ride with GPS as back-up. Definitely not the lightest set up but intended to get me to the end unscathed.

Matt Miller

Age 48 / frytown, iowa (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be riding a 2021 Salsa Cutthroat GRX 600. The wheels are DT SWISS XM 421 with a Son dynamo hub up front and a DT Swiss 350 in the back. The tires are Vittoria Mezcals and the saddle is a Brooks B17. BAGS : In the back I have a Tailfin Aeropack with 10L panniers. The frame bag is by Rogue Panda and the front forks have Salsa Anything cages with Revelate Polecat bags. In the cockpit, I’m using Profile Designs Sonic Ergo aerobars, Revelate Designs feedbags and a Salsa EXP top tube bag. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : My tent is the bikepacking version of the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2. My sleeping bag is a 30 degree Nemo Moonwalk paired with a Klymit Static V pad. For lighting, I have an Exposure Revo powered by the dynamo hub.

Arya Tenzin Namdol

Age 38 / hadlyme, connecticut (usa).

BIKE : Crust/Rons Bikes Alumalith with Ultradynamico Mars 27.5 x 2.2″ and Cava 2.2″ Robusto tires around Crust rims and Paul touring cantilever brakes. Late 90s era Shimano XTR and and Campoagnolo Record shifted with Shimano and Suntour bar end shifters with a Sugino PX crankset. BAGS : Ron’s bikes small X11 Fabio’s chest and Rivendell Sackville Banana sack in the rear. Rani Jo bartender stem bags and a custom X11 frame bag. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : This bike has so much polished aluminum that I think it is technically all highlights!

Ezra Ward-Packard

Age 29 / vanlife, wisconsin (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be racing the 2023 Tour Divide on a Fezzari Shafer frameset with an MRP Baxter 60mm fork. The wheelset is a Schmidt SON dynamo front and DT Swiss 350 rear laced into Velocity Blunt SS rims. Vittoria Mezcal 700 x 42mm front and rear with Cushcore XC plus Stan’s Race sealant. Drivetrain is a mix of Shimano Ultegra and GRX. Gearing is 46/30T x 11-42T with a 4iiii power meter. Cockpit is a Zipp Service Course handlebars and Ebay stem plus a hodgepodge TT bar set-up. BAGS : Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion seat pack. Restrap half frame bag and long top tube bag. Heavily modified Revelate Designs Sweet Roll handlebar roll connected to a Salsa EXP Series bag. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Sleep system is a Magma 30 sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest Uberlight pad, and an ultralight tarp. Cycling kit is all Pearl Izumi plus an Outdoor Research Superstrand LT hoodie. Key electronics are a Sinewave Cycles Beacon, Garmin 530, Spot Gen 3, and Dexcom G6 Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor (Type 1 Diabetic).

Danielle Quinn

Age 26 / no man’s land (usa).

BIKE : After riding (not racing) the Tour Divide in 2022, I have decided to do it again this year, northbound. Tried and true, I am using the same set up as my first ride: my trusty All City Cycles Gorilla Monsoon (aka Sofi) with a fresh pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.1” tires. Sofi also is rocking a new 1×11 drivetrain with a 36T chainring, and a totally hot KMC X11SL gold chain. Sonic Ergo Aero Bars for an illusion of speed. Everything else is exactly what I used last year. BAGS : It was difficult finding bags that accommodate an XS frame, but the Revelate Tangle frame bag and Revelate Terrapin 14L seatpost bag still leave me with some tire clearance and space for a 4L Cranktank. I also am using the Revelate Mountain Feedbags, Jerrycan, and Magtank 2000. Revelate Polecats reside on the fork, and Sea to Summit stuffsacks fit everything else. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : TRP HY/RD mechanical/hydraulic brakes allow me to stop and smell the flowers with my partner Oz, and my Wahoo Element will be joining me once more to prevent wrong turns Oz may take in smelling said flowers. Unlike last year, I’m making the experience more comfortable and have opted to bring a tent and stove, my Hubba Hubba NX2 and a Jetboil.

Stuart Rose

Age 57 / calgary, alberta (canada).

BIKE : I will be riding the TD on 2016 Kona Raijin titanium hardtail 29er. Modified to drop bars with Force 22 shifters, Ratio conversion, eThirteen 9x50T, 12-speed cassette and Absolute Black oval 32 chainring. Force brakes upgraded to Hope Rx4+ callipers. Salsa Cutthroat carbon fork. Continental Race Kings 29×2.2″ set up tubeless with Stans. Profile Design Airstryke 5 aero bars. Brooks C17 saddle. BAGS : A mixture of Rockgiest, Revelate Mountain Equipment Coop bags. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent, Katadyn BeFree water filter and Pedalcel dynamo for charging the electronics. Nimble Champ 10000mAh to back up the Pedalcel. Garmin Edge 810 for navigation.

Nathan Salle

Age 27 / richmond, virginia (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be riding a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat with an AXS mullet set up and a 100mm front fork, makes for a comfy and rowdy ride! BAGS : Running a mix of brands but all centered around the massive Salsa frame bag to stuff full of food and other goodies. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Got myself a classic SON dynamo hub to a Sinewave Beacon light. Will be riding on my trusty 2.4″ Mezcals and trying to keep things simple and clean!

Andrew Salmons

Swansea, wales (united kingdom).

BIKE : Brother Mehteh with mainly GRX gearing and brakes and 650b wheels plus goodyear connector tyres. SP hub out front with an Igaru D2 to keep the lights on. BAGS : Restrap holster behind the saddle and a medium frame bag, Ortlieb supply the barbag (QR) and a 4L fork pack. I’ll also wear a Osprey hipack for bits and pieces plus a reservoir for the dryer sections of the ride. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Six Moon Designs Deschutes tarp for some shelter plus an Alpkit Kloke bivi bag and Cloud Cover duvet for a comfy nights sleep. Sea to Summet UL insulated mat and pillow. Showing me the way is a Garmin Edge Explore 2 with my phone as a backup.

Christopher Schmidt

Age 48 / lake geneva, wisconsin (usa).

BIKE : aka “Mulletsa” is back again this year. Classic Salsa Cutty with SRAM AXS Eagle drivetrain, 34T chainring, 10-52T cassette, and SRAM RED AXS Road shifters. 3T flip aero bars mounted on a Fred bar with an Enve Carbon Gravel 48cm handlebar complete the cockpit. Wheelset: Bontrager Carbon/SON Dynamo Hub up front with a HED Belgium/Industry Nine Hub in the rear on a fresh set of Vittoria Mezcal 2.1” tires. Fork by Fox is the 32 Float SC 29 Factory Boost. Shimano XTR pedals. BAGS : Apidura aerobar pack, Tailfin on the top tube, Revelate feedbags, custom Rockgeist framebag, Brooks drybag and Salsa EXP front pouch strapped to Tailfin carbon arch/Aeropack frame. 3L Hydrapak bag in hiding.

GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : A Montbell Breeze Dry-Tec Sleeping Bag cover as my Bivvy resting on a small Therm-a-Rest Neo-Air sleeping pad. Sleep kit completed by a custom Nunatak down-filled half bag (aka the “JayP skirt”) down below, a Montbell ultralight puffy up top, and a Zpacks tarp overhead in a pinch. Lighting is a K-lite MTB kit.

David Schultz

Age 55 / duluth, minnesota (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be riding a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat, with Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge tires and Fox 32 fork. Wheels are Velocity Blunts with an Onyx hub in back and Son Dynamo up front. BAGS : Cedaero Frame, Top Tube, Wedge and Devil’s Draw bags. Up front is a Salsa Anything Cradle with Top Load Bag. In back, a Tailfin rack with trunk top bag and 64oz Kleen Kanteen bottles mounted to the rack. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : A Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent, Sea to Summit pad and Enlightened Equipment quilt. I’ll be using a Garmin 1030 Plus for navigation.

Tom Schwemberger

Age 27 / eugene, oregon (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be racing aboard a Lauf Seigla with an AXS Eagle drivetrain and 40T Garbaruk chainring. Wheels are from Elite and tires will be 2.0″ Pirelli gravel-M. BAGS : All of my bags are from 7Roads in Ukraine. Custom frame and top tube bags are waterproof PVC fabric. The saddlebag is supported by a mini-rack which stops any swaying. I’m also running feed bags and a small handlebar bag. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : My hammock. I’m racing and planning to go fast, but sleeping comfortably.

Indiana Schulz

Age 39 / coal valley, illinois (usa).

BIKE : I’ll enjoy the Tour Divide on Medúlla, my 2022 Lauf Seigla with 520mm PNW Coast drop bars, Profile Design T1+ 70mm risers, and Redshift Cruise Control grips. Traction comes from a 2.1″ Mezcal in the rear with a 2.2″ Race King in the front. Wheels are DERBY carbon with White Industries rear and Son front hubs. A SRAM 10-52T cassette with a 34T Wolf Tooth Oval chainring provides an excellent range for climbing and the flats. BAGS : Custom Rockgeist half-frame pack and top tube bag. Revelate Designs Egress Pocket up front. An extra Lezyne top tube bag near the seatpost for tools and an Amazon top tube bag between the aero bars for toiletries. I’m excited to try the Tailfin rack paired with the Revelate Designs Terrapin 14L dry bag. On my back, I will have an Oveja Negra Royale hip pack. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : I’m dealing with a lower back injury, so I have a custom cam buckle system to help carry the bike up Koko Claims and any peanut butter mud we may encounter. I hope the Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad provides some comfort for my bivy and extra insulation. I also have a Sinewave Cycles Beacon V2 with rasta colors that arrived a week before the race. Jah!

Scott Shannon

Age 64 / cazenovia, new york (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide on a 2022 BXT carbon gravel rig- it has been christened as the Chen Fang (the ‘Fang!) celebrating our shared Chinese heritage. The bike features a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, a SRAM Rival 1×11 mullet drivetrain with a 34T chainring on Rotor 3D+ crankset, RYET 9-46T cassette, and Hunt 650b Adventure Sport wheels. Brakes are Juin Tech-GT cable actuated hydraulic discs. Finally, the cockpit includes a Redshift Shockstop stem with a 52cm PNW Coast bar, and I’ll be sitting on a trusty Sella Italia SLR saddle on a Ritchey classic aluminum post. BAGS : My bag setup includes a Revelate Tangle Frame bag, a pair of Revelate Polecat drybags mounted TO Blackburn Outpost cargo cages on the fork, A Blackburn Outpost seat bag, and a Topeak Frontroller handlebar roll. A Restrap top tube bag and Revelate Egress front pocket round out the cargo options, with various bungies and shock-cord options to lash on whatever needs to be handy. Four 24oz bottles will be mounted to the fork and frame cages, with room to add another pair of 1 liter bottles on the seatpack. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : A Nemo Hornet Elite tent will serve as my shelter, along with a OMVMO 20F down bag and Big Agnes AXL Air Mat. For camp comfort after a long day in the saddle, I’m dragging along my Helios Zero chair, come hell or high water! I’ll be navigating with a Garmin 1040 Solar.

Brook Smith

Age 40 / toronto, ontario (canada).

BIKE : Salsa Cutthroat 600 x1 with 34T on a Quarq PM, waxed chain and 11/46T cassette. I built up a set of Light Bike/Hope hub wheels that have been solid for years. I have some fresh 2.35″ Mazcels, and a double wrap of rim tape. BAGS : I made all my bags excluding the tail bag, which is by Ortlieb. They have #10 Vislon zippers with a liteskin & XV-21 X-Pac fabric. The top tube bag is a monster with 2L+ of storage. The front bag (6L) is an “aero” shape that is accessible from the top while riding. The frame bag houses 2L of water and anything else that is heavy, like food, batteries, tools, tubes etc. I’m wearing a modified CamelBak Chase Backpack. It contains another 2L of water and passport/Food/Money/tp/butt kit/etc, anything I need if my bike rides off without me. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : I’m rocking an OR Interstellar Rain Jacket and Helium Rain Pants. Sleep system is OR Helium Bivy, Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 0°C, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, eye shades, ear plug and a Polycryo ground sheet. I made an Apha Direct hoodie, pant & scarf as a mid layer. I intend to pick up bottles for any stretch where I need more than 4L of water. I’m not using a dynamo but instead carrying a Nitecore NB20000 which takes only ~2h to charge to 75%. Huge thanks to Bateman’s Bike Co. for getting me set up for this ride.

Justin Smith

Age 40 / santa cruz, california (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be smiling on my 2020 Cutthroat with a modified GRX 800 1×11 drivetrain/ RaceFace Next SL cranks with 32T OVAL paired with a 10-46T will keep my Mezcals rolling through the hillsides. I’ll be resting my toosh on a Koda and my hands on some lizard skin bar tape. Nothing else too fancy to speak of. BAGS : Three Revelate bags including my well-used Terrapin with my sleep kit, Jerry Can and a stem bag. My frame bag and top tube bag are both Salsa and a borrowed Apidura handlebar bag that finished TD once with a friend. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : No dynamo here so I’m trusting my battery bank to keep my Fenix 30 BCR, Inreach, and iPhone topped up. My trusty Etrex 20 and Fenix helmet light run on AA. An REI flash tent and magma quilt will rest on Big Agnes sleeping mat. I love my Big Agnes puffy jacket, waterproof socks, and OR Helium for the wet weather. I’ll be enjoying some tunes and a family photo with my 4 year-old and incredible wife who are the real ones that are making this possible.

