Discussion: So what sort of stuff are y...
in: coach; coach > 2011-07-25
Jul 27, 2011 1:51 AM
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PG:
So what sort of stuff are you outfitting your bike with? I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure you've done the D2R2 before -- were you unhappy with your bike.
Every once in a while I think about doing it, though I'm not sure I could make it. Especially if it is hot.
Every once in a while I think about doing it, though I'm not sure I could make it. Especially if it is hot.
Jul 27, 2011 2:55 PM
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I did the randonee 3? years ago.
I used an old bike frame I had, a Lambert. It had stock center pull brakes, and a triple chainrings with a very low (26-30, I think), and some new cyclecross 32mm tires.
The tires were great.
The uphills, were doable, I walked only one.
The downhills were ..uncomfortable. Too steep and bumpy for me, I was passed numerous times by other riders. Using the brakes was tiring on my hands, along with the vibration.
Also, the dirt got everywhere. I had to wipe mud off the water bottle to drink.
So I needed a brake upgrade. I was going to update the Lambert brakes, but then my friend Steve mentioned he had a Trek touring bike with cantilever brakes. Also it is a lighter frame. He gave me most of the parts I need, triple crankset, 9 speed rear cassette, brakes etc. I only need to put it together and provide a seat and some handlebar tape, and put on some fenders.
Not done yet as real life keeps me on other things, but I hope to get it together today and take it for a ride before going off to NY.
It is a tough course. I underestimated it last time. I will start at 6am this time (was 20 minutes later last time) and be quicker through the water stops.
I used an old bike frame I had, a Lambert. It had stock center pull brakes, and a triple chainrings with a very low (26-30, I think), and some new cyclecross 32mm tires.
The tires were great.
The uphills, were doable, I walked only one.
The downhills were ..uncomfortable. Too steep and bumpy for me, I was passed numerous times by other riders. Using the brakes was tiring on my hands, along with the vibration.
Also, the dirt got everywhere. I had to wipe mud off the water bottle to drink.
So I needed a brake upgrade. I was going to update the Lambert brakes, but then my friend Steve mentioned he had a Trek touring bike with cantilever brakes. Also it is a lighter frame. He gave me most of the parts I need, triple crankset, 9 speed rear cassette, brakes etc. I only need to put it together and provide a seat and some handlebar tape, and put on some fenders.
Not done yet as real life keeps me on other things, but I hope to get it together today and take it for a ride before going off to NY.
It is a tough course. I underestimated it last time. I will start at 6am this time (was 20 minutes later last time) and be quicker through the water stops.
Jul 27, 2011 6:17 PM
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PG:
So could I do it on my regular road bike, maybe just getting tougher tires? How far did you get last time?
Jul 29, 2011 12:49 AM
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I got about 80 miles last time, to the start of the Patten Hills. I rode in from there another 8 miles. I was discouraged, not beat. Although it was billed as a century, it was, and may still be, 116 miles, so instead of 20 more miles, I was looking at 36.
My average speed had been 9mph, it was 4:30 in the afternoon, no way was I going to make the 6:30pm cut-off.
Apparently, many do not make the cut-off, and some are still out there after dark.
Two things I think are critical for the bike. Bigger tires, at least 28mm, 32mm if they will fit your frame. I used cyclecross tires, but that is not critical (maybe Alex can loan you some!).
A low, low gear, I had a 26tooth front and a 30 tooth rear.
Hey, Don't you have a cool new Mt bike?. I think Walter rode his, see what he thinks on that.
MT bike advantage is the low gearing and the suspension.
Disadvantage is they weigh more (my present road bike is 21lb, my Mt bike is close to 30) Yours may be lighter though.
My average speed had been 9mph, it was 4:30 in the afternoon, no way was I going to make the 6:30pm cut-off.
Apparently, many do not make the cut-off, and some are still out there after dark.
Two things I think are critical for the bike. Bigger tires, at least 28mm, 32mm if they will fit your frame. I used cyclecross tires, but that is not critical (maybe Alex can loan you some!).
A low, low gear, I had a 26tooth front and a 30 tooth rear.
Hey, Don't you have a cool new Mt bike?. I think Walter rode his, see what he thinks on that.
MT bike advantage is the low gearing and the suspension.
Disadvantage is they weigh more (my present road bike is 21lb, my Mt bike is close to 30) Yours may be lighter though.
This discussion thread is closed.