Rigs of the 2026 Tor Divide

There are nearly 300 riders signed up for the third edition of the Tor Divide, and we’re excited to share a selection of the rigs they’ll be taking to the start line.

Each year, we put together these collections of bikes and bags to help future riders preparing for their own Tor Divide adventure, inspire those still on the fence about bikepacking, and, of course, because we can’t resist nerding out over beautiful bikepacking setups.

As with previous editions, the range of bikes on display proves there’s no single “right” way to take on the Tor Divide. From lightweight builds to fully loaded adventure rigs, every setup reflects a different approach to the event. That said, we’ve definitely noticed a rise in drop-bar MTBs/monster gravel bikes this year. And we absolutely love it!

A huge thank you to all the 2026 riders who shared photos of their bikes and gear with us, and best of luck to everyone at Tor Divide this May.

The ride kicks off on the morning of 16 May, and you’ll be able to follow the action live via the OpenTracking - Tor Divide page.

We can’t wait to welcome the riders to the start line and watch these rigs come to life out on the trails.

Eleni Chiarapini (2026 Bursary Rider)

Greater Manchester

Bike: Genesis Vagabond XS. This is a custom build with a 12-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain with a 36T chainring and 11–51 cassette. Tyres are Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.1” providing extra grip and comfort, paired with DT Swiss GRC1400 27.5” wheels with DT240 hubs. Shimano GRX crankset and XTR pedals, PRO finishing kit.

Bags: Tailfin setup throughout. Long top tube bag to carry my snacks and essentials, with the Cargopack carrying extra layers, spares, and my tent, while my sleeping kit is on the handlebars on the Tailfin Bar Cage (not in the photo).

Gear Highlights: I’ll be riding in my CIOVITA kit for all-day comfort, with their Pacchetto waterproof jacket always within reach. Another highlight has to be the dropper post, for extra confidence on the descents! Lazer helmet and Shimano shoes with a really practical boa for adjusting the fit during long days. For navigation, I’m using a Garmin unit.

Steven Halliday

Cambridgeshire

Bike: Surly Karate Monkey, Halo wheels, Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres, Fox 34 Rhythm forks, SRAM GX AXS, one up seat dropper. 

Bags: Who else but Tailfin

Gear highlights: Exposure lights, ergon grips, AirPod pros and lotsss of STYRKR bars! Lesss go!

Graham Berry

Greater London

Bike: Fairlight Faran 3 51T. 12 Speed Shimano GRX 827 with a 42T chainring and 10-51 Cassette. Tyres are Teravail Rutland 27.5 X 2.1" on Mason X Hunt 650B Adventure Sport wheels. Rotor 155mm Aldhu crankset and Look X-Track race pedals.

Bags: A mainly Tailfin set up, with smaller bar/stem bags by Wizard Works & Restrap.

Pannier bags for bivi/sleeping bag & larger, bulkier layers. Frame bag/reverse top tube bag for spares/tools/powerpacks.  Stem bags for snacks, bar bag for lighter layers. 

Gear Highlights: I'll be in Albion bib shorts and Ultralight jacket matched with a Le Col LS merino tee for all day/night warmth and comfort. A collection of Albion jackets for adverse weather, from the Zoa Mtn jacket to the rain shell. Depending on the forecast, either Shimano AM5 (dry) laced up shoes or Shimano MW7 (wet!). My mainly trusty Garmin 1050 for Navigation.  Reverse Components can holder for carrying a can of pop/beer!

Edd Hunt

Dorset

Bike: Cervelo ZFS-5 120mm full sus XC whip. Rockshox SID Select+ fork & SIDLuxe Ultimate rear shock with remote lockout. SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS groupset, 34t chainring & 10-52 cassette. Hunt Proven Carbon Race XC wheels, 2.4” Continental Dubnital tyres. Ergon GA3 grips & SQLab inner bar ends for comfort, small Pro Compact Carbon clip-on aero bar for a bit of extra speed on the roads and another hand position. OneUp Components 180mm dropper post. Magicshine front light and helmet light, Exposure Boost flashers front and rear.

Bags: Tailfin SpeedPack with carbon arch, with full bivy setup and some warm layers for the night. Tailfin 3L long top tube bag, with food, tools, spares & small power bank. Salomon ADV Skin 5 hydration vest with 1.5L bladder and space for a rain jacket & some more food.

Gear Highlights: Heavier setup this year, with a full sus bike and a proper sleep system. Last year I used a very light & racy XC hardtail, which was good on the climbs, but pretty skittish on the rocky descents (especially with no dropper post), also not the most comfortable ride. The new bike is a lot more capable & comfortable, should be much better for the rugged Peak District terrain.

