Badlands is one of the most demanding ultra-distance gravel routes in the world, crossing remote deserts, steep mountain ranges and rough tracks. A well-thought-out bike rig isn’t just about speed, it’s about efficiency, durability and comfort across multiple days of riding, ultimately contributing to your Badlands experience.

Before focusing on small details, think about the big picture: how your bike will behave after hundreds of kilometres, when fatigue sets in and the terrain becomes rougher. The riders who perform well at Badlands typically prioritise reliability and comfort over marginal gains.

Gear Range Matters More Than Top Speed

Badlands involves a huge amount of climbing. Many of these climbs are long, steep and ridden on loose surfaces where maintaining traction is essential.

A wide gear range can therefore make a major difference. Many experienced riders recommend running a large cassette paired with a smaller chainring, giving you low gears that remain usable even when fatigue sets in after multiple days in the saddle. Compact gearing helps you maintain cadence, conserve energy and avoid grinding up climbs at low speed.

Trying to ride Badlands with overly aggressive gearing can quickly lead to unnecessary fatigue.

Wide Makes A Big Difference

Many Badlands riders choose gravel s in the 45–50 mm range, which already offers more comfort and grip than traditional gravel race setups. While this may seem excessive at first glance, the rough terrain and long descents make the added comfort and traction extremely valuable over the course of the event.

The benefits quickly become clear: improved grip on loose descents, better vibration damping over rough gravel, reduced fatigue during long technical sections and lower risk of punctures and sidewall damage.

When the route becomes rocky or steep, wider tires often allow riders to maintain momentum where narrower tires would force them to slow down.

Balance Weight And Comfort

There’s always a temptation to go extremely light for an ultra-distance ride. However, Badlands often rewards a slightly more comfortable setup rather than the absolute lightest possible build. Riders should aim to keep their bike light and efficient while still prioritising comfort and control on rough terrain.

Go as light and comfortable as you can with your rig and as wide as possible. It is a lot of climbing. You want to be comfy and at the same time have a lot of grip on the descents.
Gereon Tewes

Comfort allows you to keep moving efficiently for longer — something that matters far more than saving a few hundred grams.

Learn From Riders Who’ve Been There

The riders who return to Badlands year after year often converge on similar setups. Wide generous gear ranges and bikes that prioritise stability on rough terrain tend to outperform lighter, more performance-focused builds.

You won’t regret going with a big cassette. I would run a mullet setup with 10–52 in the rear. Chainring size depends on how fast you plan to go, but around 40 should be good. Big s are a necessity to stop the rough gravel from beating you up hour after hour.
Simen Nordahl Svendsen

The combination of steep climbing, rough terrain and long days in the saddle places enormous stress on both bike and rider. Small choices that improve comfort early in the ride can pay off massively later on.

The climbs are steep and the roads uneven. With wider tires and a big range of gearing it all gets smoothened out ever so slightly. Your body will thank you.
Ole Bjørn

Test Your Setup Before The Start

No bike rig should make its first appearance at the Badlands start line.

Before the event, try riding long gravel days or overnight trips with your full setup. Test your tires on rough descents, ride extended climbs with your gearing, and make sure your cockpit remains comfortable after many hours in the saddle. These test rides often reveal small issues that would otherwise become major problems during the route.

The Goal: A Bike That Keeps Moving

At Badlands, the fastest setup is rarely the most aggressive one. Instead, it’s the one that allows you to keep moving efficiently across every type of terrain the route throws at you.

Wide tires, sensible gearing and a reliable build may not look dramatic, but they’re often what carry riders all the way to the finish line.