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.

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 my review β†’
Lezyne Multi Chain Pliers

Lezyne Multi Chain Pliers

Compact, bombproof multi-tool with chain breaker, quick link storage, and more.

Read my review β†’
Giro Aries Spherical Helmet

Giro Aries Spherical Helmet

Lightweight, highly ventilated helmet with top-tier MIPS protection.

Read my review β†’
Tacx Garmin Neo 2T Smart Trainer

Tacx Garmin Neo 2T Smart Trainer

A rock-solid direct-drive smart trainer that delivers natural feel, perfect power accuracy, and near-silent operation β€” without any fuss.

Read my 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 my review β†’
Skratch Super High-Carb Mix

Skratch Super High-Carb Mix

My main fueling source for training and racing. Delivers 100g carbs per bottle, no stomach issues, and pairs great with PH 1500 tablets.

Read my review β†’
Topeak Digital Torque Wrench

Topeak Digital Torque Wrench

Accurate, reliable digital torque wrench for precise bike maintenance.

Read my review β†’
Shimano XC903 S-PHYRE Review

Shimano XC903 S-PHYRE Review

A full-season review of the Shimano XC903 S-PHYRE XC race shoes β€” ultra-stiff, lightweight, shockingly comfortable, and brutally tested in alpine racing and hike-a-bikes.

Read my review β†’
Lezyne Tubeless Pro Plug Kit

Lezyne Tubeless Pro Plug Kit

Permanent-style tubeless repair kit with mushroom plugs and rubber cement for fixing big punctures right β€” from the inside.

Read my 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