As team TBD prepares to assemble in Colorado for the second edition of SBT GRVL, here’s a quick look at some of the gear choices and pre-pre-race thoughts some of our members have for the event. This is by no means meant to be a guide (except for Barb, always listen to Barb), just a few words about the gear we hope will help us survive and thrive at this gravel event in thin air (RIP my flatland lungs).

Barb

Barb was fortunate enough to ride the inaugural edition of SBT GRVL in 2019. This time around, she said, “I will be riding this Moots Routt! It is my first gravel specific bicycle. I think the 40mm tires will be very stable over the gravel roads.”

Leah

“The only change I’ve made to my bike since this post is the tires — I’m now running 42mm Donnelly Strada USH tires instead of 38mm Gravel King slicks (mostly bc the GKs are terrible and puncture prone and I want a little bit more tread).”

Lisa

Lisa is planning to tackle SBT GRVL on this custom-painted Garneau Steeple. My sources tell me that she is hoping to source a little less road-oriented (and, thus, more gravel-friendly) gearing in the days leading up to the event, but I suspect she’ll do just fine, regardless.

Matt

“I am riding my Moots Psychlo X RSL because it has really become my do anything off road bike. From riding single track to doing gravel rides like Not Farmer's Daughter, this bike gets it done. And for SBT GRVL, I assume the massive gearing will come in handy. The only change that I am making from the photos is swapping out the CX race oriented wheels for a more durable aluminum wheelset, in part because I feel better flying with the aluminum wheelset.”

Mitchell

Mitchell has been putting in some miles in the southeast over the past year and is looking forward to testing his head, heart, and Moots Routt over the course of endless gravel miles in Colorado. Also, if you need a little bit of guidance on how to pack your bike for travel, you could do a lot worse than the picture below:

Rod

Rod will be tackling SBT on his Moot’s Routt 45. No stranger to epic rides, here are a few notes from one of his journeys last year:

As I pedaled home along the South Platte River trail to complete my ride, I reflected on how happy I am with my Moots. Comfortable like a gravel bike should be, there was nothing I would change with the bike or the build. Five hours in the saddle went by effortlessly. It’s a smooth ride that gives me confidence on loose surfaces. The bike likes to turn and I feel smoother and quicker when the trail becomes squiggly. AXS electronic shifting is a luxury for sure, but it’s a luxury worth having in my opinion and makes for much cleaner looking build. The reliability of electronic shifting with a quick tap of the lever is something that once you have it, you don’t want to go back. The internal cable routing for the rear brake line helps complete the clean build. I decided on the two-by set up for extra versatility. While I didn’t need the small ring on this ride, if offers greater versatility when needed. My plans for this bike this year include the Ramble Ride and the Steamboat Gravel Race both of which have enough climbing for me that warrant the two-by set up.

Corey

I will be tackling the, oh so many, miles at altitude on my Fairlight Strael. I’m hoping this not-quite-gravel-bike will offer me just enough traction, comfort, and speed to let me send it (just a little bit) as I tackle this adventure out west.