It’s Friday and that means it’s another Readers’ Rides feature. This time, we look at Chris’ Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey, with a pretty wild parts spec. Chris supplied all the build details so let’s check it out below!

A friend of mine suggested that I send these photos to you of my new bike build. I just finished this bike the other day. This is a Rodeo Adventure Labs ‘Trail Donkey’ that has been built with my own selection of parts.

The goal of this build was to build a bikepacking- worthy gravel bike that I could use on long multi-day routes like VTXL and The Colorado Trail. It’s been built for toughness, reliability, and the ability to carry gear over rough terrain!

Specs:
Frame: Rodeo Adventure Labs ‘Trail Donkey’
BB: Chris King T47, Matte Mango
Headset: Chris King Dropset, Matte Mango

Cockpit:
Seatpost: Cane Creek eeSilk
Saddle: Brooks England Cambium Carved C17, Chris King Edition
Handlebars: PNW Coast, 48cm
Stem: Whiskey #7, 60mm
Bar Tape: Silca Nastro Cuscino, Orange
Pedals: Shimano XTR PD-M9100

Drivetrain:
Front Derailleur: Ultegra FD-R8000 braze-on
Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX RD-810
STI Levers: Shimano GRX 11spd
Cranks: Cane Creek eeWings Allroad, Rainbow Edition
Chainrings: Absolute Black Gravel 2X 32/48 Oval
Cassette: SRAM 11-36 11spd
Chain: SRAM

Wheels:
Hubs: DT SWISS 240 EXP, 28h
Rims: Reserve MTN, 28h
Spokes: DT SWISS COMP
Nipples: Sapir, Orange
Tires: Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge (F), Oracle Ridge (R)
Rotors: Shimano RT-M800 (CL), 160mm

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We’d like to thank all of you who have submitted Readers Rides builds to be shared over here. The response has been incredible and we have so many to share over the next few months. Feel free to submit your bike, listing details, components, and other information. You can also include a portrait of yourself with your bike and your Instagram account! Please, shoot landscape-orientation photos, not portrait. Thanks!