 Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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on: October 19, 2009, 06:23:45 AM
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RikPerry
Posts: 33
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« on: October 19, 2009, 06:23:45 AM » |
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Hi Guys/Girls.
Whats the opinion on wheel size for CTR??
Is it more technical riding than most ultras and lends itself better to 26 or is there not much in it ??
Rik
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #1 on: October 19, 2009, 08:20:17 AM
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Marshal
Location: Colorado
Posts: 951
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« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2009, 08:20:17 AM » |
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The CTR has quite a bit of technical single track, along with flowing single track, hike-a-bike, gravel and paved road, etc etc. I think you would be wise to bring a bike that YOU are comfortable with in ALL trail conditions.
As far as wheel size I believe that’s really a ‘personal’ choice. Each wheel size, 26 and 29 have their advantages/disadvantages, their admirers/detractors. Either size can/have worked well on the CTR.
My personal choice for 09 was a Trek 69er FS, big wheel up front to roll over the rocks, bomb down the drops/ledges but with a 26 in the rear to help keep a short tight wheelbase for the tight stuff and lower gear ratios.
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #2 on: October 19, 2009, 09:17:28 AM
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RikPerry
Posts: 33
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« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2009, 09:17:28 AM » |
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Thanks.. Its kinda hard to know from the UK what the trail is like, Ive read all the blogs and looked at all the pictures i can and it seems split 50/50. I would prefer to ride my current bike as ive used it for 24 and 12 hour races over here... Just wondered if the longer streches of gravel roads might make it worth going 29... ! But as you say stick with what your happy with...
Any help planning a CTR from the UK would be very welcome....
Rik
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #3 on: October 19, 2009, 09:35:11 AM
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Pivvay
Riding and exploring
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 681
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« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2009, 09:35:11 AM » |
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The gravel is the insignificant part timewise. You'll spend far more time on very rough/technical sections, mileage notwithstanding.
I rode a 26er in 2008 because that's all I had. I have a 29er now and would rather ride that for everything including the CTR.
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-Chris Plesko
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #4 on: October 19, 2009, 10:30:18 AM
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RikPerry
Posts: 33
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« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2009, 10:30:18 AM » |
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Thanks for the input... As far as doing the race from the UK , Is it easy to get to the trailhead if i fly into denver and take a bus/ride there and is getting back from durango a problem ?? I will be trying to do it within a 2 week holiday...
Rik
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #5 on: October 19, 2009, 10:30:29 AM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2009, 10:30:29 AM » |
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I agree with Chris -- the time you spend on roads is pretty insignificant compared to rough trail. And I'm in the 29er crowd, but it's a preference for sure.
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #6 on: October 19, 2009, 11:00:41 AM
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RikPerry
Posts: 33
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« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2009, 11:00:41 AM » |
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Also is there a firm date for the CTR 2010 ??
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #7 on: October 19, 2009, 11:03:35 AM
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Pivvay
Riding and exploring
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 681
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« Reply #7 on: October 19, 2009, 11:03:35 AM » |
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It's not too hard to get to the trailhead from the airport. I'm happy to help if I'm in town. Getting back from Durango is slightly more difficult but I'm sure there is a good way. My wife comes to rescue me so maybe one of the other guys have a good idea.
No firm date for the CTR yet that I've seen. I think it will likely be early Aug again but hopefully Stefan can chime in here. He's been really busy lately but I know he's around.
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-Chris Plesko
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #8 on: October 19, 2009, 11:25:00 AM
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RikPerry
Posts: 33
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« Reply #8 on: October 19, 2009, 11:25:00 AM » |
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Thanks Chris.
I'm hoping this is a good stepping stone to the TD the following year... Try myself out more than my gear i think !!
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #9 on: October 19, 2009, 11:53:14 AM
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Pivvay
Riding and exploring
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 681
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« Reply #9 on: October 19, 2009, 11:53:14 AM » |
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You'll have a good time. The CTR is way harder mile per mile than the TD but 3 weeks is tougher than 1 no matter how you cut it. I may see you all out on the CTR again this year. We'll see what the future holds.
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-Chris Plesko
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #10 on: October 20, 2009, 05:13:17 AM
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Mike Brown
Posts: 93
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« Reply #10 on: October 20, 2009, 05:13:17 AM » |
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I just flew out of Durango for ease and convenience. Wasn't that expensive, kept it simple.
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #11 on: October 20, 2009, 05:29:23 AM
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mnmtb
Location: Seattle
Posts: 50
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« Reply #11 on: October 20, 2009, 05:29:23 AM » |
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For those that ride 29, how many are FS vs. HT?
Would a nice steel ot Ti take enough of the sting out of a trail like the CT?
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #12 on: October 20, 2009, 06:07:01 AM
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DaveH
Moderator
Posts: 975
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« Reply #12 on: October 20, 2009, 06:07:01 AM » |
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More FS than HT at the start. IME a 29er HT is still a HT...for something as long as CTR, the FS can really prevent muscle damage (scientific studies have verified this phenomena). Sometimes the strongest riders are on HT or rigid bikes nonetheless. Like most things it comes down to preference.
FS for myself.
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #13 on: October 20, 2009, 07:22:22 AM
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Pivvay
Riding and exploring
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 681
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« Reply #13 on: October 20, 2009, 07:22:22 AM » |
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I think it's whatever you like riding more. FS is fun and lots of people prefer them.
I prefer a hardtail for the simplicity and I didn't feel like my old FS (Trek Fuel) was any great advantage. I liked the bike but as far as energy savings it wasn't immediately apparent. I haven't tried any of the new hot FS bikes. Owen (CTR record holder) was on a hardtail again this year. Then again I'm a rigid fork nutcase so what do I know, haha.
I think any frame material is fine if properly built. I've been on steel bikes for a couple years because that's what cheap frames are made of. What few long rides I've been able to take the Salsa Selma on so far, I have not noticed increased fatigue from the scandium frame. I'll admit, no 9+ hour rides or multi days on it yet though.
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-Chris Plesko
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Topic Name: 26 or 29 for the CTR?
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Reply #14 on: November 01, 2009, 06:45:02 AM
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stevage
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 174
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« Reply #14 on: November 01, 2009, 06:45:02 AM » |
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>My personal choice for 09 was a Trek 69er FS, big wheel up front to roll over the rocks, bomb down the drops/ledges but with a 26 in the rear to help keep a short tight wheelbase for the tight stuff and lower gear ratios.
Would love to see a photo of this, if you have one.
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