DKXL – Rebecca Rusch Bike Check
Frame – Niner RLT 9 RDO
Wheels – ENVE G23
Drivetrain – SRAM Force 1x Hydro
Gearing – 42t x 10-42t
Crank – SRAM Red with Quarq power meter
Tires – Maxxis Rambler EXO 700×38
Saddle – WTB Deva
Frame bags – Revelate Designs Tangle and Mountain Feedbags
Pack – Camelbak Chase with Soft Flasks
Computer – Garmin Edge 1030
Pedals – CrankBrothers Eggbeater 11
Among the excitement of DK this year, was a new and unique event open only to those specifically invited – the DKXL. This 350-mile race took riders over an entirely different course, yet still grinding over the infamous flint hills around Emporia, Kansas.
Among the 34 handpicked riders to tackle the DKXL, was Rebecca Rusch. Already a three-time winner of DK and seven-time world champion among other pursuits, Rusch arrived in Kansas fully prepared with both a tremendous amount of experience and the equipment to make it count.
“My gear selections were based on experience with some tried and true gear, such as my Niner RLT 9 RDO, and also some new gear such as the ENVE G Series wheels,” says Rusch notes. “In a non-stop, multi-hour event, efficiency is often more important than straight riding speed, so knowing exactly where things are located and how to access them quickly is something I focus on. This meant using frame bags from Revelate Designs and carefully planning each item that would go in each pocket.”
Fatigue of the body, as well as muscles, plays a huge role in very long gravel events, and Rusch credits the wheels with keeping her fresh enough to finish as the first woman in the event, and fourth overall. “Honestly, my bike was so comfortable and rode so well. I finished the 350 miles and was tired, but did not feel beat up at all. The biggest change in my gear this year was the wheels, and I attribute them as a big factor in being more comfortable this year.”
At ENVE, we’re proud of Rebecca and her incredible accomplishment. We can’t wait to follow along her next epic endeavors and ride her own favorite routes at her event, Rebecca’s Private Idaho on August 31st through September 2nd. Check out @rebeccarusch for more of her adventures and information regarding the upcoming event.
