2014 CTR Discussion

[Couloirman]

I've used flat pedals and the 5.10 impact low shoes for the past 3 years on the CTR. I don't set any speed records in my bikepacking, but the flat pedal/shoe combo is very comfortable, and I don't think that clipless pedals would make me that much faster - especially on a course like the CTR that has so much hike-a-bike. The sticky rubber is very nice when you need to dab on a sketchy rock section. You can go from biking mode to rock climbing mode in about 0.1 seconds .

the new impact xvi is ~30% lighter than the original and has quick drying materials. Im breaking in a pair as we speak and think theyll be perfect for this years ctr if my arm heals up in time

[DanHickstein]

Oh, thanks for pointing out the new XVI model, it looks like a winner. The old impacts were pretty heavy and they did not dry very quickly. Is the comfy fit and pedal grippyness similar to the old model?

[sherpaxc]

Have you done much hike a biking with the xvi?  Interested to hear hoe the smooth sole works out. I love my regular Freeriders.

[Yogi the Barry]

Maelstrom,
Just curious if you sewed the Park boot in place or did you place the boot over the stitching?
Also, what did you overcoat the outer stitching with and how long did it take to cure?
-Barry

This has been holding for a few hundred miles now. If 45NRTH tires weren't so expensive, I'd buy a new one.

There's a Park boot underneath, too.

That reminds me. I should probably try and find a new Dillinger ...

[dream4est]

The regular freerider has way more hike a bike traction than the XVI IMO. And it comes in the Elements version with DWR coating. Thats what I used in AZT with good results.

I just dont think the freerider (or the XVI version) will last more than one race. Impact lo is a stronger shoe overall for mileage. I am probably gonna go impact lo for CTR as my freeriders are toast- too soft at the front of the foot.

[wbcmaelstrom]

the new impact xvi is ~30% lighter than the original and has quick drying materials. Im breaking in a pair as we speak and think theyll be perfect for this years ctr if my arm heals up in time

The problem with the Freerider XVIs in looking at them is they have no tread on the soles of the feet. This allows easier adjustments when on the pedal, but reviews I read said that walking/hiking in them was downright scary.

5.10 Aescents should be in today, and I'll have 4 days in Moab/Grand Junction and will chime back wit ha review.

[Couloirman]

The new impact xvi has full treads so not to worry-- look at the pic: http://fiveten.com/products/footwear-detail/14711-impact-vxi-team-black

I have a broken arm right now so haven't tried them on the bike yet, am just breaking them in as an everyday shoe right now. They are lighter, faster drying, full tread, and have excellent toe protection. Its the freerider xvi that has the smooth sole

[wbcmaelstrom]

Maelstrom,
Just curious if you sewed the Park boot in place or did you place the boot over the stitching?
Also, what did you overcoat the outer stitching with and how long did it take to cure?
-Barry

First I sewed up the tire. Then I put a park tool boot on the inside with a tube. The outside coating is just a bunch of rubber cement. (I tried putting a patch on the outside and it wouldn't hold. I figured the rubber cement might help keep the stiching together. That rubber cement has seemed to have disappeared since then.

One of the reasons I think I am pretty lucky with this fix is that it's a fat bike tire so it sees low pressure. Also, it's high enough on the tire that nothing really touches it.

[dream4est]

That new impact xvi looks like the ticket for CTR. I will be running those thanks for the link Couloirman !!

[sherpaxc]

Man!  Those new impacts are way nicer looking than the old ones. I think I will also be ordering me a pair. Thanks for the heads up!

[wbcmaelstrom]

Just got the Aescents from UPS. Initial thoughts is wow they are comfortable. They are very light. I can tell these will be no problem in the heat. The rubber is very very sticky. Walking on my hardwood floors, they make noises and are sticky like walking through a dollar cinema. However, on the bike, they're not as grippy as my 2013 Impacts. Specifically, side loading and rotation. Comparing the soles, the Impacts circles are smaller together and much deeper. That probably explains why the Impacts have less rotational movement. Some people like having more rotational movement without having to lift up. This is the reason the Freerider XVIs have smooth balls. Just pedaling around my street on DMR Vault Raddogs. My Impacts hold on to those pedals like glue, almost like my Crank Bros pedals with Rimes. The Aescents have good grip, but still move around a bit. However these are going to be MUCH more comfortable for hike a bike. Will chime in after a weekend in Moab/Grand Junction on the Aescents. Worst case scenario, they'll make great casual shoes or light duty bike packing with my Fargo. But just with a five minute test, I can tell I'd be much more willing to give up the hook-ups of the Impacts for the comfort of the Aescent for the long hike a bike sections.


Left are 2013 Impact Highs. Size 11.5 (I can't remember why I bought a size larger than I'm used to, maybe because they feel like bricks). Right are size 11 2014 Aescents.

