Gear

Welcome to the new gear page! As each year goes by my equipment changes, and I love to showcase and explain what I am using and why, so that the fans out there can see up close what the pros use for both training and racing. So check out the photos, ask questions, and I’ll update this page as frequently as I can.

You probably always wanted to hear what the pros really think about their gear, so I am doing some new gear reviews on products for all to see. Unbiased real world feedback, and some of the products aren’t even from my sponsors. So read on and enjoy.

Here is the newest addition to my bike family, my 2012 Fate 29er. This is a women’s specific 29er with a super low standover height and short headtube. Now all the women can have a bike that fits, and weighs practically nothing. Mine is tipping the scales at 18.5lbs complete with a SRAM XX drivetrain, a host of Truvativ goodies, and all that is carbon from the Specialized parts bin.

I have a few Specialized mountain bikes, each for it’s own purpose. As an endurance racer my main goals are comfort and efficiency. Weight is obviously is large issue, but you will notice that there are some parts on my bikes that make them suit my style better. My 29er hard tail has been the race bike of choice in recent months due to it’s speed. That larger wheel rolls so fast, and maintains speed so well it is hard to not choose this bike for races. In longer 24hr events or rougher courses I always choose the Era. Full suspension is un-doubtedly faster on these long courses as the body isn’t as fatigued over time. My new Enduro is a full on play bike for when the trails points down more than up. It took a little getting used to, the slacker geometry and longer travel, but when you settle into this style of riding, there is no better bike. Not to mention it pedals uphill really well! This year I was also lucky enough to get a new Safire Pro mountain bike, which will be great for Super D or for rougher days of riding.

All my saddles on my race bikes are the new Specialized Ruby saddle.

Rebecca’s New Specialized Era from Rebecca Rusch on Vimeo.

As for accessories and other items I use and love I will go down the list. Obviously I am a big fan of Red Bull and their E-shots are my favorite. Buff Multifunctional Headwear is also a product I like to wear under my helmet. Their ½ Buff is basically a skull sock, and makes the hot days way better! Hydrapak has been extremely supportive this year with help in both my giveaways and as a sponsor. Their Avila pack and Gel Bot Soft Flasks are my favorites from them. The flask is sweet for mixing different ratios of drinks for longer rides.

I have also been using GU products for on the bike nutrition recovery, and have yet to be let down. I am a huge fan of the Roctane products, Chomps, and the Recovery Brew. Give their stuff a try, it’s easy on the stomach and tastes delicious, no really it does taste good.

How Rebecca Stays Hydrated with Hydrapak from Rebecca Rusch on Vimeo.

SRAM has been great to me over the years, whether it is their Red drivetrain on my road bikes, or their XX drivetrain on my mountain bikes, it all works flawlessly and is lighter than anything else out there. Their new XX disc brakes are probably some of my favorite toys right now. Speaking of bike bling, the guys down in Laguna Beach, CA at Crank Brothers have been design crazed for years, and their new Eggbeater 11 pedal is awesome. Four sides to get in and out of, super light, sheds mud like nobodies business, and looks great too!

Since half of cycling these days is about style and looks, and since I am a Ketchum, ID resident, I ride and live in Smith sunglasses. Their new Pivlock V90 is rimless so it works perfectly for cycling. It also comes in some flashy colors for your inner European side. Off the bike I haven’t taken off my Chemist glasses all year!


To keep my feet happy I am using SOLE footbeds and their new slip-on Exhale shoe. These are quite possibly the best post-ride shoes out there.

And like my mom always told me, use sunscreen. I have noticed living at altitude and training outside so much can take it’s toll on your skin, so Beyond Coastal sunscreen has given me their whole care kit with both all natural Active Sunscreen and their SPF lip balm. It makes a difference using these products when being outside, day in and day out is your job.


GEAR REVIEWS

This thing is easy and efficient.  It’ll fit a 26 or 29 inch mountain bike with ease.  It’ll fit any sort of bike with room to spare so you don’t have to cram it in like a puzzle.  It’s a cross between a hard and a soft case.  I used to have a completely hard case and those weigh more, so you get hit with more baggage fees.  I also have a theory that the airlines are much more apt to throw the hard cases around and put them on the bottom of the luggage stack.  With the softer cases, I think they are more careful.  The wheels on this case are also super heavy duty and there are a few nice pockets inside for small items.  I pack my bike in here for races and pad around it even more with clothing.

Avid XX Disc Brakes
These are light and simple.  The carbon lever is designed to make one finger braking a cinch and will not tire out your hands, even in a super long event.   The calipers are designed so you can change the pads from the top without even having to take off the wheel.  Installation and adjustment is also super easy.   You can align the pads to the rotor in seconds by loosening the bolts and squeezing the brake lever while re-tightening the bolts.  Put them onto the Matchmaker clamp and you have a super sleek, simple, adjustable system with just one clamp for brakes and shifters.


Beyond Coastal SunscreenDaily Active Sunscreen SPF 30:  This is my favorite sunscreen and I’ve tried them all.  Silky smooth and fast absorbing.  It won’t sting your eyes and it really works.  They use all natural ingredients and get high product safety marks from the Environmental Working Group.  I also love the fact that all their products are made and packaged in the US. They have strong business sustainability initiatives and support a number of advocacy organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation and the Access Fund.  What more could you ask from a sunscreen company?After Sun Moisturizer:  This stuff is super smooth, fragrance free and really soothing.  It’s full of natural anti-oxidents and skin restorers.  It wont’ clog pores and does not feel greasy.  I use this everyday. Suncare Kit SPF 30:  This little waterproof kit is perfect for boating, climbing, traveling.  You can even fit your ID and money in it.   It has the best Beyond Coastal Natural sunscreen and lip balm.  This stuff is complete block and is perfect for being in the water or out all day doing sports.   It will not come off until you wash it off.