Gravel’s marquee event of the year brings thousands of top professionals and everyday athletes to Emporia, Kansas to take on grueling roads and unpredictable conditions of UNBOUND Gravel. Whether racing for Gravel King and Queen status at the 200-mile event, going long for the 350-mile unsupported UNBOUND XL adventure, or sharing the gravel experience and community on the 100, 50, or 25-mile courses, the weekend of racing offers something for everyone.
Lining up for UNBOUND of any distance requires planning and preparation on many levels, but none more so than for your bike and gear. Deciding on what gearing to use, what width of tires and pressure to run, how to carry enough food and water, and what tools you’ll need in case the sharp flint rocks snag your tire, it’s all part of the planning process. And will we get MUD again this year? It’s anyone’s guess.
With such diverse conditions, ever-changing terrain, and unexpected weather all thrown into the mix, every rider is different in their choices and gear selections. We caught up with some of SHIMANO’s athletes before hitting the start line at UNBOUND to talk about their gear and how they made these tough race-day decisions.
Bike: Scott Addict Gravel Tuned
Gearing: 48/31t chainrings with an 11-34t cassette
Tires: Panaracer Gravel Kings SK+
Pressure: 32 psi
Bike setup priority: Tires and how to minimize the chance of flatting on the slicey flint rocks.
Special checkpoint snacks: It's a hilarious challenge to predict what I’ll want in the later hours of a race. Salty? Sweet? Ice pack? Advil? A hug? I try to have a lot of options.
Any special “equipment” The terrible reminder that life is short and being able to push your body to the absolute limit is a privilege that can be taken away at any moment.
What are you most excited about for UNBOUND: I love the days leading into to the race. Everyone is nervous and excited. The energy of Emporia is unlike any other race because there's a mutual understanding that on Saturday, we will all go out and do something truly insane.
Bike: Specialized Diverge STR S-Works
Gearing: 1x11 with a 48t chainring and an 11-40t cassette
Tires: Specialized Pathfinder Pro 700x38c
Bike setup priority: Comfort. Also, power in the last hour of the race.
Any special equipment: A stick to clear off the mud.
What have you learned from previous UNBOUNDs: Wait a little longer to attack (maybe).
Special checkpoint snacks: Just race food. Nothing special.
Post-Race Food: BBQ with friend Fabian of Gravel Locos
What are you most excited about for UNBOUND: This might be my last chance to win. The last dance.
Bike: Specialized Crux
Tires: Maybe Maxxis Rambler 120 tpi 700x40c
Gearing: 50/34t chainrings with an 11-34t cassette
Bike setup priority: Comfort!
Any special equipment: Chapstick and gum – sometimes it fixes a dry mouth or cleanses the palette.
Special checkpoint snacks: I’ll definitely mix it up with a salty/savory snack. My game plan is to eat a variety of things!
Most Nervous About: The number of things that can go wrong (mechanicals, mud, crashes!!), but I'm pretty excited about it all and embracing the chaotic nature of this race.
Post-Race Food: Pizza and beer
What are you most excited about for UNBOUND: I've been loving the long training rides, finishing a 200-mile race will be a huge accomplishment on its own for me!
Bike: Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0
Gearing: 52/36t chainrings with an 11-34t cassette
Tires: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H 45mm
Pressure: 30-32 psi
Bike setup priority: Tyres, gearing, and aero.
Special checkpoint snacks: I don’t plan to go too far from the usual gels and bars. I keep it simple.
Any special equipment: Cargo bibs with pockets.
What do you look forward to after the race: Celebrating with my support team. They will be out there all day working towards a result and I hope to share that with them.
What are you most excited about for UNBOUND: The opportunity to take the victory at the biggest off-road race in the world.
Bike: Giant Revolt Advanced Pro
Gearing: 50/34t chainrings with an 11-30t cassette
Tires: Kenda Flintridge 700x40c
Pressure: 30 psi
Bike setup priority: Durability and comfort. Making sure my setup is comfortable for a long period of time and durable for the sharp flint rocks.
Most nervous about: The final 100 miles.
Special checkpoint snacks: A can of Coke is nice to have in case of an emergency.
Any special equipment: Spare glasses, shoes, pedals, and clothes.
Post-Race Needs: FOOD and a shower.
What are you most excited about for UNBOUND: Challenging myself to ride farther than ever before.
