The Silk Road Mountain Race is a fixed-route, unsupported, single-stage cycling race through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The race’s eighth edition will follow a 2,052-kilometer route with roughly 35,362 meters of elevation gain. It starts in Talas, in northwestern Kyrgyzstan, and will finish in Cholpon Ata, on the north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The race has only started from Talas once before, last year.

The Silk Road Mountain Race has long been one of the most popular bikepacking events of the year, and 2026 is no exception. There are over 230 riders signed up, which is on par with last year, when just 130 riders finished. The attrition rate is hardly surprising, as the race traverses some of the roughest, most remote places in Kyrgyzstan.

With help from the race organizers and riders, we collected details on over 100 riders and rigs that will be out tackling the route. Again this year, we split them into two parts. Scroll through and get a good look at the first 60 below, and then head over to the 2026 Silk Road Mountain Race event page to follow along live. The race begins on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. local time.

Peter Ackermann

Age 60 / Winterthur (Switzerland)

BIKE: Scott Scale frame 900g from 2009, Tune rear hub, SON front hub dynamo, Quick Release. DT Swiss Spokes and rims. 2.4″ Continantal Dubnital tubless tires. RockShox 100mm fork. SRAM chain and 10-50T Eagle cassette, 32T Garbaruk chainring on an old SRAM XX crankset (formerly 2×10). Shimano XTR mechanical 12-speed derailleur and shifter. Ritchey WCS Bar and stem. Cane Creek eeSilk suspension seatpost. Exposure Lights front and rear. XTR SPD Pedals. Cycle2Charge V3 USB Charger.
BAGS: Zefal pouches on the bar, front Topeak roll bag, rear Tailfin Carbon, Apidura top bag with Relevate front top for electronics. Midsize Restrap framebag with 3L reservoir, Weight for SRMR 2026 with tent, 1kg iso powder fully equipped empty reservoir: 19kg
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Aerobar bridge made out of a plastic plumber tube and zip tide to mount the front light in the middle and above the bags. Front light has a built in battery good for 20 minutes of light.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040, Garmin Fenix 8 as a backup.

Omare Alvarado

Age 49 / Santa Cruz de Yojoa, Cortes (Honduras)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Giant XTC Advance, carbon frame hardtail with Fox 32 step cast front suspension, upgraded DT Swiss rims, XO1 electronic drivetrain, Deda aerobars, Redshift suspension seat post, 740mm wide Ergotec handlebar with 30 mm rise and 16° backsweep, Ergon grips and saddle. I’ll be using Schwalbe Racing Ralph and Racing Ray Super Ground case tires.
BAGS: I’ll be using Tailfin cargo pack, bar cage and downtube bag, Revelate Designs ranger frame bag (fits like custom made), Restrap top tube bag and race stem bag. Bulky gear can’t go lighter.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I would say my MSR 450ml titanium pot plus the Pocket Rocket stove, 250-gram cocking system included 100-gram gas canister, enough to make rehydrate a few dry meals and make a well deserved invaluable cup of coffee up there in those beautiful but cold mountains.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using Wahoo Roam 3 as my main navigation device and the Roam 2 as backup, both have the route in sections loaded and I can use either one of them, redundancy! No problem there.

Daniel Anzola

Age 45 / Medellin, Antioquia (Colombia)

BIKE: I’ll be riding on the Silk Road Mountain Race 2026 on the Arc 8 Evolve FS. The bike features a new pair of Wolfpack Speed and Trail 29 x 2.4″ tires, a 1×12 drivetrain with a 32T chainring, and Duke racing wheels with a SON Dynamo hub up front. One other modification is Profile Design aerobars.
BAGS: Redstrap Race Saddle bag, Rhinowalk Top tube bag, Handmade frame bag and down tube, Givi Climb adventure handlebar bag, 2 one-liter bottles will be mounted to the frame and 500 ml bottle, 2 soft flasks of 500 ml, Katadyn 1L water filter.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: 3Fullgear Lanshan 1 Pro tent will serve as my shelter along with a Nemo Tensor Sleeping pad and Twilight Series 10D 800FP Down Sleeping Bag.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying a Coros Dura for navigation and a Coros Nomad watch as a backup.

Tom Baker

Age 43 / Queenstown (New Zealand)

BIKE: Ritchey Ascent. SRAM GX. Rigid with eeSilk stem and seatpost. Charging with son dynamo into kLite lights. 2.25″ Mezcals because they just work. Water mounted on the forks and Tailfin rack.
BAGS: Tailfin top tube and rear bag. Robokiwi front roll and harness. Stealth Bags from Wellington, NZ frame bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Gear highlights would be my Nemo Hornet 1-person tent. Cozy and dry in any weather. Also my road worker neck sun shade, aka my flap.
GPS DEVICE: Trusty Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, we usually stay on track.

Andris Balodis

Age 54 / Skulte, Limbazi Region (LATVIA)

BIKE: SWORKS Epic, equipped with PANARACER Driver 29er PRO PR 2.2″ tires, 1×11 drivetrain with 36T chainring 11-50T cassette. DT Swiss XRC wheelset. Wide Ritchey handlebar and Wolf Tooth small rigs, including double bottle cages. MagicShine front and rear lights.
BAGS: APIDURA expedition series Saddlebag 16L (New), APIDURA expedition series handlebar 14L (New), all small bags from APIDURA as well.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: BigAgnes Copper Spur 1p Bikepacking Tent, NEMO Tensor Elite UL sleeping pad, MONTBELL Down Huger 500 sleeping bag. MONTBELL Down pants, Down jacket. CASTELLI all cycling apparel, including GTX jacket. JULBO FINISHER helmet and FURY sunglasses 1-3 Reactiv lens.
GPS DEVICE: GARMIN 1030 Plus and inReach Mini for navigation and communication.

Jorne Bluekens

Age 40 / OUDENBURG, WEST-FLANDERS (BELGIUM)

BIKE: I’ll be taking my trusty steel Salsa Fargo into the Kyrgyz mountains. It rolls on Hunt Race XC wheels with tubeless 29 x 2.25” Continental Protection Cross King up front and a Continental Dubnital Trail out back. The drivetrain is SRAM GX Eagle 1×11 with an 11-50T cassette and a 28T chainring, because Kyrgyzstan apparently doesn’t believe in flat roads. Profile Design aerobars give me somewhere else to put my hands when the going gets tough. The Pedalcell dynamo keeps the electrons flowing to my 30,000 mAh power banks, Garmin, iPhone, and Lezyne/Exposure lights. And keeping everything connected to the bike is my old faithful: a Brooks Cambium Carved saddle.
BAGS: A tried-and-tested mix of Salsa, Restrap, and Apidura. Salsa frame bag, Restrap top tube bag, and Apidura front and seat packs. They’ve survived plenty of adventures already, so I’m not changing a winning team. Two bottles live on the fork, one bottle below, and 2L of extra water in my CamelBak.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep strategy is to disappear into a Sea to Summit bivy, inflatable Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite, and crawl into a Hyperion 20°F/-6°C sleeping bag with my Albion Zoa insulated down jacket on. On the bike, it’s merino base layer, Rapha Core bibs, Castelli Perfetto RoS wind jacket, and Assos Trail rain jacket. My feet go into Fizik Terra Ergolaces for comfort and easy walking, with a stiffness 3 sole when needed.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1050 for navigation, with a spare Garmin Edge and iPhone as backup. The Edge will be fed by the Pedalcell when the battery packs need a little assistance.

