The Fastest Bikes of the Tour Divide Ultra Race (4,300km Non-Stop)

[@Cyclingabout]

It's been fascinating to see how Tour Divide bikes have changed over the years, and watch the distances-per-day increase! It's hard not to think they are both correlated, but there are many factors at play. 🏆 Here are tubeless sealant and aero bars articles that I referenced in the video: 🛞 www.cyclingabout.com/best-tubeless-sealant-for-gravel-road-mtb-tires 🛩 www.cyclingabout.com/bikepacking-aero-bars-comfort-speed-bike-adventures

[@amitkumar-wj8gn]

Two videos in a week? Is this what cycling christmas feels like?

[@Cyclingabout]

I took a week off travelling to catch up on some videos! Many more to come. 😍

[@Ron_Boy]

This is terrific, answering many questions I've been having on how to optimize bikepacking and touring setups. Thanks for pulling it together and for including some of the more subtle choices. For example, the choice to use a dynamo vs fast charging batteries. Very well done, just like the rest of your channel.

[@ronbell4275]

I know you have done a lot of great analysis on bike and gear weight. It would be interesting to look at the whole race pack and see if bike weight and gear weight correlate to overall speed or completion rates. I have a feeling that for this type race with steep long climbs at altitude a 21lbs (Trek SuperCaliber) bike vs a 35lbs (Priority Pinion) bike is a MASSIVE HUGE difference. So much more time is spent at slow speed climbing vs for most tests I have seen online in easy rolling terrain. My own perception is that as it gets steeper and longer, bike and gear weight start to multipy and the weight penalty goes up sort of like areo and speed. If nothing else, the mental toll of perceived effort/fatigue adds add up over hour+ climbs vs pure watt calculations. A small percentage of extra effort over a personal daily max set point at the end of a long day can impact recovery more than pure watt calculations and then the daily decline strarts accelerating.

[@omare_biketonature]

Thanks for the detailed information and data, much appreciated since I have a lot of gear upgrades and choices to make, planning for my first ultra next year! I’m not competing and just want to finish the race so according to the data I don’t need a carbon frame bike, you just save me a lot of money 😂 thanks 🙏🏻

[@guillaumedougados9867]

I’ve tried a Brooks C17 over a weekend, the damage it caused to my sitbones area took 2 years to recover. The Infinity seat is difficult to adjust correctly but once adjusted, it is fantastic. The only saddle I’ve found I can seat on more than 3 days without pain, Dr Vince now makes a synthetic version which is best for bikepacking as the leather version requires lots of maintenance.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Re Brooks B-17, I've ridden them since 1982. Three times across U.S.; once across EU; rail trails off road; Great Divide route touring. Maintenance, put a plastic bag over the seat at night when camping. On long tours take a small packet of Brooks Profide paste to treat one time. ☮

[@ScrubsIsee]

Thank you very much for this in-depth analysis. Great voice over as always.

[@Cyclingabout]

My pleasure!

[@Zyzzyx42]

Infinity saddle user here, the 'solid' E1X. I've been riding recumbent bikes on the road for 20+ years; they're comfy and potentially faster. I kept dabbling with my mt bike occasionally. A few years ago I got a CX bike to try out 'gravel', and I was hooked. But not on the seat. From friends in ultracycling (RAAM, RAW, RAO, 508, etc) I knew of the Infinity saddle, and also figured I had a way to resell it if it didn't work for me. After trying 6-7 saddles it was just another one to try. But this one worked, and worked so well. First few rides were great, and I went longer than I had been. Moved that saddle to my custom steel gravel bike a year later. A bit after that put another one on my new 130mm full sus mt bike. And we added one on my partner's Specialized e-bike; she'd gone thru 3-4 saddles herself with no luck, also having come over from years on the recumbent.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks for the feedback on the Infinity! Hopefully, I find one I can try one day.

[@marksandoval5361]

Dylan Johnson took 10th place at the 200 mile Unbound Gravel Race using 2.2 Continental Race King XC tires and a Lauf suspension fork. Maybe he took some lesson from the Tour Divide racers. Check out his KZbin channel where he goes over his build.

[@agunlogisteam]

His plan on 17th place ruined by that setup 😂

[@SonnyDarvish]

@@agunlogisteam I was gutted 😢

[@connergiven89]

Thought he got 7th?

[@MartinLichtblau]

Big improvement: Moving weight from back to front wheel, e.g. by using more/bigger front bags, Aero bars, etc.

