Q&A: Ryan Vs. The Giro, Mostly Hypothetical

Written by Ezra Jefferies, on May 29, 2026

With the Giro d’Italia in full swing, we started thinking about the bikes, gear, and setup choices that matter over long climbs, fast descents, and full days on the road. None of us are lining up for the Giro anytime soon, but it is a good excuse to ask Ryan what he would choose for a Giro-style day, which details he would think through first, and what everyday riders can actually take away from Grand Tour setups.

Why the Giro Feels Different

Q: What makes the Giro feel different from the Tour?

A: The Tour is much more polished than the Giro. There is more preparation for the routes, and the roads are usually in much better condition. The Giro organization is much more willing to break an egg and throw some chaos at the riders with crazy finishes or ridiculous routes.

Q: Would you rather take on a huge mountain stage, a nervous flat sprint stage, or a rainy technical descent?

A: I’ll tackle the flat sprint stage. If I were a Simon and Adam Yates triplet, then give me the mountain stage. The rainy technical descents this year have not fared so well for the group’s safety.

The Bike

Q: For a Giro-style mountain stage, are you choosing an aero road bike, a lightweight climbing bike, or something in between?

A: I’d go on-trend and pick the aero bike. If my bike has to be at the UCI limit, give me the benefits of an aero frame and faster wheels.

Q: What bike from the shop would you want for the day?

A: I’d take the Colnago Y1RS. It’s Italy, and the bike has had a pretty great track record as of late.

Colnago Y1Rs hero image in front of concrete stairs. — Beautiful Bicycle: Colnago Y1Rs, the Champion's Bike

Gearing, Tires, and Wheels

Q: What gearing would you want for a day like that?

A: This is where bikes have improved so much. I’m rolling 52/36 and 11-34 for a queen stage-type race. The lower gearing is so nice on the second or third of five climbs when you’re not going full gas.

Q: What tire width would you want for a long day with big climbs and technical descents?

A: I’d roll some fast and supple Vittorias at 60 psi in a 700 x 30mm size.

Q: What wheel setup would you want?

A: I’m a firm believer that 45mm wheels are great for everyday riding. I’d roll the Reserve 42/49 with the Tune hubs.

Q: If you could only make one change to a stock road bike before a Giro-style day, what would it be?

A: The Reserve wheels with some great tires.

Reserve 42 | 49 wheels with close ups on silver TUNE hubs. — Reserve 42|49 Wheels

Comfort, Fuel, and Survival

Q: For a long day of climbing, descending, and sitting in the saddle, which bibs are you choosing?

A: I’m going with Assos Mille GT. Not the most expensive bib from Assos, but they work, and they’re awesome.

Q: What’s in your ideal Giro feed bag?

A: Some good gels, a super-cold Coke, and a Kinder bar or something with the fifth food group: Nutella.

Q: What are you putting in your pockets?

A: I’m taking some gels from Enervit or SIS, some Luchos guava treats, and $50 to tip the Uber driver for dropping me off just short of the finish line.

Luchos & SIS nutrition layed out on a table. — Keeping the carbs high!

What Everyday Riders Can Take Away

Q: What’s one thing everyday riders can actually take from Grand Tour setups?

A: 30-32mm wide tires are for real.

Q: How has the idea of a “climbing bike” changed over the years?

A: With the improvements in carbon frames and all of the parts, a climbing bike no longer takes the “lightest thing possible” approach. It’s easy to get these bikes to the weight limit, so the new approach is to put a chunk of focus on keeping the bike fast on the flats through practically no compromise in aerodynamics.

Q: What’s the difference between a bike that feels fast for one hour and a bike you’d want after five hours?

A: In a similar light, the gap between a fast, punchy bike and a good, ride-all-day bike keeps getting smaller. Most of this is done through higher-volume tires and lower air pressure. For sure, the endurance bike’s taller fit is a win for longer rides. A great endurance bike also has a carbon layup that is better for damping, but the wheels seem to do so much for ride quality now.

Back to Real Life

The Giro may be raced at another level, but the takeaway still applies: gearing, tires, comfort, and nutrition matter. Get those details right, and a long road day feels a whole lot better.