Programmes offerts à la formation régulière

Information pour les candidatures internationales

Candidatures régulières

Voici les dates importantes pour l’admission de l'automne 2024 :

Les dates en caractères gras sont des dates importantes car elles doivent être respectées. Aucune exception ne sera accordée une fois la limite passée.

Les dossiers qui ne sont pas complétés à la date limite sont automatiquement reportés au tour suivant.  Il se peut toutefois qu’aucune place ne soit disponible dans le programme choisi initialement.  Il sera important de vérifier les places disponibles au tour suivant afin de s’assurer que des places sont toujours disponibles.  Si ce n’est pas le cas, vous devrez modifier votre choix avant la date limite du tour en cours et bien sûr compléter votre dossier.

Si vous recevez un verdict d’admission, c’est le cégep qui vous communiquera les dates importantes pour votre inscription au cégep. Vous devrez respecter ces dates faute de quoi vous risquez de perdre la place qui vous a été attribuée dans le processus d’admission.

Candidatures internationales

Les dates limites de dépôt d’une demande d’admission pour les candidatures internationales sont :

La réponse du cégep sera affichée dans votre dossier en ligne . Les dossiers qui ne sont pas complétés avant la date limite ne sont pas envoyés dans les cégeps.

Si vous recevez un verdict d’admission, c’est le cégep qui vous communiquera les dates importantes pour votre inscription au cégep. Vous devrez respecter ces dates faute de quoi vous risquez de perdre la place qui vous a été attribuée dans le processus d’admission. 

3 e tour sram

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Best Electric Touring Bikes for Your Next Adventure

cycling with tents

Bicycle touring has been around for hundreds of years, with some of the earliest records dating back to the 1800s.

Long before cars and motorbikes were invented, people would use bicycles to tour long distances, sometimes across entire continents. Typically, this was done on slow, old steel-framed bikes and required a high degree of patience and fitness.

Nowadays, with recent improvements in electric bicycle (eBike) technology, a new wave of touring eBikes has emerged.

What Are Electric Touring Bicycles?

E-Touring bikes can take you to desired locations with way smaller effort. Like any other electric bike, a touring/trekking eBike features a rechargeable battery and an electric motor connected to the rear hub or crankset.

Best Touring Bikes in 2024 for Multi-Day Cycle Adventures

Best Touring Bikes in 2024 for Multi-Day Cycle Adventures

While many touring bike purists might balk at the idea of having electrical assistance, for some people it’s a necessity due to injury, old age, or poor fitness.

In most cases, the electric motor doesn’t fully propel the bicycle like on a motorbike but rather provides pedal assistance, making it easier to pedal and taking pressure off the knees.

In the case of touring, where heavy loads are usually involved, or long century rides , this little bit of assistance can make a huge difference.

They may not be the best choice for long cycling expeditions, such as riding the Cairo to Cape Town route , but they are handy for shorter adventures.

Best Electric Touring Bikes in 2024

#1 santa cruz skitch cc apex.

A class 3 e-bike for gravel riding and touring

Santa Cruz Skitch CC Apex

Price: $6,300

The Santa Cruz Skitch is a mid-drive electric bike that saddles the gap between gravel and touring.

The combination of 45 mm tires, stable geometry, and common touring features like fender and bottle mounts give this bike its versatile capability.

With speeds of up to 28 mph, it’s the perfect touring eBike for the more adventurous riders out there. If you are looking for the best electric bike for camping and long-distance touring, the rigid-frame Santa Cruz Skitch might be the answer to your needs.

The Skitch boasts a lightweight Fazua Ride 60 motor combined with a 430 Wh battery that provides a 60-mile average range. 

Schwalbe G-One 700c x 45 mm tires

Wide, treaded tires like these give the Skitch an off-road capability that exceeds most other touring eBikes. It is considerably more comfortable on rough surfaces and super efficient over long distances. Schwalbe tires are famous in off-road biking for their durable qualities and high performance. 

Carbon frame

The Current features a carbon frame with internal cable routing for a clean appearance and better protection. The fork is built from the same durable material and has thru-axles. The integrated 430 Wh battery conceals neatly into the downtube and contributes to the clean look.

SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed

The wide-range SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed is geared towards long-distance and loaded touring, providing easy pedaling on most gradients. As a gravel-focused gearset, it provides smooth, reliable shifting without locking up or dropping out. 

SRAM Apex hydraulic brakes

A popular choice amongst all manufacturers, the ever-reliable SRAM Apex hydraulic brakes won’t let you down, come rain or shine. With 160mm rotors, they stop with excellent power and reliability. 

Buy on MikesBikes.com

#2 Cannondale – Treadwell Neo 2 EQ

Best electric bike for short tours and commutes

cannondale treadwell neo 2 eq ebike

Price: $2,175

The Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 EQ is an electric bike with a frame perfectly suited to touring. With thick-treaded 47mm tires, this bike is clearly intended for mixed-terrain riding.

250W Hydrive MRC-250

The 250W Hydrive MRC-250 motor is situated at the rear hub, providing 40Nm of torque into the drivetrain while you pedal. As a Class 1 pedal-assist motor, it can take you up to 20 mph, making it ideal as a light touring bike.

250Wh lithium-ion battery

The modest 250Wh battery will provide up to 47 miles of pedal-assist power on a single charge. Pop the battery on charge and it will be full in five hours. This battery makes the Treadwell an excellent commuter or light electric touring bike.

Aluminum frame

Unlike most standard bicycle frames, touring bikes and electric bikes require a more robust design built from stronger materials. The Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 EQ is formed from SmartForm C3 Alloy with a tapered head tube and internal cable routing. 

Hydraulic disc brakes

Any experienced cycle tourist will tell you that decent brakes are a necessity not to be overlooked. When hurtling down a steep descent packed with all your life’s possessions, the last thing you need is your brakes failing you. Tektro’s HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes are a tried and tested staple in the eBike industry, trusted by thousands of manufacturers for their consistent reliability. 

Buy on REI.com

#3 Gazelle – Ultimate C380 Plus

Women’s electric commuter bike for touring

Gazelle - Ultimate C380 Plus

Price: $4,749

The Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus is an electric city bike with a difference – it uses a Gates belt drive system, which means no chains, no cogs, no grease, and extremely low maintenance. For bicycle touring, this is a great addition as it means far less hassle, fewer cleaning requirements, and less chance of breakdowns.

Bike weight: 54.6 lbs

Weighing in at a moderate 54.6lbs, the Gazelle Ultimate C380 is lighter than it looks. Despite a long-range battery and powerful motor, Gazelle manages to keep things light with an aluminum frame.

500 Wh, 13.4 Ah battery

The 500Wh battery balances a fine line between weight saving and capacity, providing power for up to 70 miles on Eco mode. If you need a bit more punch, it also has Tour, Sport, and Turbo mode.

Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus 3.0 (50Nm)

The Bosch Performance Line 3.0 mid-drive motor pushes out 65Nm of torque, slightly more than the standard found on most Class 1 eBikes. This gives the Gazelle a bit of edge over the competition, especially when climbing hills fully laden with luggage.

28″ wheels

Another unique feature of the Gazelle Ultimate C8 is the 28″ wheels, an uncommon size description in the cycle touring community. This size measures the same as 700c or 29″ wheels. They’re wrapped in Schwalbe’s eBike specific Energizer Plus puncture-resistant tires.

Buy from Mike's Bikes

#4 Blix Bikes Ultra

Best fat tire bike touring e-bike  

Blix Bikes Ultra

Price: $2,099 – $2,499

The Blix Bikes Ultra is no ordinary eBike – equipped with everything you need for city riding, off-roading, or bike touring. If you plan on touring on roads and off-road terrain, the Blix Ultra e-bike will get you there and then some.

The 750W hub motor delivers huge power and combines with a 1344 Wh dual battery setup that lasts up to 80 miles. Y ou can pull your luggage easily over rocky paths and gravel tracks on this bike if you retrofit front and rear racks or baskets that are available on the brand’s website.

Naturally, you’re going to need some serious stopping power on an ebike designed to tackle off-road terrain, which is why the Blix Ultra comes with hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes won’t let you down come rain or shine.

Blix has also included a reliable 8-speed drivetrain, fenders, and a front light to round out the build.

Buy from Blix Bikes

#5 Quietkat – Ranger

Off-road touring bike with an integrated rack and huge power

quietkat ranger

MSRP: $3,499

The Ranger e-bike by Quietkat is a highly versatile bike built for long-haul adventuring off-road and everything you need for commuting.

Each of the components has been carefully selected to ensure a high-quality ride experience on harsh terrain along with comfort and power over long distances.

Aluminum 6061 Frame

QuietKat frames are built using 6061 aluminum alloy. Due to rigorous testing, this frame perfectly balances strength and stiffness with high-end durability while keeping costs down.

750W or 1000W Geared Hub Motor

This motor delivers tons of power and torque to make hill climbing and pulling a full payload seem easy. This type of motor is the best you can get before upgrading to mid-drive motors.

614Wh Battery

The Ranger uses a medium-size battery to deliver max ranges of around 48 miles on one charge. This battery could be a little bigger to support longer days spent touring. 

7-Speed Drivetrain

This bike has a reliable SRAM drivetrain which allows you to maximize your battery and get the longest range possible by having enough gear options for uphill and downhill riding. It also has fast and accurate shifting.

Tektro Mechanical Brakes

Riders of the Ranger can have trust in the powerful 203mm rotor mechanical disc brakes by renowned manufacturer Tektro. This system provides smooth braking with a very fast response time, rapid heat dissipation, and automatic motor power-off function upon braking. This significantly reduces braking distance.

Buy from Quietkat.com

#6 Benno – RemiDemi 10D Sport

benno remidemi 10d sport ebike

Price: $4,099

The Benno RemiDemi 10D Sport is a cargo electric bike that would make a solid eTouring option for those who want to carry huge loads over diverse terrains. This is a quality bike throughout, from the Bosch Performance Sport motor to the Duro 4.25″ fat tires.

400lb Capacity and 65lb Weight 

Coming in at 65lbs, the Benno RemiDemi is by no means the lightest bike on the market but feels comfortable as a touring eBike. This sturdy build is necessary to support the huge payload capacity of 400lbs.

4130 Chromoly Steel Frame

The Chromoly steel frame uses a convenient step-thru design for easy mounting without sacrificing strength and rigidity. The shock-absorbent characteristics of the steel provide extra comfort and durability. 

Duro 4.25″ tires

The RemiDemi 10D Sport is capable on roads or off-road terrains with huge fat tires. These tires provide plenty of comfort, traction, and durability on any surface you encounter, including snow, sand, and mud. 

Max Speed 28mph

As a class 3 pedal-assist bike, the 250W Performance Sport motor is limited to a maximum speed of 28mph. This is supported by a 400Wh Bosch battery and a Shimano Sore/Acera 9-speed drivetrain. 

#7 Lectric XPremium

lectric xpremium e-bike

PRICE: $1,599

The Lectric XPremium isn’t officially an eTouring Bike, but it provides an affordable alternative with the capability to transform into a touring bike. It’s supported by an aluminum alloy frame and powered by a 500W mid-drive motor and dual battery capacity, it’s ideal for medium to long-distance tours.

Aluminum Frame and Suspension Fork

This electric bike has a strong aluminum alloy frame. To fit riders of all ages, the frame conveniently comes in four sizes fitting riders 5’2″ to 6’5″. An 80mm fork suspension also smooths out the road and trail.

Shimano 7-speed Drivetrain

For easier pedaling on steep ascents or when heavily loaded, the bike features a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. It may not be Shimano’s top-quality setup but is more than sufficient for a medium-distance electric touring bike.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Hydraulic disc brakes are an excellent addition to such a well-priced bike. They provide solid stopping power in any weather conditions, which is a necessity on an electric touring bike.

Buy on Lectricebikes.com

#8 Tern – GSD S10

tern gsd s10 ebike

Price: $5,399

The Tern GSD S10 is an electric bike built for hauling large cargo loads on long-distance rides across varied terrain. Loaded with a long rear rack, fenders, and lights, it’s perfect for adventures.

 Aluminum alloy frame and 70mm suspension fork

The solid frame is built from aluminum alloy, the perfect combination of strength, responsiveness, and comfort without adding extra costs. You also get a 70mm travel fork for smoothing out bumps on the road and light trails.