[@peroperic3692]

Do a review of Pinion and Rohloff based gravel bikes with drop bars please 😊

[@JustMikeH]

I ride an infinity seat, and I have to say it affects my performance in unexpected ways. Put simply, almost anytime I stop somewhere, someone will eventually ask about it, and we spend about 5-10 minutes talking about it. That slows me down, but I don't race, so that's not a problem! 🤣 The leather and padding.started falling off mine and I ended up taking it off completely, exposing the naked plastic core. Overall the leather and padding are very minimal and do not strongly affect the ride of comfort. I mentioned this to the infinity staff in an email a few weeks ago and they said that the original model didn't have the leather or padding, but they found they sold more when they added it. The naked option is not available on their website, but they will sell it to you if you request it. I prefer it. No having to worry if it gets wet while leaving the bike outside in the rain. But yeah, I like it a lot. It's a comfortable seat and good for long distances if it works for you. The downside is that it's hard to test one out without buying it first.

[@Cyclingabout]

Great to hear the Infinity is working for you! I'm definitely intrigued by the design, I'll have to try one one day.

[@MrISoFr3sh]

I tried the Infinity saddle E1X, unfortunately it didn't work for me and I ended up going for the Brooks C13 Carbon. I hear good things about the Infinity saddle for other people and they don't use padded shorts at all either.

[@touchitstrokeside]

Probably worth noting that Lachlan raced an older variation of the route that has some key differences not present in the route raced in 2024, nor in 2023

[@andrewkummer5656]

A great and informative, video, thank you.

[@gungfuriceboy]

Great..informative info!! i hope to adapt some of these....'products my future Daily Gravel bike rider!! cheers from Canada!

[@m.talley1660]

THE metadata man. Thanks

[@Finnv893]

Need to collect data of conditioning regimen, prep diet and match diet, these factors constitute 50 percent of the battle imho.

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

This years first and second have the physique of tdf gc contenders it looks to me I listened to ulrich chat somewhere and don't quote me on this but I think he mentioned roughly 3 hrs a day training and his longest rides were only 5 to 6 hours which I was surprised by . And he liked to train at long threshold pace

[@DIY-DaddyO]

I love a nerd out. I'd still like a Bamboo bike with a pinion drive.

[@HD46409]

Great video. You might want to add the Silca sealant to your test list for next time. For me, it works better than Orange.

[@Cyclingabout]

Interestingly, I couldn't find any data that suggests Silca Ultimate is a top-performing sealant - but I'm glad it's working for you. - In an MTB tire test (22 psi) it ranked 7th out of 11 products for the 3mm cut test, and 6th out of 11 products for the 6mm cut test. - In a gravel tire test (40 psi) it was one of two sealants that failed to seal a 5mm hole. That's in a field of 18 different products. - I couldn't find anything on road tire pressures, perhaps the suspended particulate in the sealant does work well.

[@cjohnson3836]

@@Cyclingabout Silca just benefits from the KZbin hype train. A sealant that can't be applied through a tubeless valve is absolutely useless, especially on a bikepacking trip.

[@devincook3278]

Fantastic video. Thanks for the insights.

[@cadereichenberger4993]

I don’t think most people know about the “10 hour” time penalty from dynamo hubs. I looked into it while deciding my setup for this year and found the same thing! They make no sense on a route like this where charging stations are everywhere. I also think the Mezcals should be on their way out for the tour divide. People say the tread durability is better but don’t realize how weak the sidewalls seem to be. Continental race kings have proven to be durable enough for the course. The Thunder Burts are theoretically faster and they held up for me this year. It will be really interesting to see if full suspension takes off in popularity after this year

[@theaccountant1960]

Nicely done and thank you.

[@ruttonoise69]

your videos are so cool! Thanks :)

[@vernthomas207]

Excellent synopsis!

[@8paolo96]

I would be very curious about the infinity saddles too, the concept seems very interesting, but the proce it's steep to try them

[@isaacspedding5032]

Thanks for the undies man seamless is the way. Wow! ❤

[@pawel8365]

Love a good bike nerding out video 🤓

[@Cyclingabout]

Me too! I always try to make videos that I would enjoy watching myself. 😎

[@gregmaino178]

Have tried the infinity seat… was unimpressed. The pressure has to go somewhere, and ultimately just made me sore in different places. I spent a couple of weeks experimenting with it. For me it wasn’t anything special… just another saddle that may, or may not, work for a given butt.

[@frostsmoke]

Has sponsored equipment been discounted this time?

[@6242-j1z]

can the metal attachment for rear racks ruin the painting of the bike under seat e.g. when there is 15kg packages on the rack and jumping off and on pavement bumps in city? (front suspension only)

[@MartinLichtblau]

Quality content!

[@guidoc3518]

What about the kind of bike percentage? gravel, full suspension, rigid mtb ...v

[@robertovit007]

Nice video. You could include non-american units.

[@d9918]

What percentage used electronic gears?

[@Cyclingabout]

21% of bikes used SRAM AXS.

[@streddaz]

@@Cyclingabout quite a few were having issues with the batteries not lasting in the extreme cold.

