Birkebeinerrittet 2026 Bike Requirements and Gear List
Everything you need to know about bike requirements and gear for Birkebeinerrittet 2026: bike type, wheel size, mandatory backpack (3.5 kg), and a complete checklist.
Official bike requirements
Bike type
Mountain bike (hardtail or full suspension)
Road bikes and gravel bikes are NOT permitted
Wheel size
29" (recommended)
27.5" allowed, but 29" rolls more efficiently over 88km
Tyres
2.0–2.35" width
Knobby tyres for terrain grip. Slick tyres are unsuitable.
Brakes
Hydraulic disc brakes (strongly recommended)
Mechanical disc brakes allowed but not ideal. Rim brakes not advised.
Gearing
1×11 or 1×12 (recommended)
2×10 works but is heavier. Lowest gear should allow pedalling on steep climbs.
Suspension
Front suspension minimum
Full suspension recommended for comfort over 88km. Hardtail is lighter.
Mandatory backpack
Minimum 3.5 kg
Checked at start and may be verified during race. Disqualification for missing pack.
Complete gear checklist
Bike
- Mountain bike (check hydraulic brakes)
- Pump (CO2 or foot pump)
- Spare inner tubes (×2)
- Tyre levers
- Multi-tool
- Chain lube (light application)
Backpack (3.5 kg min.)
- Hydration pack (2–3L bladder)
- Water (fill up at start)
- Energy gels (at least 8–10 for 88km)
- Cycling bars / dates
- Salt tablets
- Emergency kit (bandage, foil blanket)
- Small torch
Clothing
- Cycling helmet (mandatory)
- Cycling glasses / sunglasses
- Bib shorts
- Cycling jersey
- Wind- and waterproof jacket (can go in pack)
- Gloves (fingered or fingerless)
- Cycling socks and shoes
Admin
- Race number (attach to bike and pack)
- Identification
- Phone (fully charged, emergency numbers saved)
- Cash / payment (for extra food at feed stations)
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FAQ
Can I ride Birkebeinerrittet on a gravel bike?
No. Birkebeinerrittet only permits mountain bikes (MTB). Gravel bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bikes are not allowed on the official course. The route includes technical trails, roots, and rocks that require a mountain bike for safe passage. Verify the bike type requirement at birkebeiner.no for confirmation for the 2026 edition.
What is the mandatory backpack requirement?
All participants in Birkebeiner events (cycling, skiing, and running) are required to carry a backpack weighing at least 3.5 kg during the race. The pack is checked at the start and may be verified by race officials during the event. Missing pack or insufficient weight results in disqualification. The requirement is a historical tribute to the Birkebeiner warriors who carried the royal child Håkon Håkonsson in 1206. In practice: fill a 2–3 litre hydration pack with water, food, tools, and emergency gear to reach 3.5 kg.
Do I need full suspension or will a hardtail suffice?
Both work in Birkebeinerrittet — but they have different strengths. Full suspension: better comfort on technical trails and long descents, reduces fatigue over 88km. Recommended for riders prioritising comfort and technical riding. Hardtail: lighter (300–800g), more efficient climbing, cheaper. Recommended for experienced riders with good technique. Many experienced Birkebeiner cyclists ride hardtail. If in doubt, choose full suspension.
What tyres are best for Birkebeinerrittet?
For Birkebeinerrittet, 29" wheels with 2.2–2.35" knobby all-round tyres are recommended. Examples: Maxxis Ardent Race, Schwalbe Nobby Nic, Continental Cross King. Avoid overly aggressive spike tyres (too heavy and slow on gravel) and slick tyres (insufficient grip in forest). Tubeless setup is recommended — reduces puncture risk and allows lower tyre pressure for better grip.