Age 37 / San Francisco, California (USA)

BIKE : I’ll be riding the 2023 Tour Divide on a custom built Cutthroat. Build highlights include Hunt wheels with a SON dynamo featuring Vittoria Mezcals, SRAM 1x AXS drivetrain with 32T in the front and 52T in the back, and Cowchipper drop bars with Profile Designs aero bars. BAGS : I’m using a standard Revelate bag setup using the Revelate Ripio, Jerrycan, Mag-tank 2000, Spinelock, and Harness with a Pocket bag. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : My shelter consists of a Zpacks Plex Solo tent, Zpacks 20 degree mummy bag, and a Neoair XLite NXT. I’m also carrying a Rab Xenon and merino wool baselayers in addition to full rain gear to ensure I can weather cold storms.

Age 64 / Brisbane, Queensland (Australia)

BIKE : I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide on a 2021 Salsa Cutthroat. The ‘beast’ is shod with Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tyres on Curve Dirt Hoops. Drivetrain is a Ratio Tech conversion to 12-speed, 34T and 10-52T cassette. Pedalcell to recharge all the gizmos. Design Profile aerobars. Specialised Power Pro mirror saddle. BAGS : Tumbleweed T-Rack a carries a 20L Sea to Summit River bag and two Salsa fork bags. Revelate Harness holds a 13L River bag. Revelate accessory bag for food. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Z-pack tent, Nemo Tensor Alpine Ultralight Mountaineering Pad and Sea to Summit Spark ultralight Sleeping bag. Garmin 1040 Solar and backup Android RidewithGPS. Family insisted on a GoPro. MSR cooker and coffee bags for caffeine crises.

Age 42 / Rocklin, California (USA)

BIKE : I will be riding a Poseidon Redwood with 1×11 SRAM DoubleTap with 30T chainring, and 29” 2.1 Vittoria Mezcal Tires. Saddle is a Brooks Cambium All Weather C17. Lights are 2x Light & Motion Vis 1000 and I will be using a Wahoo Elemnt Roam to navigate. BAGS : Revelate Sweetroll with Egress Pocket, Reveleate 16L Spinelock Seat Bag, Revelate Mag-Tank 2000, Salsa Frame bag. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Almost all the components on the bike were pulled from other bikes to make this rig. I love the Spinelock seat bag! Sleep system is a Helium bivy, UL sleeping bag and inflatable pad. I have 4L of water in the frame bag and will be filtering with Katadyn BeFree 1L bags.

Francis Sutherland

Age 66 / calgary, alberta (canada).

BIKE : 2019 Salsa Cutthroat. BAGS : Tailfin and Revelate frame bag. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Improved carrying capacity with Tailfin and less weight with Big Agnes Scout 1 Platinum tent. Planning to tent more and perhaps do an ITT and start a little early than last attempt in 2019. Using an InReach for communication, Mezcal 2.1″ tires and lower gearing 46/32T.

Sarah Swallow

Age 35 / durango, colorado (usa).

BIKE : I am riding an Otso Fenrir Titanium Drop Bar with a RockShox SID SL Ultimate 100mm fork, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS drivetrain, RED eTap shift-brake levers, and a Wolf Tooth 32T oval chainring. I am running prototype Tumbleweed 52cm handlebars and Specialized aero bars and am using a Zipp 3ZERO MOTO rear wheel and a Roval Traverse Carbon front wheel laced to a SON Dynamo hub, both are equipped with Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge tires. BAGS : Rogue Panda custom frame bag, Oveja Negra Gearjammer seat bag and snack pack, Fjallraven Top Tube Bag, an old Porcelain Rocket front harness, a Wolf Tooth B-RAD bag, Rockgeist Horton Front Pouch, Ultra PE Dry Bag, Spacelink, and two Honeypot bags. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : My favorite piece of gear are my Ombraz Armless Sunglasses. My sleep system consists of a Mountain Laurel Designs Event Soul Bivy and Monk Flat Tarp (I’m excited for the extra security of the tarp after being rained on for 1,000 miles during the 2021 Great Divide Classic), a Klymt Ozone sleep pad paired with a quarter of a Therm-a-Rest Zlite (which doubles as my sit pad as well) and a Western Mountaineering Summerlite Sleeping Bag. For navigation, I use a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar and my phone with Ride with GPS app (for POIs and cue sheet). I am using a Sinwave headlight and a Ricoh GR II camera.

John Thomas

Age 68 / hamden, connecticut (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be riding a top of the line 2022 salsa cutthroat with SRAM X01 Eagle AXS, fancy-pants bicycle. Given last year’s supply chain challenges for all things bicycle, it was the only Cutthroat I could find in my size (54). That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it, largely because I love the bike. I changed the chainring to 32T. Cassette is 10-52T. Did I mention that I’m old? I have added a SON 28 dynamo front hub that connects (in the top tube bag) to a Sinewave Revolution USB charger. I have an Apidura 3.5-liter bladder in the frame bag and I’ll add bottle cages and 1-liter bottles to the front fork for the arid sections. I’ll be rolling Reynolds TR 249 wheels shod with Vittoria Mezcal 2.35” tires, perched on a WTB Gravel saddle, and (occasionally) leaning on carbon, Profile Design aero bars affixed to 70mm risers. BAGS : Frame bag is a Salsa direct mount. Top tube bag, mini panniers, and rear rack and bag are Tailfin products. The aero bars bag is a custom, Class 4 Designs, creation. Bag slung from the handlebars houses my Big Agnes Fly Creek tent. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : My favorite bits of gear have nothing to do with my bicycle and everything to do with my metastatic cancer. I’ll be dragging along a GoPro and drone to document the journey for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. My story is here .

George Uehling

Age 30 / charlottesville, virginia (usa).

BIKE : I’ll be riding a 2020 Salsa Cutthroat GRX810. The drivetrain is updated with a 30T chainring and 10-42T cassette. There is a power meter in the spindle and Profile Designs aero bars in the cockpit. The Son Dynamo powers the Sinewave Beacon for lights and all the electronics, and the tires are Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge. The derailleur and rear wheel are new after the last ones were wrecked on the TransVirginia 550. BAGS : The frame bag is the OEM Salsa bag with a lot of custom seam-sealing. Under the downtube is a Wolftooth bag for spare parts, and everything else is Revelate (seat bag, feed bags, top tube, and jerry can). GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : My shelter is a Gossamer Gear tarp and an Enlightened Equipment quilt that I’ve been using for a few years. The tarp is as light as a bivy, but gives me more space at the cost of bug protection. Navigation is a Garmin Edge 530 and communication is a Garmin InReach and an iPhone for backup navigation.

Maarten Vanhaverbeke

Age 38 / brakel, flemish ardennes (belgium).

BIKE : I’m a professional bike mechanic, so the gear nerding goes deep. This is my best effort keep it short but detailed. Steel Mason InSearchOf frame with carbon fork, SRAM 1×12 electronic shifting (Force/X01 mullet), Shimano XT crankset, XT 10-51T cassette (yes, it works with the SRAM shifting), XT chain, Wolf Tooth 34T chainring, René Herse Fleecer Ridge tires, hand-built SON dynamo and DT Swiss 240 wheelset (shout-out to SWS Wheels), KLite lights and charger, 46cm Ritchey Beacon drop bars, double layer of Wolf Tooth bar tape (5+2.5mm = comfort). What else? Redshift suspension stem, Ritchey aerobars with SRAM shifting blips, XT pedals, Specialized Power saddle, Reverse Fillmore valves, Orange Seal sealant, SRAM HS2 rotors, SwissStop brake pads. BAGS : On the rather unique load bearing Mason ISO front fender I’ve strapped a 5L Alpkit drybag (sleeping bag and liner). Two Revelate Designs feedbags on the handlebar (snacks). All other bags are Apidura: 6L full frame pack (hydration and food), long top tube pack (electronics), 7L racing saddle pack (clothing), downtube pack (repair stuff), 2x 3L fork pack (tent/layers). King Cage Manything cages to support those last three bags. No backpack. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Drinking from a Apidura 3L hydration bladder and a 1.5L Hydrapak bladder and filter. Sleep kit: Nordisk Lofoten tent, Cumulus X-Lite 400 down sleeping bag and a Therm-a-Rest UberLite mattress. Petzl Tikka headlamp for extra light. Garmin Edge 1040 Solar for navigation and an Edge 530 as backup. Inreach tracker. And last but not least: Assos bib shorts.

Romain Wartel

Age 42 / french alps.

BIKE : Orange French touch! I will ride a modified Lapierre Pro Race SAT CF 9.9 mountain bike. Cockpit is a Redshift Kitchen Sink handlebar with Profile Design aerobars, with SRAM Force AXS shifters + wireless blips. The 10-52T cassette paired with a Wolf Tooth 36T chaining will hopefully allow for enough range throughout the route. Race King 2.2″ ProTection tires should be a good balance between speed, comfort and puncture protection. They let me down badly during the Atlas Mountain Race, but the Tour Divide should be less demanding and I apparently don’t learn from my mistakes. A SON Dynamo Hub + Exposure Revo, and an Exposure Diablo will make the nights brighter and charge electronics. BAGS : ByMarion&Quentin created the frame bags and food pouch, complemented by an Apidura saddle bag. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : As an emergency + sleeping kit, I will be relying on a Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 1000FP down jacket and Lifesystems Ultralight Survival Shelter. A Salomon trail running bag will provide an extra water capacity and carry extra food, which should hopefully nicely fit under the Salomon Bonatti Trail waterproof jacket. I elected to take removable SKS mud guards to help protect the transmission and rider against the rain and dust, but clearly they will come off when peanut butter mud is coming.

Kellie Wilson

Age 42 / fort worth, texas (usa).

BIKE : Monē LaRoca, Shimano XT drivetrain w/ custom mounted shifter, Enve M60 rims, DT Swiss 240 hubs, jumped on the Mezcal train (27.5 x 2.35″), Monē drop bars, Chester pedals, Brooks B17 saddle. BAGS : Custom Rockgeist frame bag, Rockgeist XL Cache top tube bag, Rockgeist Honeypot feedbag, Swift Industries Zeitgeist bag and Revelate Egress pocket on the bars, and a Bags by Bird Piccolo bag under the saddle. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Big Agnes one-person tent, Big Agnes sleeping bag, Sea to Summit pad, mostly wool for the clothing, my trusty Lockjaw knife, and Vortex binoculars for the cool birds along the way.

Wes Whittle

Age 43 / sydney, nsw (australia).

BIKE : Curve GMX+, Curve Carbon Dirt Hoops 29, SP Dynamo Hub, Klite USB & lighting system, Curve Walmer Bars, Curve Seek 430 fork, E Thirteen 9-46t cassette, Wolf Tooth SS 32t chainring, Crankbrothers large Stamp 7 pedals, Profile Designs aero bars, Race Face carbon cranks, Hope seat post, Hope RX4 brakes, Ergon SR Men Pro saddle, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ (front), Herse Fleecer Ridge 2.2″ (rear). BAGS : Custom full frame bag by Terra Nova, Apidura Racing Long Top tube bag, 2 x Nuclear Sunrise Stitchworks Giant Silo feed bags, Bike Bad Dude Handlebar Sling, Sea to Summit Big River drybag 13L, Apidura Hip bag. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : The GMX+ is littered with mounting points which allows me to carry 2.7L of water on the downtube and still have space for a full frame bag. Also, quite keen on the Tailfin micro cages I’ve got for the front forks. I don’t like wearing a backpack, so if I need an expandable storage solution, can strap stuff onto these. Finally, after a cold, wet and windy Monaro Cloudride (in Australia), I’ve ditched the bivy and picked up a Big Agnes Fly Creek tent, for some serious luxury!

Lael Wilcox

Age 36 / tucson, arizona (usa).

BIKE : Specialized Epic Hardtail with dropbars. Rockhox SID 100mm suspension fork. SRAM AXS 1x shifting (36T chainring, 10-52T cassette) Zipp 3ZeroMoto wheels– SON dynamo hub paired with a Sinewave Beacon headlight. Ergon saddle & bar tape. Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge tires with Endurance casing. BAGS : Revelate Designs Ranger frame bag, Pronghorn harness, Mag Tank 2000, 2x mountain feedbags, Spinelock seatpack. GEAR HIGHLIGHTS : Navigating with the Wahoo Roam. Thrilled with my Quad Lock for on the bike logistics. I’m bringing a full sleep kit this year. Excited for the race!

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Rigs of the 2022 Tour Divide (Part 2): Drop-Bar Bikes

Self-Supported Principles: The Dos, Don’ts, and Blurry Middle

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Ultimate ‘Tour Divide’ MTB: Bike-Packing Build For 2,745 Miles

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[leadin]The Tour Divide is a 2,745-mile bike race from Banff, Canada, through the Rocky Mountains of the U.S., to the border of Mexico. For riders like David Markman, building up a custom mountain bike is an obsession and requisite task to increase odds of completing the rugged route.[/leadin]

Six lithe frame bags, food pouches, a swooping and esoteric handlebar setup, a GPS unit, and multiple high-power lights: The bike David Markman built for the Tour Divide is one unique rig. And did we mention the USB port on the stem?