Jake M

Bike: Specialized Chisel HT (recent custom build project bike) with SRAM GX AXS 10-50t cassette and Absolute Black 34t oval chainring. Hunt XC wide wheels with Vittoria Mezcal 29x2.25 tyres. Redshift suspension seatpost with Selle Italia saddle. Ergon GA3 grips and Aerobars using the Redshift aerobar mounts, strictly for comfort and not speed. 

Bags: Tailfin bags. Long top tube bag to carry many snacks, tools and essentials. Aeropack carrying sleep kit, extra layers, spares, and more snacks! Tent is on the handlebars in the Tailfin bar bag with rain jacket.

Gear Highlights: Durston X-Mid 1 tent with a Sea To Summit quilt. Rab Veil hydration vest for water. 

Dan Roach

Worcestershire & Cumbria

Bike: Trek Checkpoint SL5. 2 x 12 Shimano GRX (46/30) and a cassette. Zipp 303s carbon wheelset running 45mm Continental Terra Trail tubeless tyres. Shimano XTR PDM9100 pedals (not pictured)

Bags: Ortlieb 13L QR seat pack (sleeping blanket, sleeping pad, pillow, change of clothes), Sea to Summit 20L lashed into my Tailfin bar cage (tent), Tailfin 2.2L top tube bag for food, power bank, spare gloves, tent poles) and Trek wedge frame bag (tools, spares, more food). Likely also to be riding in a Camelbak Chase 8 vest with a 2L reservoir. 

Gear Highlights: The Tailfin bar cage is a brilliant solution to keeping front end loading static and solid, I'm so glad I opted for it. A small item but completely game changing is my Albion burner; keeps the core warm in cooler environments, without making the rest of your top half swelter. 

Guy Lawton

Rutland

Bike: Wokecyc NoShox 29 (rigid carbon). Custom self-build for light weight, comfort and simple trailside maintenance: Mavic Crossmax SL Pro wheels with Maxxis Ardent/Rekon tyres, hybrid mechanical groupset (2004 Campagnolo Record 2x10 speed shifters, TRP Spyre brakes, SRAM X0 rear mech, Shimano XT M780 front mech, 38/26 chainset, 11-36 cassette & pedals), U.S.E. cockpit, Syntace Hiflex seatpost, Prologo Dimension NDR saddle. 

Bags: Newboler 7 litre seat pack (bivvy & foul weather gear) and 2 litre top tube bag (everything else that won't go in pockets).

Gear Highlights: Exposure Blaze, Diablo, Redeye & Toro lights with Boost power connector to charge the Garmin. Morgan Blue Solid chamois cream (keeps working, even in the wet). Applied Nutrition energy gels (favourite flavour: VIMTO).  

Liam Martin

Olney, Buckinghamshire

Bike: Scott Scale 950 hardtail, pretty much a stock bike Shimano FC-32T, FOX 32 Float Rhythm Grip Suspension, 3-Modes, Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4" Front and rear tubless, Brooks Cambian Saddle and profile design aero bars.

Bags: Restrap bags all round 7 litre aero race bag for waterproofs, tool kit and extra food. 7 litre saddle bag with sleeping bag, bivvi bag, roll mat and warm kit. 1.5 litre top tube bag for food, camera and lots of sweets. 3x water bottles as the frame of the bike is a small. Garmin 1040 unit for navigation

Gear highlights: Top of the list for me is Albion Clothing all round to keep me dry, warm and comfortable. Then it has to be the profile design aero bars for comfort on the less demanding parts of the course. 

Lee Bryan

Stafford

Bike: Giant Revolt X Advanced Pro 1.

Fully carbon with Sram AXS drivetrain with added bonuses of a 52 tooth cassette for those punchy climbs and a Rockshox Rudy fork for those spicy descents.

Bags: Restrap bags all round. Saddle bag, bar bag and also top tube bag. This will be my first time using them.

Gear Highlights: My bike. I've only had it a few weeks, so I'm looking forward to giving it a baptism of fire over the Peaks.

Joe Rainer

UK

Bike: S-Works Crux with SRAM eagle mullet, in copper for extra conspicuousness. Purple rotors, orange details. Covered in muck most of the time. My favourite bike ever. 

Bags: No bike bags. 

Gear Highlights: Salomon vest with a jacket in it. Otherwise the only thing I’m carrying beyond weekend coffee ride basics is 600g/c worth of Precision Flow Gel. Did the MTB route last year and loved it, gravel this year, hoping for more of the same! 