[@iankirkland7383]

Have to admit, im confused about folks switching to batteries over a dynohub - how are they recharging the batteries? Are they just carrying a bunch of batteries and ditching them in towns?

[@streddaz]

They are carrying battery banks and charging them when stopping at any accommodation. The battery bank gets you through any stops where you don't have power.

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

I just completed 3 and half days bikepack trip using 20000mah of power packs . Not an expert and certainly not expert on setting up all my devices to be energy efficient. I charged the powerbanks up on day 2.5 at a hotel . So I reckon I really could have made the fully 3.5days on 20k. That's for bike computer , phone , and several lights which I also used during the day on roads .

[@chrismade123]

where do they charge the battery without dynamo?

[@pedalscript]

For me, the Infinity saddle (the E2 model) was unfortunately not a match made in heaven. In fact, quite the opposite. As much as the open design on the rear alleviated sit bone pressure, the curvature of the seat was simply too extreme, putting a lot of pressure on the perineum. There's a good summary about the issue on the weight weenies website which echoes my experiences with the saddle. For reference, I've had a professional bike fit, watched a lot of bike fit videos and completed a few ultra-distance bikepacking events, but despite trying out different settings of the saddle (tilt, fore-aft position and height) and allowing my body sufficient time to adapt for each minor adjustment, I just couldn't get the Infinity to work. At this point I've tried about a dozen different saddles so I've gotten a fairly good idea about what kind of shape and padding works for my rear end. Accordingly, I'm seriously considering one of the custom 3D printed saddles, more specifically the Posedla Joyseat. It's interesting how the novel technology has been changing saddle design in recent years, with the older archetype of a bike saddle being refined into more individualized shapes, thanks to body mapping and advances in 3D printing. Of course, there are still saddles that have stood the test of time, like the Brooks leather saddles. Sadly, even after breaking in the Brooks didn't work for me as the nose put too much pressure on my perineum, just like the Infinity. I hope that investing in the custom saddle will be worth it, and if not, Posedla even offers a 60-day return scheme (although they do deduct 100 euros from the refund amount). While it might be true that an optimally fitting saddle is money well spent (probably the most important contact point on the bike, after all), I find the price of the Infinity saddles not so competitive, considering that you can get the fully custom Posedla for 490 USD whereas the E1X from Infinity will set you back 387 USD. Granted, I'm somewhat biased as a European as I also need to add duty+VAT to the price of the Infinity, whereas the Posedla is manufactured in Europe, meaning no extra charges involved.

[@Bjorn_R]

Hi Alee, Ive been looking into getting a beltdrive for commuting. Im on a budget so I was looking at bike with a 7 speed nexus. Is this as reliable as the pinion gearbox? or would I be better off buying a chaindrive, If I cant afford the pinion? Im currently on 2x9 speed sora Gravelbike and a little concerned if 7 speed is going to be "enough" for the speed I like. I humbly ask to borrow a little of your time for some tips!

[@Cyclingabout]

The Nexus hubs are very reliable. But if it's possible, try to get the SG-8R25, SG-8R27, SG-8R35 and SG-8R36 "red band" Nexus 8-speed hubs, as they use the latest internals, and should last 80,000km. A bike with an 8-Speed Alfine is great too.

[@BMMB450]

Is it good and confortbal for touring +2000km?

[@egonheuson]

what about the pedals used 😅?

[@elachichai]

Is your Koga Denham bar a substitute usable in lieu of aero bar? Would you use aero instead for touring?

[@Cyclingabout]

It’s kind of a drop/flat bar hybrid. I’m currently using aero bars with my Denham Bars!

[@elachichai]

@@Cyclingabout wow. Share a pic.

[@ImJeffRoe]

Nice

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

Anyone on that route use the Jones Loop H bar?

[@toruisalive5499]

And now some very smart head must use all of that knowledge, combine it, analyze the market, and do a top 9 or so bikes for every budget with 3 options for each category. Sub 1.5k, sub 3k and sub 5k. 🙏🏼

[@elachichai]

What kind of eye glasses did people use?

[@porta_patrols]

super!

[@hardmtnbiker]

You forgot to mention pedals. SPD’s v/s flats, v/s road or perhaps toe straps lol.

[@Cyclingabout]

87% of riders chose clip-in pedals and 13% were using flat pedals. There isn’t a big speed difference between flat and clip-in pedals on a route like the Tour Divide as the performance advantage of clip-in pedals is mostly found under acceleration.

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

Do we think 1x 12 drivetrains are the most efficient for tour divide , or is it because manufactures are focusing heavily on this drivetrain including on the bike frames so no front deraileur , thus making 2x10, 2x11 2x12 obsolete expecially on mtb bikes 🤔

[@Cyclingabout]

The data suggests that 2X drivetrains have the edge in terms of efficiency, primarily because they use bigger front chainrings and don't have that small 10-tooth rear cog. But really, the difference is tiny, and it pales compared to a good chain lubrication and cleaning regime.

