{"id":39413,"date":"2022-07-26T18:19:33","date_gmt":"2022-07-26T16:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=691226"},"modified":"2022-07-26T18:31:15","modified_gmt":"2022-07-26T16:31:15","slug":"2022-transcontinental-tech-gallery-6-weird-and-wonderful-setups-for-a-4000km-ultra-endurance-race","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/2022-transcontinental-tech-gallery-6-weird-and-wonderful-setups-for-a-4000km-ultra-endurance-race\/","title":{"rendered":"2022 Transcontinental tech gallery: 6 weird and wonderful setups for a 4,000km ultra-endurance race"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Jack Evans\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 26 July 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

The Transcontinental Race is back after a two-year absence \u2013 and so are the bikes.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s often described as the world\u2019s hardest self-supported, ultra-distance race runs more than 4,000km across Europe.<\/p>\n

Riders pick their own course between this year\u2019s start in Geraardsbergen, Belgium and the finish in Burgas on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.<\/p>\n

Along the way, they have to go through control points. Their crafty positioning places terrain varying from the Passo di Gavia to rocky Romanian mountain tracks on route.<\/p>\n

Therefore, the bikepacking<\/a> rigs the competitors have chosen are as diverse and hardy as what lies ahead of them.<\/p>\n

Fifty brave souls took to the start and here\u2019s a selection of what they\u2019re riding.<\/p>\n

Ben Davis \u2013 Giant TCR<\/h3>\n
\""Giant\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Giant has the name for the pain. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Giant\"<\/picture><\/div>
A SON Edelux dynamo light provides a dependable light.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Giant\"<\/picture><\/div>
Tailfin\u2019s rear rack is meant to swing less than a saddle bag. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Nominative determinism was strong at the start of the Transcontinental Race (TCR) as 2019 runner-up Ben Davis set off on a Giant TCR<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Tailfin-sponsored athlete is using the brand\u2019s rear rack and what appear to be unreleased bikepacking bags<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A rim-brake mechanical Ultegra R8000 groupset<\/a> is the Bristol rider\u2019s drivetrain of choice on a sparsely laden bike.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Canine encouragement can be found in the puppy paws position.<\/span><\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The front Hunt wheel carries a Son front dynamo hub<\/a>, which powers the Edelux II front light and looks to be a charging point too.<\/p>\n

A deeper-section Hunt wheel is at the back and both rims are shod with Schwalbe Pro One<\/a> tubeless tyres.<\/p>\n

Fiona Kolbinger \u2013 Canyon Endurace<\/h3>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The defending champ\u2019s rig carries minimal luggage.<\/span><\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

In 2019, Fiona Kolbinger became the first woman to win the TCR<\/a>, finishing 10 hours clear of Ben Davis.<\/p>\n

The German also rides an appropriately named bike: a Canyon Endurace<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The bike has an Ultegra disc groupset and is lightly loaded with Apidura bags.<\/p>\n

\""Canyon\"<\/picture><\/div>
No frame bag allows for two large bottles. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Canyon\"<\/picture><\/div>
Ubiquitous TT bars are for aerodynamics. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Canyon\"<\/picture><\/div>
But Kolbinger eschews aero wheels. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Front and rear lighting and charging comes from another Son dymano hub.<\/p>\n

The 27-year-old doctor opts for Shimano TT extension bars, but, as far as we can tell, without a photo of a pet on the stem.<\/p>\n

Pawel Pulawski \u2013 \u2018Kajak Custom\u2019 steel<\/h3>\n
\""Custom\"<\/picture><\/div>
This custom-made steel frame wins the beauty contest.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Custom\"<\/picture><\/div>
The 34t sprocket will be getting some use.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Custom\"<\/picture><\/div>
SON dymano hubs and Ultegra disc brakes are a popular TCR spec. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Custom\"<\/picture><\/div>
The carbon rims are 45mm and carry tubeless Continental GP5000 tyres. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Pawel Pulwaski, from Wroclaw, Poland, puts his faith in a very special-looking Columbus steel frame fitted with numerous carbon parts.<\/p>\n

He runs Shimano Ultegra Di2, pairing a 50\/34t crankset with an 11-34t cassette. No doubt those small gear ratios will be a godsend in the monstrous mountains to come.<\/p>\n

Again, a SON Deluxe Dynamo hub provides front and rear illumination and a charging point.<\/p>\n

Pulwaski also packs pretty light with three slim Apidura bags.<\/p>\n

Nominative determinism plays its part in the Polish rider\u2019s tyre choice too: the question is will the Continental GP5000S TR<\/a> tyres last the race\u2019s 4,000km?<\/p>\n

At 45mm, the carbon rims are quite deep compared to those used by other competitors.<\/p>\n

