Looking back at the past seven years of our annual Rigs of the Tour Divide roundups, various trends and patterns emerge. In 2018 and 2019, Lauf’s leaf-sprung suspension forks were all the rage, but they aren’t as popular these days. For a long time, drop-bar bikes seemed like the go-to choice, but in recent years, flat-bar bikes have taken the lead. The fastest riders have a huge influence on the gear people choose to rely on for such a massive route. It’s only natural that others take cues from veteran riders when deciding on their bike setup, bags, and gear for the 2,700-mile journey.

Although the Tour Divide is much more than choosing the perfect bike setup, I’m always honored to celebrate everyone’s bike, bags, and gear choices. It’s clear there’s no perfect setup for the Tour Divide, and I challenge readers to look over the rigs with curiosity rather than criticism. There’s something to be learned from everyone lining up at the grand depart, whether they are racing or taking a more laid-back approach. In the end, they’re the ones who have sacrificed time away from work and family for a chance to tackle what is arguably the most iconic bikepacking event in history. Here’s to everyone who is lining up in Banff, Alberta, for this year’s Tour Divide.

With well over 150 submissions, split the rigs into two parts again this year—flat-bar and drop-bar bikes—to make them more manageable to scroll through. Scroll down for a look at all of the flat-bar bikes we received, and be sure to keep an eye on the site tomorrow for our gallery of 60+ drop-bar rigs. As always, we’ve included bike, bag, and gear highlights, as well as everyone’s GPS/navigation device. When the event starts on Friday morning, you can also follow along live over on our 2026 Tour Divide Tracker, where we’ll be sharing detailed updates and photos from the event in the weeks ahead.

Chris Allen

Age 67 / Nelson, South Island (New Zealand)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2017 Santa Cruz Tallboy CC that’s as battered and rebuilt as the rider. It has Fox front and rear suspension, Shimano XT brakes, a 12-speed SRAM drivetrain, Specialized Power Pro Mirror saddle, and Profile Design aerobars. The tires are a 2.25″ Vittoria Mezcal and a 2.25″ Specialized Fasttrak.
BAGS: This is mostly an Aeroe system with two 12-liter bags and an 8-liter one with room on the back for further wet-gear storage. This system lets me use my rear suspension and dropper post and has proved very well-balanced and stable on downhill singletracks. The smaller bags are just cobbled together from old gear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m trying to keep as comfortable as possible with an MSR Hubba Hubba tent, Vaude sleeping mat, a Big Agnes sleeping bag that would get me through the next ice-age, and lots of merino.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Coros Dura.

Chad Ament

Age 39 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic XL.
BAGS: Mix of JPaks, Oveja Negra, Revelate, and a last minute Blackburn addition to carry nosebleed supples.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 25 day supply of Bupropion XL 300mg. Audio downloads of Infinite Jest, dozens of Jazz albums, and the entire Between the Buried and Me discography. A healthy supply of Nampons, which are basically a tampon for nosebleeds covered in coagulant. Waterproof socks. Nikon X100F. Goodday Spacer Cradle. A bandana I bought yesterday at Oveja Negra in Salida, which is the single coolest store in America.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, Pixel 5a5g.

Glen Archer

Age 58 / Mermaid Beach, Queensland (Australia)

BIKE: I’m riding a Specialized Chisel Hardtail, with Enve carbon forks, SRAM GX electronic gears, 4iiii Power Meter, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires and DT Swiss XMC 1501 Carbon rims.
BAGS: I love my Ortleib bags. They cope well when the going gets tough! I have the Handlebar Pack 9L, Zip Top Tube Pack 3L, Fuel Pack 1L, Seat Pack 16L, and a Sea to Summit compression dry bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My credit card! I’ve invested in Ground Effect (NZ) wet weather gear and a new Garmin 1040 computer and looking forward to using the app Bike Pack Pro, which was created by a TD rider (Matthew Trainor) and allows route planning, provisioning and quick decision making while racing.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040, Garmin inReach Mini, and Apple iPhone 16 Pro (with these key Apps loaded, Ride with GPS and Bike Pack Pro).

Gyorgy Ari

Age 49 / Aiken, South Carolina (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2017 Soma Juice. I will have Continental Cross King 2.3″ tires, laced to WTB i25 rims. I am single speeding this year using a 32x18T all steel drivetrain. SP PD8x dynamo, and a Kasai TR dynamo light will provide the necessary light and charging for all electronics. Rockshox Sid fork, PNW dropper post and Profile Design Aero-Bars will provide some measure of comfort on rough terrain.
BAGS: Other than a Sea to Summit dry bag, all my bags are made by me at BikeAri Bikepacking.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I dropped out of the TD in 2024 because of knee problems, so I designed and made my frame and top tube bag narrower so it puts the least amount of stress on my knees. Single speed and shorter cranks also seem to help.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be navigating with Wahoo Roam (v1), and will use my phone and a Suunto watch for backup.

Jeff Bardsley

Age 33 / Spearfish, South Dakota (USA)

BIKE: This War pony of mine is a Surly Karate Monkey, fittingly in lost at sea blue. 29” wheels running 2.4″ Maxxis ikon tires. Carbon in back alloy up front. Elected for SRAM AXS for the blips on aero. 1×12, 10-52T with 34T chainring.
BAGS: JPak’s Farva, Salsa framebag, Mountain Laurel Designs top rack bag, Revelate designs portage, OMM Elkhorn, My girlfriend’s feed bag, thanks babe!
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Found this awesome vintage Pedal Power water bottle trail side, S/O to whoever lost it on The Dakota 5-0 last year. Salomon ADV 12 skin hydration vest, this thing is like Hermione Granger’s bag; endless storage of food! Of course, this steel war pony.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, Gaia.

Nic Birs

Age 54 / Nelson (New Zealand)

BIKE: I’m riding a 2020 pipedream ALICE Wonderland Blue, rolling on Vittoria Mezcal tires, DT Swiss hoops, Son Dynamo hub, running front light and charging station, SLX 1×12 drivetrain with a 34T chainring, Nitto-Bullmoose handlebar.
BAGS: Apidura handlebar bag, frame bag, saddle bag, and top tube bag.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 530 for navigation.

Cruz Blue

Age 17 / Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Ibis Dv9, with Aerobars, Eagle 90 Transmission 32T chainring. G2 brakes, with Level bronze master cylinders. Custom made light mounts (by yours truly). Ibis lizard skin grips, cause they’re the best.
BAGS: I have a Rogue Panda top tube bag, feed bag, frame bag, tail bag, and aero bar bag. With Wolf Tooth cages, and a Mica Rat Tail rack. 1.5L bottle on downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Running pack from my old engineering teacher, Aero socks (if you know you know), Custom designed light mounts.
GPS DEVICE: I will be using the Garmin Edge 830.

Carley Boyce

Age 43 / Bend, Oregon (USA)

BIKE: My titanium steed is a 2022 WhyCycle/Revel El Jefe for the 2026 Tour Divide rolling on a crisp set of 29 x 2.25″ Vittoria Mezcal tires that will be churning up the trail.
BAGS: A custom frame bag from Dispersed Bikepacking is the cornerstone of my bag setup, followed by two 20L bright yellow panniers from Ortlieb attached to my tried and true Old Man Mountain bike rack. Sitting atop my rear rack is a 35L Sea to Summit dry bag, which I’ve fondly nicknamed “The Big Kahuna”. Cockpit bags include a 9L Manzanita Top Load Bag from Old Man Mountain, two feed bags from Revelate Designs, and a 1.5L Top Tube Zip Bag from Tailfin. A 1.7L Downtube Pack from Tailfin completes the setup.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep kit includes a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 tent, a Sea to Summit Women’s Etherlight XT air mattress, 2 sleeping quilts from Enlightened Equipment (a 20 degree down & a 40 degree synthetic), a lightweight bivy from Katabatic Gear, and a Sea to Summit pillow. Favorite pieces of gear in my kit are my Flextail Zero Pump USB-powered air mattress inflator, my foldable Click-Stand for getting all the good bike photos, and my Old Man Mountain Sherpa rear bike rack, which has carried my gear across many miles since 2021.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Coros Dura to navigate and will also have the route loaded onto the RWGPS app on my iPhone as a backup.

Craig Boydell

Age 54 / Vail, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: Riding my trusty 2014 Specialized S-Works Epic with stock 100mm SID Brain fork. Profile Designs aero-bars with 70mm risers attached to Salsa Rustler alloy bars. Ergon GA3 grips with Cane Creek bar ends complete the cockpit. Shimano XTR 2×10 drivetrain (38/24T front x 11-36T). Specialized Renegade Control 2.2″ front and rear on 36 spoke Roval Control alloy wheelset. Crank Brothers Mallett Enduro pedals.
BAGS: Total hodgepodge. Revelate Joey. Three different feedbags. Blackburn Elite Saddle bag. I made the frame bag myself. Front roll is secured with two Voile straps to the aero-bars and one of those cheap accessory bars protecting the cables/hoses. Works awesome.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1. Neve Gear Waratah quilt. Big Agnes Zoom UL mattress. The real highlight is the Terry Liberator Y Elite saddle that despite being heavy and ugly, makes my sit bones happier than they’ve ever been.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 540 with Google Pixel 10 for backup. SPOT Gen 3 tracker.

Richard Brown

Age 41 / Durango, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be rolling into the 2026 Tour Divide aboard a Santa Cruz Chameleon—or, as I accidentally identified it at least once, a “Santa Cruz Cham-a-Lee-on,” pronounced with enough French confidence that only my wife and kids questioned me with uncontrollable laughter. Like my spelling and grammar, I’m keeping my rig simple and phonetically laid out: a Fox Rhythm fork up front to take the sting out of the endless washboard, paired with 2.25” Vittoria Mezcals chosen for their ability to disappear beneath me for days at a time while quietly eating miles, as I eat my way through a 2700-mile gas station buffet. No experimental tire choices, no mysterious drivetrain combinations—just proven gear and a southern route toward Mexico.
BAGS: With a mostly homemade collection, the centerpiece was originally designed to stop a spinning chainsaw from turning your day pear-shaped, perfectly qualified to survive weeks of mud, rain, dust, and gas station parking lots. The rest of the luggage is a collection of 1990’s fire pack pockets, a couple of Jordan’s Shit Bags, and a birthday present to my wife that will spend enough time on my seat post for her to question my original motives.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Thanks to Ryan for the aero bars, Artec for the batteries, Southwest Conservation Corps for the chaps, and Durango Outdoor Exchange for the sleeping bag from your free bin by the front door.
GPS DEVICE: Good judgment is the result of experience, and experience is the result of bad judgment.

