Leadville 100 Pro Bike Checks:The 2025 Leadville Trail 100 MTB is not just a test of endurance; it’s a showcase of innovative bike setup creativity. In the second installment of Escape Collective’s pro bike checks, we dive into the custom machines of elite athletes like Dylan Johnson, Melisa Rollins, Brendan Johnston, Cameron Jones, and Stella Hobbs—and the stories behind their builds.
1. Cameron Jones — Tackling Leadville with a Hardtail Edge
Cameron Jones, fresh off a win at Unbound Gravel 200, opted for a Scott Spark RC SL hardtail despite Leadville’s notorious altitude and terrain. The real twist? He’s riding it with aggressively dropped handlebars, combining lightweight speed with gravel-style aerodynamics and control
2. Melisa Rollins — Returning with a Bold, New Setup
Defending champion Melisa Rollins enters the race with confidence and a fresh approach. After bouncing back from mixed results earlier in the season, Rollins switched to a drop-bar bike setup, which she’s calling both effective and fun. Early wins at SBT GRVL and the Leadville Stage Race confirm she’s ready to push limits again.
3. Keegan Swenson — Pursuing History with a Drop-Bar Build
Keegan Swenson, the four-time consecutive winner and course record holder, is back—eyeing a sub-5:30 time. His drop-bar mountain bike setup isn’t just stylish; it’s strategic. The aerodynamic advantage helps on Leadville’s fast, high-altitude climbs, especially on the daunting ascent to Columbine Mine
4. Dylan Johnson, Brendan Johnston & Stella Hobbs — Attention to Detail
While specifics on Dylan Johnson, Brendan Johnston, and Stella Hobbs remain limited, Escape Collective’s Part 2 hints at meticulous tailoring: custom wheels, cockpit tweaks, and tire pairings designed to balance speed, comfort, and durability across Leadville’s punishing landscape.
Why These Builds Matter
Each athlete is tailoring their bike not just to compete, but to thrive amid Leadville’s extreme demands:
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Drop Bars Break Tradition: These “Frankenstein bikes” combine gravel and mountain aesthetics for aerodynamics on fast stretches—popularized by riders like Swenson and Rollins—though they require precise setup for control.
- Altitude Strategy: With climbs crossing 12,000 feet, lightweight, efficient builds are essential. Swenson’s sub-6-hour triumphs showcase how bike setup and altitude toughness go hand in hand.
- Momentum & Marginal Gains: In a race where every minute counts, custom wheels, shock tuning, and bike weight make a difference from Powerline to the final push.
Big Picture: Leadville 100 Remains the Ultimate Test
The Leadville Trail 100 MTB continues to be one of the most grueling and prestigious endurance races in the U.S., featuring a brutal 100-mile course, over 12,000 feet of climbing, and a peak elevation exceeding 12,400 ft.
This year’s race also marks a historic moment: it will be live-streamed for the first time, covering elite men’s and women’s races with drone footage, helicopter views, and on-course commentary.
Final Thoughts: Innovation Meets Resilience
Leadville isn’t just about strength—it’s about the ingenuity of athletes and their machines. Whether pro riders stick with tradition or lean into experimental setups, each bike reflects the rider’s personality, strategy, and readiness for battle—forged at altitude.
Keep an eye on the results debuting August 9, 2025. With these finely tuned builds, the performances are sure to match the machines in heart and ambition.
Let me know if you’d like a compact Google Discover–ready summary or a bike-tech breakdown next!