Erika Bout

Age 26 / Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)

BIKE: I’m riding a Cannondale Scalpel Hardtail I’ve named Ebba. She’s equipped with Vittoria Mezcal 2.4″ tires, a 32T chainring, and a mostly Shimano XT drivetrain.
BAGS: My setup features a hodgepodge of new, old, and second hand bags, including a Miss Grape handlebar bag, Tailfin on the top and down tube, a small Restrap frame bag, and Decathlon bringing up the rear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be sleeping in an old MSR tent and a new and very cozy Sea to Summit sleeping bag.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 540 Solar and a Wahoo Elemnt as backup.

Guy Bowden

Age 48 / Morzine (France)

BIKE: It’s the same Nordest Britango that took me across the Trans Balkan Race and Alps Divide. SID 120mm fork. Roval Traverse SL wheels. Maxxis Forecaster/Aspen tires.
BAGS: Not packing so light this time with an OMM Elkhorn rack supporting a 15l dry bag and a couple of Ortlieb mini panniers that may be ditched in Talas. Wit Slingers custom frame bag and Restrap top tube bag as per. A Straightcut bar roll holster (so solid) and an Acepac roll bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: An Aper Apex1 tent, warm Exped mat and Sea to Summit Spark -1c bag plus a SOL escape lite as my emergency blanket/extra warmth if required. Ravemen PR2400 front and some Ravemen rear light (will rotate it when night falls).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840 and a Forerunner 745 backup.

Sven Brenner

Age 47 / Schaftlarn, Bavaria (Germany)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the SRMR 2026 on a 2025 Santa Cruz Blur. The bike features a Vittoria Barzo Race 2.4” in the front and e-Barzo 2.35″ in the rear, and a Shimano XTR Di2 groupset with a 30T chainring and 10-51T cassette. The wheels are Newmen Phase Vonoa Light 29″ with 30mm inner width and carbon spokes.
The TT extensions are from Profile Design.
BAGS: Rogue Panda custom framebag which carries mainly food. Tailfin Long Top Tube Bag 3L, Apidura Food bag pouches on either side of the stem, Tailfin Journey Rack, Tailfin Cargopack on top, Tailfin Cagepack, one 950 mL bottle, Tailfin Hydromount on the downtube with one 750 mL bottle.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I manufactured a carbon plate that I fixed on top of the extensions with normal cable ties. The carbon plate holds the Garmin mount (for the Edge 1040), a mount for an Action cam, and also a mount for the Exposure Lights Zenith front light.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040.

Cameron Bristol

Age 29 / Denver, Colorado (USA)

BIKE: I’ll be racing my titanium Revel Tirade (XXL). Stock Eagle 90 drivetrain, Lyrik Ultimate 140mm fork, DT Swiss XMC 1501 wheels, and of course the 29 x 2.35″ Mezcal TNT tires. Ergon GS2 grips, Profile Design aero bars with a 60mm riser kit, Bontrager Montrose saddle. I especially love the 240mm (!!!) Oneup V3 dropper post to get LOW.
BAGS: The crown jewel of the setup is for sure is the custom Jpaks FramePak with all my favorite colors. Also a big fan of the latest version of the Tailfin CargoPack. Jpaks SnakPak, Sea to Summit dry bag + voile strap on the aero bars, Nathan runners vest for food. Arundel Looney Bin + Nalgene for spare parts and tools, 2 side mounted (yes I ignored the user manual) Tailfin HydroMounts.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Tarptent Protrail tent, Big Agnes 20f sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad, Platypus Quickdraw filter + Aquatabs for water safety. I LOVE my Farpointe Alpha Cruiser hoodie. Tried and true Specialized Rime 2.0 shoes for all the hike-a-bike.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura. Haven’t had to charge it since forever.

Tomasz Budzioch

Age 52 / Gorlice (Poland)

BIKE: The bike was built specifically for this event. For the base, I chose a titanium frame, the Sonder Broken Road. It’s going to roll on DT Swiss XM421 rims, a DT350 rear hub, and a Son dynamo on the front. Everything is powered with a Shimano XT 1×12 system: 30T chainring and an 11-51T cassette. I use flat bars and aerobars. For my lighting system, I’ve chosen kLite on the front and Knog Plus on the back of my bike.
BAGS: Tailfin bags and Journey Rack. Just the frame bag is DIY to fit the strange main triangle shape.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The Tailfin bags and wooden aero bars risers.
GPS DEVICE: I’m using a Garmin Edge 840 and, of course, my phone as a backup device.

Adam Carlson

Age 49 / Queenstown (New Zealand)

BIKE: Kona Honzo 2018. Nothing special but does the job. Deba aero bars with all the risers. DT Swiss on the back end, SP dynamo on the front. Busch Mueller dynamo lights. Shimano for the stopping and the going bits.
BAGS: Tailfin Cargo Pack, Homemade rolltop frame bag, Tailfin toptube, Southern Lite Packs front roll harness.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Inflatable pillow, tent, Warmest sleeping bag I have ever taken on a race, Stove for some dehy meals.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura with a Wahoo backup.

Ian Carson

Age 36 / Alaska (USA)

BIKE: 2022 Salsa Timberjack Titanium, Fox 34, Chris King headset and bottom bracket, Roost Titanium handlebar with Profile Design Legacy II aero bars, SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, Santa Cruz Reserve 30 HD Carbon rims, Industry Nine Hydra Rear & SON Dynamo Front hubs, Fox Transfer 180mm dropper, Magura MT5 brakes with 203mm front and 180mm rear rotors.
BAGS: Revelate Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My ultralight Six Moons Tarp and my enormous jar of peanut butter.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam.

