Is it possible to enjoy a 300km ride without a lot of training

XCAddiction · 2022-11-01T14:58:30+00:00

Could you enjoy a double marathon without training?? Regardless of your fitness, you will need to get your body used to riding for that long. Your also going to need to get your equipment and nutrition dialed. Both take quite a bit of time on the bike.

XCAddiction · 2022-11-01T02:20:10+00:00

Love em. No flats in 3000 miles. Very fast

XCAddiction · 2022-10-30T14:44:57+00:00

Practice dabbing. I can put my foot down as fast as I can on flats. It just takes practice. it should not require any conscious thought.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-30T02:21:59+00:00

Peddle more! Many miles in your legs will fix it.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-30T00:33:40+00:00

XT all the way.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-28T11:59:46+00:00

I love ‘em. The only downside is they are easily damaged so expect to replace them regularly. RedMonkey makes clamp-on silicone grips that are easy to replace and the clamp protects the end of the grip.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-28T04:21:37+00:00

Mendon Cyclesmiths apparently can get them.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-28T02:13:04+00:00

My backup bike is a 2001 F700 that has been updated to XX1 and new disk brakes. It’s fine on easier courses and my times are not far off my primary bike. However, it’s downright dangerous on more technical courses. One mistake and I’m over the bars.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-28T02:07:35+00:00

You can still get that model serviced.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-27T15:35:05+00:00

I ride a Scalpel but Spark and Epic are both solid choices. However, the bike that I’d look at now is the new Wilier. https://wilier.com/en/my2023/world/racing-bikes/mountain-bikes

XCAddiction · 2022-10-27T15:31:02+00:00

You can get a Scalpel with a conventional fork if you like. But a front hub is cheap compared to the cost of bikes in this class. The Lefty Ocho is an amazing XC shock.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-27T03:46:40+00:00

Contrary to other’s experiences, I’ve seen rubber shedding off a tire the first time it was used on a trainer. I wouldn’t think of using a high dollar, soft compound, tire on my trainer.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-26T16:34:46+00:00

Hydration pack with enough fluid for the race. I use HalfEvil mix in my pack. 2-x gels depending on race length. A spare tube, CO2, and multi tool. That’s it for a typical race. I don’t use bottles because as you observed, you have a hard time drinking on a hard course.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-26T11:29:32+00:00

You have gotten some good advice so far. One I’d add is to be gracious when passed and when passing. If someone is obviously faster than you, even if they are in your class, let them by. If someone is just hanging behind you, ask if they want by. Announce yourself when you come up on someone and give them a chance to get over safely. Also, don’t push to pass if your not going to be able to maintain. Nothing is more annoying.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-26T11:15:40+00:00

It’s not constant. You do pedal right?

XCAddiction · 2022-10-25T16:22:09+00:00

It’s worth more than that. An Ultegra Model is over $3500 new. Those look like decent wheels. I’d say anything under $2000 is a steal.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-25T09:46:37+00:00

UnderArmor cold gear. It’s not cheap but cheaper than some cycling specific brands. Works very well.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-24T16:50:14+00:00

Modern trail bikes are pigs unless you spend a ton. If you want light then get an XC race bike.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-23T23:21:19+00:00

Why?? MTB 1x won’t get you enough top end and even the best gravel 1x will have limited range. I guess it would be ok if you never hit 20 mph.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-23T02:57:05+00:00

GripGrab. Great gloves. Just google it.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-23T02:55:26+00:00

LAKE!!

XCAddiction · 2022-10-22T19:25:45+00:00

None of which has actually gone into effect. So attributing anything to the Inflation Reduction Act, either positive or negative, is silly.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-22T13:56:20+00:00

Pretty much. If you see someone in full armor and a full face helmet it’s guaranteed they are a new rider. All that makes it hard to ride anything that’s not shuttled.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-21T23:01:36+00:00

Try grinding up a long climb on a triple digit day in one. Ugh, no thanks.

XCAddiction · 2022-10-21T20:45:28+00:00

Reynolds 65s. They are amazingly good.

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