I built a bikepacking bike to race one of the most challenging ultra-endurance events out there

Graham Cottingham has undertaken a formidable challenge by building a bespoke bikepacking bike to compete in the Highland Trail 550, one of the most demanding ultra-endurance races in the world. Currently in second place during the 2026 edition, Graham has already covered 560 kilometres through some of Scotland’s most rugged and remote terrain, including the notorious Fisherfield area. The race is renowned for its brutal conditions, combining technical mountain biking with extensive hike-a-bike sections, often in relentless weather, making it a true test of both rider and machine. The Highland Trail 550 course snakes through the Scottish Highlands, starting and ending in Tyndrum, and features a mix of singletrack, rocky slabs, and long stretches of gravel with few resupply points. Riders face unpredictable weather that can shift rapidly from clear skies to heavy rain and boggy conditions, demanding not only physical endurance but also careful planning and equipment choices. Given the variability of the terrain and conditions, there is no universally ideal bike for the event, so competitors tailor their setups to their own strengths and the challenges they expect to face. Graham’s bike build reflects a strategic compromise between performance, durability, and storage capacity. Opting for a hardtail frame over full suspension, he prioritised a lightweight, robust design with ample space for frame bags. His choice of the Gloria All Terrain frame, made from Grade 9 titanium, offers a balance of modern geometry suitable for technical singletrack and the toughness required for carrying heavy loads over rough ground. The titanium frame also provides resistance to abrasion, a key consideration given the rigours of bikepacking. Component choices further underline the bike’s focus on reliability and comfort over long distances. Graham selected Enduro Bearings for the headset and bottom bracket, known for their durability and low maintenance, essential for a race that involves river crossings and harsh conditions. The suspension setup centres on the Fox 32 Step Cast fork, prized for its lightness and sensitive response, tuned to enhance comfort on long gravel sections and technical terrain alike. Complementing this is a Fox Transfer SL dropper post, chosen for its lightweight design, although limited in travel by the frame’s geometry. Graham’s meticulous approach to building his race bike highlights the intricate balance required to tackle the Highland Trail 550. His ongoing performance in the 2026 race demonstrates the effectiveness of his choices, as he continues to push through some of the toughest mountain terrain in the UK. This endeavour not only showcases the demands of ultra-endurance bikepacking but also underscores the importance of thoughtful equipment selection in overcoming the unpredictable challenges of such an extreme event.