2012 AZT 300/750

[Foster]

I get pro deal with WTB and I am wondering if there is a good tire that is tested and trusted in the desert terrain...by those that have used any of their products on the 300.  If not looks like I will have to shell out the extra dough.

Eric

[Foster]

Just read reviews for wtb tires that I can get pro deal for and I am finding that their tires have durability problems but excellent grip.  Don't think that's what I am looking for can anyone confirm this?

[DaveH]

LW rode a WTB rear tire on a bikepack last week from oracle to superior...pretty sure it was a weirwolf.  She may have ridden it last year in the race too, I'd have to check.

I used to run nanos.  As I recall, there was a version that was quite durable, and a version that was not - but that was ~6 years ago and things have surely changed.

26" or 29"?

[windowace]

Hi gang,

I am rolling out tomorrow morning for my ITT.  I am attemtpting the 300. Thought I might ask for a little mojo from you all, I think I will need it.  Does anyone know what snow is like on the backside of Lemmon?

[raybum]

Windowace...I'm in Flagstaff this weekend at 7000 ft and the snow from earlier this week is almost all gone.  Gotta imagine Tuscon is similar but depending on the shade, I'd think you'd encounter a little.  Probably the worst thing though will be the mud up high.  I've never ridden those trails off the back of Lemmon, so I don't know how well they drain.  Hopefully Tim or someone else will chime in.
Best of luck...looking forward to hearing about your trip!

[AZTtripper]

No doubt the snow up there is melting fast it's in the 80's down here in town. Extra caution at the top will be in order for sure, likely some extra walking in the first mile or so. But your only up high for a short distance.

Can't imagine there's enough snow to justify take the snow detour. Maybe Scott will allow a detour of the top 2 miles. Going down the Control Road and up the mine road won't be faster but might be safer. I really doubt its necessary tho.

[windowace]

Not too worried with the snow just wondering wether or not to take my neoprene socks. I have done several snow HAB's in the past few months and feel good about it as long as it is not too deep or too long (more than a few miles).

[LyndaW]

I get pro deal with WTB and I am wondering if there is a good tire that is tested and trusted in the desert terrain...by those that have used any of their products on the 300.  If not looks like I will have to shell out the extra dough.

Eric

Eric,

I ran WTB’s front Wolverine 2.2 and rear Mutano 2.2 in AZT 300 in 2011 and last week had a Weirwolf LT 2.55 on for our 4 day AZT bike tour. I love WTB tires. I have never had any issue with them. They are a great desert tire. I ride them bald without issue! I like durability in my tires because I am lazy at changing them and hate fixing flats.

After AZT300 last year I rode the same tire (see the lazy at changing comment above) without a problem all the way through July when it finally flatted on segment 22 Colorado Trail with many miles. It had about 30 thorns and cacti spines in it from AZT!!

Lynda

[LyndaW]

Hi gang,

I am rolling out tomorrow morning for my ITT.  I am attemtpting the 300. Thought I might ask for a little mojo from you all, I think I will need it.  Does anyone know what snow is like on the backside of Lemmon?

Good luck!!

[LyndaW]

Thanks Scott. I was wondering if a few of you might scrub my mechanical list I have for the 300. I just want to be sure I didn't miss anything and more importantly that I'm not bringing TOO MUCH. I should preface this by saying I'm running 29' Rampages Tubeless w/ lots of Stan's.

•   2- 29’ SLIME TUBES
•   GORILLA TAPE/GLUE
•   PUMP
•   EXTRA CHAIN LINKS
•   2-POWER LINKS
•   EXTRA DERAILLEUR HANGER
•   TUBELESS VALVE STEM
•   CHAIN LUBE
•   MULTI-TOOL W/ PLIERS
•   TIRE LEVERS
•   PATCH KIT
•   SPARE CLEATS W/ BOLTS
•   ZIP TIES
•   SMALL AMOUNT OF 550 PARACORD
•   SPARE SHIFTING CABLE?
•   CABLE CAPS
•   TIRE BOOT
             SHOCK PUMP?

Thanks guys.
-Tanner

Rag to clean off your chain before you lube it
Spare brake Pads

[Foster]

Thanks for the information Linda!  I think I will get some of those WTb tires then, having someone that has used them before is helpful.  How do the wolverines roll, is there much resistance?

Eric

[Foster]

I went with the 2.5 weirwolf for the front and the 2.2 wolverine for the back, both tubeless.  I think that it will be a good setup for the 300. 

[AZTtripper]

Rag to clean off your chain before you lube it
Spare brake Pads

Good catch on the brake pads.

[Kurtis]

Just curious.  Why would you need extra brake pads?

Just curious.  Why would you need extra brake pads?

 I thru-biked the AZT last Sept. Mud caked up and fell off my tire onto the rotors. The rotors pulled the mud through the caliper scouring the braking compound clean off the backing. I rode the last bit from the Big Ditch to the Utah border with no brakes. The trickle down effect was that I torched my cycling shoes also, "hot footing it". I'll be bringing extra pads for the AZTR (and new shoes)

[forest_on_bike]

OK - time to commit. Count me in for the AZT 300.

I look forward to seeing all you nutty people at the start.

Forest

[Beardog]

Forrest--if you are going to run this race why not join me on the 750, TDR and CTR You can get the time off can't you?

[forest_on_bike]

Forrest--if you are going to run this race why not join me on the 750, TDR and CTR You can get the time off can't you?

Because that would be the most epic summer of my life...which would then rob me of things to dream about when I'm stuck back at work.

[tanman1337]

Thanks for the brake pads and rag comment! I probably would've forgotten about the chain rag. I'm going to keep asking a few more stupid questions if ya'all don't mind. I have downloaded the track, topo overlay, and imagery onto my new etrex 30. Do you guys recommend any specific waypoints to add in there (i.e. water sources, resupply points, bailout points for mechanical issues)?

[AZTtripper]

Yep all of that would be good info either as waypoints or at least in a personal cue sheet.

I stopped in at the Subway at Broadway and Houghton after work yesterday. That and Magpie's Pizza in the Safeway shopping center on the SE corner both are open until 10 pm Friday and Saturday nights. I'll be out on Redington this weekend and I'll check the hours of the Circle K that's out that way.

Also there's Broadway Bikes and a Performance shop not far off course. Uno bikes was the closest and people went there last year but he has shut down. Summit Hut is on east Speedway for an outdoor store if there's a real need.

[boatmana]

What gps program are you guys using to add waypoints and edit gpx file?  Ive been playing around with BASE CAMP but it doesnt show me in depth city profiles IE streets, businesses, etc.  Ive tried importing the file to GOOGLE EARTH but then the mileage gets funky and setting waypoints is awkward.  Im just thinking there has to be something better to use.  Goal is to have EZ editable software with city imagery.  Thanks