Shimano Deore 10-speed

Gearing consists of Shimano’s Deore drivetrain with a 10-speed cassette. This setup offers a wide range of gears, but with help from the Bosch Cargo Line 85Nm motor, you’ll hardly need them.

Magura MT5 Hydraulic discs

To complete the groupset, you also get Magura MT5 hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes will ensure you won’t have any trouble stopping even in wet weather.

Bosch 85Nm motor

The Bosch Cargo Line 85Nm motor is one of the most powerful you’ll find in the 250W category. It’s well-known for being tough and durable. With 85Nm of torque, it performs adequately on steep ascents and will power you along at up to 20mph on flats.

Buy from REI.com     Buy from TernBicycles.com

What defines an electric touring bicycle?

Long-distance electric bike = E-Touring Bike? – Not true. Long-distance eBikes are generally bicycled with an estimated range of 60mi and over. Touring bikes on the other hand are characterized by the accessibility to add racks and panniers to the bike. Therefore, a long-range electric bicycle can also be an electric road bike .

Technically, there is no specific set of conditions required to call a bicycle a touring bike. Although some manufacturers make touring-specific bikes, any bike that somebody chooses to tour on is, by default, a touring bike. However, there are certain features that you will commonly find on most touring bikes that make them comfortable and strong enough for long-distance riding.

For extra strength, many touring cyclists choose a steel frame with lots of mount points and a comfortable upright seating position. These are usually similar to road bike frames although some bikepacking bikes use MTB style frames. For steep hill climbs and strong stopping power on descents, touring bikes usually have a wide gear range and powerful disc brakes. Handlebars can either be dropped or straight but the more hand positions the better.

Other common extras include pannier racks, mudguards, lights, dynamos, and thick puncture-resistant tires.

Are gravel eBikes the same as e-touring bikes?

Gravel bikes are closely related to touring bikes but lack the comfort factor that one would expect from a touring bike.

Gravel vs. Cyclocross vs. Touring Bikes — Differences Explained

Gravel vs. Cyclocross vs. Touring Bikes — Differences Explained

Are touring bikes good for commuting.

Many people use commuting bikes for touring and vice versa since they usually have many of the same qualities. If you already own a touring bike, it would make an ideal commuter since it’s strong, comfortable, and likely has the racks, mudguards, and lights. However, it wouldn’t make sense to buy a touring bike specifically for commuting as they are usually more expensive than regular commuter bikes.

EBike Classifications – Throttle vs Pedal-Assist

Electric bikes are classified into three classes

  • Class 1 eBike – Pedal-assisted electric bikes. Motor limited up to 750W, speed to 20mph.
  • Class 2 eBike – Electric bikes with a throttle. Motor power limited up to 750W, max assisted speed of 20mph.
  • Class 3 eBike – Pedal-assisted, and optional throttle options available. Motor power limited to 750W, speed limited to 28mph.
  • Class 4 eBike – An electric bike with pedals. Either the motor power is 750W or over, or the assisted speed exceeds 28mph.

Is it worth buying an eBike?

For many people with injured or weak knees, an eBike is the only option if they wish to keep cycling. In this sense, eBikes are certainly worth it for people who may not be able to continue cycling otherwise.

In recent years, eBikes have dropped in price drastically due to improvements in technology. Additionally, they now benefit from longer-life batteries, lighter frames, and stronger motors. For this reason, modern eBikes offer excellent value for money as they are long-lasting, durable, and affordable. 

Do electric bikes charge when you pedal?

No, despite a widespread belief that they do, electric bikes don’t actually charge while you pedal. The resistance required in the pedals to create enough charge would negate any additional benefit provided by the motor.

However, some electric bikes do have regenerative braking which uses continuous forward motion when braking to feed charge back into the battery. With this system, you could feed quite a lot of energy back into the battery if you were going down a long descent.

How long does the battery last on an electric bike?

The batteries on electric bikes vary greatly between models and the length they last depend on how hard and how frequently you pedal. Most batteries will take you between 40-60 miles (64-96 km) on a single charge – enough to last a whole day riding.

Batteries will need to be replaced after a few thousand cycles (recharges) depending on the type of battery. Lithium batteries are the best, with up to 1000 cycles, with nickel and lead batteries giving only half that or less.

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3 e tour sram

About the Author

3 e tour sram

Mark Hartley

One thought on “ best electric touring bikes for your next adventure ”.

Trust me when I say that if you want to do extended rides on an ebike… touring, bike camping, weekenders, carrying enough gear to be comfortable, consecutive century rides, etc., you want more than 2, 3, or even 400W motors. The second thing you want is a Rohloff Speedhub so you can actually use all the gears with that additional power and not shred the gears and chain. Mid-drives love a nice clean straight chain line. For anyone that is going to carry panniers the racks (plural – a front rack is more important than the rear) need to be able to easily handle 40+ lbs. and be durable over years of riding. It’s not difficult to ride a eTouring setup with 80 to 150 lbs. of gear on the frame and another 80 to 100 lbs. in a trailer… at least when you have a “proper” motor (750 to 1000W). All the things that go into making a superior eTouring bike combine to make the best possible all-around daily commuter, grocery-getter, ride to get your Covid shot, take the pet to the vet ebike.

When you own an ebike you will find that you not only ride further but more often, even daily after you see how much you enjoy it. With that increased usage comes necessary maintainance, by a quality mech and by you. There is also a learning curve on getting the most out of the batteries and why a single large (2000+Wh) battery is better than 2 or even 3 smaller packs. You can buy a POS ebike on Amazon for $1K dollars but if you want to ride an ebike and not just own an ebike it’s best to remember that you get what you pay for.

The caveat here is “Best… to order online”, if you want to actually bike tour on an ebike not one of these bikes comes close.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ADgC6oyPM2gyrCq27

25 Jul 20 – Mowich Lake https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qkd2LGdKv https://photos.app.goo.gl/hRSTYZ8UjzdpuQ7n8

26 Jul 20 – Rain Forest trail https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvyDGe2W4q https://photos.app.goo.gl/WcoVAreB4TUdAiPF7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwwdaVg4Y5M https://prnt.sc/tsxt5p

Everyone stay safe.

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sram powertrain

First Look: SRAM's Eagle Powertrain E-Bike Motor

Long rumored, SRAM finally joins the e-bike motor scene with its first MTB motor.

Motor and Battery Specifications

Assist modes, auto shift, speed shift, and more, what bikes have sram’s powertrain.

There are few secrets in the bike industry. SRAM’s e-bike motor was one of those poorly kept secrets. There were rumors and spy shots, loose lips, and SRAM even had professional EWS-E/E-EDR rider Yannick Pontal testing prototypes in full public view.

Today, SRAM finally made details of its e-bike motor available. It’s called Eagle Powertrain and launches as a high-performance full-power system for mountain bike use. Time will tell if SRAM expands into the road, commuter, and cargo motor categories.

While many details are what you’d expect, there were a few surprises, too. Below is a first look at Powertrain. My ride sample, UPS gods willing, will arrive on my doorstep today and I’ll follow up with impressions once I get time on the system.

Surprise Partnership With Brose

sram powertrain

So it is quite a surprise that today’s debut of the SRAM Powertrain reveals a motor developed not with Amprio, but in partnership with Brose.

Brose sells e-bike motors under its own name , and its design and technology are also at the core of Specialized’s “full-power” Turbo 2.2 e-bike motors found in the brand’s Levo and Vado models.

(Specialized’s lighter and lower powered SL e-bike motors found in the Creo SL and Levo SL are not Brose-based.)

brose drive s mag

Chris Mandell, SRAM’s public relations representative, confirmed that the “physical motor” is the same as Brose’s Drive S Mag. This is also the motor that serves as the basis of the Specialized Turbo 2.2 motor. That means the SRAM motor employs the same quiet and smooth belt drive reduction system which reputably problematic in early examples of the motor, but has gained a better reputation in more recent iterations.

While the Drive Mag S is a proven motor platform—and, in Specialized form, arguably the benchmark high performance eBike motor—it’s also comparatively old in the fast-moving world of e-bike electronics (Drive S Mag debuted in late 2018). It’s not even Brose’s top of the line motor platform anymore. That title goes to Brose new Drive3 Peak.

Drive3 Peak is more powerful than Drive S Mag and employs all-new architecture. Notably, forgoes a belt drive reduction for a more traditional gear reduction system. Drive3 is also a 48-volt system while Drive Mag S, and many other ebike motors, are a 36-volt system.

brose drive3 peak

While system voltage is typically not of huge importance to the end consumer, in my email exchange with Brose’s press spokeswoman, Antje Geyer, she stated that they switched to 48-volt because it is “an established standard and state of the art in automotive, opening up more possibilities for new, innovative features.” Geyer also stated that the 48-volt system offers “Improved efficiency and a better energy balance” and “better heat dissipation.”

Considering SRAM’s purchase of Amprio, and Brose’s recent announcement of the Drive3 Peak, I find it a little strange that SRAM is debuting an ebike motor based on the comparatively old Drive S Mag.

One scenario I considered is that the SRAM/Brose motor is a stopgap that lets SRAM get a foothold into the profitable eBike market while the brand fully integrates Amprio’s design, technology, and employees into the fold.

I asked Mandell, the SRAM PR man, if this was the case and he would only say, “No comment.”

sram powertrain

SRAM claims the Eagle Powertrain offers up to 90Nm of torque and 680 watts of peak power. Claimed motor weight is 2,900 grams.

In terms of raw torque numbers, SRAM’s motor meets or exceeds Shimano’s EP801 (85Nm), the Bosch Performance Line CX (85Nm), and not surprisingly, the Brose Drive S Mag motors and Specialized Turbo 2.2 motors (90Nm).

I’m not going to bother to compare SRAM’s peak power claims—E-bike motor peak power claims are shady at best and not very useful. “Peak” power is only a claim of what an e-bike motor can, potentially , hit for a very short time. Various regulations require e-bike motors to be limited to 250 watts nominal, or continuous, power. That’s why many brands don’t bother to disclose their motor’s peak power. And remember that watts measure consumption, so an impressive-sounding peak power number could mean nothing more than an inefficient motor.

sram powertrain

While it is tempting to think that the Brose Drive S Mag, the Specialized Turbo 2.2, and the SRAM Eagle Powertrain will feel and perform the same on the trail—because they use the same hardware—each will have its own personality. That is because motor has unique in-house tuned software. And the software—which controls power delivery—is where an ebike motor’s magic and character reside.

SRAM official battery packs consist of a 630Wh (3.1 Kg) and a 720Wh (4.1 Kg) option, with an optional 250 Wh external range extender (on sale in November, weight and price not provided). “The Range Extender features a proprietary holder system that allows to mount either the Range Extender or a bottle cage of choice to the frame,” says SRAM.

SRAM claims its batteries employ a “unique C-shaped clip-in interface,” which “streamlines the interface between battery and drive unit,” and provides “more power in a smaller area and super elegant form factor for more pleasing frame silhouettes.”

sram powertrain

Claimed charging times from zero to 100 percent, according to SRAM, with a four-amp charger are five hours (720 Wh battery), 4.5 hours (630 Wh), and two hours (250 Wh range extender).

SRAM did not offer any range estimates for Powertrain in its launch information. However, I suspect it will not radically differ from any other competing drivetrain with a similarly sized battery.

While there are two SRAM-branded battery pack options, other battery manufacturers will likely offer other larger-sized battery options.

sram powertrain

The Powertrain’s dashboard is what SRAM calls the AXS Bridge Display. This color LCD resides in the top tube and highly resembles the Specialized Mastermind TCU employed by Turbo Levo, Levo SL, and Creo models. Powertrain pairs with GPS head units using the ANT+ LEV and PWR profiles for riders seeking more information on a larger display. Naturally, the Karoo 2 from SRAM-owned Hammerhead is one of the compatible units.

Riders toggle assist modes and other functions (more below) with SRAM’s wireless AXS Pod controllers. This promises a cleaner cockpit and no wires to snag or rattle. The pods do a lot on a bike equipped with a full SRAM ecosystem. According to SRAM’s FAQ:

Which button does what on the AXS Pods? • Top right button single click: outboard shift • Bottom right button single click: inboard shift • Top right button long press: Automatic shifting On/Off • Bottom right button long press: Cadence set point adjustment for Automatic Shift • Top left button single click: Ride Mode adjustment • Bottom left button click or hold: Reverb AXS • Top left button press & hold: Push mode activation

However, these button assignments are not set in stone: Riders can customize them in SRAM’s AXS app.

sram powertrain

SRAM is taking a notably different approach with its assist modes. While other systems offer three, four, or five modes, SRAM offers two: Range and Rally.

