Bart Brentjens was the first men’s Olympic gold medal winner in mountain biking back in 1996. At the time he was racing on an American Eagle and is now reunited with the brand. The modern carbon frame is named the Atlanta 2.0 after the host city of the 1996 Olympics. Bart loves the Cape Epic having completed 12 editions and earning multiple wins in the Master’s category.
The American Eagle Atlanta 2.0 is a carbon hardtail featuring a mix of old and newer style race geometry. The rest of the bike, however, is bang up to date with modern carbon materials, internal routing, boost axle spacing, and single ring only compatibility. The eye-catching Dutch Orange colourway is used by Bart and his CST Sandd American Eagle professional race team.
Bart and his team also race the DT Swiss OPM O.D.L 100 Race fork in the #GoldStandard colour. This fork appeared to be a popular choice at the recent Stellenbosch World Cup. Bart also entrusts DT Swiss with his wheels, riding an XRC 1200 wheelset with a 25 mm inner width carbon rim, 240 hubs, and DT Aerolite spokes.
Once you’ve found a saddle that works, stick to it. This seems to be Bart’s mantra with his classic Sella Italia Flite saddle. Having previously finished 12 Cape Epic’s, Bart is well aware of the need to be properly prepared for flat tyres and staying hydrated.
The drivetrain is SRAM’s XX1 Eagle with a Rotor 2INPower crankset measuring the watts Bart puts through the 36 tooth Rotor chainring. The chain is supplied by team sponsor KMC. Bart uses a minimalist guide to keep the chain on track.
Bart brings many touches of old-school to modern mountain biking and his bar ends are a noticeable throwback (although he is not alone, check out Joaquim Rodriguez’s Merida Ninety-Six). With a relatively short 660 mm Ritchey handlebar, the bar ends offer Bart more room and a different feel with the Lizard Skins DSP bar tape.
Specifications:
- FrameAmerican Eagle Atlanta 2.0
- ForkDT Swiss OPM O.D.L 100 RACE
- WheelsetDT Swiss XRC 1200 SPLINE 25
- TyresMaxxis Aspen 2.25
- HandlebarRitchey WCS 660mm
- GripsRitchey SuperLogic
- StemRitchey WCS 90 mm
- Headset + top capRitchey
- SeatpostRitchey WCS
- SaddleSella Italia Flite
- BrakesMagura MT8 Raceline
- Brake rotorMagura 160 mm
- ShiftersSRAM XX1 Eagle
- Rear derailleurSRAM XX1 Eagle
- CassetteSRAM XX1 Eagle 10-50T
- Crank armsRotor 2INPower
- ChainringRotor 36T
- ChainKMC X12
- Bottom bracketRotor
- PedalsShimano XTR
- Bottle cagesTacx
- Weight10.08 kg (as pictured, mid race with spares)
