Here’s a quick synopsis of the gear I used for my 2025 FS/CDT ride. There’s no right or wrong bike or gear for the trail, but the less weight you’re carrying the happier you’ll be on those 3000’+ hike-a-bike ascents.
THE BIKE
- Frame: 2022 Specialized S-Works Epic EVO
- Fork: Fox 34 Factory SC – Grip SL 120mm travel
- Shock: Fox Float SL Factory 110mm travel
- Crankset: e*thirteen XCX Race carbon cranks, Crank Brothers Eggbeater 11 pedals
- Brakes: SRAM Guide G2 brakes, CenterLine X rotors (160mm front, 120mm rear)
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT shifter & derailleur, Shimano XTR 10–51t 12-speed cassette, 30 tooth oval front chain ring
- Wheels: Whisky No.9 30w hoops, DT Swiss 240 hubs
- Front Tire: Maxxis Rekon 3C/EXO/TR 29 x 2.6”
- Rear Tire: Maxxis Rekon 3C/EXO+/TR 29 x 2.4”
- Handlebar: ENVE M6 carbon bar, Ridefarr Carbon Aero V3 Bar
- Saddle: Generic carbon saddle from China
- Seatpost: OneUp V3 Dropper Post (120mm)
Custom wheels and bike assembly by Alter Cycles in Bozeman.
HANDLEBAR
- Revelate Designs Pronghorn Handlebar Bag
- Hyperlite 20°F Down Quilt
- Zpacks Plex Solo Lite Tent
- Zpacks Goose Down Jacket
- Spare DCF bag, used to isolate wet tent from dry down when packing a wet tent
TOP TUBE
- Custom Sagebrush Stitchworks Top Tube Bag
- Garmin InReach Mini GPS Tracker
- Wolf Tooth Chain Lube
- Nitecore NU25 headlamp (and a mini Titan Strap to attach to handlebar to use as a bike headlight when needed)
- Tubolito Spare Tube and patches
- Zpacks Vertice Rain Mitts
- Chain rag
- Lens wipes
- Sunscreen stick
TRIANGLE
- Custom Backcountry Stitchworks Triangle Bag
- Multitool, tire plug tool, tire levers/chain link tool, spare spokes
- Isobutane Gas Canister (110g)
- Tent stakes
- Nitecore NB10000 Gen III power bank
- 45w 2-port USB-C charger, 2x short USB-C cables, various tiny adapters
- MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove
- Big Agnes Zoom UL sleeping pad
- Nemo Fillo Elite pillow
- 25’ paracord for bear hang
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, tiny bottle of Dr. Bronner’s soap, shaving razor (head only), mini lighter, TP, duct tape, needle & thread, razor blade, Tylenol, ibuprofen, sleeping pad patch kit
REAR
- Rockgeist Gondola dropper-compatible saddle bag
- 7MESH Skypilot rain jacket
- LEVE Alpha 90 hoody (similar to Patagonia R1, but 50% lighter)
- Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants
- Spare pair of Darn Tough socks
- Toaks 700ml Titanium Cook Pot
OTHER
- Revelate Designs Joey Downtube Bag (spare storage, used mostly for snacks)
- Lezyne Pocket Drive Pro HV Pump
- Raidlite fastpack with 2L bladder, Katadyn BeFree Filter Flask, bear spray
- Specialized Stix Switch taillight
- CAMP G Comp Warm skimo gloves (Colorado section only)
- Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Watch for navigation with handlebar mount
- iPhone 15 Pro, AirPods
- Eliel jersey, Oakley bike shorts, Smartwool boxers, Darn Tough socks, POC Spin Helmet, Smith sunglasses with photochromatic lens, Giro gloves, Shimano 2FO Cliplite Bike Shoes
I replaced the rear carbon rim with an alloy rim in Victor, ID, after the carbon wheel cracked. Replaced drivetrain and tires at halfway point. I replaced my brake pads four times.