Range is tuned for lower assist and more, erm, range. Rally is the full power mode offering maximum assist. Both modes can be rider-customized through SRAM’s AXS app. That app will be updated to include and support the Powertrain ecosystem in addition to SRAM’s AXS drivetrains, Reverb AXS dropper post, Quarq power meters, Flight Attendant suspension, and other accessories like TyreWiz pressure sensors.

The AXS app will also push over-the-air updates, when released, to Powertrain.

Like other mountain bike motors, Powertrain has walk assist—SRAM calls it “Push Mode”— to help riders clamber up steep sections of trail.

sram powertrain

While an e-bike motor is significant on its own, an e-bike motor integrated into SRAM’s existing product portfolio begets some exciting features.

Two of those features relate to the recent launch of SRAM’s Transmission groups . Transmission’s shifting under load is unrivaled, and its ultra-robust interface with the frame all but eliminates any chance of the derailleur finding its way into a wheel’s spokes. It’s the best derailleur-based group for e-bikes yet created.

Auto Shift’s function is given away by its name. It aims to maintain a constant, rider-selected cadence by automatically upshifting or downshifting. Riders can override the Auto Shift algorithm at any time simply by manually triggering a shift.

Coast Shift’s trick is also apparent by its name. The motor spins the chainring so riders can fire off shifts even while coasting. The benefit here is riders can preselect a preferred gear for approaching trail sections without needing to pedal.

Auto Shift and Coast Shift are only available when a bike is equipped with a Powertrain motor and e-bike compatible Transmission group (XX, X0, GX). It does not work with cable-actuated derailleurs (of course) nor with SRAM’s AXS electronic derailleurs that employ traditional derailleur hanger mounting.

sram powertrain

Another requirement for Auto Shift and Speed Shift is SRAM’s Speed Ring magnet. While most e-bike speed sensors use a single magnet, the Speed Ring has multiple magnets. This offers, says SRAM, “A higher resolution speed signal allowing us to realize fast and precise automatic shifting.” At present, Speed Ring is not offered for Center Lock rotor interface.

SRAM’s wireless components don’t end with shifting. It also offers the Reverb AXS dropper post and the Flight Attendant electronically controlled forks and shocks, and the Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS cycling computer. While SRAM’s not teasing any automagical control of the dropper or suspension (other than stating that the Powertrain drive unit will function as Flight Attendant’s pedal sensor) the mind boggles at the possibilities.

For example: SRAM’s Hammerhead Karoo 2 Climber feature already “sees” upcoming climbs: Imagine an algorithm that takes this into account and automatically adjusts motor assist, Flight Attendant suspension mode, and Auto Shift tuning in response.

gasgas sram powertrain

SRAM is launching Powertrain with the help of four brand partners: GasGas, Nukeproof Propain, and Transition. More brands are sure to come aboard in the future.

However, each brand has its own launch plan, so prices, specs, on-sale dates, and pictures of all these initially available Powertrain-equipped bikes are not yet available.

sram powertrain

I was able to confirm launch dates: Nukeproof, October 2; GasGas, October 4; Transition, October 10; Propain, October 12. And I think it’s safe to assume all the bikes in this initial round will feature RockShox suspension and SRAM Transmission drivetrains.

gasgas sram powertrain

I got a sneak peek—look only, no ride—at the GasGas equipped with SRAM Powertrain earlier this year. However, it was not super illuminating. Even with close inspection, all I saw was an unmarked black motorcase. Woot.

Headshot of Matt Phillips

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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Tour Tech: why are pro riders using SRAM 12-speed set-ups that are unavailable to the public?

Both Movistar and Trek-Segafredo are riding team-issue only SRAM chainrings in this year's Tour de France. We look at the reasons why

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tour de france tech

Alejandro Valverde, at 40, is the oldest man in this year’s Tour de France . But that didn’t stop him showing up in Nice aboard an unreleased Canyon Aeroad equipped with SRAM chainrings big enough to eat your dinner off.

Clearly Movistar’s elder statesman still has the legs for another loop around France, selecting a huge 54/41t set-up for the race’s flatter stages. It’s not a gear-range for the faint-hearted. And it’s not a gear-range available to the general public.

Movistar made the switch to SRAM groupsets at the start of the 2020, ending their decades-old relationship with Campagnolo.

Like their Italian counterparts, SRAM produce a 12-speed road groupset, with the Movistar team using its RED eTap AXS offering. However, buy this groupset off-the-peg and the only road race-ready option is a 50/37t chainset (other options are 48/35t and 46/33t).

>>> Tour Tech: Why are pros running MTB discs and is that a new set of Shimano wheels?

The Spanish team began the year using these 'standard' chainrings. However, like members of the Trek-Segafredo outfit, the other WorldTour team sponsored by SRAM, riders quickly began experimenting with ‘team-issue’ chainrings in more conventional sizes.

Fast forward to this year's Tour and both teams are using larger SRAM chainrings that currently can’t be bought at your local bike shop.

In the mountains, Trek-Segafredo's team leader Ritchie Porte has opted for 52-39t chainrings with a 10-30t cassette on his Emonda SLR. If 52-10 sounds like a pretty tall gear, it is.

And here perhaps is the reason why the SRAM-equipped riders in this year’s race are running larger chainrings. They probably aren’t using that 10t sprocket.

While SRAM designed their 12-speed road groupsets around that very starting sprocket, it appears for professional racers it’s not required.

>>> Tour de France 2020 standings: latest results

The reason, it seems, is drivetrain friction. There’s been plenty of testing done on the subject. Results show smaller chainrings paired with smaller sprockets produce more drag than a larger combination achieving the same gear ratio.

48x10t and 53x11t produce an equivalent gear inch but the latter, when ridden at the same speed, requires fewer watts to sustain it. In short, it's another marginal gain.

However for those of us not paid to race a bike, there's little need to tamper with SRAM's AXS groupsets. In fact, the science behind its 12-speed offerings makes a lot of sense for mere mortals.

>>> New Canyon Aeroad: Warren Barguil and Alejandro Valverde riding latest aero bike at Tour de France

The 10t sprocket essentially moves a portion of the gear range from the front of the bike to the back. Bingo. Smaller chainrings and cassettes, with reduced jumps between gears, allowing riders to remain in the same chainring for longer. Which, in essence, is far more efficient.

But if you want to ride what the pros ride you may, at some point, be in luck. Production is mere speculation, but the larger chainrings Movistar and Trek-Segafredo are using at the Tour look very refined and have clearly progressed from examples spotted at races earlier in the calendar. 

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Luke Friend has worked as a writer, editor and copywriter for twenty five years. Across books, magazines and websites, he's covered a broad range of topics for a range of clients including Major League Baseball, the National Trust and the NHS. He has an MA in Professional Writing from Falmouth University and is a qualified bicycle mechanic. He has been a cycling enthusiast from an early age, partly due to watching the Tour de France on TV. He's a keen follower of bike racing to this day as well as a regular road and gravel rider. 

The Dane wins the queen stage of the race ahead of Juan Ayuso and Jai Hindley

By Joseph Lycett Published 9 March 24

Brandon McNulty remains in the overall lead of the race despite losing time to the other GC contenders

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New SRAM Patent Reveals Possible 3rd Generation Red AXS Lever

A recent patent from sram reveals an all-new brake lever design that may materialize as part of the next-generation sram red axs group..

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A recent patent from SRAM (published August 19th, 2023), reveals an all-new brake and electronic shifter design that could be intended as the next generation SRAM Red eTap. The drawings depict a housing that is considerably longer than that of the current generation Rival, Force, and Apex AXS levers. A closer look reveals why.

The proposed lever design utilizes a new (to SRAM) layout of the braking mechanics, with a high-pivot lever design that is said to deliver an improved mechanical advantage. Also new (again, to SRAM) is a larger brake fluid reservoir inside the housing, tool-free adjustment of bite point, and the inclusion of a programmable button on the inboard face of the hood.

new sram axs drop bar road patent interior side with buttons

Next Generation SRAM AXS Drop Bar Lever

Before we dig into the internals, let’s just take a moment to appreciate the shape of the proposed lever. A side view reveals that the housing is comparatively long. So, dependent on the mounting arrangement, it could have implications for rider position.

The hood itself – the area where you place your palms the most while riding – looks extended in comparison to current SRAM drop bar levers, be it current SRAM Red or the current, svelte Force, Rival, and Apex-level AXS shifters. Otherwise, the lever itself doesn’t seem as bulbous or wide as current SRAM Red eTap AXS levers, comparing favorably in regard to width to the latest crop of SRAM AXS levers.

sram dropbar shifter patent brake lever high pivot flared blade

Then, looking at the lever head-on, we see that the lever blade itself actually flares outboard at a more aggressive angle – more akin to the lever blade angle on Shimano GRX Di2 offerings. That could help the lever work better for riders who prefer a bar with a more aggressive flare on the drops.

Further, the brake lever blade pivot point itself looks to be quite a bit higher than any current or previous SRAM drop bar levers. This again seems to pull a page out of the Shimano GRX Di2 lever’s book. Shimano says they do it for increased leverage for riders, and we suspect the same has occurred here.

new sram axs drop bar road patent hydraulic piston layout

New Braking Mechanics

The patent largely focuses on the lever’s internals, specifically how pulling on the lever translates to hydraulic fluid displacement, and thus braking. While current SRAM Red, Force, Rival, and Apex levers rely upon a pull-rod to move the piston through the master cylinder, the lever proposed in this latest patent depicts a push-rod system, more akin to what we see on Shimano’s offerings.

In this arrangement, the braking lever pivot sits high on the housing. Pulling it pushes the main piston through the master cylinder sleeve to displace the non-compressible braking fluid through the line and into the brake caliper. In contrast to current designs from SRAM, the master cylinder is positioned horizontally, such that it is parallel to the ground when the lever is mounted to the bar.

The new configuration appears to leave additional space above the lever and its pivot. The patent inventors propose to fill that space with additional fluid volume for the reservoir (222, Fig. 13 above). “ To provide more hydraulic reservoir fluid volume, a pocket may be added into a lever blade opening for additional fluid for compensation. The pocket may fit between ears of a lever blade and wrap around a lever pivot axle “.

Extra volume could make the brake’s performance less vulnerable to the presence of air in the system, requiring less frequent bleeds.

The main advantages, however, appear to be related to the improved leverage provided by the lever’s pivot position. The document reads, “This location of the pivot axis P allows for a greater mechanical advantage for building pressure and also provides a more subtle sweep of an end of an end of the push rod, mitigating bore, piston, and seal wear that may occur from side-load of a piston within a bore” .

new sram axs drop bar road patent info lever layout

Tool-Free Bite Point Adjustment

Instead of requiring a hex key to alter the brake’s bite (or contact) point, the proposed design outlined in this patent shows a tool-free adjustment mechanism. Those familiar with SRAM’s line of mountain bike brakes (specifically SRAM Code RSC levers), will recognize the cam adjustment (500) on the upper face of the lever housing.

On the Code RSC brakes, this mechanism is rather vulnerable to the elements. It tends to seize up when grit gets rolled into the mechanism, making it unusable. On the drop bar lever seen here, however, the adjuster is tucked away underneath the hood cover. In contrast to current designs, it is positioned more toward the rear of the housing. The document reads, “ the adjustment mechanism may provide infinite adjustment between zero and 1.5 mm “.

new sram axs drop bar road patent front interior side

An Extra AXS Button

The new lever is also home to a new button placed on the inboard face of the hood, where it is presumably easily pushed by the rider’s thumb. Throughout the patent, this button is referred to as the auxiliary button. The inventors write, “activation of the auxiliary button unit may initiate the generation of signals related to shifting, pairing, derailleur trim operations, power management, one or more other actions on the bicycle, or any combination thereof” .

We take that to mean the button could be programmable by the rider to perform whichever of those aforementioned functions. In the context of a regular bike, it could offer up a second position from which to actuate an up- or down-shift. In the context of an eBike, it could be used to switch between assist modes.

