After seeing this, should I be re-thinking the majority of internet advice that says to use road shoes?
After seeing this, should I be re-thinking the majority of internet advice that says to use road shoes?
Yup. Even in the less dirt-intensive events of 2013 and 2016 I threw Egg-beater pedals on my bike…there’s always at least a couple of spots you’re going to need to walk through, even if it’s just a sand pit or to get around/over a gate.
I could be mistaken, but I think that picture is Rock Cobbler not BWR.
But agree that MTB shoes may be a better choice. It is almost a certainty that you will have to get off your bike at some point, whether it is because you struggle in spots, or people in front of you struggle. I destroyed a set of road shoes pretty much last time I did this. I’ll be using MTB shoes this year.
jake
I think I’ve settled on my horse…
Fezzari CX bike with Schwalbe 35mm Allaround tires ( measure out to a bit over 36 on envy rims ), disc brakes and swapped crank for 50/34 with 11-32 cassette. I don’t think I could go any bigger on the tire in this frame - but they have been running awesome over singletrack and dirt so I’m happy. I had to fiddle with the tires and rims to get them properly sealed - but I’ve got them now holding full pressure overnight. Maybe another wrap of tape on the bars?
Still thinking about water & nutrition… I’ve got some lightweight Camelbacks I use for MTB races that are attractive, or just hope my bottles stay put and trust in my pockets. Probably will stay with just bottles unless weather looks tricky and I want more gear options on the day.
How y’all doin?
I think I’ve settled on my horse…
How y’all doin?
I think I’m pretty dialed.
Specialized Crux, Tubeless Schwalbe G-One Speeds @30c, 50/34 &11-32.
I’ve been pounding this set up for the last few weeks. From High speed dirt road descents, Moderate speed single-track, slow speed rocky single-track climbs. So far, so good.
Will double wrap drops because the Pro Vibe-Aero drop bars come to a wedge shape on the backside of the drops, which is uncomfortable during rough descending.
Nutrition / Hydration:
Calories (~400kcals / hour)
2 bottles with 5 servings of Infinit GO Far in each. (280 calories / serving (hour)). Hard to mix stronger than this.
One filled with water on seat tube for the 1st halfOne powder only in jersey pocket (will stop to fill with water for second half). Additional electrolytes etc pre-added to bottles depending on conditions
Bento Box crammed with Honey Stinger Chews (~0.5 pack throughout an hour)
I like these because I can quickly grab a few and pop them in my mouth regardless of the terrain
Hydration
1 Bottle on downtube
Will start with regular strength Go Far, but switch to on-course hydration and exchange as needed.
Bottles in Specialized Rib Cage II (which I’ve never had an issue with, but might grip tape).
Initially I had a 3rd bottle mounted behind the saddle, but the extra weight was just too heavy. Harder to handle the bike in rough terrain and mentally it was a boat anchor while climbing.
Also had a Specialized XC Storage box mounted below a water bottle for spares, but will probably go back to traditional bag behind seat.
I think I’m pretty dialed.
Specialized Crux, Tubeless Schwalbe Pro-One Speeds @30c, 50/34 &11-32.
Pro One, or G-One?
If G-One, I attempted to roller test one of those yesterday, but had to abort. I couldn’t get the damned thing onto my Zipp Course 30 rim! I broke a plastic tire lever in the process and was worried about damaging the latex tube I was using. With the difficulty in getting the last section in place, I was also worried I’d have to cut the bead to remove it (I’ve had to do that before with a tire), and since the tire isn’t mine, that wasn’t an option.
So, no idea how well it rolls. That said, my initial “hand feel” impression was that the puncture belt under the tread seems a bit stiff…that usually doesn’t bode well.
I would highly recommend carrying the GI tubeless plug kit if you’re running that tire. I don’t think I’d want to attempt to wrestle a tube into that tire in the field.
However, I was able to roller test a 30C Challenge Strada Bianca Pro…and, as expected, it wasn’t quite as fast as the 36C version. Pretty much on par with the 36C Challenge Gravel Grinder Pros, or the 44C Compass Snoqualmie Pass regular casings.
Just thought I’d update on that front…
Was that with the 30mm G-One? Because I had the same exact experience with 3 different tires and DID have to cut one and pry off with pliers. They roll great, but if you flat 'em on road, it’s an Uber ride home.
