Ben racing in RaceDaySetup kit at altitude

Race smarter. Ride faster.

XC race-driven tire picks, setups, and gear reviews.

Built for XC & endurance racing Gear that performs and lasts Efficiency when it counts

Tire Picks by Race

Event-specific recommendations for XC & marathon courses.

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Gear Index

Everything tested and recommended β€” filter, search, compare.

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Guides

Bike setup, pressures, inserts, waxing, and race-day strategy.

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Checklists

Pre-race, travel, tools, and spares β€” so nothing gets missed.

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Featured Gear

Current standouts from recent testing and races.

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2

Open-ear bone conduction headphones that keep your awareness sharp and your rhythm rolling.

Read the review β†’
Maxxis Aspen 2.4 MaxxSpeed

Maxxis Aspen 2.4 MaxxSpeed

Fast dry to slightly mixed course XC tire. Lightweight and race-proven.

Read the review β†’
Maxxis Aspen ST 2.4 MaxxSpeed

Maxxis Aspen ST 2.4 MaxxSpeed

Semi-slick version of the Aspen. Ideal for hardpack and short track.

Read the review β†’
FR-C Pro Cargo Bib Short

FR-C Pro Cargo Bib Short

A game-changing bib for long days in the saddle β€” breathable, secure, and zero chafing.

Read the review β†’
Precision Hydration PH 1500 Tablets

Precision Hydration PH 1500 Tablets

A no-nonsense sodium boost that pairs perfectly with high-carb mixes. Easy to travel with, race-tested, and essential for hydration strategy.

Read the review β†’
Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4 MaxxSpeed

Maxxis Rekon Race 2.4 MaxxSpeed

Review – fast rolling XC tire for dry trails. The Maxxis Rekon Race is my go-to front tire for dry, rough XC courses. See how it performs and why it’s in my rotation.

Read the review β†’
Aerate Pro Air 3.0 Short-Sleeve Jersey

Aerate Pro Air 3.0 Short-Sleeve Jersey

A race-cut jersey that disappears once you're riding. Tight, breathable, and built for big efforts in hot weather.

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Hyperice Normatec Recovery Boots

Hyperice Normatec Recovery Boots

Compression boots that help keep your legs fresh through big training blocks and back-to-back race days.

Read the review β†’
Shimano XTR Pedals

Shimano XTR Pedals

Lightweight, reliable clipless pedals for XC.

Read the review β†’

About Me

Ben Steger

I'm Ben β€” a full-time XC and endurance mountain bike racer with a deep obsession for optimizing race-day setups. Every recommendation you find here comes straight from real-world experience racing across some of the toughest XC courses in North America.

Follow more of the racing at BSracing.us .

Whether you're chasing your first finish or a new PR, my goal is to help riders choose gear that maximizes confidence on race day.

β€” Ben