Again, this seems similar in capability to Shimano GRX Di2 levers. Those levers place an auxiliary button on the inner side of the hood, just above the brake lever blade pivots. Shimano allows the two buttons (one atop each lever) to be programmed to actuate a shift, scroll through a Garmin cycling computer, and more. They’re handy buttons to have and ones that SRAM fans have surely asked for on new levers.

We’ve reached out to SRAM to find out if and when such a design will make it to market, and whether or not it is destined to be a part of the 3rd generation SRAM Red AXS group.

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"I don't want to ride an e-MTB without it ever again!" SRAM’s new Eagle Powertrain is a revolutionary shift in performance

Think the motor and battery are the most important part of e-mtb performance eagle powertrain will instantly change your mind (and your gears) says guy kesteven.

An Eagle Powertrain equipped e-MTB

BikePerfect Verdict

On paper, Eagle Powertrain is just a very well synced e-MTB and shift system. On the trail, it's a remarkably mind freeing, fun expanding upgrade for experienced riders and potentially a complete game-changer for the newbies who make up an increasing part of the mountain bike landscape.

Genuinely game-changing gear-changing

Auto Shift is awesome and addictive

Coast Shift is way more useful than expected

Superb syncing with rest of the SRAM 'ecosystem'

Brose motor is proven and powerful

Only limited bike options at launch

No USB-C charger port

Pricing is unconfirmed

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

Let’s get this clear right away. SRAM’s new Powertrain Eagle system is the most seismic change in e-MTB – and therefore MTB overall given the sales numbers – in years. Riding it immediately and totally flips the focus from torque and watt hours to how you interact (or not) with the transmission and terrain as a whole. So how have SRAM done it and is taking shifting stress away to free your mind for the fun stuff the most powerful riding drug anyone has pedaled since we added power to MTBs?

The bit that doesn’t matter as much as you think anymore

SRAM’s new motor has been a rumour for a few years and a spy shot reality at e-MTB enduros all year. That’s inevitably sparked a lot of discussion and speculation about battery and motor performance, manufacturer and display specifics. If you must know, SRAM are basically using an evolved version of the Brose motor Specialized use in their Levo and Kenevo e-MTBs. Peak power in Rally mode is 680W with 90Nm of torque, noise levels are average, pick up and support levels are intuitive from trudge to spin and it’s really well sealed from water. The 2.9kg weight is comparable to Bosch CX but slightly heavier than Shimano EP801.

Powering the motor there are 720Wh (4.1kg) or 630Wh (3.1kg) slimline high capacity, slide in or clip on battery options, with 250Wh range extenders available from November too. Any servicing / warranty work can he handled through any SRAM dealer. So basically all bike shops.

Grand Shift Auto

Auto shifting gears are nothing new either. I’m pretty sure there’s a Shimano patent for them for shopping bikes from the '70s (or maybe even the '60s) and they’ve appeared regularly since then, including the system Shimano revealed recently. The difference here is that while the new Shimano has had mixed and largely lukewarm reviews, Powertrain works very intuitively with a very polished performance. Plus you’ll be able to buy Nukeproof Megawatt bikes with it next week and models from Transition , Propain and GasGas soon after.

What’s interesting is the seeming simplicity of the system. Currently, Auto Shifts are only triggered by cadence (how fast you’re pedaling) while Coast Shifts are triggered by changes in wheel speed. This is monitored by six magnets on the rear hub disc brake mount and engages the motor to spin the chainring and chainring to shift the gears even if your feet are still. To avoid any possible confusion, Coast shifting doesn’t rely on proximity to the seaside either, it’s coasting in the sense of not pedaling.

In terms of shifting mechanics, the system gets a very pretty new chainring design with XX carbon (tested) XO and GX spec crank options. These are synced with a T-Type Eagle Transmission including flat top chain, 10-52 tooth cassette and UDH clamping T-Type rear mech in whatever flavor of spec your wallet can allow. The only difference is that the AXS cartridge battery is replaced with a clip-in connector with a direct wired link to the main cell.

While the motor itself is fully shrouded from view (and therefore filth/spray etc), the Brose motor provenance is given away by the fact that the ‘Bridge’ TCU display on the top tube is essentially identical to the ‘Mission Control’ unit on Specialized’s Levo/Levo SL/Kenevo/Kenevo SL bikes. However clean the display is though, the neatest part of the system is the complete lack of obvious e-MTB hardware on the bars. Instead you get specific Eagle Powertrain versions of SRAM’s latest two-button Pod controllers. The right hand Pod lets you engage or disengage Auto Shift and works as a standard AXS shifter if needed. Holding the lower button accesses cadence tuning mode at which point you select from one of the seven different settings (three minus, Mid and three plus) by using the shift paddles as plus or minus buttons. The left Pod covers AXS dropper post actuation, Rally/Range power mode changes and Push (walk) mode. Both are highly adjustable for position with two sizes of click on rubber button covers available. The only downer is that there’s no USB-C charge port on the frame for GPS or other peripherals, although you can connect front and rear lights with an internal wiring harness.

Shifting perspectives

It’s telling that while all the pre-gossip about Powertrain centred on motor and battery specs, SRAM are deliberately downplaying that aspect in the PR info. Instead it’s all about "Going for the better ride’ with ‘power applied properly’ for ‘the most natural ride experience ever’", and my personal favorite "Go for feeling super. And human."

Behind all the cute language there’s clearly been a huge amount of very high level ride assessment, rider profiling of everyone from beginners to Black Box enduro athletes – Yannick Pontal won the 2022 EWS-E championship on Powertrain prototypes. The has fed into some extremely smart software, firmware and algorithm design to sync the proven motor with the next level under power shifting of Eagle T-Type. 

The result is that despite deliberately picking the worst possible trails (if you know Stainburn in Yorkshire you know what I’m on about) for sudden, almost completely flow free changes in speed, steepness and power requirements Powertrain blew me away. Within a few minutes I’d worked out what mode worked best for me (+1 95 percent of the time, +2 for really steep, tech sections where I didn’t want an accidental upshift if I charged a crux move) and from then on I just surrendered gear control to SRAM. 

I’m not going to claim the system is perfect, but even with over 40 years experience of pre-judging gear selection, it was at least as good as I am. It’s definitely better than me in the Coast mode where it spools up the chainset to shift into the appropriate gear for your speed without your feet moving. As someone with hard wired reflexes so ancient that I’ve been confused into thinking I was on Gripshift when using DMR Deathgrip grips with their fatter inner section, was how quickly interaction became intuitive. You can still use the Pod controllers as over-ride shifters, but within a couple of runs up and down the hill I was just slightly adjusting my pedal speed to control the Auto Shift instead.

From there on it was just a case of marvellng at just how good the rear mech performed as I kept charging full power. The Auto Shift did it’s thing so seamlessly, that apart from cadence changes, only an occasional gear growl told me something was happening. One unexpected side effect was that chasing the next upshift rapidly became the best game ever. Perhaps it’s more of a reflection on me and is something that will fade with familiarity, but charging up twisting tech singletrack at downhill speeds while laughing like a maniac because the only control you’re touching is the the rear brake is an absolute blast.

Even with a long history of being evangelical about riding single speed bikes, it’s also remarkable how much fun floods into the parts of your mind normally filled with ratio selection calculations. And that’s speaking as someone who gets a lot of pleasure from a perfectly timed, seamless shift, not as someone without the experience to get gears right in a situation where they’re already struggling with line choice, traction assessment, body position and power application.

First ride verdict

It took me less than an hour for me to say I didn’t want to ride an e-MTB without Eagle Powertrain ever again and I probably would have said it earlier if I wasn’t laughing so much. I even made Al from SRAM explain tech specifics while we were riding because talking while we were stopped seemed too much like a waste of possible play time. And if you think riding with the UK's SRAM man would influence my opinion, you clearly don’t understand that for every sweet bit of schwag and fish and chip lunch I’ve greedily taken over the years, I’ve regularly repaid them by being the media equivalent of the kind of saddle sore that took Tom Pidcock out of the Tour of Britain .

I even went into this test with a highly unprofessional, preloaded attitude that adding Auto Shift was a step too far in removing riders from the ride itself. That included telling anyone who would listen beforehand that I thought the system sounded like the kind of arse wipe over-intervention that I’d definitely be swiping left on.

Yeah well, it took literally one retune of the cadence calibration (done in under five seconds while riding) for me to leave my ‘over cynical for the sake of credibility’ preconceptions behind and get fully on board the runaway train that Powertrain represents.

We’re only looking at the tip of the iceberg in terms of what extra information and refinement SRAM can add to the system from other sensors, as soon as they flush the appropriate firmware through, too. While there might be specifics I haven’t reckoned on, I can’t see a reason they can’t port the system across to other motors within e-MTB or other categories like urban or cargo bikes where Auto Shift is potentially even more welcome. Maybe we’ll even see an Auto Shift system for meat powered bikes using a simple power/cadence meter like the ‘torque Tampon’ upgrades available for SRAM’s gravel groups?

Even in it’s relatively simple roll out format though, Eagle Powertrain is a remarkably mind freeing, fun expanding upgrade for experienced riders and potentially a complete game changer for the newbies who make up a massive part of the e-MTB landscape.

Industry impact

Any issues resulting from adding another extinction horizon to the MTB tech world (particularly so soon after T-Type made a lot of existing overstock obsolete overnight) remains to be seen. However, if other people have a similar experience to me demo riding Powertrain, then I reckon 'auto-shift' will also apply to anyone getting stock of new SRAM equipped e-MTBs.

Tech specs: SRAM Eagle Powertrain

  • Motor torque: 90Nm
  • Peak power: 680W
  • Power modes: Range and Rally
  • Drive unit weight: 2.9kg
  • 630Wh battery weight: 3.1kg
  • 720 battery weight: 4.1kg

Guy Kesteven

Guy has been working on Bike Perfect 's since we launched in 2019. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Since then he’s written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, he’s also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too.

Current rides: Cervelo ZFS-5, Forbidden Druid V2, Specialized Chisel, custom Nicolai enduro tandem, Landescape/Swallow custom gravel tandem

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

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Bike Test: 3T Strada with SRAM Red eTap AXS

Some custom 3t flare.

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The 3T Strada remains a ride worth waiting for

Anyone who caught our previous May “Euro” magazine will recall that we featured an unbuilt 3T Strada project bike that we had intended to have ready for that issue. Unfortunately, a handful of issues arose, and we missed the final deadline by about a week. But, here we are a month later, and the bike finally got built and was ready to ride.

When the Strada was initially launched back in 2017, it made news for more than a few reasons. Yes, it was the first new road bike penned by famed designer Gerard Vroomen following his years leading Cervelo to fame and glory, along with his then-partner, Phil White. In his time spent between the two brands, Gerard had come to embrace 1x drivetrains for a number of reasons, chiefly their weight and aero benefits.  

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In pushing the 1x concept, 3T went so far as to sponsor the Pro Continental Aqua Blue Sport team in 2018. Unfortunately, despite some limited success and race wins, the riders never found full favor with the limited gearing, and by mid-season a 2x frame option was developed.  

Although we were offered the 2x frame to test, we opted to once again rely on the 1x platform as a testbed for optional 1x drivetrain parts. Besides, we’re just suckers for the clean aesthetic of not having a front derailleur.

Without a doubt, as ubiquitous as many aero frame designs are on the market, Vrooman’s 3T Strada cuts a pretty unique profile. “Shapely” is the first word that comes to mind in describing the array of sculpted tubes. Aside from the impressive downtube with its curved underside and flat top that’s home to two different bottle mounts, the seat tube/bottom bracket section is a sight to behold.

Just as Vroomen omitted the front derailleur for its perceived aero benefit, from tip to tail, so too was every other aspect of the frame’s design.

In addition to 1x drivetrains, in the time since was overseeing Cervelo, Gerard also came to believe in the performance virtues of bigger tires. Unlike the many contemporary road bikes that can be friendly to bigger tires (up to 28mm), the Strada frame and fork were optimized to run bigger tires from the start.  

Given that the bike was originally intended to highlight last month’s Euro issue, we had planned to build it up with as many Euro-centric parts that we could. We were happy to oblige Gerard with added 3T spec, with an aluminum Apto stem and Superergo Pro handlebar. The dedicated seatpost gave us no spec option—although, as unfriendly as we find its adjustment, we wish there was an option. Atop the zero-offset post was a carbon-railed Selle Italia SLR Superflow saddle.