Michael Thomas

Leicestershire

Bike: Stooge mark 4. This is my fully rigid hooligan bike. Makes me smile every ride. It also loads up well for bike packing trips. Components are a mix of older and modern. Wide rims and big tyres, using a fast rolling 3" ranger on the front. Old hope mono minis stop it eventually. Saddle is a very old sdg ti bel air, recovered in leather and is super comfy. 

Bags: The orange frame bag was homemade during covid lockdown. And I've recently got some newer bags, a performance pro bar harness and restrap top tube bag. Neither been used in anger yet. I'll be using the fork mounts for a bottle on one side and my tarp on the other. 

Gear highlights: I don't like riding with a pack so i won't be. I'll be using exposure lights and an old Garmin etrex for nav. I'm riding the millstone route, hoping to find a good place to get a decent feed and I plan to bring homemade flapjack and fruit loaf. Also looking forward to using the bivi kit in the bar roll. 

Jim Sutherland

Cairngorms National Park

Bike: TREK Checkpoint ALR Gen 3 running SRAM XPLR PG-1231, 11-44, 12-speed with 40T up front.Stock SRAM Apex D1 hydraulic disc, flat mount and importantly…  a Cane Creek eeSilk+  to protect my wee bahookie.  Bontrager Girona Pro, 700x42 mm for now but I plan to replace it with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H Classic 50mm for the TorDivide and other interesting stuff in the future.

Bags: In 2024  at The TorDivide I had too much kit and the same earlier this month on Source to Sea so…  for 2025 I swung the other way and had one of the coldest nights EVER - it is a long story.

This year to stop freezing my wee bahookie off I am taking a sleeping bag, mat and shelter.  No stove as there is always somewhere to have a brew & a bap if I am not riding or sleeping.

So my bags are a trusty 50L drybag for my sleep system.  My Tailfin Aeropack for spare clothes and overnight stuff, including a warm jacket!

Gear Highlights: the half frame bag that I made from my friend Ann’s old backpack and some offcuts from my sponsor SixMoonDesigns.

Angus Jordan

Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Bike: Fairlight Secan 1x12 GRX 10-51 cassette and 42t chainring. DT Swiss G 1800 with Vittoria 45mm mezcal tyres front and rear. PRO finishing kit.

Bags: Apidura saddle bag, Tailfin top tube and frame bags. Evoc 6l hydration pack.

Gear Highlights: 2 Lezyne rear lights and Exposure Toro 16 main front light with Knog 1300/600 front/helmet lights.  10,000mAh Klarus power pack. Planning on doing the gravel route in one day so only emergency bivvy sack being taken which should leave lots of room for food and warm clothing in the bags.

Anthony Hudson

Hove, East Sussex

Bike: I’ll be riding my steel Mason ISO2 with SRAM GX AXS 32T x 11-52T running gear, Hunt Trailwide 29” wheels with Vittoria Mezcal 2.35 tires. Built for comfort over speed!

Bags: Tailfin setup all round with alloy Aeropak, frame wedge pack, flip top tube pack and bar bag pack up front. Complimented by Restrap Race hydration vest for water carrying. Lots of space for all those waterproofs and cake…

Gear Highlights: To compliment my penchant for a forgiving ride, I’ve fitted Redshift suspension seat post and stem. Lights are Exposure Toro and Boost-R.

Ben R.

County: Hertfordshire

Bike: My son's old LaPierre XS hardtail, stripped bare and reinvented as a rigid drop bar gravelX. eBay 2nd hand SRAM APEX XPLR 1x12 11-44, Evosid 160mm cranks (73mm dub), Works Components 6mm offset 40t chainring (to bring chainline back in), Uno 38mm gravel bar, Ali stem -17 deg stem to keep stack down, Exotic Carbon rigid fork, Wheels are Koozer hubs, DT Swiss Competition spokes and 27.5 BORG35 rims with Ralph/Ray 2.25s. Galfer 200mm and 180mm rotors (had to size up due to the rotor mount conversions and the tiny frame!

Bags: Apidura top tube bag + Uswe Race 2 ltr hyro, carbs in jersey pockets.

Gear Highlights: Building it myself for a few hundred quid.

Michael Cohen

Nottinghamshire

Bike: Specialized Diverge. A finely tuned gravel machine running SRAM AXS, because if I’m going to suffer, at least gear changes should be effortless. Rolling on Zipp wheels with 47mm Pathfinder tyres—wide enough to float over the rough stuff, yet somehow still slow enough to make me question my life choices on every climb. The whole setup strikes a careful balance between “race ready” and “definitely carrying too much food.”

