My Badlands Rig - Full post-ultra review of my gravel bicycle

After successfully completing Badlands 2024, I’m excited to share an in-depth look at my bike setup and the decisions I made leading up to the event. In this video, you’ll gain valuable insights into optimizing your bike for ultra-distance gravel races and hear my honest reflections on how my setup performed in one of the toughest events out there. Whether you're preparing for your first ultra or looking to fine-tune your rig, this post-race breakdown covers everything from gear choices to lessons learned after crossing the finish line of this grueling challenge.

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00:00 Introduction
00:50 Bike Presentation
04:35 Reflections on the bike after the ultra
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#UltraGravelChallenge #CyclingAdventures #BikeFitting #TrainingRides #GravelCycling #BikeUpgrades #CyclingInspiration #adventurecycling #gravel #gravellife #badlands #badlands2024 #Badlands2024 #BikeSetup #UltraCycling #GravelRacing #EnduranceCycling #Bikepacking #GravelBike #AdventureCycling #CyclingLife #BikeTouring #GravelGrinding #CyclingGear #UltraEndurance #BikepackingSetup #OffRoadCycling #GravelGrinder #GravelAdventure #CyclingTips #BikeSetupTips #CyclingSetup #UltraGravel #CyclingJourney #BikepackingAdventure #GravelChallenge #LongDistanceCycling #UltraRace #EnduranceAthlete #CyclingCommunity #CyclingEvent #BadlandsRace #CyclingVlog #BikepackingGear

[akgood]

Always appreciate real world experience videos! Congrats on surviving Badlands, tough route, especially in hot temps!

I'm curious what caused your issue with the breaks. I think I have the same breaks on my current bike, and the factory set of pads lasted about 2, 000 miles. Swapped them with the standard organic pads before a long ride, and there was still maybe 25% pad left. Have about a 1, 000 miles on the new pads. No issues with breaking on long decents on terrain I ride in California that is in parts similar to Badlands (based on your other video).

My total system weight (me + bike + gear) is around 230 lbs. Bike is 2022 BMC URS LT Two (with similar 38T and 10-52 Eagle GX to your setup). Breaks are SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD Centerline Rotors (180/160).

[felixhelmecke]

I wanted to ask, were you happy with your choice of gearing? i was thinking about using a 40t chainring in the fronmt and 50 in the back.

[moobaz]

Nice set up. Love Redshift but curious about Lauf forks. Always worried about hydration on these events. Not done it yet but hoping to next year. 👍

[davidmendes]

Thks for your videos! Very hard to find proper content in the Lauf. Can i please hask you this, for this kind of events (ultras) do you think a 2.2 tire could replace the suspension, or you would go for both? suspension and larger tires. I'm talking in terms of performance and also being confortable?thks again for these videos!

[hughmoore]

Thanks, new Lauf owner and enjoyed your concise video. How much did your rear bag weigh, what was in it? I have used an Ortlieb bag previously which has a stabilizing strap which may/may not help.

[prosoccer]

Why not run 2.2" MTB tires? Would probably be faster and greatly help comfort and control