Manu Cattrysse

Age 37 / Hamme, Flanders (Belgium)

BIKE: I will be racing my Orbea Oiz which is the fresh 2026 model. Wheels are carbon Hunt Proven’s with a Son dynamo hub, Schwalbe Rick XC 2.4″ up front and and a Racing Ralph 2.35″ in the back and a kLite front light. Drivetrain is SRAM AXS with a mix of X0 and XX1 components and XTR pedals. Handlebar I’ll be trying out a SQ-lab 30X for more comfort and aerobars are a mix of profile design and PRO parts.
BAGS: Tailfin as always with a custom R&D framebag, a Cargopack, and the biggest size top-tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleeping kit is the same as last time I raced SRMR which is a Z-packs Plex solo tent, a NeoAir X-lite pad with a Flextail e-pump, which I recently discovered to be one of my favorite camping items.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Jonathan Clements

Age 48 / Lenzburg (Switzerland)

BIKE: I will be riding a Rodeo Traildonkey 3.1 (2022) at the SRMR 2026. The main features are the Fox gravel suspension fork, the Redshift Shockstop seatpost, and probably the Ortlieb medium carrier, for attaching bulky supplies. The drivetrain is a Shimano GRX 1×12 with a 10-51T cassette, and I swapped out the 40T cranks for an XT 30T. Brakes are GRX with 180mm in the front. I will be sitting on a WTB Volt. I have chosen a set of Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite tires for their rugged capabilities and low puncture rate; they will be run tubeless. The tires are mounted on Hunt 40 Gravel Carbon with a SON dynamo and a K-Lite USB-C charger. Highlight on the bike is definitely the Fox Float 32 TC 50mm travel, what a difference that makes!
BAGS: I will be using my tried and tested Apidura 17L Expedition Saddlepack, a full frame bag, an 11L Handlebar bag, a small top tube bag and a feed bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: my sleeping system, which I hope will keep me warm and dry. Big Agnes Fly Creek, Western Mountaineering Ultra Lite -4 Comfort zone (doesn’t pack small but is warm) and a Sea to Summit Ultra Light Si self-inflating mattress.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840.

Federico Colalongo

Age 50 / Italy

BIKE: A titanium Curve Uprock v2 size XXL with a RockShox SID Ultimate 120mm with Flight Attendant, Curve Dirty Hoops carbon wheels, a SON 28 dynamo hub powering kLite lights front and rear plus USB charging, and Vittoria Mezcal 2.35″ tubeless tires with insert. SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS with a 28T oval ring on a 10-52T cassette, SRAM Code RSC brakes on 200/180mm rotors, OneUp dropper, and Shimano XTR pedals.
BAGS: A custom Mrs Grape full frame bag and Il Coso harness with a 13L dry bag up front, plus a Tailfin downtube pack, and 3L top tube bag. I will also carry a 12L Instinct trail vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The sleep system is a 950-fill Enlightened Equipment quilt in an MLD ProVent bivy on a NeoAir XLite, with a Hyperlite 8×10 tarp that pitches off the bike. 2x Nitecore NB10000 banks, with five AXS batteries rotating between derailleur and fork. A 250ml flask of olive oil in the frame bag to make cold bread more appealing.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Ashley Cordingley

Age 41 / Scotland

BIKE: I’m riding a Santa Cruz blur cc, set up with a Shimano XTR drivetrain, SID Ultimate fork, and a wide-range 1×12 drivetrain 30T and 10-51T cassette. Wheels are JRA carbon built on DT240 rear and SON 28 front hub for reliable dynamo power and durability in the rough stuff.
BAGS: Have all been provided by the wonderful people at restrap. Thanks for the custom bag, race top tube bag, front and rear race 7l bags, tool roll and race vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping setup is warm: OR Helium, Nemo Tensor all season, and a lightweight RAB Mythic 400 sleeping bag. I’m running the new Exposure Revo Mk5, which I am very excited about. To keep myself comfortable in the various weather, I’ll be wearing lots of wonderful gear from great folks at Albion. The highlight is definitely the Zoa puffer.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar for nav.

Paul Creusvaux

Age 32 / Dijon (France)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my not fresh bad painted homemade steel bicycle frame which I love more than my wife (I am single but I would if I had I think). I found 2 Maxxis Ikon tires to put on my way to Kyrgizistan, so I will go with them.
BAGS: My not-fresher-than-my-bike homemade frame and rear bags that I hope will not give up during the race but are very good ones by the way. Cyclite for the front bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: my broken titanium rear rack that also has been fixed in Almaty with a brake caliper adapter which I found was a great idea.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying a Garmin Fenix 7X watch for navigation.

Anirudh Dagar

Age 28 / Ghaziabad (India)

BIKE: A Salsa Cutthroat set up as a drop bar MTB, running a RockShox SID 100mm fork and SRAM GX Eagle AXS with a 32T chainring and 10-52T cassette. Hunt Proven wheels with Continental Dubnital Trail tyres, 2.4″ front and 2.25″ rear. Up front it’s a Redshift Kitchen Sink drop bar with Redshift grips and a set of Deda Parabolica Uno aerobars on 55mm spacers. Shimano PD-ED500 dual sided pedals.
BAGS: The centrepiece is a custom full framebag from Baby Legs Bags, carrying food, first aid kit, toiletries, repair kit and a soft flask bottle. Tailfin cargo saddle pack holds clothes and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite. A 14L Tailfin bar bag up front takes my sleeping bag, a Sea To Summit Spark 3 rated to -9C extreme, along with my AperGear Apex1 tent. AGU snack bag and Tailfin top tube bags for food. Evoc Hydro Pro 6L pack (not pictured) with a 1.5L bladder for resupplies.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The mesh side pockets on the Baby Legs framebag are my favourite detail, ideal for wrappers and random bits on the go. Love the AperGear tent which packs down to almost nothing, and my DIY aero bridge, cobbled together from empty SIS salt tab tubes.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, with a Hammerhead Karoo 3 as backup.

Josh Dalby

Age 38 / Maryland (USA)

BIKE: Trek Roscoe 7 mostly stock on a pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.4” tires.
BAGS: Ortlieb Waterproof frame bag, Revelate Designs handlebar bag, two 3L fork bags, and a Rhinowalk bag on an Ortlieb quickrack XL. Also Rhinowalk toptube bag that I love. I also have a 3L reservoir hanging on my aerobars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Zenbivy UL sleep system and a North Face Stormbreak tent so I’ll be dry and warm no matter the weather.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Ethan Dale

Age 34 / Christchurch (New Zealand)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my 2025 Scott Scale 930. It’s rolling on DT Swiss alloy rims laced to a DT 350 hub in the rear and a Son 28 in the front. The Son dynamo sends power to my kLite system. I’ll complement this light with a Fenix HM65R headlight velcroed to my helmet. The bike is shod with 2.4″ Dubnitals setup tubeless. The 1×12 Shimano XT drivetrain is set up with a 30T chainring for the hills, and a 4iiii power meter for the stats. I’m running a Specialized Power Comp saddle mounted on a Redshift suspension seat post. In the cockpit, I’ve got Profile Designs T3 aerobars, mounted on 70mm risers. I’m also running some AliExpress inner bar ends and Ergon grips. I’ve got a sprinkling of Wolf Tooth anodized parts for bling.
BAGS: My top tube, frame, downtube, and feed bags are homemade. I did my best to maximize storage space. On the rear I have a Tailfin system and on the front I have a 8L Sea to Summit Big River dry bag strapped under my aerobars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My two-gram drillium toothbrush. I’ll be sleeping in my RAB bivvy bag, Sea to Summit Spark sleeping bag, and on my Nemo inflatable pad with a further 3mm EVA pad for protection.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 840.

