Life Time Bans Drop Bars from Leadville Trail 100 MTB

Life Time has made a critically important change to off-road racing, banning drop-handlebar bikes from the Leadville Trail 100 and Little Sugar MTB.

The decision, based on “rider safety and course compatibility,” will dramatically alter thes major U.S. mountain bike races.

Recently, both professional and amateur riders have been using experimental dropped front-ends instead of traditional flat bars. They’re looking for better aerodynamics as these races become more like road cycling.

Keegan Swenson, a multiple Leadville champion, really brought this trend to everyone’s attention when he won in 2024 with a drop-bar bike. His victory quickly went viral.

Race organizers Life Time confirmed the new rule on Friday, posting updated rules. It seems they’re prioritizing safety and ensuring the bikes are suited for the course.