MTB test in a gravel race: Specialized Epic HT at Bighorn Gravel

Bighorn Gravel in Gypsum, Colorado is a rowdy race with nearly 10,000 feet of climbing at elevation and a few miles of singletrack. I borrowed a sweet, high-end hardtail after getting a little beat up at the event last year.

--

---
The Ride is supported in 2023 by:

[MW-udzp]

here in poland most "gravel" races are better ridden on xc bikes and long distance road races are better ridden on gravel bikes

[SzabolcsVaradi]

The channel is quickly becoming one of my favorite! Great honest coverage from all of the events. Love the little funny things happening, skate park, jets, little showcase of the surroundings and THE beer! :)

[RobertDominguez-qlxg]

Thanks for another super job, Ben! Your videos are a perfect blend of technical information, race coverage, and just good ole fun in the dirt/mud.

[jonoharper]

That is the perfect gravel bike for me....50+ social class, comfort and enjoyment overrides speed every time

[Kactusdog]

Ben, I went from criticizing your video title months ago, to becoming a big fan!! You cover the content that viewers are hungry for. At times it feels you are catering to exactly what i'm interested in, whether the events, the tech, or the down to earth coverage. Thank you for the great stuff!

[lewis]

Looks like a super fun and challenging race. Thanks for the coverage!

[chasepalpatine]

The Epic HT is a rocket ship! Often my choice for chunky gravel/single track.

[hobbs]

I bought a used 2019 sworks Epic hardtail. It's 19 lbs. I love it so very much. Rode it at the Rock Cobbler. Was the right choice for sure. Love your videos, man. thank you.

[billyblanco]

Back in the day, for me, Vail was all about the "Vail Ultra 100" a very, mostly mtb course of, yes, 100 miles...and now I see it's baaaack to the future, and has been reimagined...LOL...check it...

[elenaalarcon]

I thought my brakes were rubbing on my pre-ride of the gravel curious course the day before. They were singing nearly the entire ride and driving me crazy. Luckily I got them checked out because I needed new front brake pads which the race mechanic installed at 5pm on Saturday. I definitely needed those brakes on that 2 mi downhill singletrack. I rode on 35mm Pirelli Gravel Ms which were not quite big enough but still got the job done.

[cycleish]

Great video! I love seeing videos of my general area! Western Slope!

[johnhunt]

I have that same bike. Truly the gravel bike of mountain bikes. I often use it for courses that have a high % of offroad and/or stuff that scares me. I have mine down under 19 lb. and it has a dropper on it!

[universe-juice]

Looks so fun. Making me question some of my life choices!

[thecappy]

I have the AL version (chisel) I built up from a frame. Sucks about the brake issue.

[JesseStarrPhoto]

Wish I knew you were there! I rode the Little Bighorn!

[badabing]

I hate when that happens!!! Nearly wrecked a trip to Sedona because of the brake block thing. Enjoying your content.

[seanmccuen]

Long live the hardtail. especially ones like that.

[oldguyandabike]

Nice....yeah...the brake block deal. I just learned a lesson about checking your pump to make sure it still works after carrying it into the great horizon...sigh. Never too old to learn...but old enough to forget what I learned.

[williamfryar]

Hey Ben! I just did a gravel race on saturday using my epic built up with a ridgid carbon fork and 2.2 tires (18.5lbs) for the first 25 miles of chunky gravel then switched to my gravel bike with 38 panaracers at the aid station for the last 8 miles of flat and fast gravel. It was a killer combo!

[titejano]

I have an Epic HT set up with drop bars. Looks like it might have been a good choice for Bighorn.