Virgile Dana

Age 35 / Paris (France)

BIKE: I will be riding the 2026 SRMR on my 2023 Orbea Alma hardtail. The frame has been taped up to protect the carbon from bags and straps. It is in a size large. The fork is a Fox 32 SC with 100mm of travel. I’m using a Hunt Proven carbon XC wheelset with 2.4″ Continental Dubnital tyres. The drivetrain is a mechanical Shimano XTR, with 12-speed, an 11-51T cassette, a 30T chainring, and 165mm cranks. I use Ergon GS1 Evo grips, and SQLab inner bar-ends for changing hand position, and Profile Design aero-bars. My saddle is a Fizik Vento Argo, and my seat post is a Cane Creek eeSilk+ for a bit of suspension.
BAGS: I am mainly equipped with Apidura bags. The backcountry 6L frame pack, where I store most of my clothing and tools. The 1.8 L long top tube bag, to store daily rations of food and gels. 2 food pouches for storing power banks, cables, food, and trash. The saddle bag is a Miss Grape 13L bag which contains mainly sleeping gear and other stuff that I only have to take out once during the day. I also have a Sea to Summit dry bag on my handlebar with my sleeping bag, down jacket, and rain jacket. I will also be wearing a USWE hydration pack on my back. It has a 3L water bladder and a total capacity of 12L so that I can store food and groceries I will find on route.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Apidura full frame bag which fits perfectly in my Large Orbea frame. A 1L empty bottle to be filled with sodas and sweet beverages I find along the way. 2x 20,000mAh power banks to never run out of battery. Sleeping kit is composed of a Sea to Summit sleeping bag and air mattress, inflatable pillow, Borah Gear bivy, and Six Moon Design Deschutes Tarp.
GPS DEVICE: I will be using a Coros Dura; it has an incredibly high battery life and is also solar powered. Bringing a second GPS, Garmin 540, in case of emergency.

Philip Essfors

Age 30 / Malmo, Skane (Sweden)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Silk Road Mountain Race on a 2025 Trek pro caliber 9.5 Gen 3. It’s a hardtail that futures OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with smoothing IsoBow technology, a RockShox Judy GOLD fork with 120mm of travel, Solo Air spring and TurnKey lockout. It’s equipped with Shimano’s 12-speed Deore drivetrain with hydraulic brakes, a Bontrager Line Dropper post and 29″ wheels with a tubeless setup.
BAGS: My bag setup includes an Aeroe Spider rear rack with two 12L heavy duty dry bags and Aeroe Spider Handlebar Cradle with another 12L heavy duty dry bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The sleep system consists of a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Bikepack tent, which is a new addition to my gear specially bought for this adventure.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying a Coros Dura for navigation.

Adrienne Estrada

Age 34 / Haute-Savoie (France)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Chiru Kegeti (titanium) with a Fox fork. Garbaruk and SRAM T-Type, and 30T chainring. Duke Wheels with SON Dynamo hub, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ for tyres. Specialized Power Mimic for saddle, Profile design aerobars and Exposure light.
BAGS: Mostly Cyclite bags and Tailfin Cargo Pack, with Albion Visibility Cargo Vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Outfitted by Albion, for all the weather we’ll experience. MSR tent, Cumulus X-Lite and Rab sleeping pad to sleep. And… a Restrap harness for the hike-a-bikes.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt.

Thomas Fandrich

Age 56 / Munich (Germany)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Silk Road Mountain Race on a Specialized S-Works Hardtail. The bike features a new pair of Conti Dubnital 2.40″ tires, a SRAM AXS 1×12 drivetrain with a 32T chainring. Newmen Vonoa Carbon wheels. Brakes Magura MT 8 SL.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is an Apidura Frame bag, Apidura Tank top tube bag, and Apidura Saddle Bag. 1.5L bottles and a 2L bladder in my Apidura hip pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping bag is a Yeti, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir, and MSR Hubba Bikepack 2 (pair).
GPS DEVICE: GPS Garmin 1040.

Sebastiano Frandino

Age 28 / Zurich (Switzerland)

BIKE: I’m riding my Fairlight Holt 2.0. I’m running a SRAM 90 mechanical derailleur with a 32T chainring. Tires are Vittoria Mezcal 2.4”. Brakes are Hope TR4, Zipp aerobars, and a PNW dropper post.
BAGS: bags are a bit of mix and match. I’m running a Tailing bag in the back, on the top tube, and on the down tube, a 2L Apidura wedge frame bag, and a Miss Grape front roll. Additionally, I’m using a Salomon 15L vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: all my clothes are from Albion for comfort, warmth, and to stay dry. Sleeping system is an Apex1 tent from Aper, a quilt from Nevegear, and a Sea to Summit mat. I’m running an Exposure front light combined with a Fenix head lamp.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040. Didn’t manage to get a Coros because they are all sold out.

Sean Geivett

Age 34 / Copenhagen (Denmark)

BIKE: Santa Cruz Highball CC, Fox 32 SC 100mm GripSL fork, 12-speed AXS GX 11-52T / 32T, Redshift Shockstop Pro Seatpost, Redshift Aero Bars with blips, Fizik Argo Adaptive Saddle, Ultradynamico Mars/Brut in the Rubusto, Restrap Switch Rack, SQ Labs grips/bar-ins, Enduro Bearings Maxhit bb/headset, Reserve 30|HD Wheels, Outbound Lights, and Shimano XT Brakes.
BAGS: Full Restrap Race Setup.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Full Albion Comfort Kit so I can Stay Outside far far too long. Custom Restrap Full Frame bag packed to the seems with Taterboost and CARBs Gels to keep me moving when the Kurut runs out. Kryptonite Quicklock for the Globus stops.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin inReach 2, Wahoo Element Roam v2.

Marie GEST

Age 43 / Thouars, Deux-Sevres (France)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a CHIRU Kegeti with a FOX 32 Float SC 29 Performance 100mm fork, Shimano XT 8100 brakes, a 12-speed mechanical drivetrain with a 10-51T cassette, and a ROTOR Kapic crankset with a 30T oval chainring. I’m running a 42cm ERGOTEC gravel bar, an SMP saddle, and a SON 28 dynamo hub powering a SINEWAVE Beacon.
BAGS: A custom full-frame bag by ConCEpt BIKE, an Ortlieb seat pack for my sleep system, and a handlebar bag for clothing. Two bottles on the fork, plus a hydration pack, provide my water capacity.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Nordisk Lofoten tent, Salewa rain jacket, Gore rain pants, and Specialized down jacket.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040.