To live off your bike and ride 150 to 200 miles a day for weeks in a row requires physical stamina and dialed gear. Markman, 27, of Avon, Minn., took years perfecting a system. He spends weekends training, and his day job at Quality Bicycle Products lets him obsess over every detail of his bike, gear, and race plan.

“I can plug my phone and GPS to charge right here,” Markman said, pointing at the USB port embedded on the stem. Wires lead down the fork, snaking to the front-wheel hub. A power-generating unit milks electricity off the rolling wheel, enough power built up each day to charge gadgets and run his lights.

Ultimate Tour Divide Bike

Markman embarks in mid June on the Tour Divide , an approximately 2,745-mile bicycle tour from Banff to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, along the continental divide through the Rocky Mountains.

It is unsupported, so riders can do it when they choose, and times are compared to determine the year’s fastest rider. (The men’s course record, according to the Tour Divide Facebook Page , is 14 days, 11 hours, and 40 minutes by Josh Kato; the women’s record is 15 days, 11 hours, set by Lael Wilcox, TWICE, in 2015.)

That also means that every detail — food, sleep, repairs, communication, navigation — must be accounted for in the small volume that can be carried aboard the bicycle.

Riding between 150 and 200 miles a day (he hopes to finish within 18 days) on a 46-pound (full-packed) touring bicycle on a route with around 200,000 feet of vertical, stopping only to sleep, makes Markman a veritable furnace.

“On a rest day, I probably already eat between seven and nine thousand calories, just sitting around,” he said. “On a workout day, it’s hard to quantify because I’m eating constantly.”

His bike, a Salsa Fargo model, was put together piece by piece. Markman owns a bike-bag company on the side called Must Stache , and his custom zippered frame bags hold the majority of his gear.

A full gear list is below. Tour Divide racers lean on ultra-light gear for sleeping and warmth. Bike-repair products are essential on the long ride. Food and water, which are picked up ad hoc and planned along the way, make up additional weight.

Here is his comprehensive list:

Bike: 2015 Salsa Fargo

• Whiskey carbon fork
• Enve seat post
• Specialized Power saddle 168
• Salsa Woodchipper Bars (extended two inches)
• Profile Designs aero bars
• Enve M60 carbon wheels (front: SP dyno hub; rear: Hope Pro 4 hub)
• Electricity-genrating hub
• USB port (on stem; for recharging phone, GPS)
• Vittoria Mezcal G+ tires, set up tubeless
• Supernova E3 Triple dyno lights x2 (1600 lumens)
• Exposure Diablo MK7 helmet light (1300 lumens)

Sleep System

• Nemo Siren 30 Quilt
• Black Diamond Twighlight Bivy
• Thermarest Pro Lite sleeping pad
• Big Agnes down jacket
• Lightweight hat

Rain And Cold Riding

• Patagonia R7 rain jacket and pants
• Podiumwear wind vest
• Giro long-finger gloves
• Louis Garneau knee and arm warmers
• Swiftwick tall and short socks

Accessories

• 2 Schwalbe EVO tubes
• Power cables for helmet light, phone and GPS
• Park Tool hand pump
• Tour Divide maps
• First-aid kit
• Spare headlamp
• Extra brake and derailleur cables
• Tire levers
• Mini pliers

• Baby wipes (“to stay fresh”)
• Toilet paper
• Chamois butter

•   Shutter Precision PD-8X dynamo hub generator  (see photo above). This generator is attached to (and charged by) his front wheel hub. It runs to a switch system Markman designed, and can charge a USB and power his E3s light.

• Six total: a seat bag, frame bag, two top tube bag, and two feed bags (one for food, one for trash). All six are from Markman’s own company, Must Stache Bike Bags .
• Pearl Izumi X-Project 1.0
• Garmin ETREX 30X
• One 20-ounce bottle
• One 24-ounce bottle
• One 100-ounce MSR Drome
• No filtration system or purification tabs

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Halfway Anywhere

The Tour Divide: What, Where, Why, and How?

The Tour Divide is an annual 2,700-mile (4,300 km) self-supported bikepacking race following the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). Most of the route follows dirt and gravel roads with a few sections of pavement or singletrack sprinkled in for good measure (along with the occasional hike-a-bike section).

Cursory internet sleuthing tells me that the current iteration of the Tour Divide began in 2008. However, the first individual time trial of the route was in 2005, and people have been riding the GDMBR since as early as 1997 when the Adventure Cycling Association first mapped it.

Speaking of websites, the current Tour Divide website hasn’t been updated since 2014 and leaves much to be desired. Or perhaps the state of the website is instead part of the Tour Divide’s charm? Mystique? Neato-ness?

You may already have more questions than answers if you’ve encountered this with zero knowledge of the Tour Divide or the GDMBR. Fear not; they will be addressed. Also, know that I will likely have many of the same questions. I intend to answer said questions by participating in (and hopefully completing) this year’s Tour Divide.

That said, I’ve been doing my research (and investing heavily in bikepacking gear).

What Is the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route?

The northern terminus of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is in Jasper (it was in Banff – the start of the Tour Divide – until 2018), a resort town in Alberta, Canada. It then heads south for over 3,000 mi / 4,800 km to its southern terminus at the US-Mexico Border at Antelope Wells, New Mexico. It can be ridden in either direction, but it’s traditionally ridden southbound.

Along with the Arizona Trail and the Colorado Trail, it comprises the most significant leg of bikepacking’s Triple Crown; similar to the thru-hiking Triple Crown comprised of the Pacific Crest Trail , Continental Divide Trail , and Appalachian Trail .

The route is almost entirely along dirt and gravel roads and is, for the most part, not a technical ride (i.e., you don’t need to be an expert-level mountain biker to navigate the GDMBR). Yes, there are a few short sections of singletrack, but overall, this route is suited for gravel or mountain bikes (but certainly not road bikes).

The GDMBR is approximately 3,000 mi / 4,800 km long and has over 133,000 ft / 40,500 m of climbing and an equal amount of descent. It passes through seven states/provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Despite beginning in Canada (as in riders must pass immigration at a border crossing), the route does not enter Mexico; it ends (or begins) at the US-Mexico Border.

The Difference Between the Tour Divide and the GDMBR

You may be asking yourself, as I have, what’s the difference between the Tour Divide and the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route? The answer? Nothing. Kind of.

The Tour Divide is the name of the annual self-supported race of the GDMBR . Put another way, the Tour Divide follows the GDMBR. However, it begins in Banff instead of Jasper; Banff was the northern terminus of the GDMBR until 2018, when it was moved to Jasper. At least, that’s all you need to know if you’re not racing and/or riding the Tour Divide. What’s self-supported? It means that racers are only afforded resources available to everyone else participating.

For example, staying at a hotel? Perfectly fine. Staying at a friend’s house? Not okay.

When you drill down to the details, there are a few sections where the Tour Divide diverges from the GDMBR. But for all intents and purposes, they’re the same; again, unless you’re concerned about racing the Tour Dviide, then there are a few spots you need to take note of.

Every year, people bikepack all or part of the GDMBR on their own (in both directions). These people can take as much or as little time as they like – many presumably even enjoy their experience. Meanwhile, others decide to race the Tour Divide beginning on the second Friday of June at the northern terminus in Banff, Alberta (in Canada). The latter group’s enjoyment often falls more heavily into the Type II (or even Type III) fun category.

The GDMBR Versus the Continental Divide Trail

When I first hiked the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), I met one person in Island Park, Idaho, who was riding the Divide; I had no idea what they were doing, what the Tour Divide was, or what the GDMBR was. The cyclist was stoked to see me and my CDT hiking buddy, but we thought ourselves cooler than him because what could be cooler than hiking the CDT?

How things have changed. I apologize for not greeting you with the enthusiasm you deserved, anonymous 2017 Tour Divide racer.

Despite the CDT following a lot of dirt and gravel roads – that would be suitable for bikepacking – there’s actually very little overlap between the two routes. Yes, there will be opportunities for northbound CDT thru-hikers to see Tour Divide riders, but many will pass like ships in the night.

The Tour Divide starts too early for southbound CDT hikers to catch any riders, but they could still encounter northbound GDMBR riders during their thru-hikes. Remember, play nice if/when you see each other out there. We’re all out there doing awesome things in nature. There’s no need to perpetuate a bikepacker-backpacker divide (on the Divide).

How to Participate in the Tour Divide

The community that has made the Tour Divide what it is today doesn’t exist as an official organization or entity. Instead, it’s willed into being by the yearly riding crop’s cohesion, carrying on traditions from and iterating upon actions of previous years’ cyclists.

There’s no sign-up form, no entry fee, no website (at least not a website updated in the last decade), and no organized event at the starting line in Banff (or at the finish line at Antelope Wells, New Mexico).

Most of the organization appears to come from Facebook groups (typically some of the most toxic online cesspools, but in rare cases, useful information corners). Every year, participants who provide tracking information (using a device such as a Garmin inReach Mini 2 ) to trackleaders can be watched online as they move down the course.

You show up in Banff, start riding south on the second Friday in June, tell anyone who asks that you’re riding the Tour Divide, and BOOM! you’re officially racing the Tour Divide. I’ve heard that in recent years that the community attempts to organize waves of riders (based on estimated finishing time) to ease impacts and congestion on/along the start of the race. Don’t want the local government to come in and try to shut down the unofficial race, after all.

Maybe one day, the magic of this unofficial, unorganized, organized, official bikepacking race will wane as permits, regulations, and rules are imposed with increasing popularity and awareness of the event. Maybe someone will write a best-selling book about the Tour Divide and blow it up like a certain unnamed book did to a certain unnamed trail in the Western United States.

Apparently, you’re supposed to send in a letter of intent to a random email address that I suspect is maintained by the crew at Bikepacking.com , but the letters of intent used to be posted to the Tour Divide website (which seems like it was a fun tradition that’s now sadly gone as of 2010).

For now, you only need to get on your bike and ride.

The Tour Divide is the unofficial orrifical self-supported race of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, with a few changes to the route. Simple enough, right?

It’s an incredible test of physical and mental endurance, with many riders forgoing sleep to put in more hours on the bike (how many hours I sleep every night is something I’m interested in seeing).

According to DotWatcher , since the Tour Divide’s conception in 2008, only 716 riders have completed the race (this number is likely not 100% accurate, but it’s about as good as we can do). Hopefully, after this year’s race, I will be able to count myself among the fewer than 1,000 total finishers.

For now, it’s time to go and ride my bike .

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• Touring & Bikepacking Bikes

The Fastest Bikes of the Tour Divide Ultra Race (4,400KM Non-Stop)

The Tour Divide is an annual off-road ride traversing the length of the Rocky Mountains, from Canada all the way to the Mexican border. The course is over 4,418km long (2745mi), and along the way, riders will gain over 60,000 metres in elevation (200,000ft).

The clock begins at the grand depart and doesn’t stop until riders cross the finish line. And by the way, the ride is strictly self-supported. The fastest riders will complete the course in around two weeks, covering approximately 280 kilometres per day (174mi).

It’s safe to say that the Tour Divide is an extreme test of both the body and mind.

It’s also very interesting from a gear optimisation perspective, as a few small differences in bike setup will allow riders to make their lives a bit easier. In this video, we will be analysing 121 different bike setups from this year’s Tour Divide to find out what makes the best possible setup.

The statistics I will be drawing upon have been wonderfully collected by BIKEPACKING.com in the form of two articles ( HERE and HERE ), where riders from all around the world discuss their bike, bag and gear highlights.

As these articles separate bikes based on whether they use a drop bar or flat bar, this seems like a great place for us to start.

A bit over half of the riders interviewed this year are using drop bar bikes (55%).

When people think ‘drop bars’, they think ‘speed’. But speed alone is not how most will pick a handlebar for the Tour Divide. This is a very long event, so comfort is the likely reason that riders choose one handlebar design over another. Contrary to popular belief, the widespread use of the different bar types demonstrates that many bar designs can be ergonomic and comfortable – it’s really just a case of personal preference.

But comfort aside, there is likely an aerodynamic advantage to using drop bars.

When it comes to the aerodynamics of cycling, you ideally want to make your body shape more aerodynamic (Cd), your frontal area smaller (A) – or both. By using drop bars, your hands and elbows do not sit as wide, allowing you to reduce your frontal area and optimise your body shape.

A bit of napkin maths suggests that drop bars could save two or three hours over the full Tour Divide course (75kg/165lb rider, 15kg/33lb bike, 140 watts power output).

You can learn more about the aerodynamics of touring and bikepacking HERE .

While we’re still on the topic of handlebars, one of the best possible ways to improve both your speed and comfort is to fit aero bars to your bike. Most Tour Divide riders seem to agree, as 77% of them are using aero bars this year.

This is partly because you can make your body shape more aerodynamic with an aero bar, allowing you to ride faster with the same effort. But arguably, it’s the additional comfort that’s the most appealing feature.

Consider this, Tour Divide riders at the pointy end of the race spend upwards of 20 hours per day riding their bikes. This results in a lot of localised body fatigue. Aero bars offer your body a break by providing a different riding position that reduces strain on your arms, wrists, hands and bum, and will allow you to stretch out your back and use different muscles.

