What We Are Riding - Mountain Bike Setup

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These are the EXACT mountain bike components that have held up on steep enduro trails, and multi-day big elevation trips all over the world!

If you have questions… ask them, and check back if you’d like to see what we’ve changed. This mountain bike setup thing seems to be a constantly evolving thing that we are trying to constantly improve.

Joe’s Mountain Bike Setup

Frame – Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 Coil (2023)
Forks – Fox Factory 38 (170mm)
Rear Shock – Fox Factory DHX2 (160mm)

Drivetrain –

My drivetrain is a bit of a Freakenstein setup, but I’ve gotta say, the Shimano and SRAM work really well together!

Shifter – SRAM AXS Pod Controller
– This is my favorite shifter. It reminds me of playing a video game. Super intuitive!
Cranks – RaceFace Turbine (170mm)
Chainring – RaceFace (28 tooth)
Derailleur – SRAM GX AXS 12 Speed
Chain – Shimano XT 8100
Cassette – Shimano XT 8100 – 12-Speed – 51-Tooth

Cockpit –

I am VERY picky about how my cockpit feels. I like it tall with back sweep, and I love this setup!

Handlebars – Rocky Mountain Aluminum (780mm width/38mm rise)
– I realize these aren’t mainstream bars. If I had to switch it would be to OneUp 35mm Carbon bars or PNW 38mm Loam bars.
Stem – RaceFace 40mm (black/blue)
– I just like how this stem looks 🙂
Grips – ODI Elite Pro Grips (black)
– These have randomly become my favorite feeling grips, and they last a lot longer than my second favorite (PNW Loam Grips).

Brake Setup –

These are the brakes I trust on steep and technical trails.

Brakes – TRP EVO Pro’s (black)
*I reviewed the difference between the EVO Pro and DHR EVO here: YouTube.
Rotors – TRP RS05E (Race Rotors) at 220 in front and 203 in rear
Pads – TRP Semi-Metallic

Wheels –

Rims – Race Face AR 30 29″
Hubs – DT Swiss 350
Dropper – Race Face Turbine R
Tires – Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip EXO+ (front) / Continental Kryptotal Enduro Soft (rear)
Flat Pedals – Tenet Occult (flats)
– I’ve come to prefer Crankbrothers shoes because they are so darn comfy, and these Tenet pedals grip my Crankbrothers flats like glue!
Clipless Pedals – Crankbrothers Mallet Enduro (clips)
– I’m currently messing with clips for fun, speed, and to try something new, and I don’t have anything to compare these pedals to but they’ve been great!
Fender – Ground Keeper Customs or Fox

Safety Gear –

After more crashes that I’d like to admit, this is the gear that I feel protects me and keeps me comfortable.

Full Face Helmet – Troy Lee Designs Stage
– I’ve tried on a LOT of helmets and the TLD just fits my melon the best!
Body Protector – Leatt Body Protector 3DF Airfit Lite EVO
– Other than being really hard to remember the name, this body armor is amazing!! I wear some version of this on ALL RIDES these days.
Sunglasses – Smith Wildcat
Goggles – Smith Squad MTB XL
Gloves – Hand Up (or something bright colored)
Knee Pads – G-Form Pro Rugged 2

Packs –

Backpack – USWE Flow 16 – I’ve done a video review on this backpack, and it rocks!
Hip Pack – EVOC Hip Pack Pro with 1.5 liter bladder (Amazon) – Review here

Kit –

Shoes – Crankbrothers Stamp Speed Lace Flat – Crankbrothers Mallet Clip-In
– These are just the most comfortable MTB shoes I’ve tried. The flats are not as grippy as the Five Ten’s, but with the Tenet pedals I can’t tell the grip difference.
– Adidas Five Ten Freerider Pro – FULL Review Here – These are still great, but lacking fun colors and not as comfy as Crankbrotheres
Pants
– Fox Racing Defend Pants – Sizes for these can change with season so try them on!
– Patagonia Dirt Craft – I LOVE these for climbing and on hot days!
– RideNF DP4 -1/2 ™ Team (PURPLE) – You can solve the problem of long legs AND small waist with these pants. They don’t fit as well as the Patagonia, but are very durable.

Tops
– Anything Fox Racing fits great and is durable!
– I’ve also been testing the OR Freewheel Jersey’s (below)

Riding Snoqualmie Pass with RideNF mountain bike pants and OR mountain bike top. — RideNF DP4-1/2 Pants & Outdoor Research Top