Christoph Burkhardt

Age 65 / Gottingen (Germany)

BIKE: I’m riding the Tour Divide 26 on a 2021 Velotraum Finder equipped with Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tires, carbon rims (Spyr Cycles), a SON dynamo, a C1.12 Pinion gear system paired with a belt drive, and mechanical Paul Klamper brakes. The handlebars are straight and feature Syntace C3 aero bars. The saddle is a Brooks Swift with a titanium frame.
BAGS: The bag setup consists of a fairly small frame bag (frame size S), a saddle bag, and two fork bags (one-of-a-kind Ortlieb bags from 2015), two feed bags (one reserved as a seat for my personal companion), a handlebar roll (all Ortlieb so far), and two top tube bags (Revelate). Water supply: 2 x 1-liter bottles on the fork and 2 liters in the trail backpack (Salomon).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m especially curious to see how the power supply via SON Ladelux performs. A Spot Gen3 ensures connectivity to the outside world.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying a Garmin eTrex 30e and an iPhone using Komoot for navigation.

Jackie Chasteen

Age 44 / Bentonville, Arkansas (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2024 Specialized Epic hardtail mountain bike. I’m running Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge 2.25″ tires, with a 10-52T cassette and 30T chainring. The front wheel is a DT Swiss laced with a SON Dynamo hub and for the rear we’re keeping it light with a Zipp hightop SW. Cockpit I have mounted a pair of Profile Design aero bars raised up with a Fred Bar for less bending on the back. Fork is a Fox 32 step-cast with 110m travel.
BAGS: Front cradle mount is from Rockgeist with a Revelate handlebar roll. I am also using the Revelate Jerry Can for my tools, and their Mag-Tank top tube bag for my charging station. Seat pack is from Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit ultralight Insulated pad and their 30 degree Spark ultralight bag. Tent is the Solo Plex from Zpacks.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura for navigation.

Eric Chin

Age 27 / Arlington, Massachusetts (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a semi-custom Seven 2730f. The drivetrain consists of a SRAM XO1 derailleur, 160mm White Industries crankset, a 32T Wolf Tooth chainring, and Wolf Tooth Waveform flat pedals. Braking is achieved with Paul Klampers and some gold anodized Paul brake levers. Wheels are Velocity Blunt rims laced to a Bitex hub in the rear and a Shutter Precision dynamo in the front. The dynamo hub is paired with a Sinewave Cycles Beacon 2 for lighting/charging. Handlebars are the Jones non-loop bars.
BAGS: I made all of my bags for this setup. The on-bike storage consists of a bolt on frame bag, a bag holster under the aero bars, two roll top bags in cargo cages on the fork, a bag strapped to a home-made rack in the back, and two feed bags for quick access things. I also plan to use a vest style backpack for extra food/water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will be carrying my home-made pyramid tarp and bivy for shelter. I impulse bought a merino wool jersey from Pinebury, and I’m excited for that to be slightly less gross than a synthetic jersey at the end.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 Solar, might bring a Garmin Fenix 6s watch as backup.

James Cummings

Age 52 / Madison, Connecticut (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding, not racing (touring), the Tour Divide on a Solace Cycles OM-2P. The bike is set up with a 2.6″ Maxxis Rekon up front, a 2.2″ Continental Race King in the rear, a Pinion C1.12 gearbox, Profile Design Aero Bars, SON dynamo hub and flat pedals.
BAGS: My setup includes a mix of bags: a Rockgeist frame bag with a 3L Apidura frame bladder, a Tailfin CargoPack with 10L mini-panniers at the back, and a front-end setup built around a Rogue Panda Blue Ridge handlebar harness, Revelate Designs and Walmart dry bags, Blackburn top tube bag alongside two Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbags and a Quadlock phone mount round out the cockpit. Two 1L M!GO bottles will be mounted to the fork legs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system includes a Durston X-Dome 1+ tent, a Katabatic Gear 30-degree quilt, and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping pad.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation will be on a Garmin Edge 830, with an iPhone as backup, paper maps and a compass as the backup to the backup.

Sara Dadizadeh

Age 41 / Seattle, Washington (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing on my new Ibis DV9 and extremely stoked to have suspension this second time around. Riding on 2.4″ Mezcals, a 1×12 drivetrain with 30T up front. Added a fork bag on one side with extra gloves and waterproof socks to survive the increasingly probable snowy start, which I’ll send back once I’m through Montana and replace with more water carry.
BAGS: Acquired a sewing machine just so I could make this custom framebag, using the tutorial from BIKEPACKING.com (thanks Logan!) and Tailfin in the rear. Revelate downtube bag for my heavy items, repair kit and tools. Cockpit is simple with just three stem bags and nothing else on the bars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Trying out a new spark 30F sleeping bag which packs down crazy small but 50/50 if I shiver to death in it. Also a new Hyperlite Mid 1 tent which is a one-person but could easily fit two of me inside.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540, RWGPS, and Gaia for backup navs.

Laurens ten Dam

Age 45 / Oudorp (The Netherlands)

BIKE: Specialized Epic 9 S-Works. Full Suspension. XTR enduro wheels. Clip-ons from Pro. Saddle pro 3d printed. Tires air track specialized. In contrary to the picture, underneath the aerobars I mounted an Tailfin aeropack just before leaving for Canada.
BAGS: Tailfin. Rear cargo. Long top tube and aero pack. 4 bottles to carry water. No backpack unless long stretches where I wear one of those tiny foldable ones.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Full sleep setup. Mattress sleeping bag and emergency bivy. I can sleep anywhere which makes me way more flexible than two years ago.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam 3. Back up is a Wahoo Roam 3.

Mojo (Ian) Davidson

Age 45 / New Zealand

BIKE: 2023 Canyon Exceed CF7, I will be rolling on a set of Teravail Cannonball tyres 1×12 Shimano XT drivetrain with a 36T chainring. Flat bars with a suspension fork and Shimano XT brakes. I will also be running a SP Dynamo hub and Sinewave Light/Charger.
BAGS: All Revelate Designs bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: After much deliberation, I made the splash and fitted a Redshift suspension seat post, it has been a game changer for comfort!
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, with Ride with GPS on phone, and Garmin Fenix 7 solar for emergency nav.

Curtis Dechant

Age 54 / Tucson, Arizona (USA)

BIKE: 2023 Specialized S-Works Epic Worldcup. I will be running Specialized Renegade 2.2″ tires (not pictured). The bike has a 1X12 drivetrain with Transmission and SRAM E-shifters. It is modified with aerobars, including the Blips shifters. After testing numerous saddles, I ended up going with the Selle Italia Novus Boost. Pedals will be Shimano combo SPD/flats.
BAGS: Custom Rogue Panda frame bag, Blackburn seat pack with detachable bag, 2 Rogue Panda handlebar bags, and a Revelate Joey downtube bag and top tube bag. A Sea To Summit dry bag will hold my tent and sleeping gear strapped to the handlebar, and a second small 5L dry bag will ride on top of the seat pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes 1 person tent, Sea to Summit Ether Light XR mattress, Sea to Summit Pillow, and Quilt (company in Australia). 2 large sized water bottles mounted on front fork, one handlebar bag will hold a water bottle, and will be carrying backpack for additional water.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using a Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3 for navigation and will have a SPOT Gen4 tracking device.

Cyrus Desmarais

Age 34 / Wenatchee, Washington (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding on a Binary Havok Ti. Being 6’5”, I’ve gone for a rig with components that strike a balance between light and comfortable. I’m running a carbon wheelset, seatpost and handlebar. Components designed for comfort include 2.4” Mezcals, RockShox 35mm with 100mm travel, and SQlabs innerbarends. SRAM Gx AXS groupset with 34T chainring. Profile Designs aero bars.
BAGS: Revelate wedge frame bag, feed bags, Jpacks top tube bag for snacks, Tailfin rack with the sleep kit and clothes. Old water bottle on the downtube as a repair kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Rather than bring a set of thick gloves, I’ve gone for a pair of UL homemade pogies. 4L water carrying capacity between bottles and hydration vest. Two Fenix BC26R lights for night riding.
GPS DEVICE: Psyched on the Coros Dura.

Dave Easley

Age 46 / Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (USA)

BIKE: TI Salsa El Mariachi, singlespeed (32x19T), 2.35” Specialized Ground Control T7, ENVE wheels, RockShox suspension fork, and lighting from a SON dynamo hub, Sinewave Beacon, and an additional helmet light for night-time riding.
BAGS: stem bags by Steady Co., top tube, handlebar roll, and love handles from South City Stichworks, frame bag from Cedaero, Sea to Summit and Specialized dry bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: sleep kit made for zzzzzs (tent, sleeping bag, pad, pillow).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin inReach.

Brian Elander

Age 24 / Moab, Utah (USA)

BIKE: I will be riding a 2017 Scott Scale RC 900 frame with a XX1 (1×12 w/ 34t chainring) AXS drivetrain. I have Hunt Proven wheels with the Dynamo Son 30 front hub wired into kLite lights and USB charging. That wheel is mounted on a 120mm Fox 34 step cast fork. I have Bontrager aero bars with AXS blips for aero shifting, as well as inner bar ends on carbon handlers.
BAGS: Starting at the front of the bike, I have a Revelate Designs pitchfork aero system mounted under my aero bars. I’m using Oveja Negra top tune and frame bags and a Tailfin rear rack. I have bottle cages on the rear rack, top tube, and seat tube. I will not be running a pack of any kind in an effort to avoid fatigue on my body.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have a ultralight Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad paired with a down quilt which will keep me warm til 30°F. I have a space blanket bivy to go around this for additional heat and to protect my sleeping pad.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be riding with a Garmin 840 and a Garmin inReach mini for navigation.

Kevin Emery

Age 55 / Victor, Idaho (USA)

BIKE: Chumba Stella Ti. SRAM XO 12 speed, 34T Wolf Tooth camo oval chainring, 10-52T XO cassette. Industry Nine Trail 270 rims, rear hydra hub and front Son 28 dynamo hub running kLite MTB light.
BAGS: Mix of Rockgeist, Dispersed, and Ride Forward Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Full asleep kit with a 20° Western Mountaineering sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest Neoair xlite short sleeping pad, Sea to Summit pillow, Mountain Laurel Bivy used mostly as a ground cloth and a 1.5 pound single pole pyramid shelter.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying a Coros Dura for navigation and a backup iPhone with Gaia and ride with GPS.

Rachel Fox

Age 40 / Edinburgh (UK)

BIKE: Steel frame Mason Raw hardtail with SID suspension fork and Profile Design T3 aerobars, SRAM AXS drivetrain with a 30T chainring and a 10-52T Eagle cassette. Tyres are 2.25″ Mezcals with trail casing. SON Dynamo hub paired with a Sinewave Beacon 2.0 for lighting and usb charging.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Sweet Roll on the front, Restrap top tube bag paired with Decathalon 520 Double 2L Bike Frame Bag (great for easy access snacks!), OMM Elkhorn rack with drybag on the back and space to strap on some extra water bottles. Frames bag is home made from a pair of old waterproofs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep system consists of a HMG Mid-1 tent, Sea to Summit Spark 1 women’s sleeping bag, Nemo Tensor short sleeping mat, and an inflatable pillow.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840s.

