{"id":1122574,"date":"2026-07-31T18:00:50","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T18:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1122574\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T18:00:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T18:00:50","slug":"2026-colorado-trail-race-rigs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1122574\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Colorado Trail Race Rigs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Miles<\/a><\/p>\n

By Miles Arbour<\/a><\/p>\n

Associate Editor & Events Manager<\/p>\n

2,508 Posts<\/a><\/p>\n

The 2026 Colorado Trail Race follows a challenging 514-mile route winding through the Rocky Mountains between Denver and Durango. Riders in this year\u2019s grand depart are set to take off early Sunday morning, and with their help, we gathered details on more than 40 loaded rigs tackling the trail. Explore the full gallery here\u2026<\/p>\n

\t\"Gunnison<\/a><\/p>\n

A few weeks ago, when we were busy planning our coverage for this year\u2019s Colorado Trail Race, we weren\u2019t even sure the race would happen. As Neil shared in his latest video<\/a>, hotter, drier, more unstable conditions mean more wildfires and trail closures. With this comes a difficult question for event organizers: at what point does the race get canceled? <\/p>\n

Multiple fires have affected the Colorado Trail this month, and some recent precipitation has offered some relief, but there are still re-routes and closures in place. Race organizer Jefe Branham has been working around the clock to ensure rider safety, and, thankfully, most of the route has been seeing scattered showers most afternoons. Jefe is also riding the route this year, adding some further complexity to his race director role. There are nearly 70 registered for live tracking at this year\u2019s grand depart, which starts from Waterton Canyon at 4 a.m. on Sunday. We\u2019re excited to see how this year\u2019s race shakes out. <\/p>\n

As always, we worked with this year\u2019s riders to collect bike and gear info for over 40 people taking on the route. Scroll through and get a good look at everyone\u2019s rigs below, then head over to the 2026 Colorado Trail tracker<\/a> page to follow along live. And stay tuned for plenty more from the race, as we\u2019ll be covering it in detail as all the action unfolds. <\/p>\n

Matt Annabel
\n Age 51 \/ Glenwood Springs, Colorado (USA)
\n\"2026<\/a><\/p>\n

BIKE<\/strong>: Badger, my nine-year-old, patched-up singlespeed Why Cycles Wayward with a 140mm Fox Fork, superlight I9 wheels, and 2.4\u2033 Maxxis Rekon rubber (EXO+ always\/only\/forever). Geared 32 x 22T.
BAGS<\/strong>: As few as possible. Front-roll and top-tube bag by Dispersed Bikepacking. Custom frame bag by Rockgeist. Feed bags by Revelate Designs. I\u2019ll be wearing a lightly loaded 20L Ultimate Direction Fastpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS<\/strong>: The weather looks reasonable so I\u2019m not bringing much of a sleep kit. Sol escape bivy, a thin 2\/3 length mini-cell foam pad for a bit of insulation, a small tarp\/ground cover, and a 40-degree Sea to Summit Spark freezer bag. A pair of Fenix BC26R and a small pile of batteries will light my way. I might have also packed a little Go-Yo. We\u2019ll see.
GPS DEVICE<\/strong>: Coros Dura.<\/p>\n

Max Berkowitz
\n Age 29 \/ Cumberland, BC (Canada)
\n\"2026<\/a><\/p>\n

BIKE<\/strong>: The Ultimate Freeride XC Plow: the 2026 Norco Revolver 130. The green carbon is delicious. The performance is sublime. I\u2019ve added a Fox Factory 34SL up front for a very subtle orange note, and I\u2019ve upgraded to XT Di2 across the build. Continental Trinotal 2.4\u2033 tires will complete the setup. Finally, I\u2019ve strapped a tiny plastic baby to my brake hose to accompany me on this rip.
BAGS<\/strong>: Less is more. Revelate Pronghorn carries my sleep system (cowboy\/bivy). Apidura racing long bag, two feed bags, and a hydration vest for snacks. 7mesh Mission jacket with its stash system makes for a surprisingly useful pocket. Everything else is hodgepodge in a couple tiny dry bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS<\/strong>: My proto NOBL Ethos XC Wheels are just insane to ride. Under 1,175g but somehow not afraid to drop in, smack the lip, wapow. Berd Spokes and an ultra shallow profile make these guys, soft, sweet, and ready for big business.
GPS DEVICE<\/strong>: Coros Dura baby!<\/p>\n

Chris Besnia
\n Age 41 \/ Gunnison, Colorado (USA) <\/p>\n