What bike do YOU need for The Divide

Choosing a bike for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route or you next big ride can be quite challenging. I have slipped down the rabbit hole a few times, and really got caught up in the details. Here’s a simple version of what I think are some important considerations to make when choosing a bikepacking rig. I aim to keep my setup as simple as possible. I try to give you some practical advice for your current set up, or ideas for something more affordable in the future.
Let me know if the comment section if you have any further questions.
Check Out Alex's YT Channel:
‪@Crankingit‬
Gear worth checking out:
- Ergon GP1 BioKork Grips: backcountry.tnu8.net/9gkzZ3
- Son 28 Dynamo Hub: nabendynamo.de/en/products/hu...
- Recommended power bank: amzn.to/49hyAgC
- Recommended fast charger: amzn.to/3T3IdtH
- Busch & Müller Lumotec IQ-X Headlamp: amzn.to/3T1Q4ru
- Sinewave Cycles Revolution: www.sinewavecycles.com/collec...
- Race Face Chainring Single Narrow Wide 32T: amzn.to/49i8Xft
- 10 Speed Shimano Cassette: backcountry.tnu8.net/DKoemd
- 11 Speed Shimano Cassette: backcountry.tnu8.net/q4MxvL
- Shimano Deore Derailleur: backcountry.tnu8.net/m5MEv1
- Shimano Hydraulic Disk Brakes: backcountry.tnu8.net/Y9enYj
- Brooks B17 Standard: bit.ly/3I0POTm
- Velocity Blunt SS Rim: bit.ly/3T0faa6
- RenèHERSE Utanum Ridge 650B: www.renehersecycles.com/shop/...
- RenèHERSE Fleecer Ridge 700c: www.renehersecycles.com/shop/...
- Tubeless valve stems: backcountry.tnu8.net/3eQZad
- Tubeless Tape: backcountry.tnu8.net/baXNKk
- Surly Midnight Special: surlybikes.com/bikes/midnight...
- Salsa Cutthroat: bit.ly/4bHFbSS
My Wheel Builder:
www.redshedcycles.com/
If you want to know more about the efficiencies of a son dynamo hub:
www.cyclingabout.com/dynamo-h...
Looking for a used bike? These are some resources I like:
- Pink Bike: www.pinkbike.com/buysell/list...
- Surly & Salsa Trader FB Group: / salsaandsurlytrader
- Surly Bycilcle Trader FB Group: / 573286689472701
Other resources for GDMBR Info:
- Adventure cycling association Map set: www.adventurecycling.org/rout...
- Great Divide Mountain Bike Route - Trail Info & Rider Stories FB Group: / 825014527629477
- Tour Divide Race: Gear, Advice, Tips, Pics, Chat, Training FB Group: / tourdivide
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that
if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra
cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make
videos like this. Thanks for the support!
Contact me:
[e-mail]
Instagram: movewithmurph
TikTok: Move.With.Murph

[@sandraknuth5766]

Enjoyed your comments and opinions. As an old Granny, I am section biking from Jasper to Whitefish this summer on my old hard tail REI Novara Ponderosa mtn bike. I am ready to go. Got a tune up and new Vittoria Mezcal tires with tubes. I did a section of the Great Divide several years ago with this bike and only got one flat tire. If I was doing the whole trail, per your suggestion, I might consider getting tubeless tires. To tell you the truth, I am scared of tubeless tires because I saw a tubeless tire and rim totally disintegrate during this year's Giro de Italia after the lead cyclist, Tadej Pogacar, front wheel hit the side of a cobblestone. It was unbelievable to see the tire and wheel crumble. There were lots and lots of tubeless tire flats during this race.

[@FastMoSF]

I’m doing this tour later this year. Can’t wait to see your other videos as I’m preparing.

[@erics9214]

Interesting to hear your comments. I've ridden the Divide one and a half times and agree with many of your comments. My bike had a 1x setup which I converted to 2x before the first trip. I didn't go with drop bars because long descents with drops bother my hands. I used Jones bars, which I was very happy with. Wider tires are good for the reasons you mentioned, and I also think they protect your rims and wheels from the pounding of the trail. I also thought about a dynamo hub, but in the end thought it was simpler and cheaper to just carry a battery bank. I do try to avoid riding in the dark.

[@Simon-tg7jg]

Really looking forward to your Great Divide series :)

[@Crankingit]

Nice video! I've always said that you can tour on anything, a more appropriate rig just makes the riding easier. Also I totally agree with you about the dynamo hub, I haven't used mine hardly at all. A 20,000mAh power bank is more than enough to keep all my cameras and devices charged.

[@keithhunter3910]

Oh, I see how it's gonna be... another rich guy with a dynamo hub! 😉

[@stevemullin1195]

I have a surly bridge club xl 27.5 in a 1x11 that I'm planning on touring with. Looking at upgrading my WTB ST+ i29 rims to velocity clysdale cliffhanger rims with 36/40 spokes to handle my body and gear weight. Planning on the PCBR this fall.

[@DiogoRossi-mo4if]

Thanks for the videos! It looks like you rode it by yourself, did you?

[@TylerandKari]

I’m curious how you liked the brooks saddle for the tough trails/mountain biking. I feel I’ve heard not ideal compared to others for that style of riding, but I’m hating my saddle on my bike and really considering the brooks.

[@stevemullin1195]

How did you get your bike and gear up to banff for the start then the return home from the end of the route.

[@theodoredobrowolski8525]

surly croner bar MTB drop bar

[@notpablo8369]

Why didn't you go with Surly Krampus(rigid) or the Ogre?

[@grantrobinson7101]

Don’t Paint the bike 😳🤦‍♂️😂