One thing I learned from the infamous La Ruta de los Conquistadores was that I’m no mountain biker. That I had never ridden a mountain bike before wasn’t the barrier you’d think it would be, oh no; in fact, it was the impetus. Signing up for La Ruta gave me a reason to buy a new bike. And in the end, that’s what it’s all about for me: having a cool bike to ride.
Test your endurance and give yourself a reason to buy a new bike by signing up for an upcoming ultracross event like Three Peaks USA this September. You can offset bike purchase-related spousal stress by booking a room at the beautiful Banner Elk Winery and Villa. Nestled in the awe-inspiring majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s not only the High Country’s original winery, but the starting point for the race. Can you say win-win?
Here are few bikes to consider for your next ultracross race.
Specialized CruX Comp Disc Apex
Tackle ultracross in the true spirit of the event with Specialized’s CruX Comp Disc Apex and start riding true cyclocross this fall and winter, too. Internal cable routing helps keep the muck out and gobs of tire clearance keeps you rolling when it gets really nasty. Spec’d out with snappy wheels wrapped with grippy Specialized tires, you’ll definitely appreciate the sure-stopping Avid disc brakes and hand-saving gel bar tape.
Trek X-Caliber
Nothing beats the efficiency and simplicity of a 29er hardtail, like Trek’s X-Caliber. Big wheels roll better and the X-Caliber’s 29” wheels maintain their momentum and roll over obstacles easier, making this bike a great choice for XC racing, marathons, 24-hour racing, or simply shredding singletrack.
Trek Domane
The Trek Domane is Trek’s answer to the Specialized Roubaix, Cervélo R5 (or R3), and other endurance bicycles. Designed to absorb vibration caused by cobblestones on European races like the Paris Roubaix, it’s a true dream for anyone living where the roads aren’t perfectly smooth, not to mention a great choice for a Roubaix-style event here in North Carolina.