Stanislav Gorbachevskii

Age / Sochi (Russia)

BIKE: Dautov Bros carbon bike with a RockShox Reba fork, Neutrino Components 10–51T, NeutrinoComponents 180mm rotors, Maxxis 29 × 2.25″, with carbon rims.
BAGS: Velohorosho.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Stayer waterproof layers, VTR riding gear, Sivera sleeping bag, WHITELAB sunglasses.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura with a Coros Vertix watch as backup.

Stephen Gow

Age 58 / Melbourne/Naarm (Australia)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2026 Canyon Exceed CF 6 hardtail. The bike features a new pair of Vittoria Mezcal 2.35” tyres with a Shimano XT/SLX group set 1×12 drivetrain with a 28T chainring (to get my old arse up some of the mountains). Also running SQ Labs inner bar ends and a riser bar.
BAGS: I have Ortleib frame bag and rack roll, combined with Dom cargo bags on the rear rack. Also my trusty Topeak front roll and harness to carry all the sleeping gear, AliExpress stem bags for snacks and an Apidura downtube bag for tools and spares. Hydration is covered by a 3L bladder in the framebag and a 1L bottle in the fork. Hopefully no need for a backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Given that I’ll be out there for a long time, I’ve gone with comfort in the shelter with a Lanshan 1 tent along with a OnePlanet -6 sleeping bag, down booties and Klymit R4 mat to keep the cold nights at bay. Lighting with a Fenix headlight, spare battery, and 2×10,000 mah power banks. Also taking 5 dehydrated meals and 1kg of Stryker carb mix to get the nutrition off to a good start!
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying a Coros Dura for navigation and a Wahoo Bolt as a backup. A Garmin inReach Mini 2 for tracking.

Jimmy Grade

Age 55 / Leuven, Vlaams Brabant (Belgium)

BIKE: I’ll be riding (not racing) the Silk Road Mountain Race on a 2018 Canyon Exceed hardtail with SRAM AXS 1×12, 30T chainring, cassette 10-50T. Shimano XTR brakes and pedals, SMP Lite 209 saddle. Not the newest bike in the pack, but most parts have been upgraded over the years. It has proven its reliability in many previous events. Continental Dubnital 2.4″ (front) and Vittoria Mezcal 2.4″ (back), both reinforced for maximum protection. Son dynamo and KLite light in the front, Gloworm light as headlight (or spare front light) with remote control and can also be used as a spare power bank to charge other devices if needed.
BAGS: Tailfin as backloader and downtube, Apidura on top and BBB as frontloader.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Tent Nordisk Lofoten 1, Therm-a-Rest Neoair XLite sleeping mat and Yeti VIB 600 sleeping bag (comfort temp -1°C). Should be enough to get me over the remote and long, high-altitude sections of the route. 2.5L of water capacity in bottles + water purification filter Sawyer mini.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt V3.

Stephane Grobe-Luger

Age 56 / Heiligenhaus (Germany)

BIKE: Canyon Exceed CF 6 Hardtail with Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″ and 30T chainring and 11-51T Shimano SLX Cassette.
BAGS: Ortlieb waterproof Bag for the Front (Tent and Sleeping Bag), Downtube (Spare Parts and Tools) Toptube, Frame, and Rack from Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sea to Summit sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest sleeping mat, Apergear Tent, Supernova light.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Element Roam.

Johan Hallbeck

Age 29 / Lund, Skane (Sweden)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Silk Road Mountain Race on a 2026 Trek pro caliber 9.5 Gen 3. It’s a hardtail that futures a OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with smoothing IsoBow technology, a RockShox Judy GOLD fork with 120mm of travel, Solo Air spring and TurnKey lockout. It’s equipped with Shimano’s 12-speed Deore drivetrain with hydraulic brakes, a Bontrager Line Dropper post, and 29-inch wheels setup tubeless.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my bag setup is Aeroe Spider rear rack with two 12L heavy duty dry bags and Aeroe Spider Handlebar Cradle with another 12L heavy duty dry bags.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I will be enjoying warm sleep in my Marmot Helium sleeping bag. It will be amazing since I’ve always have been using too cold sleeping bags before.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying a Coros Dura for navigation.

Dominic Halum

Age 56 / Manila (Philippines)

BIKE: 2017 Specialized Epic hardtail MTB. The bike features Vittoria Mezcal 2.25” tires, 1×11 Shimano Deore drivetrain with a 32T chainring, and DT Swiss FR541 wheels with Hope/Industry Nine hubs.
BAGS: Tailfin rear bag, Revelate Design frame bag, and Ortlieb handlebar bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: As my shelter MSR Hubba Hubba tent along with lightweight MEC sleeping bag and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping pad.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura for navigation.

Jongmin Han

Age 26 / Paju (South Korea)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my old Moots YBB-SL (around MY2013) with micro suspension. As you know, since this is an older bike with a 135mm QR disc rear dropout, matching modern components(SRAM S500 AXS 12s 52T, RIVAL E1 LEVER) took a lot of thought. Although it’s originally a 26″ frame, I installed a custom-built 27.5″ carbon wheelset and used a road crankset to keep a proper chainline. Because of the oversized wheels, tire clearance was pretty tight, so I’m running 650b x 47mm Specialized Pathfinder tires. The geometry definitely got a bit weird, but it actually rides surprisingly well!
BAGS: The frame bag made it myself. Three Sea to Summit dry bags for clothes, tent, sleeping bag. Tent poles are stored in my frame bag. Tailfin rear rack for additional clothes and easy-to-access stuff and spare space for food.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Profile Design aerobars and 3D-printed aerobar end computer/headlight mount for easier screen viewing.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Andy Harp

Age 57 / UK

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2024 Specialized Epic Hard Tail Comp. The bike now has a power meter (with a 32T chainring), a GX AXS rear mech, SRAM blips as backup, inner bar ends and Vittoria Mezcal 2.4” tyres. I am using Hunt carbon wheels with a SON dynamo hub. I have a kLite lighting and charging front light system with an Exposure front light as backup. I’m using a 3L bladder for hydration along with a 750ml bidon and a 550ml bidon.
BAGS: All Tailfin! I swapped to Tailfin this year and couldn’t be happier.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Riemann P20 SPF 50+ sunscreen, PHDesign Sleeping bag and jacket, and Lofoten Nordisk tent. The tent, Therm-a-Rest, sleeping bag and warm sleeping merino clothing layers all fit in the handlebar bag. Being vegetarian, I am also taking (too many) dehydrated meals. At least it’ll get lighter the longer I ride. I have an MST Trailshot filter (with puritabs as backup).
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1040 with a 540 for backup.

