{"id":257702,"date":"2026-08-13T23:29:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T23:29:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/13\/pro-bike-checks-ruth-holcomb-and-haley-smiths-winning-bikes-from-the-downieville-classic\/"},"modified":"2026-08-13T23:29:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T23:29:48","slug":"pro-bike-checks-ruth-holcomb-and-haley-smiths-winning-bikes-from-the-downieville-classic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/13\/pro-bike-checks-ruth-holcomb-and-haley-smiths-winning-bikes-from-the-downieville-classic\/","title":{"rendered":"Pro Bike Checks: Ruth Holcomb and Haley Smith\u2019s Winning Bikes from the Downieville Classic"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Last weekend, the Downieville Classic returned to the rugged mountains of the northern Sierra for the 28th time. In the absence of 7-time All-Mountain World Champion Katerina Nash<\/a>, the door was left wide open for others to claim the top step(s) in 2026. Haley Smith was keen to battle it out for top honors, winning the XC race by a decisive 10-minute margin. But, as is often the case, the All-Mountain title went to the DH race winner, Ruth Holcomb<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you aren\u2019t familiar, this iconic mountain bike race is put on by and is a fundraiser for the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship<\/a>. It has a unique 2-day format, with racers taking on a 26.5-mile XC on Saturday, followed by a 15-mile DH on Sunday, and has earned a reputation for being one of the most challenging \u2014 and most fun \u2014 races around. Champions are crowned for both days, and the combined points determine who earns the title of All-Mountain World Champion. The catch is that racers competing in the All-Mountain category must ride the same bike both days.<\/p>\n

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The pro field rolling out at the start of the 2026 Downieville Classic XC. (photo \/ Spanish Peaks Productions)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With modern cross-country bikes becoming increasingly capable, and components, especially tires, growing more reliable (sometimes), choosing the right setup to handle both days isn\u2019t quite as much of a puzzle as it used to be. Still, the top riders need to find a setup that\u2019s fast and efficient enough for XC while also being tough enough to handle the rough, fast, and long descents of Downieville. Let\u2019s take a look at Ruth Holcomb and Haley Smith\u2019s race-winning bikes.<\/p>\n

Ruth Holcomb: 2nd XC, 1st DH, 1st All-Mountain<\/h2>\n
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