There is no argument the Hunt 1000 is one of the most recognisable bikepacking events on the planet, and finishing so close to Curve HQ here in Melbourne, we are stoked to see so many Curve’s taking to the start line in this year's edition.
With a 1000km and 500km option crossing the Victorian Alps, riders get to choose their start time with the aim of all arriving at the finish location at the same time. A route that's known for tough hike-a-bike sections, river crossings, limited resupply, and looking at the weather the riders might even be in store for some snow this time!
From a quick flick through of the Bikepacking.com Rigs of the Hunt, here at Curve HQ we can count over 20 Curve’s, a fifth of the field. That’s pretty cool! With a wide range of GMX+s Ti and Steel, drop and flat bar, Big Kevs, Kevin of Steels and an original GMX. There’s even more if you count bikes running our bars, wheels and forks!
Here's a selection of our favourites!
Dean's Big Kev
Full Specs:
Bike:
I’ll be riding the Hunt 1000 on my Curve Big Kev. The bike is paired with Curve carbon dirt hoop wheels with a SP dynamo in the front. Vittoria Mezcal tyre, 2.1″ on the rear and 2.35″ on the front. SRAM XO1 shifting with a 34T chainring and 10-52T on the rear. Profile Design Aero bars up top.
Bags:
On the fork legs, I have the Curve Rocket Pooch for bags. On the frame and bars, I have a range of Apidura bags with one Rapha handle bar bag. On the rear, I have the Mica Rat Tail Rack paired with Sea To Summit dry bags strapped down with Voile Straps.
Nick's Ti GMX+ Flat bar
Full Specs:
Bike:
2023 Curve GMX+, carbon Dirt Hoops, Mezcal 2.6″ tyres set up tubeless. SP dynamo hub powering a full kLite charging/lighting setup. 1×12 Shimano XT drivetrain, White Industries cranks. Shimano 4 pot XT brakes. Specialized Power Pro saddle, Doom Ti bars, SQ Lab grips.
Bags:
New for this year is the Tailfin rack/pannier setup. Custom framebag from TRG, the rest are a combination from BBD and Rockgeist.
Francois's Kevin of Steel
Full Specs:
Bike:
I’ll be riding my Curve Kevin of Steel, 1x mullet 34T and 650 Curve Dirt Hoops with 2.1″ Mezcals.
Bags:
Apidura tail, frame and handlebar front bags. Curve Rocket Pooch Bags on the forks. I’ll have two bottles in the frame and a 2L Aldi water bladder in the handlebar bag to survive all the hike-a-bike sections. Still considering keeping the rack so I can lash my winter sleeping bag in case the amazing winter weather lasts longer.
And many more!
We’d love to say a huge GOOD LUCK to everyone out there taking on this massive adventure! Have a ripper!
