Any weather savvy racers/list members have snow - weather projections?  I understand that a lot can/will happen between now and the GD but I am curious what ppl are thinking.  I have to admit I am not familiar with the tools to make an educated prediction.

Jason

2.1 as measured by tire companies (I think it is at the sidewall).   I have 2.1 Smart Sams that came standard on the bike and there is just enough clearance for mud.  I wouldn't want to go wider.  I do understand that there is significant variances in measurements between different tires / companies.  It seems like a lot of the latest models are being released in 2.2 versions (Ikon).  Which is a bummer for me.

Any opinions on the Aspen?  What is the difference between Aspen and Ikon.

Thanks again for all the guidance.

Jason

yeah I wish I could clear wider than 2.1 comfortably.  The Ikons look great but I would have to run 2.0s (no 2.1 available in 27.5). 

Interesting that the 27.5s are listed as heavier than the 29s. 🤔

Reviving an old thread (hope that is OK😀).

What is the latest thinking on TDR tires?  I will be running 27.5s with a 2.1 target width.

Jason

Thanks MikeI for the SC400 suggestion.  Have you ridden this course?  Do you think I would be screwed in the sand with 2.1 tires?

Any recommendations on good places for a weekend of winter training?  Someplace where one could get 100-150 miles a day of roads similar to what is 'typical' of the TD course and warm enough for Camping in January - March?  Someplace relatively close to a major airport?

Thanks

Jason
Chicago

Hey all,

Sorry to revive an old thread but I have an equipment question.  It is my understanding that most of the TD route is not terribly technical.  It looks like there is a good deal of gravel, hard packed dirt, and even some paved sections.  My go to bike is a MAP randonneur 650b with 42mm slick tires and fenders.  Is it insane to attempt the TD with this setup?  I ride gravel and dirt all the time on this bike and it handles those conditions really well.  If only ~5% of the route is technical I would probably be comfortable 'underbiking' in those cases.  I think the biggest threat would be snow.  Do any bikes besides fat bikes do any better in snow or is it always a matter of grit and get through it?  Would running fenders be a big mistake.  My bike is designed with solid fender clearance but would i still likely find myself in a bad situation with an abundance of mud?

I know that these are high level questions and likely different people would have different opinions but is anyone aware of people finding success on the TD with a randonneur bike?

Thanks for your guidance!

Jason
Chicago

anyone else planning on starting in Virginia?  I will be there 

Yeah - of course I have seen all the back and forth about winds but is there anything definitive here?  All things being equal I think riding east to west seems more romantic.  Interesting that you are considering an ITT in June.  Does the 'mass' start turn you off?

Jason
Chicago

Trans Am East to West for 2016.  Bad Idea?

Anybody have some guidance on the best GPS unit for this event?  I have never used one but the organizer strongly recommends it.

Thanks!

Jason
Chicago

I'm in for 2016!  Is facebook the only place where most of the conversation is happening (hope not)?  I want to be able to determine the counts the direction that people will be doing the route.

Jason
Chicago