Bags: Restrap setup throughout. Frame bag doing the heavy lifting (both literally and emotionally), top tube bag dedicated entirely to snacks, and a saddle pack stuffed with optimistic camping ambitions. Everything has its place, though finding it mid-ride is another matter.

Gear Highlights:
- Alpkit camping setup for nights under the stars (or more realistically, hedges)
– SRAM AXS so I can miss shifts electronically instead of mechanically
– 47mm tyres for confidence on descents and excuses on climbs
– Carefully refined cafe-stop strategy, aiming to surpass last year’s personal best
– Navigation powered by equal parts GPS and the promise of baked goods ahead.

Helen Wakeley

The Lake District, Cumbria

Bike: On One Inbred Titanium (aka Ritchie). Chris King headset. Shimano SLX/XT 10 speed drivetrain. 34T oval Uber Bikes chain ring. Hope Tech 3/X2 brake set. Hope Tech XC 26" wheels. Panaracer GravelKing SK 2.1" tyres. Rockshox SID Race forks. Ergon GP3 grips.

Bags: Restrap 8L saddle bag carrying bivvy/sleeping kit. Restrap frame bag carrying tools, food, light layer. Evoc top tube bag for on-the-go snacks. Camelbak Octane 12L hydration pack for water and additional layers. 

Gear Highlights: Garmin Edge 1040 GPS unit. Let's say I'm not known for top navigating so this one's my little friend... 

Fi'zi:k Gravita Tensor Shoes - a super comfortable, lightweight and durable shoe. Great for any hike-a-bike sections also. OMM Mountain Raid 100 Sleeping Bag - minimalist PrimaLoft bag that is super light and compact. 

Lynsey Blackburn

Nottinghamshire

Bike: Liv Devote 2 XS. ALUXX-grade aluminium frame in Shale Green. 9 speed Shimano Sora with a Shimano GRX 46-30T front chainwheel and 11-34 cassette. Tyres are Continental Terra Trail 45mm tyres and Giant S-X2 Disc alloy wheelset. Shimano M520 SPD pedals.

Bags: x2 Ortlieb Gravel-Pack Pannier Bags on the Ortlieb Quick-Rack, x2 Brae cycling Drookit 3L Dry Bag on Topeak Versa Cage Mounts, Apidura 1.8L Backcountry Long Top Tube Pack, Zefal Z Adventure Pouch for easy access to snacks (not pictured).

Gear Highlights: Alpkit Tarpstar 1 tent, Alpkit BruKit (super light), Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket with zip pits (which hopefully I won't need). Garmin Edge 530.  Decathlon Kalenji 15L hydration backpack with 2L hydration bottle (and more snacks).

Ian Boll

Buckingahsmhire

Bike: Ragley Piglet steel hardtail with super comfy Junker bars from Stooge and 2.6 tyres

Bags: mixture of Alpkit and Tailfin

Gear Highlights: Rab sleeping bag under the saddle, Sierra Designs 1P tent on the bars and Rab sleeping mat on the forks. Food in the frame bag and overnight oats in the bar bag. Tools and titanium coffee press in rucksack. Garmin Instinct for navigation with OSmaps app as backup. Foam sit mat for enjoying the view and coffee from.

Ed Rawson.

Greater Manchester.

Bike: Fairlight Secan 3.0 54T with 27.5x2.4 Continental Magnotals.

Bags: Frame bag for snacks, phone, charger, etc; extra layers in handlebar bag (not pictured); tools under saddle.

Gear highlights: Sealskinz socks!

Daniel Gauld

Lincolnshire 

Bike: Custom build Shand Stoater running Shimano Cues Linkglide 11-50 cassette and 32T up front. Hope Bearings, Son Edelux lights powered by a Shimano Dynamo hub. 650b DT Swiss wheels with Schwalbe 1.7 G One R rear and Schwalbe 2.25 Smart SAM front. 

Bags: Tailfin for bar and frame bags and Ortleib saddle pack.

Gear Highlights: Alpkit Hunka Bivvy and Pipedream down sleeping bag. 

Dave Jones

South Cumbria

Bike: Olsen Karapoti (now known as Lamb) titanium frame with carbon fork. Pinion 12-speed gearbox with smart.shift electronic shifting, Gates belt drive, 32T front and 30T rear sprockets. In it's usual configuration it runs on 650b Pacenti carbon rims but for Tor Divide I've fitted 29" PI25-END wheels (again Pacenti) with fast-rolling Vittoria Mezcals

Bags: Custom made trunk bag (by PricklyGorse) on a custom made stainless steel rack (by Simpson Frameworks) carries toolkit, bivvi bag, sleeping bag and mat, warm layer, hat & spare gloves. Tailfin toptube bag for phone, Buff & snacks, Podsacs frame bag for Camelbak and more snacks! Small Alpkit bar bag (not pictured) for battery bank and any other random bits and bobs I decide I need at the last minute (probably more snacks....)