Dicky Hibbert

Age 34 / UK

BIKE: 2021 Specialized Epic Evo. Mechanical drivetrain and 30x51T gearing. Vittoria Mezcal tyres 2.25″, trail casings.
BAGS: Tailfin Aero Pack and mini pannier for maximum saddle clearance at the back. Tailfin down tube and top tube bags and a custom frame bag from Straight Cut Designs.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure lights and Innovate hydration vest.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Martin Hilgers

Age 33 / Weiswampach (Luxembourg)

BIKE: My bike for the 2026 Silk Road Mountain Race is a custom-built S-Works Epic 8. The drivetrain is a SRAM XX SL groupset with a 32T chainring and 10–52T cassette, paired with Magura MT8 SL Raceline brakes. Up front, I’m running a RockShox SID Ultimate Race Day 29” 3P with 120mm of travel. For extra comfort and more hand positions during the long days, I use Ergon GS2 Evo grips together with Redshift Quick-Release Aerobars.
BAGS: My complete bag setup is from Tailfin. I’m using a 3L Downtube Bag for my tent and sleeping mat, a 3L Top Tube Bag for food and other quick-access essentials, and the Cargo Rack for the rest of my gear.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My gear highlights are definitely the APEX 1 tent and my Exposure light setup.
GPS DEVICE: For navigation, I rely on a Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Nick Hill

Age 44 / Bristol (UK)

BIKE: Specialized Epic 8, SRAM Transmission 30x52T, Vittoria Mezcal 2.25/2.4″, SON dynamo hub and kLite Adventure light.
BAGS: Custom frame bag from Shaka Packs, Revelate Designs Spinelock seat pack, everything else from Tailfin. For water, I have a 1.5L bladder in the frame bag, 2L in my hydration vest and extra capacity for ice teas along the way.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 tent and REI Magma 30 quilt for (hopefully) some quality sleep. Lots of Expedition Meals but no stove so I’ll be cold soaking. That’s one gear choice I’m expecting to regret!
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1040 Solar.

Martin Hotte

Age 48 / Mirabel, Quebec (Canada)

BIKE: Full sus Trek Supercaliber gen.2, GX AXS, 30T oval chainring with 160mm arms, Assioma pedals to satiate my data addiction, Zipp aerobars with 50mm risers on Salsa Rustler carbon handlebar, Infinity A1X saddle to keep the faith, armored Enve AM30 wheels with Mezcal 2.35″ tyres (just trusting the crowd on this one). Thank you, FB Marketplace, for saving me a lot of money.
BAGS: Custom frame bag made with love. Tailfin aluminum Cargopack, top tube and downtube bags. I’m carrying a USWE Rush 8L containing a 2L bladder and load of pockets to carry the often-used small items on/off the bike, so the fogged brain doesn’t have to think.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Hope not Sudocrem. Otherwise, using a mixed battery-powered lighting system, Big Agnes Fly Creek bikepacking tent (short poles), Therm-a-Rest Hyperion -6C sleeping bag and Rab Ultrasphere 5 pad. No cooking kit, but 1kg of maltodextrin and a toothbrush.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, yes please.

Lois Hunter

Age 45 / Rossland, BC (Canada)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a 2025 Pipedream Moxie steel hardtail with a Fox 34 fork. Like my partner Jonathan’s bike, it’s been built with reliability, comfort, and simplicity in mind rather than chasing the lightest possible setup. It rolls on Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.4” tires with a SON dynamo hub up front and a DT Swiss rear hub. The cockpit features Ergon grips with integrated bar ends, plus aerobars for the long days across Kyrgyzstan. One of my priorities has been creating as many comfortable hand positions as possible for the endless climbs and rough descents.
BAGS: Apart from a Revelate Designs handlebar roll, all of my bags are homemade by Jonathan and sewn specifically for this trip. My favourite is what we call the “pizza box”—a small bag that sits between the aerobars and keeps snacks within easy reach all day. I also use Anything Cages mounted to the sides of my Mica Rat Tail rack, carrying dry bags that hold my 1.3kg of ostomy supplies I’ll need throughout the race.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: A lLite dynamo lighting and charging system keeps everything powered from the SON hub. My sleep kit includes a Big Agnes two-person tent (Jonathan and I are riding the event together), a Rab down sleeping bag, and a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad. Hopefully a dependable setup that lets me recover well each night will be worth every gram.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation will be on a Coros Dura. My backup is Jonathan’s Dura, followed by my phone if technology decides to test my patience.

Matthew Irons

Age 45 / Victoria (Australia)

BIKE: Salsa Cutthroat with suspension fork swapped in.
BAGS: Revelate Designs handlebar and frame bags, Apidura top tube bag, and a Tailfin Cargopack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m pretty pleased with how the Cutthroat has turned out with the front suspension. I’m also using a Cane Creek suspension seatpost to take some of the sting out of the washboard roads.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 530.

Zubarev Ivan

Age 22 / Kirov (Russia)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the SRMR on a 2021 Specialized Epic. I have a Fox Performance 34 fork and a RockShox Brain rear shock. The drivetrain is a SRAM GX 1×12. The front is a 32T chainring and a 10-52 cassette. The carbon tubeless wheels are custom-built by Fast-Bike. The rear is a Boost Newmen Fade hub, and the front is an SP PL-6 dynamo hub. It powers a Son Edelux 2 headlight. I also have a Profile Design aerobar.
BAGS: My main bags for the race are an Altura Vortex saddle bag, a Rhinowalk 2.1L toptube bag, a waterproof handlebar ratchet, and a B-Soul console. I also have a few small bags that I will attach to the down tube, along with an 8L Decathlon running backpack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be using a Subito bivy sack, a Naturehike -3 down sleeping bag, and a homemade sleeping pad for lighter weight.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be carrying a Coros Dura for navigation.

Tsvetan Ivanov

Age 27 / Sofia (Bulgaria)

BIKE: I’ll be riding a Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS, a bike designed for long-distance adventures where comfort becomes the biggest advantage once the discomfort begins. For Silk Road Mountain Race, reliability and efficiency are far more important than saving a few grams. The drivetrain features a 32T AbsoluteBLACK oval chainring, slightly modified to perfectly fit the frame. I wax my chain before the race and use AbsoluteBLACK GRAPHENlube throughout the event to keep the drivetrain running efficiently in the harsh conditions of Kyrgyzstan.
BAGS: I’m using the bike’s custom frame bag, which carries a 1.5L hydration bladder with a drinking hose and a water filter, together with most of my essential gear. On the top tube, I have a 3L Tailfin top tube bag for food and items I need quick access to. A downtube bag carries additional equipment, while a rear dry bag holds my emergency bivy and a Sea to Summit inflatable sleeping pad. I’ll also be wearing a 9L backpack, carrying part of my food, lightweight clothing, and an additional 1L of water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My sleep system consists of an Aper Apex 1 tent, a Sea to Summit sleeping pad, a Pajak sleeping bag, and a Pajak down jacket. For navigation, lighting, and documenting the journey, I’ll be carrying a Garmin Edge 840 Solar, a Knog Blinder 2400 front light, a rear light, an Insta360 X5, and a DJI Action 5 Pro. To stay hydrated in remote areas, I’ll rely on HydraPak water filtration, while Favero Assioma PRO MX-2 power meter pedals will help me manage my effort over the 2,000km course.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 840 Solar.