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For our wheel selection we went with the Limitless 48 wheels from the British brand Hunt. Owing to their 22.5mm internal width, we weren’t sure what effect the hoops would have on the tires given the frame’s clearance constraints. And, as expected, after inflating the 28mm Pirelli P-Zero Velo tires, they ballooned up to 32mm, putting a crimp on available tire clearance but still with just a skosh of room to spare. We threw in some of the ultra-light (and expensive) German Tubolito inner tubes.  

With the Euro theme as our guide, we could’ve tried to make something work with a Campagnolo drivetrain but were compelled not to for two reasons:  

1. Although the word on the streets is that Campy has a 1x system coming down the pike, a curbside rumor wasn’t sufficient reason to put off the build.  

2. Owing to the bike’s sweet red finish and the need for 1x, how could we forgo using a SRAM AXS Red 1x drivetrain?! Pow!  

However, as happy as we are with all facets of the Red AXS drivetrain, we couldn’t help but run 3T’s own Torno crank in place of the SRAM unit. With its visible carbon weave acting as its calling card, the crank and integrated spider are hard parts to say no to. Interestingly, the solid chainring that makes the crankset complete is a machined-aluminum item that comes to 3T by way of Minnesota and the lads at Wolf Tooth Components.  

Call us slaves to fashion, but when it came to slowing the bike down, we eschewed the standard 160/140 rotor spec in favor of running a pair of 140mm rotors. SRAM winced, but we insisted. Not only does it improve the look of the bike, but it still provided all the stopping power we could ask for.

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Despite the tight 99cm wheelbase, we came away surprised at how little toe overlap there was, which was very welcomed. Another result of the short wheelbase was that the Strada was a ripper through the twisties. Even more welcoming was the bike’s weight, which delighted us all by hitting the scale at just 15.72 pounds.

Our custom build of the Strada resulted in a noticeable change in ride quality and performance from our original Strada test over two years ago. Industry-wide advancements in 1x gearing and disc brake-focused wheel designs have made the Strada more feasible for modern road riding.  

“Our custom build of the Strada resulted in a noticeable change in ride quality and performance from our original Strada test over two years ago.” 

The biggest difference between the two builds is the Hunt wheelset equipped with 28mm Pirelli P Zero tire combo. This keeps a solid patch of rubber on the road that stays planted over cracks and bumps. We ran 60–65 psi and noticed increased tracking through corners while descending at speed. While this may be confused for the bike being sluggish or less responsive, our post-ride analysis revealed similar times when compared to all-out efforts from different bikes. The benefit of the Strada is how much more comfortable and predictable the ride quality was during those same efforts.  

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Climbing and downhill speed are at odds when picking parts for a 1x drivetrain. Thanks to the SRAM AXS cassette range and the 42-tooth chainring, climbing grades under 12 percent felt the same on the Strada as a bike equipped with a semi-compact 52-36 chainring. When the roads got steeper, we did wish for at least a 36-tooth gear.   However, the ease of only having to shift through the rear gears allowed us to hold our cadence in the 24-, 28- and 33-tooth gears.  

The usual top-end speeds that can usually be hit with a 2x drivetrain was a bit higher than what we could hit with our setup. We found ourselves spinning out around 34 mph. While it may not have enough gears to win a pro criterium sprint, the Strada is more than capable of making it to the finish line.    

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THE VERDICT

Without a doubt the 3T Strada is both unique and, at times, a perplexing bike. As big of fans of 1x drivetrains as we are, our ride plans were nonetheless complicated by the limited gear range. On climbing days, the 42t chainring forced us to suffer, and on the fast-paced and flat Montrose ride, we’d go through the gears quicker than we’d want. So, our advice for anyone considering the 1x, think first about what kind of riding you do.

For anyone who might be turned off by gearing complications, the good news is that you can get a Strada with a 2x drivetrain. Without a doubt we were probably most impressed that we could get this much bike underneath us that weighed so little.  

While the Strada was originally only available as a frameset, 3T now makes the three bikes available in complete form priced from $3199–$4699. If you’d prefer the fancy frame with a 2x drivetrain, there are also three models available, ranging from $4995 to $7995.

PUNCH LINES

• Unique design

• 1x or 2x friendly versions

• Fast and quick handling

Price: $2699 (frameset)

Weight: 15.72 pounds

Sizes: XS, S, M (tested), L, XL

www.3t.bike

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Jersey: Hedo Arizona Sunset          

Bib: Hedo Masterpiece                  

Shoes: Giro Empire        

Socks: Swiftwick          

Glasses: Oakley Jawbreaker  

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🏀 UNC, Kentucky rise in men's Power 36

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SELECTION SUNDAY

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NCAA.com | March 10, 2024

2024 sec tournament: bracket, schedule, scores for men's basketball.

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We're following all the highlights from the 2024 SEC men's basketball tournament, which will be held March 13-17 in Nashville, Tennessee. Get the bracket, schedule and scores here.

Last year, Alabama won the tournament title, beating Texas A&M in the final. You can  track all conferences and auto-bids here.

2024 SEC tournament bracket

2024 SEC Tournament Bracket

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2024 SEC tournament schedule

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Wednesday, March 13

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  • Game 2: No. 11 Georgia vs. No. 14 Missouri | 25 mins after Game 1 | SEC Network

Second round

Thursday, March 14

  • Game 3: No. 8 LSU vs. No. 9 Mississippi State | 1 p.m. | SEC Network
  • Game 4: No. 5 South Carolina vs. Game 1 winner | 25 mins after Game 3 | SEC Network
  • Game 5: No. 7 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 Ole Miss | 7 p.m. | SEC Network
  • Game 6: No. 6 Florida vs. Game 2 winner | 25 mins after game 5 | SEC Network

Quarterfinals

Friday, March 15

  • Game 7: No. 1 Tennessee vs. Game 3 winner | 1 p.m. | ESPN
  • Game 8: No. 4 Auburn vs. Game 4 winner | 25 mins after Game 7 | ESPN
  • Game 9: No. 2 Kentucky vs. Game 5 winner | 7 p.m. | SEC Network
  • Game 10: No. 3 Alabama vs. Game 6 winner | 25 mins after Game 9 | SEC Network

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  • Game 11: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner | 1 p.m. | ESPN
  • Game 12: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner | 25 mins after Game 11 | ESPN

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Sunday, March 17

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Kentucky has won the most SEC tournament titles with 32. But Alabama is the defending champion, topping Texas A&M in the 2023 final.

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  • Mid-majors are already bringing the madness to March in their conference tournaments

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  • 2024 Big Ten tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores for men's basketball

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North Carolina and Kentucky rise in Andy Katz's final Power 36 rankings before Selection Sunday

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SRAM Unveils Eagle Powertrain | Here’s 7 reasons we’re excited about the long awaited e-MTB system from SRAM

After years of spy shots and speculation, SRAM has finally unveiled its e-MTB system — Eagle Powertrain.

Unsurprisingly, it’s designed to leverage everything that’s already under the Eagle AXS umbrella, like the T-Type Transmission, the wireless protocol and the app, into a slick, highly integrated system — for better or for worse.

There’s plenty to cover with this hotly anticipated new e-MTB system, so let’s power up and dive in.

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1| So that’s what the extra button on the shift pods was for

When SRAM launched the T-Type Transmission, we were left scratching our heads as to why the left side shifter pod had two buttons. While one made sense to incorporate the AXS dropper, SRAM killed the front derailleur long ago, so this dummy button was a bit of a mystery, and Flight Attendant is still a little exclusive.

In a similar fashion to the UDH, there was a larger plan in motion, and now, all has been revealed. SRAM has utilised that extra button to replace the bar-mounted remote control for the e-MTB system.

Using the left-side buttons, riders can activate the dropper post and toggle between two different ride modes, Range and Rally  — more on this later.

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The setup of the pod controllers can be totally customised through the AXS app, and they are smart enough to know the difference between a short and long push. So effectively, you can program eight functions into the four buttons covering shifting, dropper post and the e-MTB control without having to bolt anything else onto your handlebars.

Up to this point, the Eagle AXS parts have been more or less universally compatible — you can pair a T-Type rear mech to the AXS paddle shifters or even the drop bar shifters. However, SRAM says the Powertrain e-MTB functions will only work with the new pod shifters.

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SRAM does say the Powertrain can be paired with mechanical or non-Transmission Eagle AXS drivetrains, but you’ll lose the Auto Shift and Coast Shift functionality. While there are probably some workarounds that are yet to come to light, we’d speculate that product managers aren’t going to spec bikes with limited functionality on purpose.

The same goes for the dropper. There aren’t any compatibility issues running something other than the Reverb AXS, but trying to fit the lever next to the pod controller would create an ergonomic nightmare. So you’re likely to be handcuffed to the Reverb AXS.

SRAM has designed a holistic system that leverages the unique features of the parts it makes, and with that, we don’t expect you’ll see many bikes with incomplete Powertrain systems. This does limit the system to a slightly higher price point, given the cost of entry into Transmission and a Reverb AXS are more costly than the cable-driven alternative.

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2 | Auto Shifting and Coast Shifting

Following on from what Shimano introduced with its EP801 motor , SRAM’s Powertrain will also offer Auto Shift. This is precisely what it sounds like, and the system monitors your cadence and aims to keep it in an ideal range by managing shifts up and down the cassette without any rider input. Given how well the new Transmission shifts under power all of the time, we’re very interested in trying this one out in the real world.

All of the shifting decisions are based on your cadence, and SRAM tells us it does not utilise tilt sensors, like with Flight Attendant, to react to what the terrain is doing to make predictive shifts. These shift parameters can be customised in the AXS app, and according to SRAM, the system offers seven different steps to help riders find their ‘sweet spot.’ It also appears you can assign Pedal Speed to a long push on the pod shifters and change the target cadence on the fly — how cool!

Being that the drivetrain isn’t taking the terrain into account, Auto Shift can also be overridden by shifting as normal, say if there is a steep bump in the middle of a corner where you’ll need to drop a couple of gears. After a few seconds, it will revert back.

The new Powertrain also has the ability to Coast Shift, meaning you can move the chain up and down the cassette without pedalling. Again, similar to what Shimano’s EP801 system offers, the motor will advance the front chainring independently of the cranks, just far enough to advance the chain up or down the block.

There’s also Push mode, which is there to help you push/walk your bike up a steep hill by delivering up to 6kph of assistance.

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3 | SRAM Powertrain by Brose

SRAM has outsourced the actual drive unit to German outfit Brose, who also produces the Specialized e-MTB motors. The brand tells us that the hardware is more or less the same as what you’ll find bolted into the current Specialized Levo . With that said, it has slightly different mounts, so you won’t be able to bolt a Powertrain into your Levo.

SRAM says it wanted to leverage an experienced hardware supplier rather than go at it totally alone. The brand was attracted to Brose in part because of how well the Specialized motors perform, but another big factor was how much has been done to address the issues with some of the early motors. While the hardware may be more or less the same as the Specialized 2.2 full-power motor, SRAM tells Flow all of the software was designed in-house.

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And with that, SRAM has been able to eke out a bit of extra performance from the drive unit, offering 90Nm of peak torque and a quoted peak power of 680W — the Specialized unit tops out at 565W. That’s a lotta grunt!

Using a belt-driven motor, the power delivery is quiet and smooth, and it doesn’t sound like there is a percussion band chasing you down every descent like with the Shimano and Bosch units. The trade-off is that there’s a fair bit of resistance when you exceed the 25kph cutoff.

However, with SRAM utilising existing hardware and its own software, it brings up an interesting proposition in that software could potentially be adapted to a Bosch motor or an SL motor like TQ. This means the shift pods would run the show for a clean cockpit, and the same user interface could be applied but still have all the advantages these systems have to offer. As to how realistic that is, we can only speculate.

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4 | Eliminating the Netflix effect by limiting power modes and adjustments

We’ve all opened a streaming service and have been completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, succumbed to decision fatigue, and ended up watching episodes of The Office you’ve already seen 400 times.

Some e-MTBs have half a dozen different assist modes and as many sliders in the app that can adjust when and how much power is applied, which can also induce decision fatigue — most people only use two or three anyway. To complicate things further, every brand has its own term for modes and the adjustment parameters — to the point we’ve even written LONG explainers to try to help folks decode what the heck all these buttons and sliders do.

