BIKE CHECK – Traka Recon Final recon rides before the big one. The crew’s been out testing gear and legs ahead of the Traka. Liv and Cole are both riding the Cinelli King Zydeco II—a solid platform that’s handled everything Girona has thrown at it. Aren is on the original Zydeco 1, and his setup definitely stands out: a reversed Thomson Elite seatpost with setback. He swears it helps center his weight over the bottom bracket for better power transfer—kind of inspired by TT bikes. That, and pre-rolling his cigarettes, are his two time-saving secrets. His bike’s stripped down, light, and running on @victus—simple and efficient. Cole’s still dialing in his build. He picked up a dent in his rim during testing and is now searching for a set of 27.5” tires to match a spare wheelset. But that @alugears chainring thooooo!! Liv’s setup hasn’t changed since @thehills—except pretty much every moving part got replaced. Bearings, chain, cassette… all swapped after getting properly worn in the sand. All photos by @rustywan (who’s also riding but forgot to shoot is own setup. A steel Nemo Tig Gravel 🥹.