Can You Use a Gravel Bike for the Leadville Trail 100?

Question

Is tackling the Leadville Trail 100 on a gravel bike ever a possibility?

Answer 1

It is possible to complete the Leadville Trail 100 on gravel bikes although, given the nature of the course, which has rough, rocky, and bumpy areas, it may not be the fastest means to finish the trail. Efficiency wise, preference is usually towards CrossCountry mountain bikes as they are more adequate for the terrain.

Comments

Looks like the duel suspension gravel bike that can fit MTB tires will be the next evolution. Don't think anyone makes one with enough travel.

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When I raced XC in Alaska in the 90s, some of our races were essentially “gravel” races on dirt roads; but I would never want to race those races on a gravel bike due to the washboard.  Hitting washboard on a bike is BRUTAL and I remember what it was like before suspension forks became available.  But even with suspension forks, the drop in speed is immediate and it’s like riding through quicksand.  Sometimes an actual mountain bike is the better choice.

P.S., I will note that we rode narrower bars with longer stems back then, so we had a lower, longer position on the bike than modern MTBs have.  Bar ends helped provide an even lower position as well.

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Would have won on a Gravel