The Rig That Won the 2021 Colorado Trail Race (Video)

Plan / Bikepacking Gear Lists

After winning the 2021 Colorado Trail Race, Neil Beltchenko made this video to offer a detailed look at his rig, including the components, bags, and everything he was carrying. He also answers some of your questions about the race and his choice of rig…

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By Logan

PUBLISHED Aug 11, 2021

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The Colorado Trail Race is a grueling ride across one of the most challenging rideable trails in the US. Course-record holder Neil Beltchenko took his fifth ride on the Colorado Trail this year and finished first out of a field of over 70 other riders. In our latest YouTube video, Neil walks through the bike and gear he used to make it happen. Watch below, then scroll down to see the full build kit, his gear list, and more about his Colorado Trail history.

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  • 2021 Colorado Trail Race
  • Neil Beltchenko Wins the 2021 Colorado Trail Race

Neil’s Colorado Trail History

2012 – Tour with a friend in 10 days, first bikepacking trip
2013 – 4d 21h 30m – first race
2014 – 4d 09h 55m – first win
2016 – 3d 19h 50m – Started with the group and broke my shifter; pedaled 25 miles before going back to get my bike fixed at a bike shop. Left 24 hours after the start for an ITT – I set the overall course record that year.
2021 – 4d 03h 07m

Salsa Spearfish Build Kit

Here’s the full component list and bike build used on in the race this year.

  • Frame: 2020 Salsa Spearfish -Medium, I’m 5’ 9.5”
  • Shock: 100mm Fox Float DPS Performance Elite
  • Fork: 120mm Fox Factory 34 Stepcast
  • Wheels: Industry Nine Trail280 Carbon, 24h
  • Front Tire: 2.4” Maxxis Recon
  • Rear Tire: 2.35” Ardent
  • Derailleur: Shimano SLX 12-speed
  • Cassette: XT 10-51T
  • Chain: XTR
  • Crankset: 170mm Raceface Next R, 30t Raceface chainring
  • Brakes: XT levers and 4 piston Calipers
  • Seatpost: Trans-X dropper with Ergon SM mens saddle
  • Handlebar: Salsa Guide 35.0
  • Grips: Ergon GA3 Grips + bar tape on top
  • On The Bar: Fenix BC21R 2.0 light, Etrex 32x Spurcycle Bell

CTR Pack List

The pack list used during the 2021 Colorado Trail Race based on where it was stowed on the bike.

Revelate Designs Vole

Big Agnes 40* pluton UL bag, Montbell bivy and Adidas Terrex down jacket
Red blinky on back for visibility

Rockgeist Custom Frame Bag

Full repair kit (see my repair kit video for all the details)
Toiletry bag
Electronics bag
Tailwind Nutrition and room for extra food.
Two 500ml flasks for extra water storage
And extra space for food.

Andrew The Maker TT Bag

Food

Andrew The Maker BarBar Bag

Vest, rain jacket and pant, Buff, warmer gloves

On Me

Swiftwick compression socks
Pearl Izumi Xalp summit shoes.
Terrex cycling short
Pactimo bibs, But also carried Gore long distance bibs in sleepihng bag
Pearl Izumi base layer
Jersey with 5 pockets
Arm and knee warmers in those pockets
Helmet, Fenix uc25 Light on helmet
Handup gloves, Smith Attack Mag MTB sunglasses

Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest

Capacity of 3L of water
Held extra food, multi tool, spare lenses, sunscreen, pills, headphones, water treatment, latex style gloves

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