  • 10 Tuning Tips to get the most out of your Specialized Turbo e-MTB
  • 9 tuning tips to get the most out of your Bosch electric mountain bike | Bosch Smart System Review

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To remove this decision fatigue, SRAM is only offering two assist modes — Rally and Range — and within those, it only has two sliders to adjust.

While SRAM says Rally mode is for hooning and Range mode is for conserving battery, with the adjustments available in the app, you can make them do whatever you’d like.

Adjustments are limited to a pair of sliders. The first is max power, which puts a cap on how many watts the motor will deliver. The second slider is a range between dynamic and support , which tells the motor how to apply the power. The closest proxy we can come up with is the ‘Response’ slider in the Specialized Mission Control app.

With a dynamic bias, the motor will adapt to your inputs in the power it puts out, whereas the support side will give you full noise the moment you apply pressure to the pedals.

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5 | One battery to rule them all — sort of

With all the components talking to one another, the big battery in the downtube can power the motor and your derailleur. While we have seen this a few times in the past, it hasn’t been a feature made prominent by the brands.

SRAM is offering a 630Wh and a 720Wh option and will also sell a 250Wh range extender. Claimed to weigh 3.9kg and 4.1KG respectively, SRAM says it came to these capacity numbers based on what its OEM partners were asking for.

This means you have fewer batteries to remember to charge, which, in our book, is a win. According to SRAM, if the motor runs the battery dry mid-ride and the AXS Bridge Toptube display shows 0%, the battery hangs onto a small reserve that should offer two hours of shifting and power for lights.

Interestingly, if you are using the range extender and you riding in Range mode, the system will drain the add-on battery first, whereas in Rally mode, it does the opposite.

With that said the wireless nature of AXS means the pod shifters still need coin cell batteries, and the Reverb AXS dropper post also does not wire into the main battery.

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6 | There’s an app for that

SRAM’s AXS app is already well-polished for keeping your drivetrain shifting crisp and reminding you to keep your batteries charged. Instead of designing a totally new app for the e-bike system, Powertrain will integrate what you already have on your phone.

Inside, you can customise the ride modes, tailor auto shift parameters and assign functions to the buttons on the pod shifters with both short press and long press.

The app will also be able to conduct over-the-air firmware updates, diagnostics, and battery health, and display a drive unit odometer.

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7 | What bikes will Eage Powertrain be available on?

At launch, SRAM says Eagle Powertrain will soon (ish) be available on bikes that are set to launch from Propain, Nukeproof, Transition and Gas Gas. That last one isn’t available in Australia — though we’re about 97% sure it’s coming, given the brand now has an Australian Instagram account — while the others have a pretty limited presence, especially for their e-MTBs.

So, until more brands jump on board with the SRAM Powertrain, it will be a little while before we start to see them in Australia, but watch this space!

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

3 e tour sram

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…

3 e tour sram

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)

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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)

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

Rigs of the 2023 Tour Divide

Matteo Gagliardi Alberti

Age 50 / bergamo (italy).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 tour divide rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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)

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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!

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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)

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 tour divide rigs

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)

Rigs of the 2023 Tour Divide

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).

2023 tour divide rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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)

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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)

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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)

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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.

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 Tour Divide Rigs

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).

2023 tour divide rigs

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!

Tracker

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Rigs of the 2022 Tour Divide (Part 1): Flat-Bar Bikes

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

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Factory Tour: SRAM’s Taiwanese Manufacturing Part 1 – RockShox Suspension, SRAM Drive Train, More

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SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production043

It may be hard to believe, but SRAM hasn’t always been the industry juggernaut they are today. Like many bicycle companies before them, SRAM started with an idea. It was an idea for a product that at the time seemed so crazy that it took an outsider to the industry to think it up. After working his way up through the fledgling personal computer industry, the gears had started turning for Stan Day Jr.

In 1986 Stan had an idea for a new type of shifter after being frustrated by the need to reach to the downtube on his bike while training for a triathlon. After leaving his job to work with his father for another job that didn’t end up panning out, Stan met engineer and designer Sam Harwell Patterson on a ski trip in 1987. The two discussed his idea for a shifter, and Sam thought he could make it work. Just a few months later Sam had developed a functional prototype that was a rotating barrel that mounted to a special handlebar – the first GripShift.

Near the end of 1987 the “original six” decided to launch their new shifter at the next big trade show in 1988. Sam would be the head of engineering, Scott King the director of finance and administration, Jeff Shupe would be the head of manufacturing, Michael D. Mercuri the head of OE sales, Stan’s brother Frederick King Day or F.K. joined Stan in managing operations. The team headed to the trade show with a product, but without a company name. After a number of rejected possibilities, SRAM was chosen based on the S from Scott King, R from Stan’s middle name Ray, and AM from Sam Patterson.

While the original GripShift opened the door for the company to try and take even a little market share from the gigantic Shimano, the original design left customers wanting more. So Sam went back to work which led to the adoption of a shovel cam instead of the original helical cam. The design allowed for a much smaller shifter that functioned better and was able to be dialed in for shifting index feel. Called the SRT-100, the shifter would lead to their big break as it was finally picked up as original equipment.

Originally planning to manufacture the shifters in Chicago, a visit to Taiwan where the bikes were to be produced resulted in a change of plans. As we experienced for ourselves, Taiwan is very close knit in their manufacturing and it results in very short lead times. So, on the very same trip Stan set off on establishing a factory in Taiwan. Eventually, they were able to lease a tiny building for SRAM to build their shifters. Little more than a guard hut, the space served its purpose as SRAM was simultaneously building shifters back in Chicago for bikes that were made in the U.S. and the aftermarket.

Having established themselves in Taiwan, the rest of the story is probably more widely known. In 1994, SRAM took a stab at their first product other than a shifter, the ESP 900 plastic derailleur. After a rocky start, SRAM went on to find derailleur success with their X0 product line after acquiring Sachs’ bicycle division in 1997. The first of many acquisitions, SRAM continued with the purchase of Rockshox in 2002, Avid and then Truvativ in 2004, Zipp in 2007, and finally Quarq in 2011.

That may be a long back story, but it’s important to paint a picture of SRAM’s manufacturing today. Truly a global company, SRAM currently has around 3,000 employees in 18-20 locations around the world with the Headquarters still in Chicago and most of the manufacturing (except chains which are made in Portugal) carried out in Taiwan and China. Focusing mostly on SRAM and RockShox’ high end product, their largest Taiwanese facility is the 42,000 m² factory in the Shen Kang district, just outside Taichung. As the first full sized SRAM factory, the facility was built in 1989 and began life as a giant warehouse. Now a sprawling development of different buildings, the Shen Kang factory even has a new clean room for assembling high precision parts like the RockShox Reverb seat post.

As birthplace to many of our favorite SRAM and RockShox products like XX1 and the Pike, there is a lot to see after the break…

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Underneath that massive awning above is where all of the delivery trucks drop off all of the parts from their various suppliers. After delivery they are sorted, checked for quality, and then distributed throughout the factory to the assembly areas.

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As soon as you step inside the first building you start to get a feel for the scale of the production at Shen Kang. Each worker was constantly turning out parts and considering this is their high end, read lower production, facility, the high production areas must be insanely busy. In no particular order other than the way we were taken through the factory we’ll start at the suspension fork line that at the time was pumping out new Pikes.

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production049

A few employees were following step by step illustrated instructions in front of their work station. Like most of the factories we visited, stringent quality control checks along the way help to weed out any issues. As the Pikes glide down the assembly line they are assembled one component at a time by different work stations.

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production054

Much of the work is done by hand, though quite a few sophisticated machines are used for specialized tasks. As SRAM’s VP of Marketing David Zimberoff pointed out, “it’s one thing to make and design bike parts, it’s another thing to make and design the machine that makes the parts. Everything you see here, machines, stations, had to be designed by someone at SRAM.” Clearly they’re understandably proud of their ability to create their own machinery in house to automate processes that would be too difficult or costly otherwise. Since you can’t just go out and buy a machine that assembles the compression assembly for a suspension fork, SRAM’s own engineers have to figure out a way to make it work much like Stan and F.K. had to engineer their own processes in the early days. Now it’s just on a much, much larger scale.

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production048

Once fully assembled, the completed forks pass through a plastic wrapping station with the thru axle protectors already installed. Then they’re placed in a box, and await shipping to their destination.

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production062

Rear suspension goes through a similar assembly line process. Above, Monarch Plus shocks are assembled and below, completed shocks are inspected for quality.

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Not far away, we step in the shifter assembly area. These lines change based on what products are due to be produced so the day we were there it was Apex SL road shifters next to XX1 triggers.

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production064

The custom machinery really was pretty fantastic to watch. Like a purpose built Rube Goldberg machine that somehow ends up with tiny parts that are perfectly lubricated and assembled.

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production066

SRAM shifters are known for being fairly simple compared to the competition, but even with fewer parts it’s still a complicated process to get the assembled quickly and accurately. At the end of this line complete shifters are already loaded with the cable and packaged for distribution.

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production073

One of the newest parts of the factory is this clean room that was created for the production of products like the Reverb dropper post. The high tolerances needed for smooth operation of the post require a sealed assembly area free of contaminants. Once they’re assembled though, the posts exit the isolation room and get laser engraved on the spot and dropped into shipping containers.

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There was a dedicated Front Derailleur line as well, but it wasn’t operational while we were passing through. Product of the 1x trend?

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One of the many SPC or Statistical Process Control stations that are found around the factory. Each station is used to check products as they move through the manufacturing process so errors are caught earlier resulting in less overall waste.

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production082

While there was a lot going on in this room that we couldn’t take photos of due to it being MY15 (model year 2015) product, we did get to check out the printing section. Ever wondered how they get the logos on hubs like the SRAM Dual Drive?

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In the rear derailleur room again we were limited in photos, but there was another cool machine to assemble derailleur pulleys.

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Not quite as exciting as seeing fresh new Pikes roll off the line but just as important are the offices for engineers, and quality control specialists. Just don’t forget your slippers.

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production100

You would assume there is some pretty advanced testing equipment around the factory and you would be right. The test lab by the cassette manufacturing has its own DuraMax CMM (coordinate measuring machine) which points to the precision machining necessary to produce parts like their PowerdomeX cassettes. Having the test center close to the manufacturing aides in keeping the production moving with less time taken out of the process for quality control.

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production156

Perhaps the most interesting or at least revealing process was the creation of their machined steel cassettes. If you’re wondering why that XX1 cassette is so expensive, check out the solid block of steel each cassette starts out as. That steel billet is then forged into a rough shape and then machined into that familiar cassette shape. Needless to say there is a lot of machining involved hence the endless bays of CNC machines.

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After a lot of this, and these, you get…

SRAM Taiwan Factory Tours Suspension Shifters Derialleurs Carbon production151

…these beauties.

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Wheels you say? Why yes, wheels are assembled here as well. At least high end options like the Roam wheels rolling off the assembly line.

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The wheels are laced by hand and then go through a sequence of hand and machine truing, tensioning, and stress relieving.

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One of the more impressive custom machines was this cassette assembler. The rather large device feeds individual gears and spacers through the different hoppers and out pops the completed main block of a cassette.

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Due to the noise and movement of the massive machines involved many of the actual production tools for tasks like stamping and forging are located at two other facilities. However, most of the finishing is done on site at Shen Kang including robotic sanding, and hand polishing.

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Anodizing and other forms of polishing are carried out here as well.

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Products that need to be painted are loaded on the hanging conveyor and moved throughout the paint facility. More quality control for the appearance of the painted products.

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Everything ends up in boxes like these headed to your LBS’ favorite distributor or to bicycle manufacturers. This machine was actually pretty fun to watch, as it snares each box with a packing strap. You definitely don’t want to get too close…

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Walking around Taichung specifically, you get the feeling that a large portion of the population commutes by motor scooter, while the rest resort to public transport (which is excellent). On an island where so much energy is devoted to producing bicycle products, using a bicycle for commuting didn’t seem nearly as popular as I thought it would be. Regardless, SRAM tries to make it as easy as possible for their employees to commute by bike to work with a free bike shop, storage, and shower facilities available for use.

