ENVE Engineer Embarks On Tour Divide

Right about as you read this, Matt Krajewski is smack dab in the middle of the US, slightly more than halfway through the Tour Divide, a 2,500-mile route from the Canadian to Mexican border. Matt isn’t an endurance junkie looking to race his way from border to border or even an ex-pro racer; Matt is ENVE’s lead rim engineer and is making his first foray in ultra-distance cycling.

Traditionally, the route is ridden by departing from Banff, Canada, then heading South and finishing in the desert of New Mexico at Antelope Wells. But, due to COVID and the Canadian border closure, the riders starting back in June at the Grand Depart couldn’t leave from the traditional Banff location. So Matt, hoping to have the complete experience, decided to go from South to North with the hope that it will be open by the time he reaches the Canadian border.

Since Matt was in uncharted territory in terms of his experience and needs for what’s anticipated to be a month-long trip, he spent a lot of time researching bike setup and the essential packing list. This is what he felt were the must-haves.

Bike

Frameset: Salsa Cutthroat
Wheels: ENVE M630 w/ Shutter Precision PD-8X dynamo front hub
Tires: Teravail Sparwood in 2.2
Handlebar: ENVE Gravel Bar
Aerobars: ENVE Aero Bar
Drivetrain: Race Face 36t chainring, 9-50t e-thirteen Helix R 12-speed cassette, SRAM Apex 1 Shifters with Ratio 1×12 Upgrade kit, SRAM GX Derailleur
Brakes: TRP Spyre-C Mechanical w/ 160mm Rotors
Pedals: Shimano XT

Bags

Frame: Salsa EXP Series Direct Mount Cutthroat Frame Pack
Fork: Salsa Anything Cage HD, DOM Gorilla Cage
Seatpost: Ortlieb Seat-Pack, Woho Anti Sway Bar
Top Tube: Apidura Backcountry Rear Top Tube Pack (1L), Zefal Top Tube Bag
Handlebar: EXP Series Anything Cradle Plus Dry Bag, Apidura Backcountry Food Pouch Plus, Woho Xtouring Almighty Cup

Sleep System

Sleeping Bag: Marmot Phase 30
Tent: Big Agnes Fish Hook UL1
Sleeping Pad: Big Agnes Air Core Ultra

Electronics

Navigation: Garmin Edge 510
Dynamo Charger: Sinewaves Revolution
Lights: NiteRider Lumina 1000 Boost, NiteRider Sabre 110 rear, and a basic headlamp