Tanner Frady

Age 35 / Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (USA)

BIKE: Salsa Ti Timberjack. SID Ultimate 120mm fork. Wolf Tooth oval chainring, 32x18T ratio. 2.4″ Maxxis Rekon Race tires. SON 28 with a Sinewave beacon for lighting and charging duty.
BAGS: South City Stitchworks frame bag, full top tube bag, stem bags and handlebar bag. Oveja Negra Gearjammer seat bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 30 degree sleeping bag paired with a Nemo Tensor Elite pad and extra thick wool socks for cold nights. Good sleep is important! DOOM bell always.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ELEMNT Roam V3.

Paula Gibson

Age 59 / Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, North Island (New Zealand)

BIKE: Salsa Fargo Titanium with Carbon front fork, Vittoria Mazcal 2.25″, XT Deore Shimano 2×11, chainring 34/24T, DT Swiss hubs and Rims, Jones bar, Brooks C17.
BAGS: Mix of custom bags made by me, frame bag, under frame tool kit bag, front pocket bag, pannier bags. Tailfin and Revelate Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Fenix BC26R x2, Nitecore Power bank x2 NB 1000 Gen 4. Sea to Summit Flame 3 sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest XLite mat, ZPacks Plexamid tent.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, back-up iPhone.

Kyle Gilbert

Age 30 / Austin, Texas (USA)

BIKE: TI Why Cycles El Jefe with JPaks bags, SON dynamo hub, kLite lighting system, Zipp 3ZERO MOTO wheels, 34T AbsoluteBlack oval chainring, GX T-Type derailleur, and power meter cranks. Everything is serviced by the legend Tim Carr (iykyk). I’m running almost the exact same setup I rode last year, minus the rack. Swapping to a seat pack and leaving a few luxuries at home helped me shave some weight while keeping the reliability that worked so well on my previous Divide.
BAGS: Custom frame, feed, and top tube bags from JPaks (the GOAT), a Revelate Designs seat pack, and a Salomon 12L vest for overflow storage. In an era of racks and harness systems, I’ve gone back to the basics with a seat pack. It’s tried and true, lightweight, waterproof, and simple. I’m excited to run a setup that’s a little lighter than what I’ve used in the past without giving up functionality.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve always been happy with my dynamo hub and kLite system, but I’m probably most excited about the Coros Dura. The battery savings compared to my Hammerhead are night and day. I no longer have to think about charging my head unit twice a day or constantly managing my battery banks. Being able to set it and forget it is a huge advantage on a ride like this.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, with a phone loaded with offline maps as a backup.

Martin Grandiek

Age 57 / Richmond, Tasman (New Zealand)

BIKE: Lynskey Atlas Titanium 2025. Great build and running a 32T chainring, 10-52T. SRAM GX electric shifter, will be running Mezcal 2.25″ tires, DT Swiss rims with 350 hubs front, rear
Brooks saddle c17 front fork rock shock ultimate. Freds Bar this has really helped with my aero bar step up just feels great.
BAGS: Tailfin rear bag, Tailfin front bag holder and Tailfin front suspension bag/water bottle holder. Rear side bags are a Temu special for food. Also have a Tailfin top tube bag. Fernway frame bag with 3 zips and good space; custom-made from Amy at Fernway Fabrications in New Zealand. I like to support local Kiwi businesses, so thanks, Amy.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Yet to be proven, but if they survive, they will be highlights then. I’m running a Glowworm light from New Zealand, another great kiwi business, mounted on Freds Bar. Sleeping in a Big Agnes Copper Spur tent and a Sea to Summit mattress with a Macpac sleeping bag.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar. My backup is Ride with GPS. I may take a Garmin 530 as well.

David Grosshans

Age 49 / Cayman Islands

BIKE: 2025 Falkenjagd Hoplit PI-R German ti-bike with a Pinion Smartshift (12-speed) system. Based on previous years, I’ll also run Vittoria Mezcal 2.4” tires, Mavic 1030 expedition rims with a SON Dynamo hub up front. Profile Designs “aero” bars. Infinity bike seat.
BAGS: A mix of Tailfin and Revelate bags. Lots of space for extra bottles on the forks with the Tailfin fork mounts.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The SON Edelux light/charging system is pretty cool. Most camping gear is new, I will know what my favourite gear is after the journey. Where I live I can’t test that kind of equipment. My trusted and tested Assos knicks, Castelli Gabba/ROS jersey and the merino Smartwool socks will be my important clothing parts.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 solar and a Garmin inReach Mini 2.

Tanja Hacker

Age 45 / Raaba, Styria (Austria)

BIKE: Bike is a Oebea Oiz Pro with SRAM AXS and Shimano brakes. Son Dynamo hub with Sinewave Beacon 2 on Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires. Supernova Airstream as back-up light. Look X- Track Titanium pedals with Shimano SPhere shoes. Just Small Aerorests to get some pressure off my hands at times.
BAGS: Bags Are Cyclite and Wolf Tooth. CamelBak backpack with 2L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: High Alpine Outdoor sleeping kit from Therm-a-Rest good for -6°C for a good rest. Mammut down jacket and Endura Heavy Duty rain pants. I’m also carrying a Lifestraw filter and big med kit and physiotape because of collarbone surgery nine weeks ago
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Ethan Haney

Age 35 / Fraser, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Rookie run grand depart, race pace mid-pack! Custom-painted Niner Sir9 frame, Fox 32 step cast 100mm fork, hand-built wheels with DT Swiss 350 hub and SON Dynamo hub, Sinewave Beacon light, Continental Race King 2.25″ tires, SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain, G2 Ultimate hydraulic brakes, PNW dropper, Ergon SMC Core saddle.
BAGS: San Util Design made in Winter Park, CO by Adam, the brains of the operation! “Life happens in peaks and valleys” Custom areobar harness and drybag for the sleep kit, Jammy Stem Bags for snacks, Fault Line XL top tube bag for snacks, custom frame bag for clothing, gear, and snacks, and Mini Panniers on a Mica Rat Tail rear rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Mountain Laurel bivy ultra-fast sleep kit, the Sinewave Beacon light for keeping my audiobook technology pedal powered, and really stoked on this all-matching set of bomber San Util Design bags.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 540.

Colin Hart

Age 21 / Louisville, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: A brand new Gen2 Trek Supercaliber built with XT/XTR Di2, Hunt Proven XC Wheels and good times. I wouldn’t have been able to pull it together without the help of Louisville Cyclery!
BAGS: Old Man Mountain Elkhorn Rack Atlas pack, Tailfin Top Tube Bag, and a Revelate aero bar bag provided by Matt Thor! What a legend.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My ol’ faithful USWE pack. It’s a trooper.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura backed up by a Coros Apex Pro watch.

Cary Hayes

Age 55 / Niwot, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be tackling the tour divide on my 2025 Chumba Yaupon (Titanium), Fox Kashima 120mm fork, SRAM XO 1×12 Deraileur, SRAM XX 10-52 Cassette. Son Dynanmo hub for power. kLight front light and blinky on the back.
BAGS: Tailfin well represented with Cargopack rear rack system, 2 side 10L mini panniers, long 3L toptube bag, and a 1.7L downtube pack. Dispersed framebag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite gear includes the Infinity seat, and the dynamo hub which has worked flawlessly in training. Bonus points, I managed to get 5 full hand positions between the aerobars, Ergon grips and these cool SQ Lab inner bar ends which give a position between the thumb and rest of your fingers. No numb hands! Also Shimano two-sided pedals with clipless one side and flats on the other to change it up. Vittoria Mezcals. Thanks @ivanogorman in Niwot, CO for the bike help, and the illustrious Jeremy Cooper in Boulder, CO who helped me build! Riding as a fundraiser for Honnold Foundation.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar/Garmin inReach Mini 3/Map backup!

Jacob Henson

Age 22 / Whitefish, Montana (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide this year on a 2019 Santa Cruz Highball. It’s got a rigid Enve Mountain Fork on it. I just put mounted some fresh 2.25” Vittoria Mezcals onto its 26.6mm Velocity Blunt SS rims with a SON Dynamo hub in the front. The drivetrain is a SRAM Eagle 12-speed 10-52T cassette paired with a 34T chainring. I’ll be using aero bars from Profile Designs.
BAGS: I’ve got a frame bag and top tube bags from Rogue Panda. On the back is Tailfin AeroPack rack. Also, I mounted a bottle to the down tube for some more storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using a Therm-a-Rest XLite Sleeping Pad with a down quilt from Western Mountaineering. I’ll also have a Rab Alpine bivy sack for shelter.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Wahoo Elemnt Roam 2 for navigation.

Ramya Iyer

Age 23 / Omaha, Nebraska (USA)

BIKE: I’ve been riding a custom-spec fully rigid mountain bike with a size small steel Velo Orange Piolet frame and a Topeak Explorer Tubular rack on the back. It has already gone 1,000 miles into an ongoing NOBO divide “party pace” tour. Yes, the entire rig is very heavy! But it can also take a beating, and rolls right over the chunky rocky stuff.
BAGS: I am rocking a pair of 20L Ortlieb panniers loaded with food, fuel, electronics, and any fun nonsense I stumble upon on trail. The frame bag is DIY and holds my trail repair, dinner kit, and extra water if I need it. A front roll holds my clothes, sleeping bag, pad and liner, while a dry bag on my rack holds my tent and rain gear. Things are strapped down by Voile straps that were ziptied to my bike where I repeatedly need them (a hack if you are lazy like me!).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: In general, my rig may seem a little “clunky” without all the fancy soft bags, but it has been sturdy and reliable and is also very fast to pack! My trip thus far has taught me to rock what I got. A specific feature of my rig that I love is my DIY front cradle: it is a $6 piece of bent wire that holds a massive handlebar roll in place, keeping it well away from my tire.
GPS DEVICE: I use a Coros Dura and also have GPXViewerPro on my phone.

John King

Age 67 / Waterbury, Vermont (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2016 Scott Scale with Fox 32 100mm fork. Salsa Flat bar with Zipp aero bars with a 25 mm riser and EDS foam grips. Some new Boyd Cycling Trailblazer wheels mounted up with Continental Dubnital 2.2″ tires. Drivetrain is a SRAM 1×12 with 34T chainring, 10-52T cassette, and Shimano XT brakes expertly prepared by Bicycle Express in my home town.
BAGS: Tailfin rear rack with 10L panniers and 20L top bag. Custom Class 4 Designs top tub bag. REI main frame and handle bar bag. I’ll be carrying a water bottle on the aero bar and a 1.5L Camelbak bladder in the frame bag. Additional 4L of bladders in bags. Sawyer filter and Aquatabs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be sleeping in a Big Agnes tent with Kelly 40 degree bag and Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite airpad. Rechargable lights, but I hope to mostly be sleeping when it’s dark! Petzl battery headlamp for camp and back up. JetBoil for hot meals and drinks especially up north, maybe I’ll mail it home as the summer progresses. 30,000 mA of Biolite powerbanks to power electronics.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840 and RWGPS offline maps on my phone as secondary. SPOT Gen 3 for friends and family, survived grizzly attack or the like.