Gear highlights: Hammerhead for navigation, the big clear screen is great for me but I dare say I'll need the battery bank to make the battery last the distance. Also, an invisible but invaluable addition - custom Sidas footbeds in my Sidi shoes make a tremendous difference to all-day comfort. Hoping to complete the gravel route in one long day but carrying bivvi gear in case it doesn't work out!

Marco Guerreiro

Stockport/Portugal

Bike: Here is my Titus El Vajero in which I will ride the Divide route. Comfortable ti frame, with a rockshox 100ml front fork, and Vittoria Mezcal 2.25 tyres with tubeless set up. 

Bags: the bags on the bike will be the long top tube restrap bag, a Lomo saddle bag (different to the one in the picture) and Topeak handlebar bag.

Gear highlights:  I will take my OM systems tg7 digital camera to capture the views and people in their full glory while riding. I will take a mini Stanley knife, which is light and good to cut a piece of cheese or a cable tie. In case the weather turns sour, I will have my trusty Rab Cinder Kinetic jacket. 

Ed Richardson 

Sheffield 

Bike: YT Izzo. 130mm front and rear travel. Recently ditched the AXS for mechanical Sram XO1 12 speed. DT XCM 1501 wheelset paired with Vittoria Mezcal XC Race front and rear. Also running Vittoria airliner light inserts front and rear. PNW Brass Monkey dropper for reliable bling. Hands are still tingling from Dales Divide so thrown on some aero bars to ease the pressure. 

Bags: Straight Cut Designs custom frame bag and Tailfin large top tube bag. Will also be wearing a Rab Veil 12 vest for hydration. 

Gear Highlights:: Full Rab clothing including a Mythic Alpine Light down jacket, Phantom waterproof jacket (maybe pants too) and Rab bivi. Using a Garmin Edge 840 for navigation. 

Georgia D.  

Bike: On-One Whippet frame medium. 2 x 11 speed Shimano Cues drivetrain and crankset. Hunt XC wide 29" wheelset with Vittoria Mezcal XC Trail on the front and Maxxis Ardent race on the rear. PNW Coast suspension dropper seatpost, with Ergon SMC women's saddle. Fox 34 Step-Cast performance forks. On-One bars and Profile Designs Century aero bars. Ergon GP4 grips.

 Bags: Altura Vortex dropper seatpack 7L for extra clothing. Pod Sacs feed bags, one for savoury snacks and one for sweet. Rhinowalk top tube bag for tech and essentials. RockBros frame bag for extra snacks and essentials. Zefal tool bottle.

 Gear Highlights: Garmin Edge 1040 for navigation. Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator. Exposure lights (borrowed from my dad!). AfterShokz headphones. Fidlock bottles, one on my aero bars and one on my frame.

James McDonald

Retford, Notts

Bike: Cotic Cascade with drop bars, SRAM Apex 1x11, 11-42 Cassette. Wolfpack Cross 29x24 tyres. 

Bags: Alpkit Deluge Saddle Pack 12L, Alpkit Deluge Handlebar bag 20L (Not in photo will have sleeping gear), LOMO Frame Bag 3.5L (lock, rain gear, food), Alpkit Fuel Pod & a small bag for spares/tools.Will wear my Inov8 hydration vest with 2L bladder.

Gear Highlights:  Depending on the weather I’ll opt for a bivvy and DD Magic carpet tarp or Vango F10 Helium UL1 tent. Magicshine RN1200 bike light and Fenix head torch for helmet.

 Yas Cooper

East Cheshire 

Bike: Scott Scale 965 (I think!), this bike I've not had long so has much of it's factory components; Shimano SLX 12 speed drive train, wheels are 29er DT Swiss XR391 with Hope hubs and Maxxis Ikon tyres for a fast rolling upgrade - were going spare luckily for me from my partner's bike.

Bags: Looking forward to using the Ortblieb Waterproof triangle bag - first proper test of it so let's see if it's actually waterproof. Jango top tube bag for snacks and an Apidura seat post bag for a mini tent and sleeping bag and a Durston X Mid tent outer shell and poles - a nice light option for shelter. One of my fav bits of kit is not pictured - a secondhand Dakine mtb rucksack - one of my cheapest but best designed pieces of kit. The Ravemen light is also super bright, not the longest battery life but ideal for dusky evenings.