Oddly, no such issue with the 35mm, which goes on & off relatively easily.
Was that with the 30mm G-One? Because I had the same exact experience with 3 different tires and DID have to cut one and pry off with pliers. They roll great, but if you flat 'em on road, it’s an Uber ride home.
Oddly, no such issue with the 35mm, which goes on & off relatively easily.
Yep…the 30C version.
Tom,
Do you have the crr data on those gravel tires?
Thanks,
Gareth
Tom,
Do you have the crr data on those gravel tires?
Thanks,
Gareth
See post #18 of this very same thread for the link…
I think I’m pretty dialed.
Specialized Crux, Tubeless Schwalbe Pro-One Speeds @30c, 50/34 &11-32.
Pro One, or G-One?
If G-One, I attempted to roller test one of those yesterday, but had to abort. I couldn’t get the damned thing onto my Zipp Course 30 rim! I broke a plastic tire lever in the process and was worried about damaging the latex tube I was using. With the difficulty in getting the last section in place, I was also worried I’d have to cut the bead to remove it (I’ve had to do that before with a tire), and since the tire isn’t mine, that wasn’t an option.
So, no idea how well it rolls. That said, my initial “hand feel” impression was that the puncture belt under the tread seems a bit stiff…that usually doesn’t bode well.
I would highly recommend carrying the GI tubeless plug kit if you’re running that tire. I don’t think I’d want to attempt to wrestle a tube into that tire in the field.
However, I was able to roller test a 30C Challenge Strada Bianca Pro…and, as expected, it wasn’t quite as fast as the 36C version. Pretty much on par with the 36C Challenge Gravel Grinder Pros, or the 44C Compass Snoqualmie Pass regular casings.
Just thought I’d update on that front…
You seem to be a fan of Compass tires (general consensus seems to be positive on them). What are your thoughts of the 650b x 48c Switchback Hill?
Good Catch-
G-One Speed.
Your mounting experience is interesting; I got them on 2 different sets of i9 rims by hand without levers. Aired up with a floor pump.
But yes, I do have the GI kit in the bag.
Thanks for the input on predicted rolling. I’m still going to test 2 more tires in the next 2 weeks, but these are mounted for now.
Your mounting experience is interesting; I got them on 2 different sets of i9 rims by hand without levers. Aired up with a floor pump.
But yes, I do have the GI kit in the bag.
In the early days of 700c tubeless, a few manufacturers made their rime with a slightly larger circumference by design - in order to try to ensure a tight seal, which would make the tires easer to seat/inflate. Unfortunately, that made it really hard to initially mount tires on those rims. Stans and American Classic were two examples of these. I’m slightly surprised if Zipp went this route, assuming they did and that Tom didn’t just get a “bad” tire, given how late they are to the 700c tubeless game.
And tire companies went small, which I think is the case here. I’ve mounted numerous other tires on this particular wheel with no issue.
I think I’m pretty dialed.
Specialized Crux, Tubeless Schwalbe Pro-One Speeds @30c, 50/34 &11-32.
Pro One, or G-One?
If G-One, I attempted to roller test one of those yesterday, but had to abort. I couldn’t get the damned thing onto my Zipp Course 30 rim! I broke a plastic tire lever in the process and was worried about damaging the latex tube I was using. With the difficulty in getting the last section in place, I was also worried I’d have to cut the bead to remove it (I’ve had to do that before with a tire), and since the tire isn’t mine, that wasn’t an option.
So, no idea how well it rolls. That said, my initial “hand feel” impression was that the puncture belt under the tread seems a bit stiff…that usually doesn’t bode well.
I would highly recommend carrying the GI tubeless plug kit if you’re running that tire. I don’t think I’d want to attempt to wrestle a tube into that tire in the field.
However, I was able to roller test a 30C Challenge Strada Bianca Pro…and, as expected, it wasn’t quite as fast as the 36C version. Pretty much on par with the 36C Challenge Gravel Grinder Pros, or the 44C Compass Snoqualmie Pass regular casings.
Just thought I’d update on that front…
You seem to be a fan of Compass tires (general consensus seems to be positive on them). What are your thoughts of the 650b x 48c Switchback Hill?