Robert “Hoss” Kleinschmidt

Age 59 / Austin, Texas (USA)

BIKE: I’m racing a modified 2025 Salsa Cutthroat C Apex, built with a focus on durability and field serviceability over the length of the Tour Divide. The drivetrain has been reworked for simplicity and range: a carbon crankset paired with a 32T Absolute Black chainring and a 12-speed eThirteen 9–52T cassette. I chose a mechanical SRAM Eagle derailleur and Avid BB7 brakes to avoid the potential complications of electronic shifting and hydraulic systems in remote conditions. The wheelset was hand-built by Elevation Wheel Co. (Colorado Springs), using an Industry Nine Hydra rear hub and a SON 28 dynamo front hub, laced to Spank rims with steel spokes with brass nipples for long-term reliability. I’m running Tumbleweed Persuader flat bars with a Redshift suspension stem. Up front is a 100mm Fox suspension fork, along with a Fred Bar setup for aero positions on long stretches.
BAGS: A custom Cedero frame bag carries the bulk of my gear. Up front, I’m using a Revelate Designs handlebar harness with a Periphery bag, mounted via a BarYak Expedition SL 2000 system. The rear setup includes an Aeroe rack with a Sea to Summit dry bag. Additional storage includes Revelate Designs feed bags, a Mag Tank 2000, and a Jerry Can for frequently used items. A Tailfin Cargo Cage on the fork carries my insulated layers in another Sea To Summit dry bag. I’m running an Infinity saddle with a 100mm dropper post for comfort across varied terrain.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep kit is centered around reliability and packability with a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack tent. Water capacity is up to 4 liters using a combination of the Tailfin Suspension Fork Mounts for the 3 fork-mounted Lezyne Flow water bottle cages, with 2 additional bottles mounted to the rear rack. Although I won’t be taking it with me, I want to give a shout-out to ALLSTRONGFAB for the excellent rack. It provided a stable platform for testing different gear loadouts and practicing maintenance.
GPS DEVICE: Primary navigation is a Garmin eTrex 31, backed up by a Garmin Edge 1050. A Samsung S25+ runs Gaia GPS for a third navigation option, as well as handling photos and communication. A Garmin inReach Mini 2 provides tracking and satellite messaging.

Dries van der Kleij

Age 45 / Leuven (Belgium)

BIKE: I’m riding my Specialized Epic 8 pro XL, 2025. It’s the original color scheme, and I love it, so I’ve protected the frame with a lot of bike wrap, 34T in front, 10-52T in the back, electronic shifting with blips on the aerobars. The bike listens to the name “Forrest” after Forrest Gump of course, a fearless soul, with always positive attitude, that can run when you tell him to run. It’s a full suspension with 120mm travel.
BAGS: In the front I have three Cyclite bags, aerobar bag, and two food pouches. Three custom frame bags by Bumpak Bags, really love how the designs turned out. Top tube bag is about 4L. Using the Louise dropper post harness. Also proud about having four bottle cages on my frame (all mounted with Tailfin Hydromounts) and a home-made strap to tuck my rain jacket under. I’m keeping my forks free from any weight.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Comfort: I found myself second hand profile design T2+ DL aerobars that allow the armrests to be (far) behind my handlebar. Choose to run the stock flatbar (toughest decision) for safety reasons on more technical sections. Wheels are Lightbicycle AM930S, and running 2.4 inch Dubnitals. Lights: I use my trusted Ravemen PR2400 battery powered light in the front. And finally got all my devices powered by USB-C, which gives more peace of mind. Sleeping: For shelter I go semi-minimalistic, with the MLD Bug bivy (185g) and a gramXpert Solo Tarp (135g), Also have a Balaclava of gramXpert (to survive the snow storms) and a ultralight sleeping bag and down pullover from Cumulus.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, iPhone, and offline maps, as well as some printed maps as backup.

Kai von Krbek

Age 39 / Berlin (Germany)

BIKE: I will be racing the Tour on a Velotraum Finder with a well established Rohloff Speedhub with a 38/16 primary transmission. The bike is a rather heavy aluminium MTB touring setup, adding up to 16kg with the frame-bag and the top-tube bag mounted. I will be running a SON dynohub with a super bright SON Ladelux (includes USB charging). Traction will be provided by a Vittoria Mezcal in 65-584 in the rear and a Continental Dubnital (successor of the RaceKing) in 60-584 at the stern. The stopping power comes from a set of Trickstuff Piccola HD both with 180mm rotors. The handlebar is a custom Schmolke Carbon bar and for other hand positions a Fred-bar mounted Tribar, and a pair of short bar-ends. I retrofitted a Rock-Shox Reba suspension fork with 120mm of travel.
BAGS: Custom Frameback from the Berlin based Gramm Tourpacking, rather recently established by three woman who sow the bags custom sized in Berlin. Cyclite Top-tube bag, the tent is mounted on the handbar and a small hydration pack. A superlight Seatpack with my food from ymount. Tent and sleeping bag are in a big roll on the tribal. I hope it is more aerodynamic than it looks.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Trickstuff brakes, custom framebag, SON Ladelux, Rohloff Speedhub, 3D printed bag stabiliser for the top-tube bag.
GPS DEVICE: A Garmin 1040 solar as a primary navigation device and a mobile phone with OSMAnd as backup.

Daniel Krisher

Age 46 / Bethel, Connecticut (USA)

BIKE: I will be racing (to the best of my ability) on an Esker Japhy Ti, with Berd Hawk30 wheels, I9 hydra hubs, 120mm RockShox Pike fork, and a SRAM Transmission drivetrain. Aerobars and inner bar ends for multiple hand positions. Fizik Antares adaptive saddle (amazing!), and I recently switched to Teravail Swale bars after experiencing some nerve damage in my hands. Vittoria Peyote front, Mezcal rear, both 2.4″.
BAGS: Rogue Panda custom frame bag and Revelate feedbags for food and water, along with a 1.5L Nalgene strapped on the downtube. The rest is mostly Tailfin: bar cage for sleep system, long top tube bag for electronics, cargo pack for everything else.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Minimal sleep system. MLD bivy, Therm-a-Rest mattress, Goosefeet Gear down jacket/pants/booties combined with Alpha Direct and merino active layers is ‘comfortable’ to around 25F. Decided against a dynamo, I have two 10k mAh Nitecore batteries and 2 18650 batteries that double as powerbanks to keep everything running. My lights (Outbound Lighting Detour and Zebralight) and phone will be the largest power consumers by far. A full charge on everything can keep me going for ~4 days pretty easily. I am bringing Fizik Terra X2 Ergolace shoes, the most comfortable cycling shoes I’ve ever worn, and great for hiking up steep hills also.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, RWGPS offline maps on my phone as backup.

Felix Laberge

Age 30 / Montreal, Quebec (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Tour Divide for the second time on my handmade Tulipp hardtail SS mtb (34x18t). The wheels are Stan’s Arch rims on SON28 dynamo and hope pro4 hubs and built by atelier S210. Both wheels on Mezcals 2.25″. The rack is a Mica Rat Tail with king cage Ti cages on each side of it and under the down tube.
BAGS: Frame bags are all Revelate Designs (big zippers, iykyk) and rear bag is a double layer Dispersed repurposed handlebar bag that fits the rack perfectly. Front roll is a slim Gurp handmade dry bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Base lights are both dynamo powered (Sinewave Beacon up front and SON in the rear). This year my set up actually has a lot of free space for food and water to adapt better to the section that lies ahead.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using a Coros Dura gps for navigation and an inReach Mini 2 for tracking.

Torin Lackmann

Age 23 / Boulder, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Mosaic XT2 Titanium named Marty (He/Him) w/ my HUNT Proven Race XC Dynamo Wheelset, 34T front ring & 10×52 CS, AXS shifting with a spare battery and charger– I’m running a Fred Bar to bring my aerobars back & leave me room on my handlebar. K-Lite Light setup w/ USB charger all powered from my HUNT dynamo wheels. This Spec BG saddle is the first & only one I’ve ever owned(since I was 10 y/o) it’s too cozy to replace!
BAGS: Apidura 4L frame bag, 4L seat bag, 2L top tube bag & down tube tool pack – Big Shout to Apidura for keeping me organized. Dragonfly bottle cage adapters to house my 1 liter bottles. Old Man Mountain fork adapter for my trusty Nalgene bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Thanks to Feathered Friends for keeping me cozy and warm! Thanks to Wolf Tooth for keeping me out of trouble. Thanks to Blanks for keeping me hydrated. The Mosaic Crew rocks in case you didn’t know! Rapha Kit all the way! Community Cycles in Boulder for help w/ bike tech, last but certainly not least I’m stoked to be joining HUNT Wheels Beyond roster this year.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Adam Lazor

Age 36 / Santa Cruz, California (USA)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Highball, SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission/XX Crankset, Reserve wheels. 2.35″ Vittoria Mezcal tires. Profile Design aero bars for taking a load off.
BAGS: Custom CHINDUSTRY frame bag made in collaboration with my good friend and coworker Ryland Chin. Tailfin carbon rear rack/top tube bag/front cage + bag/downtube bag. Ornot bar bag squeezed in between aero bars for Snickers storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes 1-person tent with an Exped mat and Therm-a-Rest quilt. Perfect balance of lightweight and comfort.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ROAM 3 with a Wahoo Bolt as backup.

Jonas Maag

Age 31 / Del Mar, California (USA)

BIKE: Jones LWB V3.
BAGS: I’ll be using mostly Revelate Designs bags, with the exception of Ortlieb pannier bags and an Oveja Negra top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve been enjoying my Jones and the simplicity of a rigid bike with mechanical brakes over the last year and am looking forward to experiencing the Divide with it. I’m trying out a Kinekt suspension seat post in hopes of sparing my bum and lower back on long days. I’m riding with 29 x 2.4” Vittoria Mezcals XC Trails.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 solar with a backup map on my phone.

Chris MacFarlane

Age 39 / Stirling (Scotland)

BIKE: Specialized Chisel with SRAM XO1 groupset, Restrap frame bag, RockShox SID SL fork.
BAGS: Restrap feed bags, Tailfin bags on rear and top tube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SQlab handlebar, Redshift suspension seat post, Vittoria Mezcal 2.4” tires, kLite lights, Anker 20,000 mAh powerbank, Shimano XTR brake levers
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar, Garmin inReach Mini 2 for tracking/emergencies.

