Are Drop Bars Becoming Popular in the Leadville Trail 100?

Question

Difficult to say if it is a new trend but thanks for the observation. Some riders do use drop bars on long rides. I hear it all the time, in fact. We've got some Great Divide riders in this region. It seems to be the more popular choice. However, it will require a lot of strength as well as aggressive riding style.

Answer 1

As seen in some of the pro riders in the Leadville Trail 100, some of them have employed drop bars on their mountain bikes with the intention of enhancing their aerodynamics on the flatter portions of the course. Though not common, the shift from riser bars is picking up steam and may have ramifications for future setups in the race.

Comments

The original drop bar king was John Tomac is 1990. Hey if it’s faster just do it. All the haters are jealous they didn’t think of it.

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I can pretty much guarantee you a dollar to a doughnut that anybody who is competitive in that race will be on drop bar mountain bike next year.

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I find this drop bar phase very  interesting. I think that drop bar MTBs are much better to ride than gravel bikes.

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my 2 cents, Dylan is clear the one to push the envelope on the monster franken MTB drop bar race bike... because 2nd this was done before but not for this short distances and free of load bikes,  this type of think outside the box is the edge of dylan,  very mamba mentality if I may... then the key is Trail. ... now I kudos and congrat and chapeau you Dylan... and wonder , ask, if is there a chance of putting you or your bike and analysis behind something bigger like the tour divide.

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Awesome ride, drop bars for the win. I would love to try this race, living at sea level doesn't help.