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From Asphalt to Altitude: Chad Haga Rides Manitou R8 Suspension to Top 10 at Leadville 100
Sep 02, 2025
From Asphalt to Altitude: Chad Haga Rides Manitou R8 Suspension to Top 10 at Leadville 100
When former WorldTour professional Chad Haga takes on a challenge, he does it with precision and passion.
Known for his years of success on the road and more recently on gravel, Chad stepped into new territory at the legendary Leadville Trail 100 MTB, one of the most prestigious and grueling mountain bike marathons in the world.
For a rider accustomed to smooth tarmac and the rhythm of the peloton, Manitou’s goal was simple: make sure the trail felt just as smooth as the road. Different surface, same smoothness.

A Dream Build with a Proven Package
To tackle Leadville’s high-altitude climbs and brutal descents, Chad was given an Unno frame built up into a true dream bike. At the heart of the build was the Manitou R8 fork, paired with the Mara Pro IL XC rear shock and controlled by the Ace/Deuce remote system.
  • R8 Fork – 34mm chassis delivering the stiffness, precision, and lightweight efficiency required for elite XC racing.
  • Mara Pro IL XC Shock – tuned for power transfer and lockout efficiency on marathon courses.
  • Ace/Deuce Remote – seamless control over fork, shock, and dropper, putting Chad fully in command at every moment.

    • Underneath him rolled Reynolds prototype XC wheels, engineered to bring the same innovation and performance edge that defines Manitou’s suspension. Together, this package gave Chad the ultimate balance of climbing efficiency, descending stability, and comfort for 100 miles at altitude.
    From Asphalt to Altitude: Chad Haga Rides Manitou R8 Suspension to Top 10 at Leadville 100
    A Debut Worthy of Respect
    Chad’s race strategy was as bold as his equipment. In his own words:
    “8th place in my first @leadvilleraceseries is a result I’m proud of… I made the decision at the start to push all the way to the line, regardless of how the race was going. I don’t regret racing my bike.”
    After riding as high as 4th place, Chad eventually crossed the line in 8th, cementing himself as one of the strongest first-time performers in Leadville history. More than a result, it was validation: a road and gravel veteran could jump into mountain biking’s biggest test and feel instantly at home.

    Physics, Not Fashion
    The Leadville 100 is a puzzle of endurance, efficiency, and resilience. While others wrestle with fatigue and unpredictable handling, Chad’s Manitou-equipped build delivered predictable, tunable, and reliable suspension performance—every mile, every climb, every descent.
    This is the difference between marketing gimmicks and engineering solutions. Manitou’s R8, Mara Pro IL XC, and Ace/Deuce aren’t about flash—they’re about delivering real advantages to real riders. Paired with Reynolds’ relentless innovation in wheel technology, it’s proof that physics always outperforms fashion.

    Looking Ahead
    Chad’s debut at Leadville proves what we stand for: Manitou suspension isn’t just about surviving the hardest races in the world—it’s about thriving in them. Whether you’re a WorldTour veteran crossing over to dirt or an everyday rider chasing your personal best, Manitou delivers the smoothness, control, and confidence to get you there.
    Manitou: Physics, Not Fashion.
    From Asphalt to Altitude: Chad Haga Rides Manitou R8 Suspension to Top 10 at Leadville 100
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    From Asphalt to Altitude: Chad Haga Rides Manitou R8 Suspension to Top 10 at Leadville 100 R8 Pro
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    From Asphalt to Altitude: Chad Haga Rides Manitou R8 Suspension to Top 10 at Leadville 100 Mara IL Mara Pro
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    From Asphalt to Altitude: Chad Haga Rides Manitou R8 Suspension to Top 10 at Leadville 100
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