Rampage Back to the Original Hill — 678ft Drop 2026

Going back to the original Rampage site isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a living timeline. The terrain that framed the sport’s first big-mountain freeride showdown made names out of riders and pushed builders to adapt. By raising the start gate for 2026, Red Bull creates a controlled comparison of 25 years of progression on the same rock and exposure.

That extra one-third of vertical isn't a gimmick: it changes speeds, feature scale and line options. A higher start gives modern riders longer ramps to build velocity, allows bigger constructed features, and tests modern suspension and braking systems in ways the original runs didn’t. For fans and gear heads, that contrast is a direct view of how the sport — bikes, tech and athletes — has scaled up.

The first Rampage era (2001–2004) ran when 26" wheels dominated and freeride geometry was still maturing. Riders like Wade Simmons competed on steel- and aluminum-framed freeride bikes that typically had around 150–180 mm of travel, 26" wheels, and 2.2–2.4" tires. Line construction was minimal compared with today: riders used natural lines, small wooden kickers and improvised scaffolding to add launch points.

Braking and suspension technology were effective for the time but limited by current standards. Hydraulic discs existed but rotors tended to be smaller (160–180 mm common), and suspension damping and pedestal performance couldn't absorb repeated mega-drops the way modern setups can. Winning runs relied on bold line choice, big air from natural lips, and technical skill rather than big-built features.

Fast-forward to 2026 and the typical Rampage bike is purpose-built for extreme big-mountain freeride: mullet wheel setups (29" front / 27.5" rear) are common, forks in the 170–200 mm range (Fox 38/40, RockShox ZEB/Boxxer) and rear travel tuned between 170–200 mm. Tires are significantly wider — 2.5–2.6" tubeless with aggressive casings like the Maxxis Assegai WT or Minion DHR II — and rims are built to take big hits (30–36 mm internal width, hookless or reinforced hook-type depending on rider preference).

Braking is upgraded to four‑piston calipers like SRAM Code RSC or Shimano Saint, usually with 200–220 mm rotors and sintered pads for fade resistance. Rear shocks in Rampage rigs often include coil options (Fox DHX2 or RockShox Super Deluxe Coil) for consistent damping on massive drops. In short: modern suspension and braking let riders carry more speed and use larger, more aggressive features than were feasible two decades ago.

In 2001 Rampage lines were primarily carved from the existing terraces and required riders to use whatever natural takeoffs and landings existed. By 2026, line-building is a discipline in itself: crews use engineered wooden and earthen launches, rock anchors, bolted access points and erosion-aware shaping to build hit after hit that survive repeated runs. Features are designed to work with suspension curves and rider approach speeds.

That means features are bigger, but more predictable. A 678‑ft vertical drop allows bigger roll-ins, longer launch ramps and multiple built-in recovery zones. Riders will plan runs that string together multiple massive features — gap-to-drop combinations, high-speed wall rides, and multi-level landings — which demand tires, suspension and brakes that can handle repeated high-energy impacts.

One of the most significant differences between 2001 and 2026 is the presence of an elite women’s field on the original hillside. In 2001 there was no elite women’s Rampage; in 2026 twelve women will tackle the same rock that helped define big-mountain freeride. That shift is a milestone in the sport’s inclusivity and progression.

The women’s runs will also highlight how modern bike setup scales to different riders: suspension tuning, wheel size choices, and component specs are all tailored to individual strength, style and body weight. Expect to see women on the same technical, large-scale features as the men — underlining that modern freeride is more about skill and preparation than raw risk tolerance alone.

Adding one-third more start height increases potential energy, which translates into higher approach speeds and bigger impact forces at the bottom of features. On one hand, that fosters progression — riders can generate the speed necessary to clear huge gaps and spin bigger rotations. On the other hand, it places greater demands on shock damping, wheel integrity and braking power, and increases the consequences of line errors.

Event organizers, builders and teams must balance progression with safety: redundant anchors, controlled spectator zones, medical readiness, and conservative build testing are all part of the equation. For riders and teams, this means rigorous pre-event bike checks, reinforced wheel builds, and tuned suspension (often favoring coil shocks for bottoming resistance). It's also why modern protective gear — back protectors, full-face helmets and chest protection — is better integrated into rider prep than in the early 2000s.

Why is the 2026 start gate higher than 2001?

Raising the start gate roughly one-third increases the vertical drop to 678 ft (206.5 m). That extra elevation enables riders to build more speed and link larger features, creating a modern scale of freeride progression on the original terrain.

How do bike specs from 2001 compare to 2026?

2001 runs mostly used 26" wheels, around 150–180 mm travel, narrower tires (2.2–2.4") and smaller rotors. Modern 2026 rigs favor mullet setups (29/27.5), 170–200 mm travel, 2.5–2.6" wide tubeless tires, coil- or high-capacity air shocks and 4-piston brakes with 200–220 mm rotors.

Will women ride the same lines as men in 2026?

The event returns to a two-day format with women competing Oct. 8 and men Oct. 10. The women’s runs will use the same hillside, though course builders may route lines differently to reflect individual rider style and choices. The scale of features will make clear that elite women’s freeride now matches the sport’s biggest stages.

What components should a Rampage-style bike prioritize?

Prioritize robust forks (Fox 38/40 or RockShox ZEB/Boxxer 170–203 mm), coil or high-end air rear shocks (Fox DHX2 / Super Deluxe Coil), tubeless downhill tires (Maxxis Assegai or Minion DHR II 2.5–2.6"), reinforced wheel builds, and 4-piston brakes with 200–220 mm rotors for heat resistance and stopping power.

How has line-building changed since 2001?

Line-building evolved from simple wooden ramps and native rock use to engineered earthen and wooden features anchored to rock. Modern builds consider approach speeds, suspension curves and recovery zones, producing larger but more predictable features that survive repeated runs.

Where can I watch the 2026 Rampage live?

Red Bull will broadcast both days live: Women’s competition on Oct. 8 at 10:00 AM MT and Men’s on Oct. 10 at 10:00 AM MT on Red Bull TV and the Red Bull Bike YouTube channel.

Is a 678 ft vertical drop safe for riders?

Any big vertical increases risk, but safety is managed through professional build crews, medical teams, redundancy in anchors and run-down areas, and strict rider inspection. Riders also adapt gear and training — stiffer bikes, better brakes, reinforced wheel builds, and conditioning — to mitigate risk.