Traka 560: My Equipment Choices

What Would I Change?

This is the final post in my Traka 560 series. '

I entered the Traka 560 still as an ultra rookie. I’ve done three races of 300 miles or more, and one more that was above 200 miles. I’ve learned a lot in those 60+ hours, but I also have so much left to learn. Here’s my bike setup and what I would change.

Frame
I rode my medium Pivot Vault. You might ask: “Why do you run a medium if you’re 6’2”?” I like an aggressive position, so I downsized from a large on the new bike to achieve this. Despite this, it’s still remarkably stable and capable. If I were not racing, I’d run a large. This frame has clearance for 50c tires: well, officially… I’ve done a lot more ;). In case you’re wondering, the Vault has the IsoFlex elastomer seatpost insert coupled with a 27.2 post. These two features, along with my very long seatpost, meant I had a very comfortable ride. This cannot be underestimated during a long race. I used the ToolShed downtube storage compartment for a tube, some CO2s, and spare tire plugs. I ran the Dawn to Dusk Kaptiv 10 cages, which hold bottles very well. I ran the Rockshox Rudy 40mm fork, and I am SOLD on this. I was skeptical, but the fact that my hands felt fine after the race says a lot. You might think it’s off and just a ‘90s MTB setup, but gravel forks are good. Change my mind. I also ran a USE Race 90mm -8 degree stem.

Groupset
I rode a SRAM mullet with Force shifters and an XO1 Transmission derailleur and 46t chainring. I LOVE the mullet because it gives me (almost) all of the gear range I need. It also feels natural coming from my MTB, as the gear jumps are the same. I run 170mm cranks (down from 175 last year) and a Quarq power meter. I use the Force Wide cranks with extra pedal spacers to get my pedal stance as wide as possible to match my MTB. This helps me produce more power. Why do I not run Red and XXSL? Because you don’t need it. I would love the new Red hoods for their breaking ergonomics, but the weight difference is negligible. This setup is a spec Pivot offering, minus the Quarq power meter. I run organic brake pads with 160mm rotors.

Wheels and Tires
I ran my Maple ARX wheels, which weigh less than 1200 grams despite having 25mm internal widths. Mounted on these, I had a set of brand new Vittoria Terreno T50 tires in size 50c with Air Liner Gravel Light inserts inside. I value durability more than anything in my tire setup, and the new T50 nails that, while also providing a good middle ground of grip between the Terreno Dry (Now the T30) and the Mezcal (Now the T70). This might be my new favorite tire! I ran Orange Seal regular sealant with double-taped rims, which, honestly, might have saved my race after my broken spoke.

Bags
I ran Tailfin bags. I met these guys at Sea Otter, and I have been VERY impressed by their offerings. When they say their athletes are their “R&D Team,” they clearly are not kidding. Their bags have all the markings of being made by people who really ride a lot. The features are well thought out, and they’ve solved many of the problems other bags have. The zippers are good quality, the bags are stiff, so easy to open with one hand, and they stay still while riding. I ran their 2.2L full-length top tube bag and 3.8L half frame bag. The TT bag has a 2-way zip and movable dividers, which I took full advantage of to separate out food, my battery pack, and spares. I ran an old Silca seat bag that I always have on this bike.

Navigation
I ran the Hammerhead Karoo. My main screen has the map, upcoming elevation graph, and distance. It also shows total ride time at the top. I also have another screen with a larger upcoming elevation graph, a progress bar that shows distance and elevation remaining, then another with derailleur battery, time to sunrise, elevation gain, and temperature. I do have a screen with average. HR, NP, and 3-second power, but I generally avoid looking at this during ultra races.

Lights
I ran the Exposure SixPack headlight on my bars using the stem faceplate mount, and the Diablo on my helmet. I‘ve used Exposure since my first Unbound, and nothing comes close to their quality. They are bright, durable, and have incredible battery life. I also ran their Reakt rear light. My SixPack was set to last 12 hours on high mode, and 24 on low, while my Diablo was set to 7, 12, and 24 hours, respectively, for high, medium, and low. My Reakt was set to last 24 hours on high and 48 on low, and I still have a green battery level after the race, which says a lot.

Nutrition
Warning: If you are a dentist, skip this section. I carried 37 Carbs Fuel gels, which equals 7,400 calories and 1,850 grams of carbs. I also carried a wide variety of bars. My favorites ended up being the OTE peanut butter bars and the Maurten Solid Bars that I bought at the local shop. I also had some “pizza” bars I found at the shop, thinking they would be a nice change from sweet products. Would not recommend. I carried about 12,000 calories total to start, and when I stopped to get food (two times), I went for sour Haribo flavors and Oreos. I ate at least 30 Oreos. Those were the move. I carried about 3.3 liters of water to start (2 bottles and a 2L USWE pack) with electrolyte tabs in them. I like to separate my fueling and hydration. I also carried Vitermints caffeine tablets, and I ate 20x40mg… whoops.

Kit
I wore my Endurance Threads pro kit with cargo bibs, Rule28 aero socks and base layer, a Poc Ventral helmet, Shimano XC903 shoes, and Endurance Threads gloves. I used the left cargo pocket as my “trash can” and the right to carry my tire plugs, 2 CO2s, and cash. I used the new Julbo Intensity with REACTIV 0-3 lenses, which go fully clear at night (a huge advantage).

Spares
I carried 4x 25g CO2s, 2 TPU tubes, tire boots, a Dynaplug Racer Pro with 2 sets of refills, a $20 pump I got at Unbound 2 years ago, a mud stick, 3 spare AXS batteries (they weigh nothing and you never know how long they will last, though my first one lasted the whole time this race), a small bottle of FAAST lube, 2 GPS trackers (the race one and my own messenger), a battery pack, my phone, arm warmers, a Endurance Threads Packie Jacket (which was a life saver), master links, a Pedros Micro 21 Multitool with levers, 2 CO2 heads, a spare CR2032 battery, and a lot of electrical tape.

What would I change?

I was very happy with my setup, but I’d make a few changes.

• Carry less food. I burned a lot of matches carrying so much food. One person who finished ahead of me had only 2 bottles and a top tube bag. I would aim for more like what Seb Breuer had… somewhere between the minimalist and me, the maximalist. I was so afraid of not having places to stop to get food because of Spanish hours and Labor Day, that I played it safe. That was a good move for my first go, but next time, I want a bike that climbs a bit easier and descents more nimbly.

• Carry more layers. I was FREEZING at night. The Packie Jacket saved me

• Use heavier-duty spokes. I run DT Aerolite spokes, but with how heavy my bike was, I needed beefier ones.

• Run a smaller chainring. I would run a 44 or 42t. 46t was way too much for the steep climbs and heavy bike.

For my first go in Europe, I’m very happy with my (last-minute) choices! Any questions! Drop me a line here or on Instagram!