Gear Highlights: Dog for illustration purposes only!

Will Minter-Kemp

Brixton, London

Bike: Brother Kepler

Bags: Wizard Works Frame Bag and Top Tube, Apidura Expedition Seat Pack 

Gear: 700c with some Vittoria Terras, but hoping to swap out to some Rene Herself knobbies by the weekend!

Gear Highlights: Main highlight would be my Campy Veloce Triple, broken down to a double with new 42 big and 26(!) little rings. Pushing the b screw to the max on my 105 rear derailleur and I've got a low of 26-36. Hoping it will do for those 18% climbs! I've got Growtac Equal mechanical discs which are amazing, but I'll admit some of the route descents might make me reconsider my hydraulics... Let's wait and see!

Richard Nicholas

In denial Londoner. Formerly of the peaks  

Bike: Cotic escapade, 1x12 GX axs with 11-52 cassette and 36 chainring. Hope RX cranks with DMR v12 flat pedals. DT Swiss GR531 rims on hope pro4 hubs. 50mm Maxxis ravager on the front and 45mm Maxxis rambler on the back. Tumbleweed riser bars, dmr deathgrips, Hope stem, headset and X2 brakes and a fabric scoop saddle 

Bags: All relatively “budget”, big muc off dry bag on the Mica rat tail rack at the back, couple of Brae panniers with top peak mounts on the forks. Cotic frame bag and a wizard works snack bag. Widefoot bottle cage for Nalgene bottle and then one of the little tailfin mounts for an extra bottle.

Gear Highlights: flat pedals, flat bars & tubes for life. 

Laura Woods

Derbyshire

Bike: Bert’s back for another round of the Tor Divide. A 2023 Cannondale Topstone running 11-speed Shimano GRX with an 11–46 cassette. Tyres are 45mm Schwalbe G-One Overlanders.

Bags: A bit of an Apidura and Tailfin medley. The Tailfin long top tube bag is mostly home to Percy Pigs, Luchos Blocks and a few essentials. Apidura bags front and rear are housing a one-man tent, sleeping kit and spare layers. I’ll also be wearing a vest with a water bladder, first aid kit and, inevitably, more snacks. Tools are stashed away in a canister mounted in the bottle cage.

Gear Highlights: Going to have to say the Tor Divide frame sticker from last year — a gorgeous reminder of what a brilliant weekend it was.

Tony McNulty

Cambridge

Bike: My Giant Revolt Advanced 2022. Apart from the frame, not much is stock as I have made various changes over time. I converted it to a 1x GRX set-up with a Wolftooth 38T Chainring paired with a Sunrace 11-46 Cassette. The tyres are Pirelli Cinturato M (45 on front, 40 on back) running on a Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel Wheelset. I have also added the Redshift stem and seatpost for comfort.

Bags: An eclectic mix. On the top tube, a restrap bag for snacks/gels, a basic frame bag from decathalon which holds my water 2L bladder, a jacket and some /tools. Then finally an Ortlieb saddle bag for my other layers etc. with a slightly adapted strap system to accommodate the Redshift seatpost movement. This is my first time to do an event with the water in the framebag vs bottles or a backpack, I was keen to lose the weight of my back and I dont tend to drink enough with bottles due to the inconvenience on rough terrain.

Gear Highlights: The Ortlieb bag is maybe 10 years old now but served me well and its my intention to do the Peak Gravel route without stopping, alternatively I use a larger Restrap saddlebag for multi-day trips or where I need to carry more. Electronics wise I am using Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3 and a old reliable Bontrager 1300 Lumen front light and a Cateye rear Viz 350 light which I love as the Battery life is amazing.

Toby Boud 

Sheffield, South Yorkshire 

Bike:

This is my Titus Silkroad that I acquired on Facebook marketplace, originally a flat bar bike, it's now running a drop bar conversion. 

For the Divide, I hope I won't be regretting the following choices: 12s SRAM GX eagle, 32t chainring, 11-50 cassette with Rival shifters converted to work with the MTB derailleur using the Ratio technologies 1x12 upgrade kit, all alongside a couple of orange finishing touches. Tyres are the original WTB Rangers 29x2.3" now setup tubeless. 

Bags: I'll be running a full set of custom bags made by a good friend of mine Daisy. Before the event I'll be adding a rack and trunk bag to the setup. Should be a total of approximately 22L of on bike storage. I'll also be wearing a hydration vest to make fueling on the go as easy as possible.