Meaghan Hackinen \u2013 Cannondale Synapse<\/h3>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This trusty Synapse has been ridden across America.<\/span><\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Meaghan Hackinen is a riding a Cannondale Synapse<\/a> also carrying Apidura bags.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s a much more traditional-looking endurance bike than our 2022 Bike of the Year<\/a> winner, having rim brakes and narrow-looking tyres.<\/p>\n

\""Cannondale\"<\/picture><\/div>
This trusty Synapse has been ridden across America. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Cannondale\"<\/picture><\/div>
Spot the frame-mounted mini pump. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Cannondale\"<\/picture><\/div>
All\u2019s a tangle \u2013 of practicality, we\u2019re sure.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Cannondale\"<\/picture><\/div>
This top tube bag will be stuffed with snacks. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The build includes Ultegra shifters and Cannondale\u2019s Hollowgram Si crankset.<\/p>\n

Amid the bird\u2019s nest of wires and cables on the handlebars perch TT bar extensions, a Wahoo bike computer<\/a> and rechargable lights.<\/p>\n

James Kirk \u2013 J. Laverack GRiT<\/h3>\n
\""J.\"<\/picture><\/div>
Red tape protects that lovely frame from the bag straps. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""J.\"<\/picture><\/div>
It\u2019s a big Exposure Strada front light to ride through the night. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""J.\"<\/picture><\/div>
All told, it\u2019s a stylish, yet sensible-looking set-up. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

James Kirk fits three bottle cages on to his stunning titanium J.Laverack GRiT.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

The gravel bike<\/a>\u2018s high-end spec features a Shimano Dura-Ace Stages power meter<\/a> crankset and ENVE SES<\/a> disc wheels.<\/p>\n

These are shod with what appear to be Continental GP5000 tubeless tyres.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
We were told James\u2019 wife 3D-printed the light mounts so they sit horizontally.<\/span><\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

In the cockpit, there are Deda aero bars and a Garmin Edge<\/a> for navigation.<\/p>\n

The front light is an Exposure Strada<\/a>, while Exposure TraceR<\/a> rear lights sit in 3D-printed mounts on the seatstays.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The dual lights will boost visibility.<\/span><\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Kirsten Cluley \u2013 Rose Reveal<\/h3>\n
\""Rose\"<\/picture><\/div>
This Rose Reveal has a mechanical 105 groupset.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Rose\"<\/picture><\/div>
An extra bag slots beside the cockpit. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Rose\"<\/picture><\/div>
Battery packs, dynamo lights and room for a bell. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Kirsten Cluley is on a Rose Pro SL Disc 105<\/a>, which, as the name suggests, has mechanical Shimano 105<\/a> and disc brakes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Like most other starters, she fits three Apidura bags around two bottle cages.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Rose is among many to have GP5000 tyres.<\/span><\/figcaption> Josh Murphy<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A SON hub dynamo runs up the fork to the Edelux II front light and tucks into the frame bag to charge devices.<\/p>\n

DT Swiss hoops are wrapped in the ever-present Continental GP5000 S TR tubeless tyres.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Jack Evans Published: Tuesday, 26 July 2022 at 12:00 am The Transcontinental Race is back after a two-year absence \u2013 and so are the bikes. What\u2019s often described as the world\u2019s hardest self-supported, ultra-distance race runs more than 4,000km across Europe. Riders pick their own course between this year\u2019s start in Geraardsbergen, Belgium and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":39414,"template":"","categories":[1,36],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"7"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/07\/2022-transcontinental-tech-gallery-6-weird-and-wonderful-setups-for-a-4000km-ultra-endurance-race.jpg",2400,1600,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/07\/2022-transcontinental-tech-gallery-6-weird-and-wonderful-setups-for-a-4000km-ultra-endurance-race-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/07\/2022-transcontinental-tech-gallery-6-weird-and-wonderful-setups-for-a-4000km-ultra-endurance-race-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/07\/2022-transcontinental-tech-gallery-6-weird-and-wonderful-setups-for-a-4000km-ultra-endurance-race-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/07\/2022-transcontinental-tech-gallery-6-weird-and-wonderful-setups-for-a-4000km-ultra-endurance-race-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/07\/2022-transcontinental-tech-gallery-6-weird-and-wonderful-setups-for-a-4000km-ultra-endurance-race-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/07\/2022-transcontinental-tech-gallery-6-weird-and-wonderful-setups-for-a-4000km-ultra-endurance-race-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Jack Evans Published: Tuesday, 26 July 2022 at 12:00 am The Transcontinental Race is back after a two-year absence \u2013 and so are the bikes. What\u2019s often described as the world\u2019s hardest self-supported, ultra-distance race runs more than 4,000km across Europe. Riders pick their own course between this year\u2019s start in Geraardsbergen, Belgium and…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/39413"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}