It has the potential to be a good choice…but, based on my experience testing the Bon Jon Pass model, I can’t really say how well it would roll without specifically testing it. I’d like to see how it compares to the WTB Horizon models…
While I hardly ever post on these boards (not a triathlete), I figured I’d throw in a response on this one as I completed my first BWR last year (as well as attended the survival camp last January). This year’s set-up will be a carbon copy of last year’s…
Masi CXRc Comp (cross bike) with hydraulic disc brakes
Mercury M1 wheels set-up tubeless with Hutchinson Sector28 @~70psi
50/34 - 11/32
The 32 in back was a last minute addition (up from 28) and I used every bit of it on Double Peak. The overall set-up was just about perfect on the day and the only change I’m considering for this year is a small drop in tire pressure for some added traction on the dirt descents.
Something that I haven’t seen brought up yet on this thread is bar tape. Tires and tire pressure are super important but one can’t over look bar tape. This was my biggest take-away from the BWR Survival camp as I rode the camp on standard Fizik tape and my hands took a beating. By race day I had switched to ODI 3.5mm tape and this year am on Black Inc tape (every bit as cush as the ODI, if not more so). Besides the added cushioning, I found the fatter bar felt more secure in my hands and that was especially appreciated in all the technical dirt that, as someone has already pointed out, came after the 90mi mark last year.
I cannot wait to see what’s in store for us this year!!
Compass Bon Jon Pass is now on BRR.
I tend to take the “reviews” with a few pinches of salt.
My hypothesis is that we cannot clearly extrapolate from testing with butyl tubes as more supple tires will experience an increasingly detrimental effect.
ie. we cannot just subtract out a static “Butyl effect” and have a like comparison.
LinkyLink
Compass Bon Jon Pass is now on BRR.
I tend to take the “reviews” with a few pinches of salt.
My hypothesis is that we cannot clearly extrapolate from testing with butyl tubes as more supple tires will experience an increasingly detrimental effect.
ie. we cannot just subtract out a static “Butyl effect” and have a like comparison.
LinkyLink
Yeah…butyl tube is going to add ~2-4W vs. latex or tubeless according to his own testing (at ~60 psi). Not sure why he didn’t test it tubeless?
Even then, that seems a bit slow (compared to some of the road tires on his list)…hmmm, perhaps a “confirmation” of my own BJP result? We both tested the standard casing of that model.
I do agree that the tires aren’t exactly super puncture-proof…which makes running them tubeless w/sealant a better idea.
Compass Bon Jon Pass is now on BRR.
I tend to take the “reviews” with a few pinches of salt.
My hypothesis is that we cannot clearly extrapolate from testing with butyl tubes as more supple tires will experience an increasingly detrimental effect.
ie. we cannot just subtract out a static “Butyl effect” and have a like comparison.
LinkyLink
BTW, if you look at the comments at the end of that BRR entry, there’s a link to the Paceline forums that has a discussion of the results, including some commentary from Mr. Heine himself (where he demonstrates he still doesn’t fully understand the utility of drum testing, nor what it actually represents…oh well):
Good Catch-
G-One Speed.
Your mounting experience is interesting; I got them on 2 different sets of i9 rims by hand without levers. Aired up with a floor pump.
But yes, I do have the GI kit in the bag.
Thanks for the input on predicted rolling. I’m still going to test 2 more tires in the next 2 weeks, but these are mounted for now.
Did you settle on G-Ones? I’m putting them on tomorrow (hopefully) for a test run in a local 100k mixed surface ride/race Saturday - otherwise, as planned, I will also be going 50/34 with 11/32 (I did go with the medium cage just to be safe). I have them stretching on Zipp 404s with tubes (was able to basically hand mount) so I’m hoping not to have the same issue when mounting on the Aeolus as Tom A. had with the one I sent him!
Your nutrition plan looks a lot like mine except I have a custom Infinit formula I like to use at regular strength, so I am planning to run three bottles (one in jersey pocket) despite slight weight penalty and potentially will either refill with powder or use on-course nutrtition (I’m undecided as of now). Weather looks pretty optimal, at least if the 10-day is accurate (and in any event will be a huge improvement compared to the 21 degree (Fahrenheit!) temps predicted at start for my Saturday race.)