Ashley Atkins-Mackie

Age 35 / Nelson (New Zealand)

BIKE: I will be riding northbound on a custom steel Woodpecker Cycle Co. frame, handbuilt by Daren Beenen for off-road touring and long days on the Divide. The frame has the fit, stability, frame space, and cockpit flexibility needed for a fully loaded bikepacking setup. The build uses a 30T chainring with a 10-51T Garbaruk cassette, carbon DT Swiss XRC 1501 wheels, a RockShox SID SL fork, Reform saddle, Salsa Rustler flat bars, and Profile Design aerobars.
BAGS: Paper Roads custom frame bag, Cyclite front aero bag, Apidura top tube bag, Revelate Feedbags x2, and a Mountain Laurel Designs rear bag mounted on a Tumbleweed rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The cockpit has several custom prototype parts, including an aero bottle holder, Nitecore light mount, and Wahoo mount. These were designed specifically to keep the cockpit clean, space-efficient, and easy to use over long days.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3, with iPhone running RWGPS.

Richard Mackie

Age 37 / Nelson (New Zealand)

BIKE: I will be riding northbound on a 2024 Trek Supercaliber, Shimano XT Spec. Profile Design aerobars. 30T chainring with a 10-51T cassette.
BAGS: Paper Roads custom frame bag, Cyclite front aero bag, Apidura top tube bag, Revelate Feedbags x2, Tailfin CargoPack 18L.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I made several custom prototype cockpit parts for this setup, including an aero bottle holder, Nitecore light mount, and Wahoo mount. They were designed to keep the cockpit clean, space-efficient, and easy to use with aerobars, lights, bottles, and navigation all competing for space.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3, with iPhone running RWGPS.

Alex Malex

Age 32 / Carbondale, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: Voyaging on my sick ass Black Sheep Speedster. I’ve been blessed with support from some generous folks and brands this year. Most notably a dream wheel build from BERD and Onyx. These wheels are wrapped in a set of fresh and fat Conti Dubnitties (thanks A A Ron!) with air liner inserts. 30x17T ratio made up of a Wolf Tooth ring and cog. Rocking a Fox 34 SL thanks to my new homie Rafa. I’m rocking a fresh set of Hope 4 pistons so I can haul ass downhill with no regard for safety like Jacob Loos.
BAGS: Sweetest bag maker (South City Stitchworks) in the world is always hooking it up with some beautifully crafted bags. Thanks Zach! I always be rocking the Mica Rat Tail for rear load capabilities. Friggin’ mint setup.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Two pads, 40 degree bag, pillow and trash bag bivy will make up the sleep kit. Buckshot for vibe creation. One of my favorite tools is the Dragonfly water bottle adapter from Botched Bikes which allows me to run two 1 liter bottles on both sides of the downtube while running a frame bag.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, the goat of all bike comps.

Spencer McCullough

Age 31 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding an El Jefe, from Revel, the mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 groupset, and flat bars with aero bars and inner and outer bar ends, lots of hand positions. I’ve got 2.25″ Vitoria Mezcal tires.
BAGS: My frame bag and top tube bag were made by South City Stitchworks. My handlebar bag hangs right off the the aero bars, and that was made by Jpax. In the rear I have an Elkhorn rack and rack pack made by Old Man Mountain. In the cockpit I have some feedbags from Nittany Mountain Works that have been with me for over 20,000 miles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have a very UL sleep system from Feathered Friends that is very warm. I don’t want to scratch because of cold weather if I can help it. I’m also going with the foam sleeping pad because I’m too cheap to buy an UL one and am stoked to be able to just toss it on the ground with reckless abandon.
GPS DEVICE: I have a Coros Dura for navigation, and RWGPS on my phone as a backup.

Cory McHale

Age 41 / Des Moines, Iowa (USA)

BIKE: Surly Krampus, now with suspension fork, 1×14 speedhub, SP dynamo, 2.6″ Mezcals, aerobars, and probably some cartoonish speed swirls kicking up dust.
BAGS: Surly-branded Revelate Designs framebag, MYOG (dry?) bags for tent, sleep kit, and clothing.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Lots of untested gear. I hope it floats. Adjustable saddlebag stabilizer cape (asscape) for rear bag support. Big Agnes 1P copper spur for early nights. DIY dyno headlight + Sinewave charger for electrical continuity.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 Solar.

Eric Miller

Age 68 / Olympia, Washington (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be on a 2024 Esker Hayduke. The wheels are Stans Flow 2’s, the tires are Vittoria Mezcals, 2.25″ on the rear and 2.35″ on the front rim. The drivetrain is a SRAM GX 1×12 with a 32T chainring, and an XO chain.
BAGS: The bags are all homemade except for a Revelate Jerry can of unknown origin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be sleeping in a down bag, on a Therm-a-Rest pad nearly as old as I am. We will all fit inside of a one man Hyke and Byke tent.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using a Garmin eTrex 20x for navigation. Backup will be my phone and written notes along with tire tracks.

Peg Miller

Age 70 / Vancouver, Washington (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing ITT, 2025 Specialized S Works World Cup. Tires Vittoria Mezcal XC Trail 2.4″, Carbon Jones Bars, Shimano 1X12, 28T chainring, Roval carbon world cup wheels, Profile Design carbon aerobars.
BAGS: frankenbags: Revelate Pitchfork and feed bags, Rock Bros top tube bag, REI frame bag and runners back pack, Amazon tool bag, Qunature harness and stuff bag, Tailfin 10l panniers and rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Enlighten Equipment quilt, Dewalt small portable speaker.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 solar.

Miles Morris

Age 38 / Crested Butte, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: 2019 Kona Honzo DL with 2.4″ Mezcal tires, 120mm suspension fork.
BAGS: There are bags on it. All a different brand.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be running 12 gears. Suspension seat post. I will be pushing a 34T front ring which will pull a 9-52T rear cassette. 5L water capacity.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Tom Moschitz

Age 54 / Leura, NSW (Australia)

BIKE: I’m excited to be riding my 2026 Trek Supercaliber SLR 9.8 full sus with front and rear lockout, XO Eagle AXS, and SRAM Motive Brakes. The drivetrain has had a full refresh adding a 34T front ring. I’m aiming to keep drag to a minimum with an Enduro XD15 bottom bracket, Enduro hub bearings, and no dynamo. A Knog Blinder E 1300 front light and a Knog Blinder 400 helmet light will help keep the rubber side down. A Ritchey 2X Carbon bar and Profile Design Supersonic Ergo aerobars with blips have been added, along with Ergon GP-3 Grips, SQLab Carbon Innerbarends, and a SQLab 614 Ergowave Saddle. Mezcals 2.35″ are the tyre of choice.
BAGS: A combination of Tailfin and Revelate Designs. Rolling with 5L mini panniers to keep my CargoPack two-thirds empty, allowing for plenty of food and water storage.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My custom-built framebag by previous Tour Divide finisher Steve Moatt. My Mont Lightspeed outer shell for the first half of the race and my Mont Sundance Hoodie for the second half.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2.

Gisele Nepolello

Age 32 / Brooklyn, New York (USA)

BIKE: Singlespeed Kona Unit 34/20T, Shimano cranks, some aero bars, a handlebar, my Blackburn rack that somehow hasn’t broke so I cant get a new one yet, Race Face pedals that aren’t on there because I was packing up the bike and forgot to take a pic. 2.25″ WTB Trail Boss Tires, and some other parts that make a bike.
BAGS: Revelated Designs aerobar bag and frame bag with a 2L bladder, 8L dry bag on the back and a couple of feed bags in the back to hold my rain gear (shoutout Justin).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Thank you Kick Ass Cogs for making a really pretty pink cog, and can brands start making pink parts again…please.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Bailey Newbrey

Age 39 / Santa Fe, New Mexico (USA)

BIKE: Custom Mone Bikes frame. Whisky fork. 2.4″ Mezcal tires. 32×17 singlespeed. Bar Yak Expedition. SON 28 dynamo to Sinewave Beacon 2.
BAGS: Bar Yak Talon front roll. Custom Farewell framebag. JPaks footlong top tube bag. Oveja Negra rear top tube bag. Wolf Tooth saddlebag. Revelate Designs Speedbag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My friends/loved ones/community are coming with. Frame (& stem) by the lovely Cjell Monē, custom Bar Yak from Joe Stiller, bags from Joe Tonsager and Eric Puckett, necklaces from Pato & Matt, and a tiny wooden bird from the Peruvian Andes from Thomas.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 540.

William Ng

Age 23 / Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)

BIKE: I will be touring with Riley de Gans on my Pipedream A.L.I.C.E wich I built up with with Ritchey Kyote bars with mid mounted bull horns, Shimano M8050 wheels covered in Continental Dubnitals, 11-speed Shimano Deore groupset with a Medium 38T chainring, but my highlight is the Shimano Deore LX M560 cranks I “borrowed” from my father to keep the spirit of the original 90s ATBs.
BAGS: I made my own bags with Pink Ultragrid from Refasten, front roll bag, feed bag, frame bag, rolltop rack bag on a Tumbleweed T-Rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Gear wise I have a Six Moon’s Lunar Solo supported by up-cycled XC ski racing poles, Rab Ultrasphere 4.5 pad, and homemade climashield apex sleeping bag. Will be cooking with a Optimus stove. To spot wildlife I have a Nocs Zerotube.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation will be done withy phone and Garmin Instinct 2 watch.

Daniel Nickel

Age 42 / San Jose, California (USA)

BIKE: This year, I’m on a 2025 Lynskey MT29 Titanium Frame that I dressed up with a mechanical Shimano XT 12-speed groupset. I’m running a 28T chainring and the 9-45T cassette and a short cage derailleur. Wheelset built by Dave’s Wheels, with a Hydra2 rear hub and SON dynamo laced to the We Are One Wanderer rims, topped with Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ for a little extra cushion. A Fox 34 120mm fork in front to hopefully save my hands a bit more this year. Sinewave Beacon 2 to light the way, wired to a supernova taillight on the rear of the Tailfin. Since I don’t like wearing a backpack I’ve got my bottles mounted to the fork with some Old Man Mountain Axel Packs.
BAGS: Tailfin front and rear with Revelate Designs in the middle, and my favorite top tube bag from JPaks to give the rig just a splash of color.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Cranny frame bag from Revelate shoved in the sliver of space left in the frame gives me a spot to keep my headlamp and an extra battery, and maybe a couple gummy bears if they start overflowing my feedbags.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura for navigation, Garmin inReach mini 2 for tracking.