Gear Highlights: The bags are the real star of the show here, but I'll also be packing a wind shield in the form of my mate Ed, who I've signed up with and who I'll be drafting behind at every opportunity!

Tim Saunders

Nottinghamshire

Bike: Ribble CGR with 11 speed 11 - 40 Cassette with 46/30 Shimano GRX, DT Swiss Dynamo front Wheel 45mm Pirelli Gravel M tyre, Hunt Superdura Rear wheel with 40m Pirelli Gravel M tyre.

Bags: Tailfin on rear (cook and tent, warm layer)  and for top tube bag (food, electronics)  Apidura 6l Frame bag (spares and food) and Restrap front cradle with Alpkit dry bag (sleep kit)

Gear Highlights: Exposure lights, Lezyne GPS and powerboat for navigation. Spare light and small cookset for me and my son as we are a pair

Gareth Evans

North Yorkshire

Bike : I’ll be riding the Peak Gravel on my Sonder Camino AL.  The bike is a custom build with SRAM Rival/GX AXS groupset.  38T chainring and 10-52 Cassette.   Wheels are Mason X Hunt Adventure Sport 650B, with Hutchinson Touareg 48mm tyres. Ritchey Venturemax bars, and Redshift Shockstop Stem. Hope finishing kit.

Bags : Alpkit Bar bag and Frame Bag.  Altura Seat Pack, Podsacs fork bags and a Tailfin Top Tube bag for those essential items that I need to hand (sweets).

Gear Highlights : Sleep system is an Alpkit Pipedream 400 Sleeping bag, Alpkit Cloudbase Mat.  I will probably use my Alpkit Soloist tent, as the weather demons have forecast rain. If there is a last-minute reprieve, I’ll swap to a bivvy.

Tom Sale

Bristol

Bike: Surly Karate Monkey — a custom self-build running a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain with a 30T Hope chainring and 11–46 cassette. Hunt XC Race 29” wheels are paired with Vittoria Barzo 2.35” trail tyres for a fast but grippy setup. The XT cranks have definitely seen better days, but they still get the job done, alongside E*thirteen Base pedals — I still can’t bring myself to join the clipless world. Braking comes from XT levers paired with SLX calipers and Shimano XT Ice-Tech rotors: 203mm up front and 180mm out back. 

Bags: A full Tailfin setup throughout — I couldn’t help myself. The long 3L top tube bag carries snacks, snacks, and more snacks, plus electronics. The rear Speedpack holds my sleep system, pump, and warmer layers, while the downtube bag carries a one-person tent.

Gear Highlights: Stooge Moto Bars paired with Ergon GA3 grips and SQlab inner bar ends strike a great balance between all-day comfort and full-send descending. And finally, my trusty 3F UL Gear Lanshan 1 Pro tent continues to be my home away from home.

Oscar Jenkinson

Coventry

Bike: Stooge Speedbomb. Deore 1x11, Middleburn cranks, XT brakes, Cambium C17, Stooge Junker bars, Ergon grips, Orbea dropper, Hope Pro4/Halo Ridgeline rear wheel and Hunt trail wide front, 2.35 Rekon Race rear and 2.6 Rekon front, Tubolight inserts, Exposure Toro 16, COROS Dura.

Bags: Ortlieb 5.8l fork bags, Restrap stem bags, and custom Wizard Works frame bags.

Gear highlights: a second top tube! 

Vicky Chapman

Todmorden/West Yorkshire 

Bike: Specialized Chisel. Homebrew build with 130mm/110mm travel, Shimano 11sp Deore drive train, Sram Code RSC brakes, Hope Fortus wheels and Hutchinson Wyrm/Kraken (+ rimpact) tire combo for the Tor. Nukeproof flat pedals and carbon bars with an Ascend dropper and specialized mimic saddle.

Bags: Ortlieb 9lt bar bag (sleeping bag, spare layers, bivi, tools and spares) combined with a Tailfin bar cage and Tailfin 3lt downtube bag (insulated mat and tarp). Restrap snack pouch and bumbag full of food!

Gear Highlights: Designed some clips for the bar bag straps to add criss-cross elastic/stash space. Will also be rocking DIY Merino wrist warmers to keep my hands warm (repurposed socks!)

Craig McDowell 

South Yorkshire 

Bike: Stif Squatch. 150mm Pike fork. 12 speed XT (the greatest drivetrain in human history, change my mind). Hunt Trail Wide wheels with 2.35 Vittoria Barzos front and rear. Comedically massive Pedalling Innovations Catalyst pedals to get me round without excruciating foot pain. 