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Why is this RockShox Argyle in a glass case? It represents the 1,000,000th fork made in both their Shen Kang and Suzhou factories in a single year. After purchasing RockShox in 2002, this hadn’t occurred up until June 20, 2007. We’re guessing they are making a lot more forks today.

After all of that, it still feels like we just scratched the surface. That’s it for Shen Kang, but part 2 will focus on SRAM’s brand new Asia Development Center!

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Zach Overholt is the Editor in Chief of Bikerumor . He has been writing about what’s new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them.

Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad.

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BMW

No matter how many times I see it, the XX1 cassette is still so dayum sexy.

dorkdisk

I thought SRAM was “Mars” backwards, at least that was what I read in a magazine a long long time ago.

Jason

Not an hour ago I broke the dropout on my RockShox Reba SL front shock. Think you could pick a replacement up for me while you’re there? From the pictures, they literally have them laying around all over the place!

DRC

As a mechanical engineer, seeing all those machines that they designed specifically for their process blows my freakin’ mind.

mateo

Bike showers? I guess they need to get clean too. 😉

satisFACTORYrider

dig the machines

Colin M

Now I see why they have quality control issues from time to time. That is a BIG facility.

Ilikeicedtea

Everything breaks. Entropy and all that. That said Rockshox forks and SRAM drivetrains are pretty reliable.

Jugi

Factory workers look so much more professional in full uniforms while doing their job… But still, a nice look at the middle aged taiwanese women’s closet in 2014.

Rodrigo

SRAM is serious business right there! Shimano ought to be the same. SRAM is american and Shimano is japanese. Each one with their own particular style. Both are great. However, I see more high end customers choosing SRAM and the mass people going for Shimano because SRAM is more expensive than Shimano. It’s just a matter of budget and choice.

groghunter

Well at least that answers the question that had been rattling around in my head since last night: I know Shimano uses bushing pulleys, does SRAM as well? That picture is definitely of bearings.

Explains why I’ve never had pulley problems on SRAM, but am already replacing the ones on my Shimano stuff.

JBikes

@ DRC, Do you know of any machine designed not for its specific purpose/process?

Now that would blow my mind 🙂

CXisfun

@Ilikeicedtea: “SRAM drivetrains are pretty reliable.” WUT. There’s a reason everyone at my shop has the SRAM customer service/warranty phone number memorized, but not Shimano or Campy’s, and we sell 10x as much Shimano as we do SRAM. I have sent in more Red shifters for warranty than every Shimano/Campy component combined. And don’t get me started on Avid brake warranties.

Seraph

@CXisfun – and as an alternate version, there’s a good reason why everyone I know (and everyone at the shop) runs SRAM shifting on all their bikes. They stand behind their product, even when they know they’re in the wrong. Just recently I called their tech/warranty line to get a replacement rim for a customer’s Zipp 101 wheels, and they insisted on sending the customer a complete wheelset of the Zipp 30 wheels because they had experienced problems with the rims on the 101s cracking.

Also SRAM has a much broader range of components than Shimano. SLX, Zee, XT, Saint, XTR. That’s it for MTBs. SRAM has X5, X7, X9, X0, XX, X1, X01, XX1, and X01 DH. Got a road bike? Well you better choose between 105, Ultegra, and Dura Ace if you want to run Shimano. with SRAM it’s Apex, Rival, Force, Red, and CX1. Far more options.

Veganpotter

CXisfun…I have a feeling the Campy stuff isn’t going in because the users have too much money to bother with waiting for a warranty to go through or they’re too ashamed of themselves for buying something so expensive that isn’t durable.

***Also, I’ve warrantied plenty of Shimano parts from crank arm interfaces, to shifters…yes their derailleurs are far more durable than SRAM

Seraph, On Road bikes you forgot to include Shimano Tiagra and Sora (both of which have improved immensely). Not to mention the e-dt’s, of which SRAM has been late to the party and one can’t say its an option at this point.

On MTB’s you forgot to include Deore. The only real advantage SRAM has with product range is if a 1x dt works for you. You also again forgot to mention Shimano’s XTR Di2, a first in the MTB world.

The point is, Shimano, SRAM, and (for road) Campy, all offer an basically equally broad range of competitive products for consumers. Stating otherwise, outside the great addition of SRAM’s 1x, is being disingenuous (or purposefully overlooking product range)

a

meh shimano, sram, both are good. If anything, my sram xo1 shifts better than my shimano xtr .. but hey, 2×10 vs 1×11… also my sram red shifts better than my shimano ultegra.. but the shimano di2 dura ace shifts better than sram red on the FD. Not by much but still. (they shift just as well on the rear, both are freaking perfect)

I think the brand fanboism between these 2 is generally just that – fanboism. Both are very good specially in the mid-high and high end.

Christopher

In my experience as a Bike Mechanic all parts break regardless of company. I have warrantied just about every bike part and ever company. No one has perfect quality control.

Thesteve4761

Can anybody spot the DT Swiss product pictured?

Matt

I spotted DT Swiss Tensiometer, I think

MTBRDR

@Seraph Everyone wrench at my shop runs Shimano, for the durability, and the fact that they truly do stand behind their products (see Sram HydroR recall). And also you forgot about, XTR mechanical and Di2, Deore, Claris, utergra Di2 and mechanical, Dura-ace Di2, Mechanical, tt, and track, CX70 and 50 (which only has cx specific brakes cranks and a front derailleur), and a wider range of commuter options like Afline Di2.

want2know

How many red shifters does that lady have to assemble to be able to afford a set….?

Graeme Smith

Some SRAM hubs have DT star ratchets…?

thesteve4761

@Matt- WInner! Modified Tensio is pictured a ways up. @Graem- close. THough you are right, I don’t see em pictured?

want2know…I can guarantee you that these workers do better than the average US assembly employee. Compared to the national average income, these folks are doing pretty darn well in Taiwan. China isn’t as great but still better than the US. Its the bikes being made in Cambodia that worry me

Large D

Veganpotter-I’ve used Campagnolo for 10 years and currently have 11 speed Record on a roadbike and a CX bike, never had to warranty ANYTHING from Campagnolo. Your statement reaks of jealousy that you and your friends can’t afford nice things that work as designed.

Paul

SRAM – I love your forks, nothing else comes close.

However, PLEASE STOP FOISTING NEW AND UNWANTED HUB STANDARDS ON US.

david

A “manufacturig in USA” price for a “made in taiwan” component.

duder

I’m curious if you learned what the average wage for an assembly line employee is.

jeff

SRAM is made in Taiwan while Shimano is MOSTLY made in Japan yet Shimano cost about the same… How is that when the cost to manufacture is so much higher in Japan?

Mario

Sram Makes ForKs?

Ben

@david – You don’t get this. Taiwan isn’t just cheaper manufacturing, it’s good quality manufacturing, on par with a lot of MUSA stuff. And you and jeff both fail to grasp how much of an impact Shimano’s volume has on pricepoints. Go to a fab house with any design and get quotes from 10, 100, 1000, 10k, and you’ll start to understand why Shimano’s prices are lower (though I would argue not by that much).

Lazer

If anyone is upset about the Taiwan workers not making enough money, and feel like it’s their problem. They next time you buy something at market price, feel free to send them some more money. Kind of like taxes. If you don’t feel you don’t pay your share, feel free to donate to the charity cause of your choice….

Erik

So that is where recalls are born.

Adrian

Thanks for your article. Amazing to see how a rusty cylindrical piece of steel become a shiny fancy cassette. Also had no idea it was so labour intensive.

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SRAM Unveils 12-Speed E-Groupset

More than just adding another gear, etap axs looks to change the way we shift..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Today SRAM announced a huge upgrade to its existing wireless electronic groupset—eTap—with the release of eTap AXS. Following Campagnolo’s lead on the “this-one-goes-to-12” train, the big news from SRAM’s gearing jump may not actually be the extra cog, but the way riders will get through them all.

Without getting too far into the minutiae behind SRAM’s revolutionary approach to gearing (check out our sister outlet Velonews for the nitty gritty) and how it applies to triathletes getting to T2 faster and fresher, the basics involve a smaller chainring up front (50/37T, 48/35T, and 46/33T) and cassette ranges with smaller jumps between gears.

One version of the new SRAM eTap AXS cassette, for instance, will have a range that goes from 10t-28t and have seven one-tooth jumps—one-tooth jumps are ideal for shifting. This is compared to Shimano’s similar 11-speed cassette with only four one-tooth jumps. In other words, a big range, but much smoother shifting between each; more than just slapping on another gear.

While the smoother shifting and ease of finding the “right gear” while pounding over a roller in aero is notable, the new groupset has a few other tricks up its sleeve. For starters, the groupset will be available with a power meter option from Quarq that integrates into the chainring. Despite being cheaper and lighter than Quarq’s other offerings, bear in mind that chainrings wear down (five-year lifespan according to SRAM)—but Quarq is also offering a replacement for purchasers at half price.

Also, as nothing techy today is worthwhile without an app, accordingly eTap AXS will have a smartphone app that connects to its shifters allowing users to customize shift patterns, shift layout, and track component wear among other enhanced features.

Of course, all of this doesn’t come cheap as the new complete aero 1x chainring rim brake (available in 2x and disc brake flavors as well) setup runs $2,800 to start and climbs to $3,700 for the 2x chainring disc version with Quarq power meter.

The good news is that for triathletes who already have the eTap setup on their tri rigs, eTap Blips, BlipGrips, and Clics are compatible with the new system—however riders will have to upgrade to a new AXS BlipBox, front and rear derailleur, chain, cassette, and crank.

And much like those surprise album drops of late, SRAM is taking a page out of the music industry by saying its new groupset is available the day of the announcement. This is a major departure from most launches that are often followed by a far later release date. For more on how SRAM pulled off this magic trick, be sure to check out the March issue of our new sister publication, Bicycle Retailer and Industry News for an inside look.

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Taylor Swift struck a deal with Singapore not to perform in any other Southeast Asian country

Taylor Swift is stealing the show at an Asian summit after Singapore’s leader defended his tiny country’s lucrative concert deal that could cause bad blood with neighboring nations. (AP video: Jerry Harmer)

3 e tour sram

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has defended an exclusive deal his city-state struck with Taylor Swift that prevents the pop star taking her current Eras Tour to anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Swift is performing six concerts from March 2 to 9 in Singapore under an exclusive deal that has been criticized by some Southeast Asian neighbors who complain they have been deprived of the tourist boom that her concerts have brought elsewhere. Lee confirmed on Tuesday that Swift was provided with “certain incentives” from a government fund established to rebuild the tourism industry after COVID-19 disruptions to make Singapore her only Southeast Asian destination. (Mar. 4) (AP video: Johnson Lai)

3 e tour sram

FILE - In this July 10, 2019 file photograph, singer Taylor Swift performs at Amazon Music’s Prime Day concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. Powered by big stadium tours from artists like Swift and Beyoncé, ticket sales are booming and it appears likely that live acts will continue to draw massive crowds after the pandemic closed down concert venues globally for close to two years. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

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MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Taylor Swift stole the show at an Asian summit Tuesday when Singapore’s leader was prompted to defend his tiny country’s exclusive concert deal with the singer that risks bad blood in the region by preventing her from performing in neighboring nations.

Singapore is a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations , a 10-nation bloc known as ASEAN. Its three-day summit was expected to focus on member Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis and conflicts in the South China Sea.

Instead, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was grilled on the summit’s sidelines about a lucrative and exclusive deal his city-state struck with Swift that prevents the singer from taking her Eras Tour to any other stop in Southeast Asia.

Swift is performing six concerts from March 2 to 9 in Singapore, and some Southeast Asian neighbors complain that the Singapore deal deprives them of the tourism boom her concerts bring to hosts. Her Eras Tour shattered records when it reportedly surpassed $1 billion last year , and her film adaptation of the tour quickly took No. 1 at the box office and became the highest-grossing concert film to date.

The Singaporean leader confirmed Tuesday that Swift was provided with “certain incentives” in exchange for making Singapore her only Southeast Asian destination on her Eras Tour. Lee defended the deal at a joint news conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a self-professed Swiftie whose Spotify Wrapped list boasted Taylor Swift as his second most streamed artist of 2023. Albanese is hosting the summit in Melbourne, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Australia becoming ASEAN’s first external partner.