Ryan Oberrieder

Age 29 / Kansas City, Missouri (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide this year on a brand spankin new Chumba Sendero Ti welded and anodized right here in KC and assembled by Cycle City. I went with the Barzo/Mezcal Trail 2.4″ combo on the Reserve 30 XC wheels with DT Swiss 350’s. For gearing, 1×12 XT mechanical and White Industries cranks with a 34t chainring.
BAGS: I’m running an Oveja Negra seat pack and frame bag, Rogue Panda top tube bag, Revelate Designs stem bags, and a handlebar roll from Rockgeist. I also have my tool kit in a bag from MoosePacks. I’ll have bottles in the stem bags and on the downtube with a couple bladders for backup.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The classic OR Helium bivy with a Nemo bag, pad, and pillow. Most importantly…my DOOM gremlin bell for good luck.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll have my trusty Coros Dura for nav.

John Orosz

Age 38 / Colorado Springs, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be scooting along the divide on my 2023 Salsa Ti Timberjack with a 120mm SID Fork, Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.35″ on Hunt Proven XC Wheels with a dynamo. I’ve got 12-speed mechanical shifting with a Madrone derailleur and a 30T Oval Wolf tooth chainring.
BAGS: Custom frame bag, feed Bags and benteaux box hand sewn in Greeley Colorado by my buddy Drew at Rewdbags. A pair of Revelate panniers and Joey bag along with a Restrap aero bar harness hold my house and snacks for the trek.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ve adapted my bike to account for an upper extremity limb deficiency primarily though a Hope Duo X2 Lever and inverted shifter on the left-hand side. The Son Dynamo coupled with a kLite gives me energy independence and confidence for night riding.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Philip Ouellette

Age 41 / Seattle, Washington (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the 2026 Tour Divide on an Otso Fenrir Ti paired with a rigid ENVE Mountain Fork. The bike rolls on Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge 2.2″ tires mounted to an ENVE M5 wheelset with a SON dynamo hub up front. Drivetrain duties are handled by a Shimano XTR 1×11 setup with a 32T Wolf Tooth oval chainring. For additional comfort and hand positions during long days on the Divide, I’m running Zipp aero bars with BarYak carbon ergonomic bar ends.
BAGS: My setup is centered around an Oveja Negra frame bag, complemented by large and small Snack Pack top tube bags for easy access to food and essentials. Up front, I’m running an Oveja Negra Front End Loader paired with a Lunchbox handlebar bag and Mountain Laurel Designs dry bags mounted to the handlebars and fork. Additional storage comes from Revelate Designs Speedbags and Nano Panniers, while a Ride Forward Designs Burnin’ rear rack bag rounds out the system and provides extra capacity for the long ride south.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Hyperlite Mid 1 will serve as my shelter for the route.The SON dynamo hub powers a Sinewave Cycles Beacon 2, providing both lighting and the ability to top off battery packs on the go. One piece I’m particularly excited about is the new Sklar Lightweight Rear Rack, which was inspired by a custom rack Adam Sklar built for his own Tour Divide ride in 2023.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be navigating with a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar, with an iPhone loaded with Ride with GPS and Gaia GPS serving as backup offline navigation. For tracking and satellite communication, I’ll be carrying a Garmin inReach Mini 2.

Dave Parramore

Age 59 / St. Augustine Beach, Florida (USA)

BIKE: At 59 years old, and with the combined weight of this rig and its engine, I’m definitely not showing up to the Tour Divide to race anyone. This is more of a 40-day wilderness field experiment involving testing, faith, homemade freeze-dried meals, and suspicious gas station food. I’ll be riding an Otso Fenrir Ti flat bar build featuring a Lithic carbon rigid fork, Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.35” tires, a Shimano groupset, and a SON dynamo hub powering a kLite Ultra Adventure headlight and rear blinking light. Cockpit setup includes wide bars paired with a BarYak Expedition aero bar and rail system with flip-up arm rests for long days in the saddle. Navigation duties will be shared between a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar and Edge 540.
BAGS: My setup is built around a custom JPAKS frame bag alongside a mix of Apidura, Old Man Mountain, and BarYak gear. I’m running Apidura top tube, downtube, and fork bags, plus an accessory pouch, an Old Man Mountain Divide XL rack with Atlas rack pack, and a BarYak 16L handlebar bag and Expedition Harness (with magnetic Fidlock clips) for additional front storage and cockpit organization. I’ll also be carrying Ortlieb rear panniers for added storage capacity and resupply flexibility.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Shelter is an Altaplex tent paired with a lightweight sleeping system optimized for fast setup and recovery. Electronics include dynamo charging capability, two 10,000mAh power banks, GPS navigation, and compact video cameras for content creation during the ride. The overall setup balances self-supported riding principles with documentary storytelling across the Divide.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll primarily navigate using a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar with Gaia GPS overlays on my smartphone and backup routing on a Garmin Edge 540.

Nico Paul

Age 20 / Stuttgart (Germany)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide on a Giant Talon 1 hardtail mountain bike. The bike is mostly stock and was put together as a budget-friendly setup in the weeks leading up to the event. It runs 29″ Maxxis tires, a 1×11 drivetrain, flat pedals, a rear rack, and a simple bikepacking setup. I also use straps on the frame for extra water carrying capacity and to secure camping gear.
BAGS: My luggage setup consists of two rear bags with a combined capacity of approximately 38 liters, a 6L handlebar bag, and a 3L frame bag. My tent is strapped to the rear rack, and I carry a hydration bladder inside the frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My entire setup is focused on simplicity and affordability rather than speed. I’m carrying a Lanshan Pro two-person tent, a Decathlon 0°C sleeping bag, a basic sleeping pad, standard bike lights, spare tubes, and a repair kit. Most of the equipment was purchased and assembled only a few weeks before the start.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Forerunner 965 and a smartphone as backup navigation.

Carl Penwarden

Age 62 / Wellington (New Zealand)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Scott Scale 930 2025 Carbon Hardtail, which came with a FOX 32 Float Rhythm 100mm Fork and Shimano XT-Deore 12 Speed. I have added custom-made 29″ carbon wheels with a Swiss DT rear hub and a SON Dynamo hub up front. I’m running a Brooks B17 saddle and Neosonic/Ergo+/52A GMR aerobar with a SON Ladelux Headlight.
BAGS: Up front, I have a Revelate Designs Sweetroll + my tent, on the frame, I have a Revelate Designs Tangle Frame below the top tube, and a Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag above. At the rear, a Revelate Designs Spinelock 16L. I’ve also got two fork-mounted cages for 1.5L water bottles.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Love my Tarp Moment DW Tent. My best clothing item is a Macpac Nitro Fleece Pullover, amazing warmth even when wet underneath my rain shell.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Fenix 8X watch.

Scotty P

Age 40 / Van Life (USA)

BIKE: It’s a Whyward, got two wheels of the 29er variety, with some wide and wacky “flat” bars. Setup singlespeed at 32/18 (after consulting with some experts, cuz I ain’t one). Shoutout to Brad and Hannah Bingham in Steamboat for the mid-race repair on this frame (this IS NOT one of their frames) during Tour Divide ‘24 (made it to that finish, and still going strong in resurrection!)
BAGS: Variety is the spice of life, so the smorgasbord is ever-evolving (#neverdialed). Shoutout to Bags Made by Bears for my feed sacks though (check their website for the dopest pricing structure).
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Ol’ Man Mountain Elkhorn for the extra capacity to pack my fears.
GPS DEVICE: La Dura Dura. Battery life is great!

Karin Pocock

Age 45 / Moab, Utah (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing for a second consecutive year on my Santa Cruz Highball. I’m running NOBL TR 32 wheels with a SON Dynamo front hub and an I9 Solix M rear. These are amazing wheels and I’m thrilled to have a fresh set for this year’s Divide run. I’m rolling on Vittoria Mescal XC Trail 2.2″ tires, slightly smaller than what I ran last year. I’m still fully analog and have a SRAM XX1 drivetrain with a 34T oval, Quarq power meter and 10×50 cassette. The One Up Components 27.2 x 120mm dropper won “longest lasting dropper I’ve ever had” last year, so I’m running a fresh one this season and appreciate being able to drop my saddle on steeper descents.
BAGS: Dispersed Bikepacking created high volume custom top tub and frame bags for me which has allowed me to downsize my front end to a small zipper pouch. Old Man Mountain has been working with me on rack prototypes and I’m excited to take the newest ultra light prototype rack (less than 1lb) down the divide with an Atlas 12L rack pack to store my layers and sleep kit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: While not featured in the photo, I’m now running 2 different flat pedals with different Q factor and 2 different shoes to work with some shims, all in effort to correct some biomechanical asymmetry from an old injury (wish me luck that it works). It looks goofy, but feels pretty inventive. I’m also super excited for a Zpaks 40 deg quilt and Mountain Laurel Designs bivy that are both new to me this season and pack super tiny. I’m thrilled to have a Klite adventure light setup this year and have been super impressed with it on rides this spring. Multiple hand positions are afforded by SQ Labs inner bar ends and Profile Designs aero bars.
GPS DEVICE: Fully committed to the Coros Dura. RWGPS and GAIA GPS for backup maps on my phone and a Garmin watch that could also do the job if necessitated.

Ray Rasker

Age 67 / Bozeman, Montana (USA)

BIKE: 2012 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Carbon with rigid TRP carbon fork (21 lbs without bags). GRX 1×12 10/50×32. Mezcal 2.25 tires, tubeless. DT Swiss wheels. Carbon Jones bar. Fred bar with aero bars.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Tangle frame bag, Gas Tank, Feedbags (one with water bottle, the other with bear spray), Sweet Roll. EO Gear tool bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 10/50x32T a compromise, good for climbing but tends to spin out on big descents. I have no problem coasting, whew. Durston 1+ tent. Fenix BC26R rechargeable light.
GPS DEVICE: SPOT Gen 3 GPS tracker and Coros Dura navigation (so good!).

James Rath

Age 30 / Troy, New York (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be on a 2022 Gi-Ant XTC (Advanced 29 1) hardtail mtb. Like many others, I’ll be rolling on Vittoria Mezcals, with a 2.4″ up front and 2.35″ in the rear, and resting on aero bars with lots of rise. Persuader bars for the sweep, Selle SMP saddle, and K-lite light system paired with a SON Dynamo Hub.
BAGS: Custom frame bag and aero bar holster from my homie Kris at Bosko Bags, made right here in Troy. Restrap top tube bag, mix of drybags. Went with the new-ish Restrap rack instead of a seatpack in order to pack more layers and avoid a backpack, though I’ll deploy a lightweight backpack for grocery hauls and carrying water in the long desert stretches.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: It’s a real pleasure to have talented friends who are keen and capable of making kit. In addition to the bags, Kris also whipped up a custom tarp system. I’m looking forward to filling the aero bar holster’s side pockets with all sorts of snacks and putting the puffy down jacket I found on consignment to good use.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Roam 2.