Petr Janicek

Age 31 / Koprivnice (Czech Republic)

BIKE: I’ll be racing the Silk Road Mountain Race on a Canyon Lux Trail CF 7. The bike is a full-suspension 29er MTB, built around a Shimano 1×12 drivetrain with a 10–51T cassette. It runs DT Swiss alu wheels and Vittoria XC tires. In have aerobars from Decathlon and Ergon grips.
BAGS: The centerpiece of my setup is a Tailfin Cargo pack on Journey rack. I’m also running a Apidura top tube bag, handlebar bag, and down tube pack. Two bottles are mounted inside the frame. Additionaly I have Salomom 8L vest.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I have Sea to Summit tent, down sleeping bag with 350g of down and down pants additionaly to add some warm comfort during sleep. Lezyne lights with powerpack. Also small bidet is highlight to keep my rear nice and clean.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura is all I need.

Ian Jennings

Age 57 / Villars-les-Dombes (France)

BIKE: Made in my garage Dropbar XL MTB, brazed mainly Columbus tubing with 90’s splatter paint job. Enve MTB front fork with Redshift bars, stem and post for a bit of shock absorbtion. GRX mechanical shifting with XT 30T / 10-51T and post mount brakes. Son dynamo on DT Swiss alloy rims. Mezcal 2.4″ tyres. Bolt on homemade rack. Brooks Ti B17 saddle.
BAGS: Restrap frame, top tube and aero’ish bar bags. Modified Ortlieb saddle bag to fit on rack to allow for Redshift post. Apidura tool bag on downtube.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin 1030+.

Karen Jennings

Age 54 / Auckland (New Zealand)

BIKE: I’ll be riding my Giant XTC Advanced hardtail with 29 x 2.4″ Vittoria Mezcals, 1×12 mechanical, SON dynamo hub, and aero bars. This time I’ll finish.
BAGS: I’ve got a mix with Blackburn front roll and saddle bag, Revelate Designs frame and feed bags, and Apidura tool bag and hydration pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: My Big Agnes Fly Creek tent, Sea to Summit sleeping bag -1C and new pillow which I’m hoping to use for longer sleeps this year.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 1030+.

Chris Johnstone

Age 71 / Scotland

BIKE: I am riding a Specialized Chisel FS. I’ve changed the chainring to a 30T, perhaps I should have gone for a 28T, I will be walking lots anyway. Tyres are Mezcals 2.4″ tubeless.
BAGS: Bags are a mix of Tailfin and Restrap.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: SQlab inner bar ends with Ergon grips and saddle.
GPS DEVICE: Navigating with a Coros Dura and Nomad watch as a backup.

Alexander Kopp

Age 38 / Innsbruck (Austria)

BIKE: I will ride my Last Celos with an Intend Samurai Fork and Intend Hover Monocoque rear shock, Hunt proven Wheels XC Dynamo, Vittoria Mezcal tires and Sram Transmission.
BAGS: All the bags are from the awesome Brand Tailfin.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Supernova lite setup, Cumulus sleeping bag, Apergear Tent, a lot of motivation from my side.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Gilles Kuffer

Age 50 / Switzerland

BIKE: I’ll be riding the Silk Road Mountain Race on a one-of-a-kind Thömus prototype. Thömus is a Swiss bike brand, and this raw carbon hardtail frame was originally developed for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics but was ultimately never built up or raced. The bike features a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain with a 28T chainring and an 11–51T cassette, DT Swiss XR 1700 wheels, and Continental Race King 2.2” tires. The cockpit is fitted with Profile Design aero bars, and I’ll be using Favero power meter pedals.
BAGS: My setup includes a Tailfin rear rack and pannier system, a Cyclite frame bag, and a Restrap bag mounted under the downtube. My MSR tent is carried at the front of the bike.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Some of my favorite pieces of gear for the race include an Exposure front light, UDOG cycling shoes, and the MSR tent. The whole setup is built to stay as simple, reliable, and efficient as possible for the long and remote sections of the SRMR.
GPS DEVICE: I’ll be using a Coros Dura for navigation.

Koves Lajos

Age 42 / Varpalota (Hungary)

BIKE: I’ll be riding the 2026 Silk Road Mountain Race on a 2023 Mondraker F-podium SE. The bike features a new pair of Maxxis Aspen 29 x 2.4″ EXO TR tires, an AXS 1×12 drivetrain with a 30T chainring.
BAGS: I’m riding with a complete set from Tailfin. I have about a 26-31L capacity on the bike and it weighs between 22-24kg (including the bike) depending on food and water.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’m using a Sea to Summit sleeping bag with The North Face Assault 2 Bivvy to sleep. All the cold weather and rain gear to keep warm in the mountains. I’m taking a mix of Isadore products with me. Blistering hot temperatures during the day, high chances of rain or snow and riding through the night are all things to be considered.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Roam V3.

Rich Lebon

Age 40 / Highlands (Scotland)

BIKE: I’ll be attempting the SRMR on my trusty Sonder Broken Road Ti self-build. DT Swiss EX511 29ers (not self-built!) with tubeless Vittoria Mezcal 2.25″. After sidewall punctures in Greece, I opted for the heavier tires despite the weight penalty. Hope Pro5 bearings and discs, RockShox Reba RL fork, 800mm bars, Shimano XT M8100 brakes and drivetrain (1×12), One-Up V3 dropper (unnecessary but I decided not worth changing out), Xpedo M-Force 8 pedals.
BAGS: 18l Tailfin cargo pack for clothes etc, 1.5l top tube bag for electronics/daily essentials, POC Ultra 4L handlebar bag for my EVOC water system, PunkCase for phone, 2x 0.8l Apidura snack bags, 6l Ortlieb frame bag for food/water, 0.8l Zefal Z Box and 0.8l rear top tube bag for tools/spares, 2x Blackburn cargo cages with 5l Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bags for tent, mat and sleeping bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Zpacks Duplex tent, Enlightened Equipment quilt, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir mat.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt (plus my partner’s one as a spare, and Gaia maps downloaded on the phone!).

Leonie Leitgeb

Age 28 / Innsbruck (Austria)

BIKE: I will be riding the Radon Jealous AL 9 with Schwalbe Racing Ray tires (29 x 2.25″) and a 1×12 drivetrain (10-52T) with a 32T chainring.
BAGS: For the saddle bag I am using the Deuter Cabezon SB 16 and for the handlebar bag it is the Deuter Cabezon HB 14. The top tube bag is from Decathlon and the custom made frame bag is from türmer.lab.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The highlight is definitely the robust and beautiful frame bag! Besides that, I am excited to use my Sea to Summit Spark 4 sleeping bag for the cold nights as well as the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT sleeping pad.
GPS DEVICE: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt.

