the bikes of unbound

Images: Avery Stumm

The 2022 UNBOUND Gravel featured the most competitive field to ever line up for a true gravel event, and they didn’t fail to deliver. With more than 4,000 total riders across all the distances and a world-class field for the marquee 200-mile route, UNBOUND was without a doubt the de facto world championship of gravel racing. With weather conditions being uncertain, and a new course unveiled just weeks prior to race day, there were a lot of questions coming into the event with bike setup and tire choices. The new Southen route featured smoother roads than the past two editions, which only meant speeds were higher and the rock strikes were harder. Between the ever-present flat tire potential and anticipated mud sections, equipment choices were a major consideration going into the day. Here’s what four of our athletes decided on as the optimum race setup.

ALEXEY VERMEULLEN, 5TH OVERALL

WHITNEY ALLISON, 4TH WOMEN’S

JESS CERRA, 3RD WOMEN’S, 100 MILE ROUTE

BRENNAN WERTZ, 27TH OVERALL