Dan San

Age 44 / Worthington, Ohio (USA)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Highball 3.1 CC Frameset. We Are One/i9 Whisp XC Carbon wheelset. Continental Dubnital 29 x 2.2″ tires. Fox 34 Fork. SRAM Mechanical Eagle X01 with 32T Chainring. Shimano XTR Brakes and Pedals. Lezyne Headlamp and Taillight.
BAGS: Restrap Handlebar Bag and Saddle Bag, Tailfin Top Tube Bag, Ortlieb RC Frame Pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Tour Divide Rookie. Complete camping shelter setup with Big Agnes Fly Creek Tent, SeatoSummit Insulated Mat and Pillow, 850 fill sleeping bag. Hydrapak 5L water capacity.
GPS DEVICE: Coras Dura, Garmin InReach Messenger Plus, Fenix 6X (backup).

Isaac Scott

Age 35 / Madison, Indiana (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Tour Divide on a 2024 Cervelo ZHT-5 Hardtail 29er with 1×12 mechanical (34 x 10-52T). Shout out to Velo Van in Kalamazoo, MI for the recent rebuild that included new 2.4” conti dubnital up front and a 2.2” in the rear, hoping that the extra clearance in the rear will help when things get muddy! I’m excited for my new combo pedals that are flat on one side and SPD on the other, I have raced gravel singlespeed on flat pedals, but this will be my first bikepacking event with the option to change up foot positions on the go!
BAGS: I’ll be using Revelate Design bags: Up front the Pitchfork aero bar system holds my sleeping bag and inflatable mattress. My cockpit will be strictly reserved for food on the go, with 2 bottle bags, top tube bag and side aero bar pouches. The frame bag will have more capacity for food and drinks, with the rear portion reserved for my battery banks and repair kit, I will try to keep my liquids in this area as well to keep the weight balanced. My favorite bag has to be the 2013 Revelate Viscacha seat bag that has served me flawlessly for 13 years including 2 Trans-Am trips and the Mishigami race in 2025! The Viscacha will hold my Helium bivy and my full array of clothing.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My dry (no water) weight for this setup comes in around 41 pounds which I am happy with considering I have a proper sleep kit. My luxury item has to be the my 4 pairs of gloves! I experienced a gnarly snow storm going over Hoosier pass in 2023 Transam and that left me with some fear when it comes to my hands!
GPS DEVICE: My trusty (fingers crossed) Wahoo Bolt will be my main source of navigating the course with Strava and RidewithGPS. My phone will serve as a backup and I also made up some handy laminated cheat sheets with mileage, services and operating hours!

Steve Scott

Age 56 / Christchurch (New Zealand)

BIKE: Merida Big Nine Tr 5000. Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ tires. Brand new DT Swiss rear wheel.
BAGS: Front and rear Revelate Designs bags. Frame and top tube BP Bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: KLite with SP hub. Durston X-Mid 1 tent.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 530.

Scott Sebring

Age 59 / Bellefontaine, Ohio (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Tour Divide on 2023 Esker Japhy steel. The bike is rolling on Hunt Proven carbon wheels with a son dynamo hub. I’m trying the Vittoria Peyote tires. Aero bars for additional hand placement mounted to a Fred bar.
BAGS: Revelate framebag, feed bag, and seat bag. Rogue Panda front rack with a Revelate Designs bag and a Rogue Panda top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Durston X-Dome 1+ tent and a Sea to Summit Pillow.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, Wahoo Roam for backup, and Garmin inReach for tracking.

Alyssa Secreto

Age 35 / Colorado Springs, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: “Kiddo” an XS Litespeed Pinhoti with 29” Reserve XC30 wheels and ti rack mounts from Okluma to make it all fit. Running a 1×12 SRAM drivetrain with 36T chainring, TRP Spyres, and Mimic Phenom saddle. Maxxis Rambler 50mm tires, tried and true.
BAGS: Fresh set from San Util (thanks Adam!) in white, including a custom frame bag, their mini panniers and a stem bag. Diy top tube bag for extra chonk.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Dispersed bivvy and tarp to keep me safe. Apidura 2.5L bladder. Well-loved Tubus rack for sentimental reasons.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Roam v1.

Kelly Servinski

Age 53 / Clinton, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: Orbea Alma LTD custom MYO paint job. Reform Cypress saddle. WR1/I9 wheels with Convergence technology. SON Dynamo front hub. Maxxis Ikon 2.2″ tires. SQ Lab grips & inner barends. Farr Aero Mtb bar with armrests.
BAGS: Apidura bags on bike and hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Patagonia Mico puff jacket. Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag. Big Agnes bivy. Therm-a-Rest Neo Air pad.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam.

Bill Shand

Age 56 / Schumacher, Ontario (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 70. The bike is mostly stock with a few minor modifications: new tires (Vittoria Mezcal XC-Trail 2.35″ front and 2.25″ rear), and a new X01 rear derailleur (stock was GX). Other features of the bike include a Fox 34 Performance Elite 140mm fork and a Fox Float DPS EVOL Performance Elite 140mm rear shock. Both the fork and the rear shock are fully lockable. Pedals are Time ATAC.
BAGS: Bags are from Revelate Designs. Rear rack is Old Man Mountain Divide with Norco panniers.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My luxury item is a Sea To Summit Soloist tent. It adds a bit of weight but is well worth it when the weather turns ugly. I’ll also have a Montbell Hugger down bag and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite to complete my sleep system. Lighting includes a Princeton Tec Apex on my helmet, a Serfas
SL-255 on my bar and a Planet Bike rear flasher
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying an eTrex Vista HCX for navigation.

Derek Slykerman

Age 55 / Port Coquitlam, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: Specialized Epic World Cup.
BAGS: Tailfin bar roll and Top tube, Revelate front accessory pouch, Apidura seat bag and feed bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Profile Design aero bars with blips, dual bottles on Wolf Tooth system, Swat box, third bottle and spare Fauna Cage mounted on seat rack. Exposure 6pack and Diablo head lighting.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar and iPhone via QuadLock.

Brooks Stanfield

Age 52 / Burien, Washington (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be hoping to hang on to the back of the pack on my 2024 Esker Hayduke Ti. Nothing super innovative going on here. It’s got a Tumbleweed titanium rear rack and Tumbleweed 30-degree Persuader bar with some scavenged aerobars. Tires are Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″.
BAGS: Again, nothing earth shattering here. The bag setup includes a Rogue Panda frame bag with a matching Catalina full-length top tube bag. I have Rogue Panda’s Happy Jack Snack Sacks for feed/bottle bags. Cargo on the handlebar will be tucked into a Revelate Salty Roll and Egress Pocket while being mounted on a Rogue Panda Blue Ridge harness. The dry bag on the rear rack is a standard Summit to Sea 20L Evac Lightweight compression bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My best friend will be an old 16″x13″ Therm-a-Rest Z Seat pad for stretching out those tight hips at the end of each day. I also have capacity for four bottles on the fork to help this Pacific Northwesterner cover those big gaps between water sources in New Mexico.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Inreach Messenger and a Garmin Edge 830.

Reuben Steens

Age 29 / Tauranga (New Zealand)

BIKE: I will be racing a Large Trek procaliber 2023. The bike is mostly stock, it has Mason x Hunt wheels wrapped with 2.4″ Vittoria Mezcals and a SON dynamo hub powering a kLite. I have also added some Profile Designs aerobars.
BAGS: I have a random mix of bags. Tailfin handlebar roll up front an Amazon frame bag (I hope this goes the distance), Field and Forest custom top tube bag, and a few Sea to Summit dry bags strapped to my Old Man Mountain Elkhorn rack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I went for a comfy sleep setup to hopefully get the best sleeps possible and avoid staying in hotels too much. I have a Big Agnes Sl large wide sleep pad, Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent, and a -7 Iceflame sleeping bag.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Bolt v2. RWGPS on my iPhone and an offline route on Google Maps.

Kelly Stevens

Age 65 / Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)

BIKE: A Niner frame with a mixed bag of components. Shimano, SRAM AXS, and the like. New kicks for the start, Rene Herse Fletcher ridge. SRAM 1X12 AXS drivetrain. 10-52T cassette with a 32T front chainring.
BAGS: Rear Tailfin setup, Oveja Negra frame bag, Rogue Panda handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m carrying two bladders in the top of the frame bag, hopefully not filled to capacity. A solo tent and a quilt for nights. Son front dynamo hub and kLite setup. Look for me just ahead of the broom wagon.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Fynn Thompson

Age 30 / Revelstoke, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: Kona Unit, Shimano XT groupset, DT XR391 rims laced to a SON Dynamo up front and a Hope Pro5 in the rear, both wrapped in some Vittoria Mezcals.
BAGS: Custom cow print frame bags by Lesenok and a Restrap Switch rack/bag combo on the back.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Snow shoes, avalanche transceiver, and 3m probe for Koko claims. A very Nickelback-heavy playlist and some shaggers back cream for when the going gets really tough.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 540 then paper map and compass as back-up.

Mark Thompson

Age 56 / Perth, Western Australia (Australia)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Tour Divide on a 2017 Giant XTC with a 1×12 SRAM drivetrain (with power meter) with a 34T chainring, 10-52T cassette, and a Rocket custom carbon front wheel with a SP Dynamo hub. Front light is an Exposure Revo. 29 x 2.35” Mezcal Trail casing, 1×12 Mechanical, SP Dynamo.
BAGS: The bags are a mixture of brands, and I also have a couple of bags from Rockbros to complete the setup. Three 1L water bottles are mounted on the bike with an extra 1.5L in a hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A Naturehike Lanshan Pro 1is my tent (1kg) with an insulated pad and a down sleeping quilt.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation is via my Garmin 1040 and iPhone. Running a Garmin inReach for tracking.

Matthew Thor

Age 39 / Boulder, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’m riding a 2026 Salsa Spearfish that I built with significant guidance, life advice, laughter and doggie belly rubs from my friends at Ponderosa Cyclery in Omaha. RockShox SID Ultimate and SIDLuxe Flight Attendant, SRAM GX/X0 drivetrain (32T stock chainring, Garbaruk cassette), Reverb AXS dropper, Continental Dubnital 2.2″ tires mounted to We Are One Whisp rims laced (by the wheel wizard Russ @switzerlandtrail) to DT Swiss 240 hubs. Wolf Tooth ALT pedals. Lots of Loctite 242.
BAGS: Dispersed frame bag and bear spray holster, Revelate Ultra Joey and Pronghorn. Apidura feed bags. Tailfin waterproof stuff.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A few DIY/MYOG items: Alpha Direct burner/pillow case, NeoShell rain mitts, and the pièce de résistance: a DCF hooded pullover emergency layer made by my wife, Erin. Everything else I’m carrying is commercially available, but one of the cooler bits (imo) is a Botched Bikes dragonfly dual bottle adapter with the same two Fidlock bottles I used for last year’s race (with some new Baker-Miller-ish pink lids to keep me calm).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar, RWGPS on my phone.