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

@Cyclingabout thanks for reply . OK thats good to know I didn't realise 10t was considered inefficient. In the uk I changed out my 2x10 drivatrain on hardtail because I was fed up with the mud build up on the front deraileur . Now my two main bikes have 1x12 which i really like . Ive built up a hardtail from spareparts with a 2x10 for long distance multidays days partly for roads and stuff but not sure if its worth the aggro now of frontbderaileur :). Keeping drivetrain and chain clean makes good sense . Thanks 👍

[@cjohnson3836]

Using the standard options (i.e., Shimano and SRAM), a wide range 1x will give you a lower climbing gear than the 2x options. 2x gives you higher top end. But that's irrelevant for a race like tour divide, you aren't running that high gear much, if at all. Its the climbs and headwinds that wreck you. You can choose to forgo the standard Shimano/SRAM options, but that's at your own risk given the likelihood of component failure and need to source something that a typical American bike shop will have in stock. As for 2x by obsolete due to frame design, for anything with a rear suspension the answer is yes. Modern linkages on rear suspension prevent the use of a front derailleur. That's not a problem for a hardtail but we're seeing in XC racing that the benefits of a rear susp outweighs that of a 2x drive train, esp because, again, you can get a better climbing gear on wide-range 1x. If you're one of the people choosing to go at tour divide on a gravel bike, the larger tires necessary for the trip also impede mounting a front derailleur.

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

@cjohnson3836 thanks , good points about availability. I have a 1x12 sram gx on a 27.5 plus and nx on another 27.5 hardtail which is my newly designated bikepack bike and like them both. I built up a 3rd hardtail using mostly spares on 27.5 wheels as a 2x10 (36/26 x 11/40) which is faster than the gx at top speed but not going up hill . I would need at least a 24 x 42t , which as u mention would be impossible to quickly replace anywhere really let alone tour divide . So yes the sram gx or similar looks the way to go. I've just completed a short multiday event on my 27.5 hardtail with sram NX 32front , and I missed that 10t for that bit extra speed as I would spin just a bit too soon , and I definitely missed the extra 2 teeth for the hills 😅. So now I'm thinking a 1x12 GX on 29 wheels hardtail is where I want to aim towards as a good start . Time to move away from the 27.5 wheels . Thanks for comment makes good sense and has helped clarify which direction I want to go , cheers

[@antoniusb.sakimandoko1573]

50.000 m in elevation? You're going stratosphere 😂😂

[@Finnv893]

Cumulative

[@ditto1958]

Why don’t they run it south to north so it’s downhill instead of uphill? Be more fun, I think.

[@streddaz]

North to south is downhill on a flat map (when held traditionally with north at the top)😉

[@ditto1958]

@@streddaz Hmmm… yes, you do have a point there, thank you

[@MarvinWestmaas]

Wow... here I am... 1st place bike this and that.... how nice second place bike this and that.... how nice... *NOTHING* on LtD's bike? Carter voice 'screw you guys I'm going home'

[@Cyclingabout]

I ultimately decided to focus on Lachlan Morton's bike instead of LtD's bike. Although Lachlan was not part of the race, there were a few things about his bike setup that I wanted to discuss.

[@tibbar1000]

Great video! Nobody matches you on the amount of information per minute you pack into each video.

[@K1989L]

There is a reason why only 5% use aluminum frame… they are really really hars to ride.

[@serenadebikeswheel]

❤

[@jozefpavlik3195]

Wow

[@gen-zeke-8571]

**PLEASE HELP. Best Handle Bars to end Shoulder Strain.

[@tombardy3813]

I am confused are you saying they can save a day or two using fast charging batteries instead of dynamo?

[@lucywucyyy]

the 1x popularity is disappointing id be using a 2x11 its lighter more reliable more aero and more efficient and you can get even more gear range i have a feeling the 1x meme is gonna die out again at some point when people get bored of the 1x meme

[@GhostX42]

i recently changed from 2x10 to 1x12. This due to the bigger range for the cassette. Having a 11-40 before, i now can ride a 11-51 which makes climbing not actually easier, but safer for me since i know: i have that reserve, i can go to 51/38 and rule every mountain from 5% elevation up to 18% (which is still hard, but more possible..)

[@selfactualizer2099]

lower the bass in your mic

[@bruceglisson1720]

Miles dude miles

[@compedium]

You really couldn't bother to learn to pronounce the winners name right?

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Mountain bikes with drop bars silly. and aero bars even sillier 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mikeevans1594]

Try riding for 14 days straight. You’ll be wanting any body position your setup can provide just for the relief it gives your body. That’s why drops and aero bars have their place.

[@sirensynapse5603]

Only losers bike just to get there faster.