Rider: Alexandra Smyth
IG: @lexi_smyth
Resides: North Vancouver, BC
Ride photos: Sara Kempner
Nearby trail system and your favourite trail?
Living at the base of Mt. Fromme means I can roll out my door and be on the trails within minutes. This year, with BC Bike Race on the calendar, my riding has shifted to focus on volume — long days, big climbs, and plenty of time in the saddle. It’s been all about grinding out laps on the climb trails, focusing on elevation gain, and building the kind of endurance that lasts for seven hard days. From gravel grinds to techy punchy climbs, the North Shore mountains have become my training ground.
What do you ride (type of terrain)?
This Knolly Fugitive 140 was built with BC Bike Race in mind — a race that's essentially XC in format, but with a Sea to Sky twist. The goal was to create a light, fast, and efficient build that could handle long days of pedaling while still being capable and fun on the technical descents the region is known for.
What model and colour?
Fugitive 140, Anodized Bronze
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
My Knolly Fugitive is dialed with a custom build tailored for the demands of BC Bike Race — efficient for the climbs but ready for anything on the descents.
I’m running a OneUp Components riser bar paired with a 55mm Race Face Turbine stem to stretch out the cockpit for a slightly more XC-oriented reach. I chose ultra-durable Chromag grips — not just because they last, but because they match.
Up front, I’ve got Fox’s new 36 Factory SuperLight fork for a balance of stiffness and weight savings, matched with a full Shimano XTR build kit. A 240mm Fox Transfer dropper post gives me all the clearance I need when it’s time to let it roll.
The wheels are NOBL TR35s laced to black Hope Pro 5 hubs — I’ve ridden other brands of carbon wheels and I want to emphasize how fast these wheels are and how well they hold spoke tension and true. I’m running a 30T XTR chainring paired with a gold SRAM XO1 chain for a little extra flash and durability, and I downsized to a 165mm XTR crankset for better clearance and pedaling efficiency. I also opted for four-piston XTR brake calipers — delivering maximum stopping power with minimal weight penalty. For tires, I’ve gone with a Schwalbe Racing Ray up front and a Racing Ralph in the rear — a fast-rolling combo with just enough bite. The saddle is NinetyK because when you're spending this many hours on the bike, comfort isn't optional.
Why did I sign up for the BC Bike Race in my 50s?
Because I wanted to do something that scared me a little — something that felt big and bold and way outside my comfort zone. I didn’t grow up racing or riding bikes. I didn’t have decades of experience, but I wanted to see what I was capable of when I really committed.
Training for BCBR gave me purpose and structure. It forced me to prioritize my own goals, to carve out time for myself, and to show up day after day — even when the weather was terrible or the legs were tired. The race turned out to be more than just a physical challenge. It gave me a deeper understanding of what I could handle — mentally and physically. I got to experience the terrain in a whole new way and share it with a community of people who love riding bikes in the mountains as much as I do. And I proved to myself that it’s never too late to commit to something big, train with purpose, and line up feeling strong and ready.
What do I love about my bike?
This is my fifth Knolly, and the updated geometry on the Fugitive is the best yet. Knolly bikes have always stood out to me for their quality and reliability — they just don’t let you down. Over seven days of racing, covering 260 kilometers and 8,000 meters of elevation, I didn’t have a single mechanical issue. That says everything.
Beyond performance, the Fugitive attracted a lot of attention on race week — I got plenty of questions and interest about the build / brand from other riders, and a lot of recognition from Canadians for supporting a local brand. It’s the kind of bike that not only rides great but sparks conversations in the start lineup.
This build is incredibly versatile — light enough to hang with the XC crowd on the climbs, but fully capable of charging the descents with speed and confidence. It’s the kind of bike that feels ready for anything, and that’s exactly what I needed for BC Bike Race.
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What size is the frame and what’s the weight of your build?