Kane Thornburrow

Age 48 / Palmerston North, Manawatu (New Zealand)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the 2026 Tour Divide on my 2019 Salsa Timberjack Ti 29er. The bike has a new 1×12 Shimano XT drivetrain fitted with a 32T Absolute Black oval chainring. Up front is a RockShox SID Ultimate 120mm fork. The front wheel is Wheelworks with a SON dynamo hub, and the rear wheel is a Giant TRX, both fitted with 2.25″ Vittoria Mezcals. The cockpit includes Salsa Bend 23 degree bars with Ergon GP3 grips and Profile Designs T4+ aerobars. Saddle is a well-worn but super-comfy Brooks B17, and seatpost and stem are by Thomson.
BAGS: Revelate frame bag, feed bags, front harness, and Terrapin seat bag (undecided yet on 8L or 14L). Tailfin long top tube bag and down tube bag. Backpack is a Camelbak Octane 16 in hi-viz red with a 2L bladder.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Full camping set up including Zpacks Duplex tent, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping mat, Sea to Summit Spark II sleeping bag, Soto cooker, and Ti pot and spork. Front lighting is a kLite Ultra supplemented with a Fenix E28R helmet light, and rear lighting is a kLite Qube and a Lezyne Strip Drive 300. Two 10,000 mAh Nitecore power banks will keep everything charged along the way. Hydration includes two downtube mounted 1L bottles, and an extra 3L Hydrapak bladder for the dry stretches.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar with an eTrex 20x as backup.

George Usmanov

Age 28 / Somerville, Massachusetts (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my rookie Tour Divide on a 2023 Orbea Alma M10 hardtail on fresh Vittoria Mezcal XC-Trail TNT 29 x 2.35″ tires, a Shimano XT 1×12 drivetrain with a 30T chainring and 10 to 51T cassette, and a Fox 34 Float SC fork. I’ll be using a dropper post to adjust ride height on the fly to vary muscle groups (idk Laclan Morton said that’s what he does). Seat, wheels, and flat bars are stock Orbea.
BAGS: Gear is packed up in a custom Rogue Panda frame bag, Spindle top tube bag, Tailfin 3L Downtube pack, Revelate and Roadrunner feedbags, 8L Sea to Summit Evac Compression Dry bag, and a Tailfin CargoPack System with custom strap harness for laundry and SPOT, generously loaned to me by my friend, Asheem. Water (6 L total capacity) and food are carried in the frame bag and in an Ultimate Direction Ultra 6.0 vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My camping equipment includes a Big Agnes 1P backpacking tent and sleeping pad, and a Sea to Summit sleeping bag. Other bits and bobs are Fenix front and rear lights, Ergon GA3 grips, SQLabs MTB Innerbarends, and Profile Design aero bars with Wolf Tooth Fat Paw grips. A luxury item for the trip is NoNormal coffee paste.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation is done with Coros Dura.

Ric van Wachem

Age 63 / Adelaide, South Australia (Australia)

BIKE: Specialized World Cup. Running SRAM XO, Brooks Cambian seat which hopefully will allow my butt to make it to the end. Tyres- Mezcal rear, Pirelli Scorpion front. Gloworm light.
BAGS: Mix of bags. Primarily Tailfin with a custom Stealth (NZ) frame bag. Revelate Pitchfork off the aerobars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I reckon the bracket from Cyclewerks, that allows me two bottles on either side of the frame bag is pretty cool. Mont Hypermid tent if not sleeping under an awning or in a baseball dugout.
GPS DEVICE: tossing up between Coros Dura and Garmin 1040.

Steve Watson

Age 79 / CANBERRA, ACT (Australia)

BIKE: OPEN Wi:De 27.5 Carbon, custom built, flat bar, SRAM Eagle 30T/10-52T Vittoria Mezcal 2.1″ tyres, Profile Design aero bars, Selle Anatomica seat, China carbon bar, seat post, stem. 15.2kg dry weight.
BAGS: Mr Fusion seat bag, Oveja Negra half frame, BBD gas tank, DIY rip-stop caddy suspended between aero-bars
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Soft foam grips $4.50 a pair. Defibrillator with multi language instructions and completed Will kit.
GPS DEVICE: COROS Dura.

CHRIS WELCH

Age 52 / CLEARWATER, FLORIDA (USA)

BIKE: Specialized Epic World Cup w/Flight Attendant fork, SRAM XX 1×12, 34T/10-52T, Roval Wheels with Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ XC Trail Tires, Roval Handlebars, Fred Bar, Zipp Vuka aerobars, XLAB Torpedo Kompact, Sqlab Innerbarends, Ergon Grips, Reverb AXS dropper, S-Works Power w/Mirror Saddle.
BAGS: Tailfin AeroPack w/mini 5L Panniers, Tailfin toptube, Tailfin downtube. Rouge Panda frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure MAXX-D 17 light, OR Helium Bivy, Nemo Disco 30 Sleeping Bag, REI Helix pad.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar (Garmin Epix 2 Watch and RWGPS on phone as backups).

Ed Wells

Age 43 / Llwyncelyn, RCT (Wales)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Tour Divide on my Mason Macro with a Rockshox SID Ultimate SL 100mm fork. The wheels are Hunt Proven Carbon Race XC with Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge tyres and a SON Dynamo Hub. The drivetrain is Shimano SLX/XT 1×12. I’m running Profile Designs aero bars, a Fizik saddle and Ergon grips.
BAGS: All bags are Tailfin, with sleeping gear in the rear CargoPack with extra water capacity on the arch, Long Top Tube Bag for electrics, Downtube bag for tools, and the quick release Bar Bag System up front for clothing.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outdoor Research bivy with Rab Mythic sleeping bag and Therm-a-Rest Sleep mat. Mostly Albion clothing.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 Solar, with a backup Garmin Edge 540.

Doug Wilkins

Age 67 / Logan, Utah (USA)

BIKE: Trek Pro Caliber 9.8, Wolf Tooth 28T chainring, Wolf Tooth B-Rad Everywhere Base, Redshift Aerobars, Selle Anatomica saddle, Vittoria Mezcal tires 29 x 2.25″, and Silca Sealant.
BAGS: Revelate Designs Portage Panniers, Revelate Designs Ranger Frame Bag, Tailfin zip top top tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Durston X-Dome 1+ tent and Zenbivey Ultralight Quilt.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1050.

Jesse Williams

Age 44 / Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: I’m riding a 2023 Trek Pro caliber carbon with 100mm fork. I’m running a 36T chainring on a 10-51T, 12-speed cassette, Continental Dubnital 2.4″ race rapid tires. Mods include a double decker stem, bottom one slammed with upside down riser bars and with vintage inner bar ends. Top riser stem holds a set of Vision T.T. bars on a short chunk of seat post. A section of canoe paddle serves as a light mount. for a pair of Magic shine 1600s. My modified Blackburn rack fits over my thru axle with a quick release skewer.
BAGS: My Restrap frame bag and Swift Industries top tube bag are old friends, 20L MEC drybag strapped to the rack holds my sleep kit, clothes are in an Ortlieb handlebar bag, a saddle bag on my custom molded brooks B17 holds spare parts and a super bright Bontrager blinkie.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Therm-a-Rest self inflating mat with a synthetic sleeping bag and silk liner inside a Rab ultralight bivy can deploy rapidly for a quick nap and can be changed to suit temperature. A ridgeline from my handlebar should give the bivy some ventilation and hold a rain fly.
GPS DEVICE: I’m just learning to use a Garmin 540 solar. My friend Alex helped me break the route into 16 manageable chunks. Ride with GPS map saved on my phone for backup.

Hannah Leigh Willis

Age 27 / Estes Park, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Tour Divide on my Surly Karate Monkey. The bike is set up with a rigid fork, 29″ Vittoria Mezcal XC Trail tubeless tires, a 1×11 drivetrain, Surly frame bag, and an Old Man Mountain rear rack.
BAGS: My bag setup includes Rockgeist Microwave panniers, dual Honeypot feed bags, a Revelate Designs Sweetroll with Egress Pocket, and Oveja Negra top tube bags. The goal is a balance between carrying plenty of food and maintaining an organized cockpit.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My favorite pieces of gear are the King Cage titanium oversized bottle cages, which carry a 64-ounce and a 32-ounce bottle. For shelter, I’ll be sleeping in a Nemo Dragonfly tent. I’m looking forward to the extra room during rainy days. I’ll also be carrying prayer flags from Nepal and a vintage Hohner harmonica in the key of G to keep the bears serenaded around camp.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying a Garmin Edge 840 for navigation.

Geoffrey Wong

Age 36 / Costa Mesa, California (USA)

BIKE: Buena Onda (the “it” bike, fast when you want it fast, sendy when you want it sendy), singlespeed 32x18T, SID Ultimate 120mm, Hunt Proven Dynamo wheels, Max Continental Dubnital 2.4” tires.
BAGS: Always Alpine Camo. Witslingers Top tube and Framebag, Skingrowsback handlebar, JPaks dry bag on a Mica Rat Tail.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Borah bivy, Therm-a-Rest quilt, Doom gremlin bell. Mini boombox to keep the stoke going. Vision aerobars. “Aero garbaruk chainring”.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura all the way.

Angus Young

Age 30 / Hampshire (England)

BIKE: Mason Macro with Hunt proven carbon XC Dynamo wheels, SRAM Transmission, 2.4″ Conti Dubnitals.
BAGS: Restrap custom frame bag and top tube pouch with Switch rack and dry bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: New Exposure Revo dynamo light is wicked. Clothing all from le Col, helmet and glasses from Julbo. Loads of warm and sleeping kit, I’m not planning on taking any risks in that front.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

James Young

Age 55 / Kamloops, British Columbia (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be cruisin on a 2023 Salsa Timberjack. It’s been upgraded with a new SID Select+, a set of Carbon We Are One Wanderers, and a 32T Wolf Tooth chainring to go with the Shimano 1×12 drivetrain. The touch points are Ergon grips, Ergon SM Pro saddle,SQ labs inner bar ends and a set of Profile design aero bars.
BAGS: I’m running a mix of Apidura, Ortlieb, Restrap, and a Sea to Summit rear bag to hold all my goods. I’ve got two bottle holders on the bars and a Nalgene on the downtube.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My shelter is a Big Agnes UL 1 person with a Therm-a-Rest air mat and a Montbell 32 degrees down bag.
GPS DEVICE: Sportin a Garmin 1040 Solar to guide me.

Check out the 2026 Tour Divide Tracker page to follow along on the live tracking map, and stay tuned in for more event coverage. Find it here.