Yeah, both mechs are routed that way.
I guess cables with outers could be run the whole way, but would have to drill out the cable guides.
"Maddening in mud" is definitely not whats needed for riding in Scotland.........

Hi all,

I was looking at some 29ers the other day and came across a nice BMC.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/teamelite-te29-xo-29er-2012-mountain-bike-ec031123#features

It seems a nice bike and seems to have good reviews, but I really don't understand the down tube cable routing.

Has anyone got any experience of this cable routing both in terms of how it behaves when coated in mud, and how it interacts with a frame bag?

Cheers

Andy

Good spotting folks.  Thanks for the enlightenment - particularly the link to the gear list.

Tweet photo of Ollie at the finish in AW. He makes it look easy. His gear is "super-minimal".

How do the fast guys manage to carry enough water with so little water carrying capacity?

That pic is only 2x600ml bottles and I don't see any likely location for a bladder

Chris, I think most people on the TD use GPSs powered by AA or AAA batteries. The Edge needs a power source to be recharged (either an electrical outlet or a device that itself would need one, like a computer), and that can be a huge problem unless you can find a motel every night (very unlikely).

Sorry not to answer your question (I don't know the answer to it), but I just wanted to make sure you knew the potential problems with such a GPS.

There is a battery/charger kit for the edge 800 which adds another 20hrs runtime and a solar charger.  This should reduce the dependency on motels.  Sadly I don't know the answer to the waypoints question either.

So I'm flip floppin' at the moment and need some input.  I had been planning on running a double for simplicity, a 24 x 38 with a 36 in the back.  Now, I'm not so sure.  Is a 24 low enough?  So then I was thinking I'd run a 22 x 36, which certainly would be low enough but, is a 36 big enough for the flats...especially if I just happen to have a tail wind?  Now I'm thinking maybe I should just go with a triple.

If you've raced geared in the TD, what did you run and would you run it again?  Even if you haven't, what are you running?

-- Mark

It kinda depends on your body type and fitness in my opinion.
I'm a lightweight @ 135lbs and my current fitness would mean aiming for 100mi/day.
It means I need to spin a light gear up the climbs so i'm initially building my 29er with a 22t inner ring, but a 20t may be needed.
It also means the number of times where I have the physical strenth to spin out 36/11 will be limited - and in such an event i'll just take it easy and enjoy fast miles for small effort.

For a heavier/stronger rider that is happy mashing a gear then bigger rings would probably be better.

Overall, i'd err on the side of being undergeared as spinning out only has the consequence of slowing you down a little.
Too much grinding for too long on the other hand could lead to a race ending injury.

My input would be to find some bike stores that offer good demo/test ride facilities and try them out.

I've just come back from a weekend trip to test a couple of 29ers - both generally get good reviews, but neither turned out to be what I was looking for.

For anyone that's interested:
The Scott Scale 29 Pro really would make a great race/marathon bike - it just oozes speed.
It is however a pretty stiff frame.  I'd have felt pretty beaten up after a full day in the saddle.

The Specialized Carve Pro 29er has a very upright geometry and badly needs to go on a diet.
It was however fairly comfortable which surprised me for an alloy frame.
 

$3.85 - I wish.

Converting from £ to $ and L to US Gallons I think we are currently at $8.90/gal.
The bike is definitely cheaper.

Does anyone have any experience with the Conti race kings and the similar offerings from Conti?

After talking with several people who have done the route it makes me want to consider semi slicks or: Big Apple/Supermoto, hookworm type tire as well.

Any thoughts?

FYI: I can go up to about a 26x2.3" tire I believe. If I have to use an existing bike from my stable 26x2.0" or 622x34mm is about as wide as they can handle unless I go down to a 24", but I will be walking on the steep slippery climbs.

There are a couple of TD blogs which mention Race Kings.
Generally the impression I got from reading them was that they were a suitable choice.
Similar in speed to a Nano, but with a bit less grip - the grip issue for 29'ers should be addressed with the introduction of the black chili compound this year.

From personal experience on 26" Race Kings, only consider the black chili versions.
The standard compound is really only fit for dry hardpack - they don't grip anything damp/loose/off camber.