If you want to go further down this rabbit hole, I have a detailed article about aero bars HERE .

The saddle you choose is going to be the difference between completing the Tour Divide and having to scratch.

It’s hard to make saddle recommendations to a broad audience – you really have to try them first. But there are some trends here.

Brooks is the most popular saddle brand for the Tour Divide with 20% of riders using one, so they must be doing something right. Ergon saddles have really taken off recently and now more than 17% of riders have one fitted. And WTB has consistently been a popular brand, featuring on 15% of the bikes.

You can learn more about saddle comfort for touring HERE .

Only 13% of riders are using a suspension seatpost (including the carbon leaf-sprung Ergon CF3).

After extensively testing suspension seatposts, I think that many riders could improve their TD experience with one of these. Short travel posts are 100 or maybe 200 grams heavier (3-6oz) than a rigid post. That’s it.

You can read my detailed suspension seatpost article HERE and carbon flex seatpost article HERE .

If you are racing the clock, your tyres are probably the most important component you can optimise over a 4,400km ride.

Some tyres that I’m seeing fitted to TD bikes have been tested on smooth surfaces to roll with 20-watts extra resistance over other tyre sets. A bit of napkin maths suggests that slow tyres could add more than 20 hours of pedalling to a TD run!

But that said, it’s hard to come up with an accurate time figure due to the mix of road surfaces, varying rider weights, tyre pressures and more.

The most popular tyre is the Vittoria Mezcal and you will find it on more than 1/3 of all bikes.

The Mezcal has become the go-to tyre for the TD as it does an incredible job of balancing rolling resistance, puncture resistance, durability and grip. When you move to faster-rolling options like the Schwalbe Thunder Burt, you end up with significantly less grip and a touch less puncture resistance too – which might not keep your mind at ease.

Essentially, there’s a trade-off on all tyres, and it seems that the Mezcal is where most people end up.

The second most popular tyre is the Maxxis Ikon. These are tested to be slower rolling but are known for their reliability – I know ultra racers who have been using them for years and have literally never had a puncture.

I’m not sure why the Continental Race King Protection tyres (7% of bikes) are less popular than in years past. These tyres are what the late Mike Hall used to set the current 13-day, 22-hour course record. They’ve been tested to be ultra-fast rolling, they’re protective of punctures, and some riders have even raced the TD twice on the same set (8,800km).

If you know why these tyres are less preferred nowadays – let me know.

In terms of wheel diameter, there are three common sizes on bikes tackling the TD: 26-inch, 27.5-inch and 29-inch.

As the largest diameter wheel offers the smallest ‘angle of attack’ over bumps and depressions in the road, it can maintain the highest speed. 88% of riders are now picking the big 29″ wheels, and it drops off to just 7% of riders using the smaller 27.5″ wheels.

The average tyre width that’s used is 2.2″/55mm. This is likely the sweet spot where riders have the lowest rolling resistance and the most ride comfort on the long dirt roads.

Frame Material

Almost half of all TD riders (49%) opted for a carbon fibre bike frame. This is the obvious choice for an event with over 60,000 vertical metres (200,000ft) climbing, as a kilogram can make a measurable difference here.

A Salsa Cutthroat carbon frame weighs a touch under 1.5 kilograms (3.3lb). In comparison, a similarly tough titanium frame is often about 2.2kg/4.9lb, and steel is closer to 3.0kg/6.6lb.

Again, the napkin comes out and I’ve calculated an extra kilogram for the average rider to be about 1.5 hours over 4,400km. That’s not huge, but it could be the difference between first and second place.

Drivetrains

1X drivetrains now make up 82% of all bike setups using derailleurs. This should be unsurprising, as the Tour Divide is an off-road route that demands wide tyres and low gear ratios, and almost all bikes that accommodate these features now come with 1X drivetrains.

You’ll notice that there aren’t too many gearbox drivetrains at the Tour Divide this year (4%). But this event has previously been won on a Rohloff 14-speed bike (Ollie Whalley, 2012) – so these drivetrains can be a good idea.

That said, gearbox drivetrains are heavier and less efficient than derailleurs so I suspect that’s why they aren’t popular.

Again, my napkin is out, and I’d estimate the Rohloff would add 3-4 hours in good conditions as a result of its lower drive efficiency, plus you could add another hour or two due to the heavier weight. And the Pinion gearbox could add a total of 10 hours when we factor everything in.

Gear Ratios

If you want to get up the steep hills without going into the red, you’ll want appropriately low gear ratios on your bike. Tour Divide riders seem to know this well, as the average low climbing gear across all bikes is just 20 gear inches. This is about right for the course.

Achieving less than 20 gear inches is easy on flat bar bikes, but harder on drop bar bikes as there is limited compatibility between drop bar shifters and mountain bike derailleurs. I’m really impressed with the drivetrain workarounds on the drop bar bikes – about a quarter have been ‘hacked’ in some way to achieve 20 gear inches or less.

The most popular hack is the Wolftooth RoadLink . This extends the effective length of your derailleur, allowing you to accommodate a bigger cassette with lower gear ratios. Another nice hack is the fitment of the Ratio Technology upgrade kit that mates 11-speed SRAM road shifters to 12-speed mountain bike derailleurs.

If you have deep pockets, the SRAM AXS wireless road shifters pair with the wireless AXS mountain bike derailleurs to fit 10 to 52-tooth cassettes. It seems that few drop bars riders are on a small budget as one-in-three bikes are using this setup!

Almost all riders are using clip-in pedals (86%).

Most of the performance advantages of clip-in pedals are found under acceleration , so there likely isn’t a big disadvantage to those who choose flats. I’d guess that clip-in pedals are simply what most people are used to when they ride their road or mountain bikes, and as a result, it’s just their preference.

Hydraulic disc brakes are also preferred by the majority of riders (82%). They are very reliable these days and often require less grip strength to pull your bike to a stop. This is particularly important when your hands are fatigued after a couple of weeks of riding!

Only 30% of all TD bikes are using suspension forks.

Suspension will undoubtedly reduce rider fatigue on the rougher sections of the route. And given that you can lock out most suspension, the biggest disadvantage is simply that it adds weight to your bike – most suspension forks are approximately 1.5kg heavier than carbon forks.

My napkin says that’s a bit over two hours of ride time for the average rider. So, what do you think? Is it worth it?

The Most Popular Tour Divide Bike

Incredibly, Salsa made up a whopping 39% of all Tour Divide bikes this year. In fact, there were 8X more Salsas than the second-most popular bike brand (Niner).

Salsa Cycles are the biggest adventure bike brand in the world right now, and the Cutthroat model, in particular, was designed specifically to excel at the Tour Divide. This model represents 52% of all drop bar bikes here, and it’s not hard to see why – when I take a look at my Bikepacking Bike Buyer’s Guide , the Cutthroat is the only carbon drop bar bike that can fit wide tyres.

And if you’ve ever wondered where the name Cutthroat comes from, the Cutthroat trout is the state fish for all US states that the Tour Divide passes through. You’re welcome.

Through this analysis, I think the seatpost and tyres are the only areas where Tour Divide riders could squeeze out a bit more performance and comfort. But overall, these rigs are really well dialled in. Just lining up for this event requires a lot of research, so I’m not surprised that almost all bikes are perfectly ready for the course.

To finish up, here’s what the average Tour Divide bike is:

It’s a rigid carbon bike fitted with 29″ wheels and running Vittoria Mezcal tyres in the 2.2″ width. The bike has drop bars, clip-in pedals, hydraulic brakes, aero bars and a 1X drivetrain. The saddle is most likely made by Brooks.

There is a high chance that a SRAM wireless drivetrain is fitted, which allows for the pairing of drop bar shifters and a mountain bike drivetrain to give an appropriately low 20 gear inch climbing gear.

Update: The Top-10 Tour Divide Bikes for 2022

There is now a 2022 Tour Divide winner – Sofiane Sehili! He rode a carbon Vitus Rapide to Antelope Wells in 14 days, 16 hours and 36 minutes.

Here are the bike statistics from the top-10 finishers this year: Handlebar Type – 70% flat bar, 30% drop bar Aero Bars – 100% aero bars fitted Saddles – 20% Brooks, 20% Ergon, rest is mixed Seatposts – 70% rigid, 30% suspension (including Ergon leaf-sprung posts) Tyre Model – 60% Vittoria Mezcal, 20% Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge, 10% Maxxis Rekon, 10% Schwalbe G-One Tyre Width  – 2.19″ wide average Wheel Size – 100% 29-inch wheels Frame Material – 50% carbon, 40% titanium, 10% steel Drivetrains – 80% 1X drivetrains, 10% 2X drivetrains, 10% singlespeed Low Climbing Gear – 19.9 gear inches average Pedals – 100% clip-in Brakes – 90% hydraulic, 10% mechanical Suspension – 80% rigid, 20% suspension Bike Brands – 20% Salsa, 20% Chiru, rest is mixed

• aerodynamics
• rolling resistance
• Tour Divide

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Bikepacking & Adventure Cycling

Top 10 Bikes of The Tour Divide Race 2023

Bikepacking the Tour Divide has been on my bucket list for some time now

And I am sure on the lists of many other adventure seekers. Those looking to push their personal potential, to see just how much they can accomplish. It’s the ultimate endurance cycling event!

It’s an annual off-road ride traversing the length of the Rocky Mountains, from Banff, Canada all the way to the Mexican border. Racing all 2,745 miles of Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.

One epic ultra-endurance bikepacking spectacle!

Although the route itself is fascinating and the people who ride these races!

One thing seems to spark the curiosity of people interested in taking on such an adventure!

Listen while you read: I filmed a video version of this blog post so you can just listen to me talk about these bikes, while you read more below.

But, what bikes are used for the Great Divide Trail and the Tour Divide event?

In this write-up, we take a look at some of the best bikes for this epic adventure

Much like some of the best bikes for endurance cycling events , these bikes are built for off-road riding but also offer the comfort needed for those long days in the saddle.

I’ve made the mistake in the past riding my stock Kona Sutra LTD on the Vic Divide which is an Australia Bikepacking event that runs from Melbourne to Albury around 500 km. It’s just a warm-up to the Tour Divide in the USA which is a 4,418 km non-stop bikepacking race!

But the gearing on my bike was not ideal the 1×11 SRAM Rival 1 setup had a 30T crank and 10-42 Cassette which gave me only a 24.45” climbing gear which made it hard on the very steep sections with all my potatoes

Also, the tires that came with this bike are WTB Venture 700c x 50 tires. Some of the riding was very jarring and tough on the gear. I got a couple of punctures. 50mm wasn’t quite enough, which is why I later opted for 2.3” MTB tires which do the trick!

All these bikes are the perfect steeds precisely for the Tour Divide, with ample rubber and tire clearance, as well as adequate gearing often 20” or lower for ease when climbing the steeper stuff

But my point is that you need to invest in the right gear if you plan to take on these grueling events! Make sure you have the right bike that is going to be capable enough to get you over the finish line and be as comfortable as possible.

Also speaking of comfort!

Amongst all the riders of the Tour Divide, 77% used aero bars. Less for the aerodynamics and extra efficiency but more so for comfort, offering more hand positions and the ability to stretch out.

But one issue I have always run into with aero bars for bikepacking is how much stretching happens. Resulting in discomfort and I just never end up spending that much time in the aero bars while riding!

This product is the perfect solution to aero bar comfort!

I’ve been testing out the Fred Bars and I use my aero bars all the time now! Raising the aero bars and bringing them back, results in less reach allowing you to rest in a more relaxed, crouched position.

I noticed quite a few of these top 10 bikes of the Tour Divide are running aero bars. However, most are missing out on the extra comfort the Fred Bars can provide ultimately resulting in less fatigue over the long haul.

Also included are the photos of the exact bikes that raced this year, thanks to bikepacking.com’s Riders Rig content. Part 1 (Dropper Bar Bikes) and Part 2 (Flat-Bar Bikes)

Additionally, I have done the hard yards and included detailed specs like climbing gear inches, price, weight, geometry, and other information for most bikes.

But let’s get into the top 10 bikes, shall we?

1. BMC Twostroke 01 One

Winning this year’s Tour Divide, the Twostroke 01 stands out as a modern and versatile hardtail bike. It boasts a TCC-designed carbon frame with unique geometry tailored for challenging terrains.

The winning bike build was a full custom setup. featuring XS30 Carbon wheels from Beast Components paired with a SON Dynamo hub in the front. Powered by an SRAM Eagle XS Red Drivetrain, configured at 34T x 10-52T.

This gives this build an 18.68″ to 97.72″ gear-inch range and a gear ratio of 0.65 to 3.40

The suspension is a RockShox SID SL Select+ fork with 100 mm of travel and a Beast Component drop bar. The pulley wheels, use low-resistance ceramic components from Kogel, ensuring a seamless pedal experience. The bike is rolling on Hutchinson Skeleton & Taipan tires, both at 2.15”. The standout feature is the Supernova M99 DY Pro front light.

The Twostrok comes with added features like wide tire clearance, integrated protection for both the fork and frame, and internal cable routing to enhance its design.

Moreover, it’s ready for a dropper post addition if needed.