Matthew Maberly

Age 29 / Perth, WA (Australia)

BIKE: Scott Spark 920 TR, full suspension. SRAM Eagle AXS Transmission with a 32T chainring. Vittoria Mezcal XC Trail 2.4″ front and rear, tubeless. Ergon GP3 grips and Profile Design aero bars.
BAGS: Tailfin 9.1L Bar Bag System, 1.7L downtube pack, 18L Cargo Pack, and 1.1L top tube flip bag, plus an Apidura Backcountry 2.5L full-frame pack.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The sleep system is a Sea to Summit Spark -9°C sleeping bag, Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated sleeping mat, and a Lifesystems Venture Lite bivvy. Lighting is an Exposure Toro Mk16 on the handlebars, an Exposure Joystick Mk18 on the helmet, and an Exposure TraceR rear light, powered by 3x Nitecore 20,000mAh power banks (60,000mAh total). Special mention to the Topeak Ratchet Lite tool set.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura, with a COROS Apex 2 Pro watch and COROS heart rate monitor, plus a Garmin inReach mini 2.

Thomas Maberly

Age 31 / Zimbabwe

BIKE: Scott Spark team issue (XL – 2024) with GX SRAM AXS groupset. 32T chainring. Vittoria mezcal 2.35″ rear and Vittoria Barzo 2.35″ front tire. TT bars with 70mm spacer for comfort and Ergon grips on the handlebar.
BAGS: Tailfin complete setup. Cargo pack rear, 3L top tube bag, 3L downtube bag, and the drop bar front bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure lights. Toro 16 on the front and the joystick on the helmet. Powerbanks for recharging (40,000 mah), no dynamo.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura. Unmatched in battery life.

Kerry MacPhee

Age 40 / Stirlingshire, Outer Hebrides (Scotland)

BIKE: I’m riding a 2017 Genesis Mantle, set up with a Shimano XTR drivetrain, Fox Step Cast 100mm fork, Pro Components to finish and a wide-range 1×12 drivetrain using a 10-51T cassette. Wheels are DT Swiss XRC 1200 with Vittoria Mezcal 2.4″ tyres. I’m running a Son Dynamo laced and spruced by Beespoke wheels with an Exposure Revo for power and lights. I had a USE Vibe suspension seatpost to complement the set up.
BAGS: Bags are from the braw folk at Restrap. A custom frame bag, long top tube bag, tool roll, front roll and the race vest. I’m running the Switch Rack too.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleeping setup is: Therm-a-Rest NeoX air mat, a Rab Mythic ultra 360 sleeping bag with an OR bivvy. I’m also running a full set of Albion clothing to keep me warm and also cool in the changeable Kyrgystan conditions. Key bits are the sun top for my peely Wally Scottish skin, bibs with multiple pockets to stash things in and the Zoa rain gear.
GPS DEVICE: Navigation is on a Coros Dura and lights are an Exposure Diablo coupled with an Exposure revo. I also have a Hydrapack filter attached to my Restrap hose.

Brendan Mason

Age 64 / Sydney, NSW (Australia)

BIKE: Waltly titanium 29er hardtail with Fox 34 forks. kLite dynamo front and rear lighting system with charger. kLite Revolution Mt. carbon/Kevlar layup wheels with an SP dynamo hub up front and DT Swiss 350 ratchet hub at the rear. Vittoria Mezcal 2.35” tyres from the vault. Mica Rat Tail rack and a very comfy Selle Royal silicone saddle which is almost certainly the cheapest item on the whole bike. Shimano XTR brakes with a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain, running a 30T chainring and 10–51T cassette. Fox Crossframe helmet, which looks a bit like a Mandalorian spaceship.Sleep system is an OR Bivvy, a Sea to Summit Spark bag and a Rab mat.
BAGS: Bike Bag Dude custom frame bag, top tube bag and front roll. Apidura backpack, Sea to Summit dry bag on the rear rack and a Brooks bottle bag on the handlebars.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: I’ll be carrying an onion. According to Kyrgyz folklore onions help minimize the symptoms of altitude sickness. Might need it for that first day.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Walter Mayerhofer

Age 37 / Salzburg (Austria)

BIKE: I will try to make it through the race on a UNNO Horn Factory. My colleagues at UNNO were kind enough to let me test the bike, and after spending some time on it, I’m convinced it’s the perfect machine for this adventure.
BAGS: Tailfin. They’ve been with me on previous adventures, and they’ve never let me down.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: The whole setup is my highlight.
GPS DEVICE: Coros Dura.

Michael McComb

Age 61 / Montreux (Switzerland)

BIKE: A Canyon Exceed CF 9 AXS with a RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork and SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission 10-52x30T. The bike has DT Swiss XRC 1501 carbon rims with Continental Dubnital Race Rapid 2.2”. For the cockpit, an ENVE M6 stem and bar with Spirgrips carbon grips and a PRO Missle aero bar. I’ll be sitting on a Selle Italia SLR Boost Endurance Superflow saddle. For lighting I’m using the kLite Adventure v2 front light with a Dynamo SON hub.
BAGS: Up front is the Revelate Pitchfork Aero Bar bag with a Sea to Summit 13L dry bag, a Canyon mid-loader 2.5L frame bag, and Tailfin’s Carbon CargoPack, a 1.5L Flip top tube bag, and a 3L drop tube bag.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Sleep kit is a Hyperlite Crosspeak 2, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, and a Cumulus 300 quilt. I dread cold so I have an Albion Zoa rainshell, a Velocio Alpha Zero jacket, and a Patagonia DAS light hoody. I’m using the Cyclite hydration vest.
GPS DEVICE: Hammerhead Karoo 2.

Balint Mezo

Age 41 / Salzburg (Austria)

BIKE: Titanium frameset paired with a RockShox SID Ultimate 3P fork, Shimano XT/XTR, and DT Swiss carbon wheels laced to a SON 28 dynamo hub. Prioritized durability over weight for this build.
BAGS: Tailfin and custom Restrap, a perfect combo I’ve used for years.
GEAR HIGHLIGHTS: Using a Dyneema tent, tarp, and DIY drybags to save weight, along with a super comfortable Cumulus X-Lite sleeping bag and a kLite light setup for night riding.
GPS DEVICE: Garmin Edge 850, inReach Mini 3, and Instinct 2S.

Stay tuned for part two of Rigs of the 2026 Silk Road Mountain Race tomorrow! Have a favorite bike or a question about someone’s setup? Let us know in the Conversation below.