Hi all,

After taking everyone's advice into consideration I decided to start out with some slightly heavier cheaper gear to get me started with some weekend trips and a week in the Scottish highlands.

I'd love to hear peoples thoughts on the gear I'm considering.
http://www.outdoorworlddirect.co.uk/vango-venom-400.html
http://www.simplyhike.co.uk/products/Coleman/Cobra2Tent.aspx
http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/poe_peak_oyl_lite_self_inflating_mat.html

Thanks again

Andy

To answer chris's questions.

I have been cycling on the road for 3 years and on a mtb for one.
I completed the Raid Pyreneen last year which is a coast/coast across france.
450mi, 36000ft climbing in 100hrs.  It was supported riding, and on the road, but its a decent base I think.

"Cheap" would be as in £500 on sale
Sram x7, avid juicy3, rock shox tora, own brand finishing kit and wheels.
Weighs in at a hefty 30lb though.
Its been an ideal starter bike.

I have every hour of the day that isn't a 37hr working week to commit.

Most of my disposable income goes on saving for a house, but i'm willing to commit a fair lump of cash once I prove to myself that TD isn't an insane dream.

My goal finishing time would be as fast as possible. 
I'd see anything over 27 days as dissapointing, and probably wouldn't book flights if I didn't think the fitness was in place to go at least that fast.


@matty,
My motivation is the physical challenge and the opportunity to ride my bike through some amazing terrain.
I do however come very much from an athletic/sports background rather than an outdoorsy type that has moved to a bike.


Thanks to all for responses so far.  They are much appreciated.

Hi all,

With my long term goal of a 2013 TD start edging closer, I have recently started planning for making my first bike-packing trips this summer.

However, I have no gear (other than a cheap 26" hardtail and camelbak).

My question is what is the best approach regarding buying gear?
Do I take the plunge and go straight for the £200 lightweight sleeping bags and tents?
Or do I try and find budget options to start with and upgrade later?
Or is it possible to rent this type of gear?  And if so, where can I find such a service in the UK?

My main concern isn't so much spending £500 on a good sleeping system, its the potential of spending that kind of cash and then realising I don't like camping out after all and ending up with some rather expensive unused kit.

Thanks in advance

Andy
 

I have been using the two fish mount with Fenix L2D's (old version of the LD20) for a couple of years on both bars and helmet.

As long as you make sure the strap is nice and tight you get a very secure fit to the bars.
Helmet mounting depends on your helmet vent configuration, but if the blocks fit the vents you'll get a nice secure mount.

You can certainly ride a full sus, but the risk is of not finishing.  A rear suspension failure could end your TD attempt.  Yea, the wash board section would make it nice, but that was only 30 to 50 miles out of 2,700.  IMHO, I never wanted for a full suspension.  My Specialized Stumpy Expert 29'er really was fantastic.  I got a smok'in, killer deal on some carbon wheels, which were nice too.  You gotta think reliability. 

Other than a change of wheels did you run the Stumpy in its "off the peg" configuration?

Most of the stuff I read has people using Ti/Steel.
Do many people use Al/Carbon off the peg bikes from Trek/Specialized/Scott etc?

Hi all,

I've been reading TD blogs and on these forums for a while but have never seen these particular questions answered.

1) From what I have read, Ti and Steel 29'ers seem to be by far the most popular frames.
    I can understand that Alu is a bit harsh on a road bike, but is this still a factor with fat tyres and 80/100mm front travel?
    And what about carbon?

2) Cyclocross bikes are now available with disc brakes does this make them a viable steed?

3) The tyre of choice has been a nano, however the blogs I have read suggest a race king is just as fast if a little less grippy.
    Conti are releasing 29'er race kings in black chilli for 2012 making them faster, grippier and more durable.  Will this make them the new top tyre choice?

Hi,

My name is Andy and I live in Fife, Scotland.
I've been riding on the road for about 3 years now, and the thought of carrying gear with me was not my cup of tea.
However, since I heard about the TDR the desire to ride endless miles of dirt is slowly growing in my mind.
I've picked up some great info here so far, and will no doubt have to ask much more if a dream of a TD2013 start is to become reality.