The bike is equipped with a RockShox SID Select+ fork, carbon handlebar, and a 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle AXS groupset.

Rounding off its build are the DT Swiss X 1700 wheels paired with Vittoria Barzo tires.

A progressive, compliant, and confidence-inspiring fast hardtail. Its TCC-designed carbon frame has radical geometry for steep and loose terrain

Price:  $5,799

Weight:  9.5 kg (20.94 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material:  Frame – Carbon / Fork – RockShox SID Select+ with 100 mm travel

Groupset & Drivetrain:  1×12 Electronic GX Eagle AXS

Gear Ratios:  18.84” to 98.56” (0.65 to 3.40 ratio)

Geometry (Medium frame): Stack/Reach ratio 1.34 – chainstay 425 mm – wheelbase 1,135 mm – (steering) headtube angle 67 deg – trail 109 mm – Fork offset/rake 44 mm – bottom bracket drop 64 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance):  2.25-inch tires, with a max tire clearance of 2.3 inches

2. Trek Procaliber SL

The bike pictured above has drop bars with a 100mm front suspension. It rides on Hunt XC Beyond wheels, which have a dynamo that powers the Supernova M99 DY Pro light.

The Trek Procaliber is a race-ready cross-country hardtail. Its fast carbon frame boasts a trail-taming IsoSpeed decoupler, quick-rolling 29er wheels, and a RockShox Recon Gold RL suspension fork with 100 mm of travel to keep you fast and smooth over roots and rocks during your most demanding mountain bike rides.

This upgraded fork gives you a remote lockout which means you can lock out the suspension while keeping your hands on the bars. This fork comes with a more plush spring and allows for more control over the rougher stuff.

More than just a bike for single trail riding, perfect for those who put in long miles on trails and are looking for the speed, efficiency, and light weight of a carbon cross-country bike.

The IsoSpeed decoupler and carbon frame make it ride smoother than any other hardtail, so your body doesn’t get beat up by trail chatter. Essentially added suspension on the frame.

The Straight Shot downtube helps add extra stiffness and responsive handling without the added weight. Along with the Knock Block headset which protects against spinning bars and fork crowns. Stopping your handlebars from spinning all the way around when you crash.

Price:  Around $3,099

Weight:  11.43 kg (25.21 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material:  Frame – Carbon / Fork – RockShox Recon Gold RL with 100 mm travel

Groupset & Drivetrain:  Shimano XT 30T crank and 10-51T cassette

Gear Ratios:  17.04” to 86.66” (0.59 to 3.0 ratio)

Geometry (Medium Frame): Stack/Reach ratio 1.42 – chainstay 432 mm – wheelbase 1,103 mm – (steering) headtube angle 68.8 deg – trail 97.3 mm – Fork offset/rake 42 mm – bottom bracket drop 60 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance):  29 x 2.2″ tires With a max tire clearance of 29 x 2.4″

3. Girs Nomade

With a very unique paint job, this MTB Girs Nomade Carbone comes with a Sram 12-speed mechanical set, Shimano XT/DEORE brakes, fresh Maxxis Ikon tires, and a 1×12 drivetrain sporting a 32T chainring.

It rides on DT Swiss 29-inch wheels, with a front SON Dynamo hub.

The bike boasts ENVE handlebars, a Cane Creek post with a touch of suspension, a Selle Idéale seat, and a Profile Design extension complemented by 70mm shims beneath the armrests. It’s also equipped with a Garmin 67i.

The Nomade bike, designed for the adventurous and curious traveler, prioritizes versatility and freedom in its design.

The frame, weighing at 1090g, is priced at 1490€, while the combined frame and fork kit comes in at 1880€.

The main allure of the Nomad is its adaptability. Whether you’re navigating wet grounds, mountains, or sandy terrains, the Nomad can adjust accordingly.

Its XC-type geometry promotes control and agility, especially evident when equipped with a 110 mm fork for winding trails or set in a Beach Race mode with a rigid fork and 35mm rim, ideal for sandy conditions.

The balanced geometry, featuring a slack 68.5-degree head angle and enhanced reach with 435mm chainstays, ensures precise control over challenging terrains and preserves agility for tighter trails.

Additionally, the Nomade includes a universal derailleur hanger designed for compatibility across all drivetrains while protecting the derailleur from impacts.

The bike’s durability and performance are anchored in the use of Toray 700 and 800 carbon materials combined with a specialized resin blend, ensuring consistent performance.

Lastly, the bike focuses on integrated design, with cables and housings seamlessly entering the frame, enhancing both the bike’s aesthetics and function.

This integrated system is compatible with a variety of standard ACR-type integration systems available in the market. All in all, whether you’re looking for a daily ride or gearing up for a competition, the Nomade offers a reliable and versatile biking experience.

4. Binary Bicycles Havok

The Havok bike, tailored for those with an adventurous spirit, is built for both speed and endurance.

Its titanium frame ensures a comfortable ride, absorbing the roughness of terrains like washboards and ruts.

This versatile frame can accommodate a range of tire sizes, from skinny gravel tires to broader 29 × 3.0 tires, allowing riders to adapt based on their upcoming journey.

One of its standout features is its sizable front triangle, perfect for fitting a frame bag.

It comes equipped with triple bottle mounts on both the top and bottom of the downtube and also offers rack and fender mounts for added bikepacking and touring gear flexibility.

For those looking at drivetrain options, the Havok is 2x compatible and provides dropper post routing.

It is designed to support either drop bars or other preferred touring bars.

The sliding dropouts offer adaptability, even allowing for a singlespeed setup. Furthermore, the bike can be paired with a 100mm 29er fork if riders seek added suspension.

In terms of standard features, the Havok boasts a lightweight titanium build with a hand-brushed finish, accented by sandblasted logos.

The bike’s axle spacing is set at 12mm x 148mm boost, and it employs sliding Paragon-style dropouts. It’s designed with a 44mm straight headtube, compatible with a tapered fork, and a threaded 73mm BSA bottom bracket.

The external cable routing and 31.6mm Seatpost, which is internal dropper compatible, add to its functionality.

Moreover, the bike can comfortably fit 29+ tires (up to 3.0), and its geometry supports both rigid and 100mm 29er suspension. Whether it’s for gravel paths, singletracks, all-road, or bikepacking, the Havok promises a reliable and adaptable ride.

5. Moots MX RSL

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Moots Bicycles (@mootscycles)

6. Fezzari Solitude 29

This Fezzari Solitude bike build is fully rigid, featuring an Enve carbon fork for stability. It rides on ZIPP zero moto wheels equipped with a Dynamo hub, and its tires are the Schwalbe Racing Ray and Ralph, both at a size of 2.1”.

The bike has SRAM transmission, which comes with a 34T chainring and a wide-range 10-52T cassette.

For added comfort on bumpy terrains, it incorporates a Redshift stem and a Cane Creek Seatpost for some suspension. A notable feature for those long rides is the infinity seat, ensuring rider comfort.

Additionally, it comes with an aero bar that brings together various features, giving the rider an aerodynamic advantage. Along with a product like the Fred Bars you can also ride in comfort!

This bike appears to be a solid choice for those considering participating in the tour divide race, providing a blend of speed, comfort, and durability.

The Solitude is a hardtail mountain bike designed for cross-country riders seeking speed, adventure, and the thrill of competition.

Its carbon frame utilizes Monform™ technology, which offers a single-piece carbon construction rather than the traditional two-piece, resulting in a lighter yet stronger frame with enhanced power transfer.

This bike’s geometry strikes a balance between racing and recreation: a 68-degree head tube angle provides stability in rough terrains and during turns, while a 75-degree seat tube angle ensures an optimal riding position for power and efficiency.

Notably, the Solitude’s frame weighs less than 1000 grams and showcases improved lateral stiffness and strength compared to its predecessors, giving riders added confidence in diverse terrains.

In essence, for those eyeing the Tour Divide race, the Solitude might be a worthy contender, combining speed, durability, and a fun riding experience.

7. Salsa Cutthroat

The most common bike chosen for the Tour Divide and it’s no surprise as the Cutthroat is Salsa’s Tour Divide-inspired drop bar bike!

The bike pictured above is a 2020 Cutthroat model featuring a GRX 800 1×11 drivetrain and RaceFace Next SL cranks, boasting a 32T OVAL chainring combined with a 10-46T cassette, ensuring smooth rides on hilly terrains. Comfort is guaranteed with a Koda saddle and the handlebars are wrapped in Lizard Skin tape for added grip along with aero bars.

As it’s an immensely capable carbon bikepacking bike!

Derived from a rich lineage, the Cutthroat features a unique drop-bar mountain bike geometry designed to instill confidence, even when the trails get rough.

Its carbon frame ensures efficient energy utilization while its Class 5 VRS rear end effectively absorbs minor jolts from both roads and trails, helping riders maintain their energy.

Additionally, the Cutthroat offers multiple cargo mount options, allowing riders to personalize their gear setup.

A notable component is the SRAM’s GX Eagle AXS groupset, which has proven to be durable and dependable, making it an excellent choice for extended backcountry adventures like the Tour Divide.

Price:  $3,499 to $7,799 ($5,599 Cutthroat C GX Eagle AXS Model) – Comparable to the Epic Hardtail Comp above

Weight:  11 kg (24.3 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material:  Frame – Carbon / Fork – Carbon (Earlier 2019 models offer a 100mm RockShox Reba front suspension setup!)

Groupset & Drivetrain:  1×12 Electronic GX Eagle AXS, Rival eTap

Gear Ratios:  18.78” to 98.22” (0.65 to 3.40 ratio)

Geometry (56cm Frame): Stack/Reach ratio 1.61 – chainstay 445 mm – wheelbase 1,090 mm – (steering) headtube angle 69 deg – trail 79 mm – Fork offset/rake 51 mm – bottom bracket drop 70 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance):  29 x 2.2 mm tires, with a max official tire clearance of 2.4” for both frame and fork. While some have measured for up to 29 x 2.8″ tires

8. Rodeo Labs Flaanimal 5.0

The bike in the first picture is rolling on a Rodeo 2.0 wheelset. Sram AXS drivetrain (36t chainring, 10-50t 12-speed cassette), Hope Tech4 X2 brakes, and Maxxis Ikon 2.0″ / Vittoria Mezcal 2.1″ tires.

Since 2015, the Flaanimal has been the gold standard for adaptability. Whether on roads, gravel, or challenging terrains, this bike can be tailored to any rider’s imagination. A production steel and carbon gravel/adventure bike that has all you could possibly need

It can be blisteringly fast on the pavement with skinny slick tires. It can be smooth, efficient, and competitive on gravel. And is now considered an It can be blisteringly fast on the pavement on skinny slicks. It can be smooth, efficient, and competitive on gravel. And is now considered the perfect choice for a bikepacking racing rig, with its win at the 2021 Tour Divide as piloted by Jay Petervary.

You can tailor your Flaanimal 5.0 with custom finishes and build specs.

The CNC machined yoke and dropped stay design allows for tire sizes up to 700c x 50mm or 650b x 2.4”

While retaining the strength of steel, a carbon seat tube has been integrated to ensure a balance between durability and weight.

Custom butted and heat-treated Japanese tubing ensures strength and durability, even on the most challenging terrains. Let’s be honest The Japanese know how to make stuff!

The updated sliding dropout design offers an additional 10mm of slider range, allowing riders to tweak the bike’s handling and tire clearance.

Tidy aesthetics and modular design thanks to rubber routing port plugs which accommodate various build types.

The improved bottom T47 bottom bracket design it ensures quiet operation, compatibility with all crankset spindle diameters, and room for internal Di2 and dropper post routing.

Price:  $1,548.75 (Frameset)

Weight:  12.5 kg (27.6 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material:  Carbon and steel fusion

Groupset & Drivetrain:  Frameset Only

Gear Ratios:  Frameset Only

Geometry (56cm frame): Stack/Reach ratio 1.47 – chainstay 425 mm – wheelbase 1,033 mm – (steering) headtube angle 71 deg – Fork offset/rake 45 mm – bottom bracket drop 65 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance):  Max tire clearance of 700c x 50mm or 650b x 2.4”

9. Mason InSearchOf

The first photo features a Mason InSearchOf steel frame paired with a carbon fork, and features SRAM’s 1×12 electronic shifting system, blending Force and X01 components.

It’s equipped with a Shimano XT crankset and a unique XT 10-51T cassette that’s compatible with the SRAM shifter.

The bike rides on René Herse Fleecer Ridge tires mounted on a custom wheelset combining a SON dynamo hub and DT Swiss 240.

Lighting and charging are managed by KLite. For handling, it sports a 46cm Ritchey Beacon drop bar wrapped in a double layer of Wolf Tooth tape.

Rider comfort is prioritized with a Redshift suspension stem and Ritchey aerobars featuring SRAM shifting buttons.

The bike stands on XT pedals, and seating is provided by a Specialized Power saddle. Additional features include Reverse Fillmore valves, Orange Seal tire sealant, SRAM HS2 brake discs, and SwissStop brake pads.

This rig is available in some nice build options with about 4 models to choose from all starting from $3,864 (Rival 1x). In this article, we are going to use the GX Eagle AXS priced at $4,737 model for specs. But it might be worth checking out some other options to better suit your needs.