Bags: Restrap Bar Pack for layers. The little frame bag is stolen from my Cotic Jeht and bodges on nicely here to store tools and electronics. Dom Gorilla cages on the forks for sleeping kit. Tailfin TT bag for snacks.

Gear Highlights: Criterion Quantum Ultralight bag & Outdoor Research bivvy for nighttime warmth / dryness. SQLabs Innerbarends to provide additional hand positions for comfort. Restrap hydration pack for additional fluids and snack storage.

Ian Brazier

Essex

Bike: Planet X Tempest 

Bags: Ortlieb 

Gear Highlights: Zipp 303’s, SRAM Rival 1x, carrying an Alp Kit Bivi and bivi jacket and trousers

Julian C.

Single Use Plastic Free Attempt. 

Bike: Trek Procaliber 10 year old (Compromised by being Customised). 

Mountain bike with gravel bike aspirations. 

Carrying overnight kit but hoping not to stop. 

Gear Highlights: Will carry extra water this time around and have a plastic free feeding plan. 

Can’t wait. 

Casey Virasami

Bike: Felt Breed 2019 with a few modifications, including: budget mullet sram set up (11-51 rear) with an absolute black 36T oval chainring, Salsa cowchipper bars, chunky 50mm tires and redshift stem and seatpost which were partially won from last year's plastic free challenge. 

Bags: Tailfin aeropack which will carry my layers and sleep system. Top tube bag for snacks. Frame bag for tools. Bottom bottle cage will have my first aid kit.

Gear Highlights: Aerobars and my trusty hydration pack which has reflection sewed on for extra visability. 

Tim Clark

Wiltshire 

Bike: I'll be riding for my 1st bike packing trip over any distance a Giant Revolt Adv Pro 1 2023 gravel bike. Jotunn from Norse mythology fort giant. The bike is the groupset that it came with, Redshift suspension stem. My tyre choice is Panaracer Gravelking X1 TLR 120 TPI 45mm with Cushcore.

Bags: Tailfin Aeropack 18L with twin 5L panniers.

Gear Highlights: Sleep kit is an Alpkit hooped bivvy with 3/4 mat and Criterion Ultralight 200 sleeping bag. 

Matt Slack

Lancashire

Bike: 2021 Cotic Cascade

Bags: Mixtujre of Apidura, Chrome feedbag and Alpkit Drybag

Gear Highlights: 11 speed XTR with a tiny chainring. Added blingy Hope E4 brakes since my last attempt and trying out an Ortlieb quick rack instead of a saddlepack. Sleeping kit is the handlebar bag - Hilleberg Niak tent, exped mat + pillow and a lightweight sleeping bag

Tom Hiscox

Suffolk

Bike: Giant 2022 Revolt Advanced 1 with Hunt Carbon Gravel 35, rolling 2.1" Vittoria Mezcal's.

Swapped to a 10-50 cassette and 38t chainring to give my Suffolk legs a bit of help.

Bags: Tailfin

Gear Highlights: Redshift seatpost is a relatively new addition, wish I'd invested sooner.

Tom Burr

Humberside 

Bike: 2018 Scott Scale 940, fox 34 suspension, DT Swiss wheels, 30T chain ring and 10- 51 cassette, Cane creek seat post, shimano Deore brakes, ergonomic gp2 grips, Selle italia novus saddle and eBay special aero bars. 

Bags: Rockbros frame bag which will hold a 2 ltr water bladder, snack, tools and a thermal top. The tail bag is a 15ltr Rockbros bag for my emergency Bivvy bag, sleeping bag, down jacket and woolly hat. Top tube bag be more snacks. 

Gear Highlights: I'll be using a Garmin 530 unit for navigating, Lezyne 2400+ for my main light, a lezyne 1200 for a head torch and lezyne rear light. 

Remi Kotoni

Bike: Condor Bivio+  Steel 

700 x 50c,  Shimano GRX 2x11

Bags: Tailfin rear, frame, and bar bag carrying Sierra Designs 3000 bivy,  Thermarest Ultralight mat, Otimos 800 Quilt and clothing.

Gear Highlights: My sleeping kit. I dont pack light, I am a 'just in case' person and I take stuff for every occasion.   Aiming to complete the Gravel route in one go preferably but I will decide in the morning.    White Peak is all new to me so I look forward to this ride. 

Simon Howard 

Bike: Stanton Sherpa Gen 4, Hope Fortus Wheels, Continental Magnotal tyres.

Bags: Ortlieb bar bag, Taifin to tube bag, Tailfin small frame bag, Restrap hydration pack.