FILE - The site of a music festival near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel, Oct. 12, 2023. The U.N. envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict said in a new report Monday, March 4, 2024, that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe Hamas committed rape, “sexualized torture,” and other cruel and inhumane treatment of women during its surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File)

Lee did not reveal the cost of the exclusive deal, which was paid for from a government fund established to rebuild tourism after COVID-19 disruptions. He also did not directly answer when asked if he had encountered bad blood among other leaders due to the deal, instead suggesting that if Singapore hadn’t struck an exclusive deal, a neighboring country might have done so.

“It has turned out to be a very successful arrangement. I don’t see that as being unfriendly,“ Lee said.

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, brought attention to the deal in February with a public claim that a promoter told him the Singaporean government subsidized the concerts with around $2 million to $3 million per show with a condition that the artist not play anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

Srettha said that if he had known about the deal before, he was confident he would be able to pull off something similar.

But Thailand doesn’t hold it against Singapore, said Prommin Lertsuridej, the Secretary-General of the Prime Minister. He told reporters in a group interview Monday that Thailand took what Singapore did as an example, and while Thailand already has some laws in place to allow such incentive packages, the government is working to remove red tape and make Thailand a more attractive venue for international events.

“We learn from each other,” Prommin said, adding that he admired Singapore for being able to come up with and achieve this “good business idea.”

In February, Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno took to Instagram to apologize to Swift’s fans, saying: “International music events, such as Taylor Swift concerts, do have a big impact on a country’s economy. But I’m sorry Swifties, Taylor Swift hasn’t stopped by in Indonesia yet. Bought out by Singapore. However, this is a lesson for us.”

Raisa Christy, a 37-year-old fan living in Jakarta, Indonesia, said she regretted that Swift’s closest stop by far was in Singapore. However, she believes it’s the only spot in the region that has the capabilities and infrastructure that meet Swift’s standards.

Lee said that, while he didn’t know what Australia’s arrangements were, he expected it similarly made “mutually acceptable, sensible arrangements” with Swift when she performed in Melbourne and Sydney — one of which Australia’s prime minister attended — before flying to Singapore.

Swift’s representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Other questions at the news conference covered increasing tensions in the South China Sea , the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the likelihood of China joining in a regional free trade pact.

Associated Press writers Jintamas Saksornchai in Bangkok and Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed.

3 e tour sram

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59-year-old Joe Durant wins in Tucson for 5th PGA Tour Champions victory

TUCSON, Ariz. — Joe Durant took advantage of Stewart Cink’s back-nine meltdown to win the Cologuard Classic on Sunday for his fifth PGA Tour Champions victory, closing with a 4-under 67 to beat three players by two strokes.

The 59-year-old Durant rebounded from a bogey on the par-4 10th with an eagle on the par-5 11th and parred the final seven holes. He finished at 13-under 200 at La Paloma Country Club.

The 50-year-old Cink, two strokes ahead entering the day after rounds of 62 and 69 in his sixth senior start, played a four-hole stretch in 5 over, making a triple bogey on par-4 13th and bogeys on the par-4 15th and par-5 16th. He had a 73 to tie for seventh at 9 under.

Steven Alker (65), Jerry Kelly (67) and 2020 winner Kevin Sutherland (68) tied for second. Past champion Steve Stricker had a 75 to drop into a tie for 32nd at 4 under.

Durant earned $330,000. He won four times on the PGA Tour.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

3 e tour sram

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COMMENTS

  1. service régional d'admission du montréal métropolitain

    Les places disponibles au 3 e tour sont affichées sur admission.sram.qc.ca et sur le site du SRAM: 14 mai 2024: Les réponses des cégeps pour le 2 e tour sont publiées sur admission.sram.qc.ca : 29 mai 2024, 23h59: Date limite pour soumettre un nouveau choix ou compléter son dossier de demande d'admission au 3 e tour:

  2. 8 Best Electric Touring Bikes for Long-Distance Riding in 2024

    A class 3 e-bike for gravel riding and touring. Price: $6,300. ... SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed. ... providing power for up to 70 miles on Eco mode. If you need a bit more punch, it also has Tour, Sport, and Turbo mode. Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus 3.0 (50Nm)

  3. First Look: SRAM's Eagle Powertrain E-Bike Motor

    SRAM official battery packs consist of a 630Wh (3.1 Kg) and a 720Wh (4.1 Kg) option, with an optional 250 Wh external range extender (on sale in November, weight and price not provided).

  4. Tour Tech: why are pro riders using SRAM 12-speed set-ups that are

    Fast forward to this year's Tour and both teams are using larger SRAM chainrings that currently can't be bought at your local bike shop. In the mountains, Trek-Segafredo's team leader Ritchie ...

  5. New SRAM Patent Reveals Possible 3rd Generation Red AXS Lever

    Download the app . A recent patent from SRAM (published August 19th, 2023), reveals an all-new brake and electronic shifter design that could be intended as the next generation SRAM Red eTap. The drawings depict a housing that is considerably longer than that of the current generation Rival, Force, and Apex AXS levers. A closer look reveals why.

  6. SRAM Eagle Powertrain first ride review

    However, if other people have a similar experience to me demo riding Powertrain, then I reckon 'auto-shift' will also apply to anyone getting stock of new SRAM equipped e-MTBs. Tech specs: SRAM Eagle Powertrain. Motor torque: 90Nm; Peak power: 680W; Power modes: Range and Rally; Drive unit weight: 2.9kg; 630Wh battery weight: 3.1kg; 720 battery ...

  7. 2022 Niner RIP e9 3-Star SRAM SX Eagle E-Bike

    628mm, 632mm. 633mm, 637mm. 638mm, 641mm. Additional Info. • Geometry adjustable via flip chip. • All specifications listed are with 160mm travel fork with 44mm offset. Wheel Size. 29". E-Bike Class.

  8. HQ Tour: Inside SRAM's Drivetrain Development Facility

    SRAM has recently started testing with 3D high-speed image scanning via two Phantom cameras they can use outdoors to understand the workings of forces and impacts on the product, and to find ...

  9. Bike Test: 3T Strada with SRAM Red eTap AXS

    Thanks to the SRAM AXS cassette range and the 42-tooth chainring, climbing grades under 12 percent felt the same on the Strada as a bike equipped with a semi-compact 52-36 chainring. When the roads got steeper, we did wish for at least a 36-tooth gear. However, the ease of only having to shift through the rear gears allowed us to hold.

  10. Grand Tour Sweep 2023

    SRAM athletes win every 2023 Grand Tour. Dear rider, Sepp Kuss' victory in the men's Vuelta completes a remarkable statistic. In 2023, a SRAM-sponsored athlete racing RED eTap AXS won every Grand Tour on the calendar. Each victory had tense, exciting and fast racing, but also represents months and years of painstaking work, many many parts ...

  11. 3.0 Twist Shifter

    Power Meter Upgrades. Service. Find a Dealer. Overview. Find a Dealer. Get ahead right from the start with SRAM 3.0 components. A great value for beginners or light adventurers, they deliver the superior technology and materials typically found only at much higher price points. Msrp. $9 - $25.

  12. 2024 SEC tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores for men's basketball

    Bracketology: Andy Katz's first bracket predictions of March 2024. We're following all the highlights from the 2024 SEC men's basketball tournament, which will be held March 13-17 in Nashville ...

  13. SRAM Announces New Powertrain E-bike System

    SRAM says it offers best-in-class derating which should mean minimal loss of power when hot. It's powered by either a 630 Wh removable battery for e-bikes designed to be run with or without a battery, or a 720 Wh slide-in battery. Claimed weights are 3 kg for the 630 Wh version, and 4.1 kg for 720 Wh battery. Photo: SRAM.

  14. SRAM Red eTap: Why It's A Triathlon Game-Changer

    With the recent debut of their new wireless shifting, SRAM has created quite a buzz in both the cycling and triathlon worlds. Many have said that wireless shifting will be a game changer for time trial bikes, but why? SRAM Red eTap is one of the biggest component advancements seen since Shimano released Di2, and the technology is just downright cool.

  15. SRAM Unveils Eagle Powertrain

    SRAM is offering a 630Wh and a 720Wh option and will also sell a 250Wh range extender. Claimed to weigh 3.9kg and 4.1KG respectively, SRAM says it came to these capacity numbers based on what its OEM partners were asking for. This means you have fewer batteries to remember to charge, which, in our book, is a win.

  16. SEC tournament bracket: Full TV schedule, scores, results for 2024

    The SEC men's basketball tournament could have the most competitive bracket in the country. Tennessee will be the No. 1 overall seed after an impressive finish to the regular season.

  17. First Ride: SRAM's New Powertrain Motor

    Tweet. After two years of testing on the EWS-E and EDR-E circuits, SRAM's new e-bike motor is making its public debut. It's called the Powertrain, and it produces 90 Nm of torque with 680 W of ...

  18. 2021 Niner RIP e9 3-Star SRAM SX Eagle E-Bike

    450mm, 445mm. 470mm, 465mm. Stack. 628mm, 632mm. 633mm, 637mm. 638mm, 641mm. Additional Info. Geometry adjustable via flip chip. Above chainstay lengths are for horizontal chainstay measurement (rear center); actual chainstay length is 450mm for all frame sizes.

  19. e*thirteen TRS Plus 12 upgrades your current SRAM 11, to 12 ...

    Pricing, Availability & Effort Involved. e*thirteen says that for $299/299€ and one hour of your time, a home mechanic can get 12-speed, more range, less weight, and more BB clearance than SRAM Eagle, all using the 11-speed SRAM groupset you already have on your bike. Their upgrade kit includes everything you need to get the job done.

  20. Rigs of the 2023 Tour Divide (Part 1)

    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 ...

  21. Factory Tour: SRAM's STU Colorado Springs Development Facility

    In the case of SRAM's new Colorado Springs Development Facility, it is also a chance to get to check out one of SRAM's hotspots for product development and testing. At just over a year old, the new building replaces SRAM's previous location for the center of their Colorado operations. We were invited out to tour the new facility and while ...

  22. Factory Tour: SRAM's Taiwanese Manufacturing Part 1

    Having established themselves in Taiwan, the rest of the story is probably more widely known. In 1994, SRAM took a stab at their first product other than a shifter, the ESP 900 plastic derailleur. After a rocky start, SRAM went on to find derailleur success with their X0 product line after acquiring Sachs' bicycle division in 1997.

  23. SRAM Unveils 12-Speed E-Groupset

    Download the app . Today SRAM announced a huge upgrade to its existing wireless electronic groupset—eTap—with the release of eTap AXS. Following Campagnolo's lead on the "this-one-goes-to-12" train, the big news from SRAM's gearing jump may not actually be the extra cog, but the way riders will get through them all.

  24. Rock band Weezer to do anniversary Blue Album tour with stop in Austin

    Produced by Live Nation, this anniversary tour will make three stops in Texas, with special guests The Flaming Lips and Dinosaur Jr.

  25. X3 Trigger Shifters

    The X3 offers the proven SRAM 2-lever trigger shifting performance in an more affordable price point. Featuring our proven ergonomics and award-winning 1:1® Actuation, this trigger shifter sets the standard for entry level performance and value. Msrp.

  26. Eras Tour: Singapore defends Taylor Swift's exclusive Southeast Asia

    Singapore is drawing fans from all over Southeast Asia and beyond to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, much to the annoyance of the city-state's regional neighbors. CNN values your feedback 1.

  27. Singapore grilled about Taylor Swift tour deal in Southeast Asia

    1. By ROD McGUIRK. Updated 7:23 AM PST, March 5, 2024. MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Taylor Swift stole the show at an Asian summit Tuesday when Singapore's leader was prompted to defend his tiny country's exclusive concert deal with the singer that risks bad blood in the region by preventing her from performing in neighboring nations.

  28. X3 Rear Derailleur

    All About AXS Batteries. Power Meter Upgrades. Service. Find a Dealer. Overview. Find a Dealer. Leveraging the legendary history of SRAM shifting, the X3 rear derailleur provides great shifting performance. Msrp. $24.

  29. 59-year-old Joe Durant wins in Tucson for 5th PGA Tour Champions

    March 10, 2024 at 8:37 p.m. EDT. TUCSON, Ariz. — Joe Durant took advantage of Stewart Cink's back-nine meltdown to win the Cologuard Classic on Sunday for his fifth PGA Tour Champions victory ...