This has to be one of the most capable-looking drop bar bikes upon first impression.

The ultimate steel adventure bicycle has been adopted by the Ultra-Endurance community realizing the comfortable, fast, multi-surface capabilities of this bike making it ideal for such Continent Crushing rides. Much so that Josh Ibbett won the 2015 Trans Continental race on a Mason.

The frame is composed of custom-formed Progressive-butted Dedacciai ‘Zero’ Steel tubing which is used on the Top Tube, Down Tube, Seat Stays, and Chain Stays. While the Seat Tube uses Reynolds 853 steel and a Stainless bottom bracket.

There is plenty of clearance and the bottom of the down tube for mounting gear like the ‘Anything Cage‘ style bosses on top of and underneath the Down Tube.

The geometry has been suspension fork corrected for up to 100mm of travel if you want that extra comfort on the rough stuff.

However, it comes with the Hot Shoes fork which is internally routed for dynamo light systems and eyeletted for rack and mudguards. With all the mounting options you could ask for up front. You also get a Shutter Fender which is exclusive to Mason

The frame is also stealth dropper compatible, with a max tire clearance for up to 29 x 2.4” or 27.5 x 2.8” tires. Comes with the Ritchey Venturemax Comp handlebars that have a generous 24 deg flare for that extra comfort in the drops.

Looking for even more comfort??

Price:  $3,864 to $5,285

Weight:  Just over 11 kg (24.25 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material:  Frame – Steel / Fork – Carbon

Groupset & Drivetrain:  1×12 Rival eTap, GX Eagle (with a 34T crank and 10-52T cassette)

Gear Ratios:  18.58” to 97.21” (0.65 to 3.40 ratio) with 27.5 x 2.8″ tires

Geometry (50cm Frame): Stack/Reach ratio 1.64 – chainstay 445 mm – wheelbase 1,082.3 mm – (steering) headtube angle 69 deg – trail 85.8 mm – Fork offset/rake 50 mm – bottom bracket drop 75 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance):  Choice of either WTB Ranger 29 x 2.4″ or 27.5 x 2.8″ With the same tire clearance.

10. Lauf Seigla

The holy grail of gravel bikes!

The 2022 Lauf Seigla pictured above is equipped with 520mm PNW Coast drop bars, augmented by Profile Design T1+ 70mm risers (could have been better to opt for the Fred Bars instead, allowing you to sit more upright and back then these aero risers would allow for). And cushioned with Redshift Cruise Control grips.

For the tires, it sports a 2.1″ Mezcal at the back and a 2.2″ Race King up front. The bike rides on DERBY carbon wheels, paired with a White Industries rear hub and a Son front hub.

Power transmission is managed by a SRAM 10-52T cassette coupled with a 34T Wolf Tooth Oval chainring, ensuring a versatile range for both uphill and flat terrains.

A fast gravel bike that is also comfortable, capable, and fun for exploring. A suspension gravel bike that we haven’t covered too much of here at Cycle Travel Overload. However, we have covered the very unique carbon gravel suspension fork design, that comes with this bike as an option. Adding to that extra on-bike comfort.

The bike is available in 4 main build options with that Grit 3rd Gen carbon Suspension Fork.

The top pick for the Tour Divide is the Seigla Ultimate model. While some have transformed this into a mullet drive conversion. This Ultimate comes with a 1×12 electronic drivetrain setup.

Price:  $2,590 to $5,990

Weight:  8.44 kg (18.6 lbs)

Frame/Fork Material:  Frame – Carbon / Fork – Carbon Lauf Grit Suspension Fork with 30mm travel

Groupset & Drivetrain:  1×12 Electronic RED XPLR eTap, RED eTap with 40T Crank and 10-44T Cassette

Gear Ratios:  25.51” to 112.13” (0.91 to 4.00 ratio)

Geometry (Medium Frame): Stack/Reach ratio 1.43 – chainstay 425 mm – wheelbase 1,040 mm – (steering) headtube angle 70.5 deg – trail 75 mm – Fork offset/rake 47 mm – bottom bracket drop 65 mm

Tires and Wheel Sizes (Tire Clearance):  Comes with 700c x 45mm tires. With a max tire clearance of 29 × 2.25″

Tour Divide Q&A

How long does it take to do the tour divide.

The Tour Divide typically takes riders between 15 and 35 days to complete, depending on skill, conditions, and individual pace.

How do you get into the Tour Divide?

The Tour Divide is an unsanctioned race, so there’s no official entry process. Riders simply choose a start date, typically aligned with the grand départ, and begin.

How many people do the Tour Divide?

Each year, the number varies, but typically around 100 to 200 riders attempt the Tour Divide, with completion rates varying.

Can you do the Tour Divide on a gravel bike?

Yes, a gravel bike can be used for the Tour Divide, though many riders prefer mountain bikes for added comfort and capability on rough sections.

How much elevation does the Tour Divide route have? (How many feet of climbing are in the Tour Divide?)

The Tour Divide has over 200,000 feet of elevation gain, making it a challenging and intense ride.

How much does Tour Divide cost?

There’s no entry fee for the Tour Divide, but riders should budget for gear, food, accommodations, and other personal expenses during the ride.

What is the weather window for the Tour Divide?

The most popular time to start the Tour Divide is the second Friday in June, but riders can choose other start times, generally between June and September, depending on weather conditions.

What is the difference between the Tour Divide and the Gdmbr?

The Tour Divide is a bikepacking race along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). While the GDMBR is the route itself, the Tour Divide is the specific self-supported race that takes place on this route.

About The Author

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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My 2021 Tour Divide / Great Divide Classic Detailed Packlist

In one week, I will be starting one of the most intimidating rides of my life. I would be riding the Tour Divide Mountain Bike Race in any other year, but because Canada is closed due to Covid, this year's event is called the Great Divide Classic. It's essentially the same, less than 250-miles of riding along the Canadian Rockies and follows the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route by Adventure Cycling Association. All totaled, I am looking down the road at a 2,500-mile ride with 150,800 ft of elevation gain from the border with Canada to the border with Mexico along the Continental Divide on dirt roads, single-track, and pavement. 

My Philosophy 

My bikepacking set-up 2018-2020. Photo by Jorja Creighton.

Preparing my equipment for such a journey has felt like learning how to bikepack all over again. Why is that? I believe that it is because when I am touring and only riding 35-50 miles per day, it doesn't quite matter if I bring my sandals, a super deluxe tent palace, town clothes, swimsuit, snorkel/mask, a 5-star cooking set-up, etc. (you get the idea). When there are anywhere between 10-14 hours of daylight, and I am going only 35-50 miles, I have all day to go as slow as I want to get to where I am going. 

In contrast, the Tour Divide or the Great Divide Classic (whatever we want to call it) is a race. Just to be considered still in the race, I must maintain over 95-miles per day every day. My goal is to ride 100-miles per day and finish the route before I need to abandon the ride, which, at a minimum, will require that I ride 85-miles per day every day. So, for the first time in seven years, and when I started bike-touring, I have had to re-evaluate every little gear decision I make to feel like I can ride that amount of distance loaded with everything I need day after day. If I pack too much, my bike will be cumbersome to ride, hard to pedal up mountains, and pretty uncomfortable. If I pack too little, I could be equally miserable. I could not be prepared enough for the elements; rain, hail, cold nights, hiking through snow. I could be sleep-deprived and find the experience unbearable, leading me to abandon the course due to not having fun or being unhappy. 

My gear and bike set-up for the Tour Divide/Great Divide Classic is my interpretation of a healthy balance between an efficient race set-up and a comfortable home on wheels for about a month. I believe that this set-up is light enough for me to travel the distances I want to travel while still feeling like a human. I'd go so far as to call this a luxurious race set-up. After all, I am a lifestyle athlete for a reason, not a racer. Only time will tell if these decisions, speculations, interpretations, and financial investments pan out to my benefit. 

Itemized below is a detailed breakdown of my bike set-up for the Tour Divide/Great Divide Classic in 2021. The race begins on June 11. You can follow the race on http://trackleaders.com/tourdivide21. If you find this breakdown of value please consider donating to my Gofundme campaign to increase accessible outdoor opportunities to teen and pre-teen girls through The Cairn Project. Any amount donated gets me closer to reaching my fundraising goal of $8,000. Click here to donate. 

Bike Specifications 

This is my bike for the Tour Divide 2021

I am riding a Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro mountain bike with the stock Rockshox SID 100mm travel fork and 29" Roval Control Carbon wheels. The front wheel is laced to a SON Dynamo hub which fuels my Sinewave Cycles Beacon headlight. With the help of many friends and mechanics, I have modified this bike with Enve 48mm Gravel drop bars and Specialized aero bars. I also converted the drivetrain to a SRAM AXS electronic shifting system, which I find incredibly reliable and efficient but requires that I swap out and charge a small battery every 400-miles or so. The gear ratio I am running is an 11 x 50 tooth cassette with a 34 tooth front chainring. I may spin out on some faster pavement sections, but my knees will be happy on the climbs. The tires I have chosen for this ride are Specialized Ground Control tires which may be on the nobbier side compared to most, but it's a tire I have run for many years and I trust on all terrain. 

I am using a Brooks Cambium C17 saddle; a zero offset seat post, and a 60mm, -20 degree stem, to accommodate my bike fit. 

Bag Overview

My front bag system is made by Porcelain Rocket. It includes a minimal harness, a Dyneema stuff sack, and an outer pouch. I used this system on the TAT six years ago, and I have yet to find a better alternative. Inside the stuff sack, I keep my shelter and sleep system. Inside the outer pouch, I store my eating utensils, backstock of electrolytes, mushroom coffee, protein powder, THC and CBD edibles, and my water filter. I try to keep this bag filled with lighter stuff to avoid adding more weight to the handlebars.  

I am using a custom frame bag by Rogue Panda Designs out of Flagstaff, Arizona, which includes an elastic zipper that allows me to stuff it to the gills and still be able to close it. In the large main pocket of my frame bag, I am carrying my tool kit, bear spray, and the majority of my food. In the frame bag's smaller side pocket, I store baby wipes, a clear pair of Ombraz sunglasses, and my wallet. 

The seat bag I am using is a Gearjammer bag by the wonderful folks of Oveja Negra in Salida, Colorado. My Gearjammer stores my spare tube, toiletries, sleep clothes, a pair of shorts with a chamois, puffy jacket, and rain jacket. I have also added a bungee cord to the Gearjammer to hold my Thermarest pad. 

My cockpit bags include a Mag Tank 2000 and Jerican by Revalate Designs (Anchorage, AK), an Eco-pack Snack Hole by Swift Industries (Seattle, WA), and a Chuckbucket by Oveja Negra. I store my multi-tool, headlight, sunscreen, and bug spray in the Jerrycan. Inside the Mag Tank 2000, I keep my point-and-shoot camera, phone, headphones, and additional snacks. The Chuckbucket holds my battery pack, electronic accessories, and a bug head net. There is room for more too. Lastly, the Eco-pack Snack Hole stores a 26 oz water bottle. 

Holding my 64 oz Kleen Kanteen is a Manything Cage by King Cage (Durango, CO), mounted to my carbon down tube using King Cage universal support bolts. 

The Nitty-Gritty Details

Leyzne Micro Floor Drive

Blackburn Wayside Multi-Tool

Dynaplug with extra plugs

Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers with two 12-speed chain links

Leatherman Squirt

Silco Valve Extender

Pedro Tire Lever

2 x 2032 batteries (for my shifters)

Presta valve adapter

Finish Line Dry Lube (inside a wet-lube bottle)

4mm, 5mm, and 6mm spare bolts

Derailleur hanger

Extra set of brake pads

Electronics

Garmin 1040 Plus

Garmin Inreach Mini

15,000 mAmp Anker Battery Pack

Ricoh GRII Camera

Princeton Tech Headlight

Energizer 2 x USB wall port

SRAM Etap battery charger

Spare SRAM Etap Battery

2 x micro USB cables

camera cable

iPhone cable

SD Card Reader for iPhone

Not pictured: Sinewave Cycles Beacon Headlight, Light and Motion Taillight

Buzz Away Bug Spray

Tom's Toothpaste

Dr. Banners Soap

Dermotone Lip Protection

Aloe Up Sunscreen

Tea Tree Oil

Spare Hair Tie

Honest Wipes

Not pictured: Deva cup

Eating Utensils 

Snow peak Spork

Opinel No. 7 Knife

Handkerchief

64oz Kleen Kanten

26oz Purist Waterbottle

3 Liter Kataden Befree Gravity Filter

Aquatablets

Sleep System 

Mountain Laurel Designs FKT Bivy

Western Mountaineering Summerlite Sleeping Bag (32 degrees)

Klymit Inertia Ozone Sleeping Pad

Thermarest Z-Rest

Western Mountaineering Flash Down Booties

Bug head net

Ombraz Dolomite Sunglasses

Ombraz Classic Clear Blue-blocker Glasses

Rapha Merino T-Shirt

Rapha Randonne Shorts

Ridge Merino Briefs

Branwyn Merino Bra

Randy Joe Fab Linen Cap

Merino leggings

Merino long-sleeve shirt

Topo Designs Wool Hat

Rapha Women's Classic Shorts

Rapha Explore Hooded Goretex Rain Jacket

Rapha Explore Down Jacket

Showers Pass Rain Pants

Showers Pass Merino Socks

Showers Pass Merino Gloves

Specialized Prevail II Helmet

Not Pictured: Specialized Rime 2.0 Mountain Bike Shoes

Four Sigmatic Protein Powder

Four Sigmatic Coffee Latte Mix

Ultima Electrolyte Powder

Ripple 1:1 CDB/THC Powder

Wanna THC Gummies

RonsBikes Puff Pouch

Lachlan Morton's Tour Divide Triumph: A Deep Dive into His Bike Setup

Kevin Curry

The Bike That Conquered the Tour Divide

Lachlan Morton’s recent Canada to Mexico/Tour Divide FKT* ride was nothing short of legendary. Clocking an impressive 12 days, 12 hours, and 21 minutes from Banff to Antelope Wells, he not only showcased his incredible endurance but also proved a point: panniers can indeed be fast!

“Setting a blistering time… Lachlan proved panniers can be fast.”

His Cannondale Scalpel hardtail was meticulously set up to ensure self-sufficiency, especially during the more isolated stretches where he had to carry up to 30 hours’ worth of sustenance. And boy, did he pack it right!

Morton’s Gear Choices: A Blend of Prototype and Production

Being a part of Tailfin’s R&D Division, Lachlan had the privilege to test out some prototype gear, including a unique frame bag and an AeroPack top bag design. This hands-on experience not only benefited his ride but also provided invaluable feedback for Tailfin’s future products.

“As a member of Tailfin’s R&D Division Lachlan was able to utilise a prototype frame bag and a unique new AeroPack top bag design…”

But let’s not forget the standard gear he opted for: 10L Mini Panniers, a 1.1L Top Tube Pack (crafted in prototype material), and two 3L Downtube Packs, one of which was snugly placed under his aerobars.

The Specs: Morton’s Cannondale Scalpel Setup

• Frame : Cannondale Scalpel Hi-Mod Ultimate hardtail
• Fork : Cannondale Lefty Ocho, 100mm travel
• Drivetrain : SRAM XX1 AXS, with a 38T chainring and a 10-52t cassette
• Brakes : SRAM Level Ultimate
• Wheels : FSA Gradient Off-road i29
• Tyres : Vittoria Mezcal Graphene 2.0 29×2.35” with Airliner Light XC inserts
• Handlebar : FSA KFX Carbon flat bar (64cm) with FSA TT extensions
• Stem : FSA adjustable
• Seatpost : FSA Flowtron XC dropper
• Saddle : Prologo Scratch M5 Space
• GPS : Wahoo Elemnt Bolt

For those interested in the Tailfin gear that powered his journey:

• Under bar : 1.7L Cage Pack + Cargo Straps
• Top tube : 1.1L zipped Top Tube Pack (prototype)
• Frame : Prototype full frame bag
• Downtube : 1.7L Downtube pack
• Rear : Prototype Carbon AeroPack with 2x 10L Mini Panniers

For the gear enthusiasts and budding cyclists out there, you can explore all of Tailfin’s offerings here . Who knows, maybe you’ll find the perfect setup for your next big adventure! 🚴‍♂️🌄🛣️

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Tour Divide 2023 : The race, the gear, the whys and everything in between

• May 13, 2023

It was just over 2 years ago the first time I ever heard of the Tour Divide. I didn’t even know what bikepacking was or that bikepacking racing was a thing.

By then, I had become a time trialist specialist on the road. I had become obsessed with mastering my mind, mastering the art of executing a perfect time trial. I love it so much. I know very well this feeling, my sight on the road ahead, my head tucked in, my lungs expanding to their max, my legs flowing over the pedals. That feeling when I get in the zone, when I’m able to fully surrender and let no amount of pain bother me. It’s pretty amazing. And quite freeing.

A few years ago when I was reading this passionating book “How Bad Do You Want It”, the author spoke of how references are limiters to the mind and the body. If you can remove the information that you know as your references, you could push your body much further. I decided to test the concept and did a 20-minutes blind test – no numbers, no references. Increasing my best 20-min power by 18% was a shocking, yet insightful experience. “You are stronger than you think.” Simply remove the thinking.

I was on the stationary bike trainer when a youtube video came up about the Tour Divide (the documentary was I Just Want to Ride featuring Lael Wilcox – record-holder of the fastest female time on the Tour Divide). A 4,300 km time trial. WOAH! Now everything I know as references are quite irrelevant. How the hell is this humanely possible? Then… What if I remove what I know as possible. What if this was just another example of the amazing things a body can do when you remove references. I was immediately filled with curiosity.

I couldn’t sleep that night. I had to find out: where is the limit of what I can do. Am I able to apply what I came to master in road cycling time trial to a 4,300km bikepacking time trial?

Covering a distance of 4,300km, the Tour Divide is one of the longest and arguably the hardest ultra-endurance bike race on the planet. From Banff (Alberta) in Canada, to Antelope Wells (NM) at the border of Mexico, the course takes the riders along breathtaking scenic landscapes of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (designed by the Adventure Cycling Association back in the 1990s), one of the most well-known off-road touring route that attracts bikepackers and bike tourists from all over the world.

The race has been going on for many years, starting on the 2nd Friday of June of each year, but only started to gain popularity lately with the rise of bikepacking and bikepacking events. The 2023 edition has currently over 250 participants registered to this day (one month before the start). 26 of them are female or non-binary, the highest non-male participation rate ever!

The Tour Divide is more than a cycling race, it is the definition of an endurance and resilience test. The race is self-supported, which means you are not allowed to receive any help. You can use public services such as hotels and restaurants, but you must carry everything you need (clothes, food, camp & sleep, tools). The route goes through many remote areas where a satellite device is the only way of communication. High-altitude mountain passes, changing weather, and wildlife encounters are all part of the race.

Getting ready – my journey to the start line

There is the physical journey, then it’s freacking scary! 2 years ago I had never camped before, never packed gear on a bike, never ridden in the dark or encountered a bear.

Before I could attempt this, I had a few classes to take on. So, 3 weeks after watching the youtube video about the Tour Divide, I departed for my first bikepacking trip. An improvised, but oh so life-changing, one-month bikepacking trip in Utah and Arizona hooked me up. From there, I would use bikepacking for training when I’m not racing.

Last year (2022), I was still racing as a pro road cyclist when a series of events occurred, one of them being the cancellation of BC Superweek, my beloved crit series in July. I was going to fly to western Canada (near Banff) for Road Nationals, but then I had an opening in my calendar. “What a great opportunity to check out the course of the Tour Divide!” I thought.

I flew with all the gear I had and set to ride as much as I can of the route after racing Nationals. I had a wonderful ride in the time trial at Nationals, I rode the absolute best I could. Another 2nd place, but I felt satisfied. I love when I leave it all on the course. I was not going to be National Champion but that’s how it is. I don’t have less joy riding my bike fullgas. It was time to swap bikes.

So, a week later on July 4th, 2022, I departed from Banff and headed south on my pretty beat-up Cannondale FSi mountain bike hardtail, to see if I was capable of riding the terrain, to overcome my fear of bears (oh, I did come face-to-face with a grizzly! But that’s for another storytelling time), to overcome my fear of riding in the dark and confronting the weather of the high-altitude mountain passes.

The course was absolutely mind-blowing!!! Every day, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscapes surrounding me. The “non-technical” terrain was very much challenging for my roadie skillset. I was very unprepared for the hike-a-bike and the rain, but it was so empowering to come out of these challenges stronger.

I completed the route in 28 days (about twice as long as the race-winning time), averaging over 10 hours of riding to cover 150km each day -it was the hardest thing I had ever done !!

This course recon was the first step to getting prepared to race. It also made obvious that I needed to improve my MTB skills, to strengthen my upper body for the hike”push”-a-bike, to fasten my camp-to-bike transition, a warmer and more reliable sleep system, and better overall gear and bike.

My 2023 Tour Divide Gear List

By now I have gathered enough bikepacking experience to know better what I want and need for my ideal setup. So I have reached out to my favorite companies and I’m very fortunate that they embarked on my dream race project with me! Here is the best bikepacking setup I could build for racing the Tour Divide :

• Cannondale Scalpel HT, 100mm suspension fork
• Sram X01 mechanical 34T x 10-52 Eagle cassette
• SL4 Lucky Jack – Duke Racing Wheels (XC carbon wheels, 1200g a pair)
• Son 28 dynamo hub
• Ergo grips and aero bars
• Maxxis Ardent Race and Ikon 2,2 tires

Packs: Backcountry Series by Apidura

• Apidura 11L handlebar pack (clothes)
• Apidura 2x 1.2L feed pouches, 1L top-tube feed bag, 1L rear top-tube pack for accessories
• Apidura 4L frame pack with a hydration bladder (food & water)
• Apidura 1.8L down-tube pack (tools and pharmacy)
• Apidura 10L saddle pack (sleep system)
• possibly a hip pack or hydration vest… TBD
• 7mesh cargo bib (pad removed) paired with 7mesh Foundation Shorts
• 7mesh Hollyburn light thermal pants
• 7mesh Chico Anorak pull-over
• 7mesh merino buff
• 7mesh Skypilot Gore-tex rain jacket
• MEC 800-down jacket
• Mountain Hardwear 800-down pants
• MEC rain pants cover
• Showerpass waterproof gloves and socks (available at MEC)
• Defeet merino gloves

Sleep System :

• MEC Talon 0 degree C 800-down quilt
• MEC Vectair Ultralight insulated air mat
• Mountain Laurel Designs FKT bivy
• Warmlite Gear Vapor barrier long-sleeve jersey
• Warmlite Gear Vapor Barrier socks

Electronics :

• Garmin 540 Solar for navigation (MEC)
• Garmin inReach satellite tracking (MEC)
• GoPro Mini 11 for self-documenting the race
• iPhone and AirPods
• Sinewave Cycle Beacon2 headlight (dynamo powered)
• 1x 5,000 mpa power bank, 1x 10,000 mpa power bank, fast-charging wall charger, and cables
• Black Diamond headlight (MEC)
• Set of rear lights (MEC)

Tools, toiletry, and other items :

• Sunscreen (lots of sunscreens)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Laundry handwash soap
• Eye mask, ear plugs
• ibuprofen, allergy med
• Caffeine, melatonin
• BeFree water filter and water purifying tablets
• Muc-Off Hydro chain lube with a rag
• Hand pump, tire plugs and sealant
• Multi-tools with chain breaker
• Spare derailer hanger, spare brake pads, chain links
• Patch repair kit
• Protein powder, BCAAs, Greens powder

Thank you to my sponsors for gearing me up with the best. Find this gear online: MEC outdoor gear , 7mesh cycling apparel , Apidura bikepacking bags , Duke Racing Wheels , Warmlite Gear vapor barrier gear .

Live-Tracking – From June 9th, 2023

We will depart from Banff (AB) on June 9th, 2023. You can follow the race live via satellite tracking here .

Even though I will try to film as much as possible, I will not be posting a lot on social media during the race (because it’s a race!) and there isn’t much service between towns. If you do follow my progress, I will love to read your messages of encouragement!

You can find me on instagram at @msoleilblais74 and you can subscribe to my Youtube Channel to be notified when my Tour Divide film is up!

But why in the hell would someone want to race this?

I have long asked myself this question. What is my motivation, why do I want to race the Tour Divide and put all of the efforts behind such a big commitment? Multiple answers come to my mind.

First, it’s the curiosity, the need to push the limits and see how far I can go. I see this as a continuation of my fascination for the power of the mind and playing with the concept of removing references. To see what I could do if I go into something where I have no references at all. Can I carry my time trial state of mind over 4,300km ? How resilient am I?

Second, it’s the transformation. Endurance has never been something I particularly excel at naturally. I had a strong anaerobic profile as a pro cyclist but that is quite useless over a long distance. I think you never become ready for the biggest race of your life, just like you don’t do a marathon before your first marathon. You “become” someone who is capable of doing it, by doing it. I want to become the person at the finish line who was able to race that distance and push her limits to a new level. No matter what happens, I will come out of this test stronger and more resilient.

Lastly, I want to live the experience. The experience of racing my bike all day, all night. Riding as far as I can, every day, with nothing else on my mind than going further. I quite enjoy the solitude of riding long distances in remote areas, and I look forward to re-discovering the magnificent, yet challenging course that is the Tour Divide.

Stay tuned, peace out

Full heart, fullgas

Marie-Soleil Blais

Bike Racer & Adventurer

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For more information on the Tour Divide visit our TD Resource page . »

Deciding to do the Tour Divide comes with a lot of questions and concerns.  I can tell you they’re not as scary as they seem. If you start with a plan and break down the process your worries will change into confidence. Your biggest issue is finding the proper information.

This page is meant to be a simple overview of the Tour Divide.  During my own Tour Divide I realized there was a need for a guide covering the route just for bikepackers. This page is broken down into simple sections so you can easily get a feel for the route.  It’s also part of a larger all inclusive guide, so you can focus on riding your bike instead of searching the internet for hours on end.

Where do you start?  This Tour Divide Guide is a great starting point but if you want to know more, checkout the “TD Resources” button below.  You’ll find information on resupply, transportation, gear and more.

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Tour Divide Rider Survey

The Project conducts an ongoing rider survey to help new riders try to figure out what gear to use on the Tour Divide. Undertaking a ride/adventure like can be very intimidating and the planning can be overwhelming. It’s our hope this survey will help new riders with their planning and execution of their Tour Divide ride, as well as help ensure riders are more properly prepared for their adventure.

If you haven’t taken the Tour Divide Rider Survey yet and would like to you can at the links below.

***Please pay attention to the examples for the questions where you have to type in your answer. If answers are not entered EXACTLY like the example I have to go in and correct them and it also throws off the results. Thanks in advance!

Covers: bikes, suspension, tires & wheels, drivetrain, and Components.

Covers: navigation planning, camping, logistic/travel, clothes, and more.

2745 Miles (4418km)

DIFFICULTY (1-10)

Elevation gain.

200,000 Feet (60,960m)

HIGHEST POINT

11,913 Feet (3631m)

TIME REQUIRED

% singletrack, time of year.

June to October

2nd Friday of June

Closest Towns to Start/Finish

Banff, AB and Lordsburg, NM

Race Record

Male Mike Hall (2016) 13:22:51 Female Lael Wilcox (2015) 15:10:59

The Tour Divide is an 2745 mile route that stretches from Banff, AB to Antelope Wells, NM.  The route is roughly 70% off road, consisting of gravel roads, jeep track, and a very small percentage of single track.  Traveling through the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and the states of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, the trails covers a wide range of landscapes.

The route is based off the GDMBR* (Great Divide Mountain Bike Route) from the Adventure Cycling Association , and took four years to map and was released by  in 1998.  The first ITT of the route was in 2005, while the first Grand Depart was in 2008 (usually held on the second Friday in June).  Only a handful of riders attended the first Grand Depart but today close to 200 brave men and women toe the line to test themselves against each other, the route, Mother Nature and most importantly, themselves.

Starting in Banff, AB the Tour Divide winds its way through the Canadian Rockies along glacial rivers and grizzly country.  As it travels south the route samples many different types of landscape.  In Montana and Colorado you’ll experience mountain wilderness, Idaho and Wyoming offer up grasslands and endless rolling hills, while New Mexico and southern Colorado have high desert.  Near the border you are treated one last time with time spent in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Don’t let the fact that the route is mostly dirt roads and lacks technical single track fool you. The attrition rate is 60%.  Exhaustion, hypothermia, boredom, and mechanicals are common place on this, the longest bikepacking route in the world.

*The Project doesn’t have a separate resource for the GDMBR but we do off planning aids. You can find them here .

Elevation profiles provided by John Schilling.  Support John’s effort by purchasing prints, sticks and mugs of these profiles.

2024 TOUR DIVIDE COUNT DOWN

June 14, 2024

TOUR DIVIDE RACING

TOUR DIVIDE 

The Tour Divide is not an sanctioned or organized race in any way. Consequently it’s regarded as large group ride that follows a fixed route, a set time, a set of simple rules and that’s all. Those who partake should understand this and obey the gentleman’s agreement to “race” fairly and follow the rules. There are no checkpoints, race organizers, aid stations or aid of any kind. You’re solely responsible for your own welfare.

The TD starts in the Banff on the 2nd Friday of June. The start is now broken down in waves to help not over crowd the local trail system in Banff. There is usually a neutral roll out and the racing starts when you hit the dirt road just south of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Suggested Start Date:

2nd Friday of June  (staggered start)

Registration:

Send a letter of intent after winter solstice to [email protected].

Bikepack racing is generally not organized, no entry fees are collected or prizes given out, but there are a general set of guidelines all bikepacking races follow. As a result the rules are designed to create a level playing field for all who decide to participate.

*Note these rules are the general rules for bikepack racing and each event may have their own specific rules and they also change from time to time. With that said it’s important you read and understand the official rules which can be found at the link below.

1. Racers must completely cover the route under their own power.

2. No outside support is allowed.

3. Food/supply caching on the trail is not allowed ahead of time (but one can ship items to a Post Office).

4. Motorized transportation or hitch-hiking, EXCEPT for travel to hospital/medical care, is NOT allowed at anytime.

The following are allowed, but not encouraged. Please use sparingly.

5. Unintended assistance from fellow racers is ACCEPTABLE.

6. Trail magic is OK – but please, no begging or fishing (hinting).

7. Mailing resupplies to Post Offices is ACCEPTABLE.

For full rules visit TourDivide.org .

No entry fee, no prizes, absolutely no support 

IMPORTANT RACE INFORMATION

Registration: Send letters of intent after the winter solstice to [email protected].

The GPX file can be found TopoFusion.com , and usually is updated about a week before the start.

In-Race Updates called “Rained Out” are used to update racers of any route changes/detours. Links will be emailed to you (via text message or email for non-US phones).

A Bear Spray discount (15%) is usually arranged in the months leading up to the start. Keep a watch on the Facebook pages for details.

Salsa stem caps are usually available at the start in Banff.  You can get yourself a free piece of pie when you get to Pie Town, NM.

SPOT TRACKING 

Racers and those touring the Tour Divide are encouraged to carry a Spot tracker, though they are not mandatory.  Due to the remoteness and sheer difficulty of the trail I personal believe you’d be crazy not to.  Racers can sign up at Trackleaders.com one month before the race if they choose to.

You can rent a Spot from Trackleaders.com around one month before the start of the race (You’ll receive information to your email you used when signing up).  Check Trackleaders or Bikepacking.net forums for information at that time.

SUPPORT THE ACA 

The Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) has no ties to the race but they did build the route, have created amazing maps and their a great resource .  It’s because of them we have this amazing route to race/ride.  Please consider joining the ACA.  Membership is only $45 and as a member you get all kinds of discounts and other perks, most noteworthy a discount on maps.

Tour Divide Planning Aids

Being that I’m also a Triple Crown thru-hiker I’m used to quality planning tools. After finishing the Bikepacking Triple Crown I realized bikepacking didn’t have quality planning tools available. The Project’s Planning Aids and Resources are our answer to this.

After 100’s of hours of research, 1000’s of keystrokes, more emails and phone calls than I can recall the One of Seven Project’s Tour Divide Planning Aids are done. They’re the ultimate planning resources for the Tour Divide. They contain everything you need to plan and execute your ride/ride of the Tour Divide and most of the GDMBR. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in these then it’s probably in our Tour Divide Resources .

Craig, I wanted to let you know that your bikepacking guides are incredibly well done and useful.

Small Bundles:

Big bundles:.

One package including our two most popular planning aids:

One package with all our planning aids:

• Mileage Chart
• Elevation Gain Chart

Available in both SOBO and NOBO versions and US Standard and Metric units.

Small Bundle – $40.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $10 when you bundle!

Big Bundle – $60.00 + tax (CO only) *You save $20 when you bundle!

Data Sheets and Town Lists

Data sheets:, town lists:.

The NOBO Data Sheets are ONLY available as part of the Small or Big Bundles.

All versions of the Town Lists are ONLY available as part of the Small or Big Bundles.

• Elevation / Pop of POI.
• Mileage numbers.
• Distance to next.
• Elevation +/-.
• Max & Min. elevation between POI.
• Pavement sections.
• Key water sources.
• Shows bike shops.
• Resupply options.
• Important notes.
• Elevation profile.
• Finish Target Times.
• Distance on/off trail.
• Important notes about POI.
• Cumulative distances to up coming POI.
• Elevation Gain to reach up coming POI.
• Finish Target Times added.

The SOBO Data Sheets are available in BOTH US Standard and Metric units.

Data Sheet – $25 + Tax (CO only)

Example of Data Sheet

Example of Town List

DATA SHEET and TOWN LIST DIFFERENCES

The Data Sheet has the most info. It gives the distance, elevation +/-, average grade, maximum and minimum elevations, pavement sections, references ACA maps, bike shops, resupply options, and has key notes between two POI. Example: A and B, then B to C, and so on.

The Town List gives cumulative distances between POI. Example: A to B, A to C, A to D. The next section would be B to C, B to D, B to E, and so on. The Town List has distance, elevation +/-, resupply options, bike shops and key notes.

The Town List helps with not having to do the math to figure out how far away things are if they’re not the next POI.

Mileage Charts and Elevation Gain Charts

Mileage charts:, elevation gain charts:.

Quickly find the total mileage between any two POI along the route.

• Works for both directions.

Quickly find the total elevation gain between any two POI along the route.

• Easy to read format.

The Mileage and Elevation Gain Charts are ONLY available as part of the Big Bundle.

GDMBR / ACA ROUTE

GDMBR Data Sheets have all the same data categories as the Tour Divide planning aids, as seen in the examples above but are for the GDMBR from the ACA.

GDMBR Bundles have all the same data categories as the Tour Divide planning aids, as seen in the examples above but are for the GDMBR from the ACA.

Available in both SOBO and NOBO versions and in US Standard and Metric units.

Data Sheet – $25 + tax (CO only)

• The diversity of the route has to be one of the biggest highlights of them all.  From the Canadian Rockies, to the Great Basin, to the Rocky Mountains, and finally the deserts of New Mexico you see it all.
• The support from the communities you go through is pretty amazing.  Don’t pass up on their hospitality and remember to be polite.
• Some of the top highlights have to be the Flathead Valley in Alberta, Grand Teton National Park and the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming, Boreas and Indiana Pass (the routes highest point at 11,913′) in Colorado, Polvadera Mesa, and the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico.
• The long days and hours in the saddle can get boring.  As a result they will test you both mentally and physically.  Be ready to be inside your head a lot.
• Limiting your time in town gets harder as you move further along the route.  Fighting that voice that say’s “Just one more soda!” or “Just a few more minutes rest.”, can be hard to silence.
• The weather is unpredictable due to the route’s nature.  Be ready for all types of weather from rain, snow, hail, wind, lightening and heat.
• There are some segments between towns that are longer than most but none are unmanageable if you have the right bag set up.
• The only two places where water was an issue was the Great Basin and Beaverhead area in NM.
• Camping along the Tour Divide is not hard to find.  There are plenty of primitive and developed options for camping, hotels, or lodges on the route.
• There are no areas that require special permits but do be careful to respect no trespassing signs along the route.
• Those touring want to checkout Warmshowers.com .

DANGERS & PITFALLS 

• Extreme weather.
• Bears (Grizzly and Black)
• Remoteness of route.
• Lack of water.
• Strenuous terrain.
• Costs can add up.
• Hypothermia
• Riding on roads at night.
• Mental & physical fatigue.
• International border crossing.

PHOTOS OF THE TOUR DIVIDE

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• BIKEPACKING.NET
• BIKEPACKING.COM
• TOURDIVIDE.ORG
• TRACKLEADERS.COM
• BIKEPACKING.NET FORUM
• FACEBOOK GROUP – Gear, Advice, Tips, Pics, Chat, Training
• FACEBOOK GROUP – 2024 Tour Divide Training & Preparation
• FACEBOOK GROUP – Crazy Larry’s Questions and Answers Session
• FACEBOOK GROUP – Great Divide Mountain Bike Route – Trail Info & Rider Stories
• MTBCAST.COM

MAPS / BOOKS / APPS 

• ACA Maps (These maps differ slightly from the official race route, follow your GPS)
• Temporary Closures
• Book – Just Ride
• Book – Cycling the Great Divide
• Book – A Dream Worth Living
• Video – Ride the Divide
• Book – Eat, Sleep, Ride
• Book – Dividing the Great

More Helpful TD Resources

Everything you need to plan a bikepacking trip on the Tour Divide.

Slide Title

Tour divide guide bikepacking.

Your ultimate bikepacking guide to the Tour Divide.

MY PROVEN GEAR LISTS FROM THE TRIPLE CROWN

Tour divide.

A detailed look at what I used on the Tour Divide, what worked and what didn’t.

“ IF I RODE… ” SERIES

In depth look at what I would bring for gear and why, if I rode the Tour Divide again.

Gear Review - If I Rode The Tour Divide Again

Tour Divide Planning Guide

Tour Divide Transportation Guide

Tour Divide Resupply Guide

Tour Divide Rider Survey Results

Checkout our bikepacking resource page for more planning help., checkout all our guides.

Support the Project

Simply clicking on the links below with our affiliates supports the Project.

Or checkout our Deals page to save big!

Our Thoughts on Getting Outside

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Tour divide 2024.

Banff, Canada

Running from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells on the US-Mexican border, the Tour Divide is for many the halo event of Bikepack Ultraracing. There are both Southbound and Northbound riders racing self-supported along the ACA's Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, always with a few weather re-routes to spice it up.

24:00, 14 June, 2024

Distance — Elevation

4,400km — 60,000m

www.dividerace.com/home

Last Year's Female Winner

Lael Wilcox

Last Year's Male Winner

Ulrich Bartholmoes

Tracking Tips

As the race commences, the key events and happenings will be tagged here.

Leaderboard

Once riders are on the ground we'll be able to provide a live leaderboard here.

Events Feed

This race is yet to start. When the riders set off, we'll provide detailed updates from the ground. Our expert commentators will provide written and photo commentary to better understand what is happening on the map. In the meantime, take a look at the route in the tracking panel and learn more about racing from our features and results . If you'd like to commentate for this race, please email [email protected]