[BradyRobinson]

I'm not racing this year. 2013 was my one and only CTR. I was happy with how I did and much of my gear choices (no backpack, Specialized 29er Epic with custom bag system) but I wasn't really happy with all of my sleep system. I bought a tiny silicone-impregnated nylon 2-man tent groundsheet as a tarp. This was a good move, as it was light and really nice to throw it up to keep the rain off my face and upper body. I had an ultra-light bivy, but it wasn't breathable so I was sweating like crazy and the condensation was nasty. I had a pretty light down bag but in retrospect it was too heavy. I used a small Thermarest Neoair Xlite as a pad. I'd do that again, so comfortable and so light.

Anyhow, I work in the outdoor industry and last year I came upon a product at a trade show that seems like the perfect CTR bivy. It is super light (5.5 oz), breathable, packs tiny and retails for $40!!! SOL Escape Lite: http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/survive-outdoors-longer-escape-litetm-bivvy-1.html

It is basically semi-disposable, but should last a whole CTR. I haven't tested it out yet but I wanted everyone here to know about it. If I were racing I would probably use the neoair, the Escape Lite, a super light tarp and a very very light bag. BTW, I have no relationship to the manufacturer of the bivy. I have been sleeping out recreationally and professionally for most of my life and I really think this product is the bomb for this sort of event. Someone needs to sleep out in their back yard with the sprinkler on and report back!

[wbcmaelstrom]

I'm not racing this year. 2013 was my one and only CTR. I was happy with how I did and much of my gear choices (no backpack, Specialized 29er Epic with custom bag system) but I wasn't really happy with all of my sleep system. I bought a tiny silicone-impregnated nylon 2-man tent groundsheet as a tarp. This was a good move, as it was light and really nice to throw it up to keep the rain off my face and upper body. I had an ultra-light bivy, but it wasn't breathable so I was sweating like crazy and the condensation was nasty. I had a pretty light down bag but in retrospect it was too heavy. I used a small Thermarest Neoair Xlite as a pad. I'd do that again, so comfortable and so light.

Anyhow, I work in the outdoor industry and last year I came upon a product at a trade show that seems like the perfect CTR bivy. It is super light (5.5 oz), breathable, packs tiny and retails for $40!!! SOL Escape Lite: http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/survive-outdoors-longer-escape-litetm-bivvy-1.html

It is basically semi-disposable, but should last a whole CTR. I haven't tested it out yet but I wanted everyone here to know about it. If I were racing I would probably use the neoair, the Escape Lite, a super light tarp and a very very light bag. BTW, I have no relationship to the manufacturer of the bivy. I have been sleeping out recreationally and professionally for most of my life and I really think this product is the bomb for this sort of event. Someone needs to sleep out in their back yard with the sprinkler on and report back!

I've seen that show up quite a bit the past year. Seems a lot better than the SOL condom bivy I carry for emergencies. Seems like a lot of people are carrying those with good luck only wearing insulating clothes to bed.

[mountainjah]

look at the pic: http://fiveten.com/products/footwear-detail/14711-impact-vxi-team-black

Thanks for the info/link for the new Impacts- my 2013 low tops are pretty beat to shit after only 3/4 of a year. Lots of heavy use though...I wear the old 5.10 impacts on all days (work/around town) and all rides. They are my sneaks. They also perform well under Neos for fatbiking and winter commutes too. But I'm disapointed the stealth sole is coming unglued on my right sneaker. It has slowly been pulling off since month one of owning them. The rubber has detached from the toe to under the ball of the foot. This was the second pair I've owned...I returned the first pair for this same problem but after only having them a week and experiencing a much worse delamination. My interweb research seems to support the idea that this has been a consistent defect/problem with the Impact lows. Funny, my 5.10 climbing shoes used to unglue like this...Next step is a note to the company.  I'll also attempt to adhere the sole back to the sneaker again.    

The new iteration of the shoe looks great. Better weight and fabric is definitly a smart upgrade. The Red logo is a little meh...liked the stealth paint job on the old ones....I'm psyched to get a look at them in person and if they are of the grade, rock them on the CTR. We'll see....

Anyhow, I work in the outdoor industry and last year I came upon a product at a trade show that seems like the perfect CTR bivy. It is super light (5.5 oz), breathable, packs tiny and retails for $40!!! SOL Escape Lite: http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/survive-outdoors-longer-escape-litetm-bivvy-1.html

It is basically semi-disposable, but should last a whole CTR. I haven't tested it out yet but I wanted everyone here to know about it. If I were racing I would probably use the neoair, the Escape Lite, a super light tarp and a very very light bag. BTW, I have no relationship to the manufacturer of the bivy. I have been sleeping out recreationally and professionally for most of my life and I really think this product is the bomb for this sort of event. Someone needs to sleep out in their back yard with the sprinkler on and report back!

I used the SOL Escape on the AZT 300 this year and it's proved super bomber. I trained with it leading up to the race and it definitely impressed me with its ability to vent/breathe and add extra degrees of warm to my sleeping system. I was glad to use a bag with it in AZ (45  Mt.H Down). I don't think I'd want to only be out in just the Escape in full on conditions. I think using it in combination with a tarp/tarptent is the way to go for the CT. One thing to note is that it's not cut for taller folks. I'm 5'11 and it's super tight when mummified. Anyone over 6 feet would not be able to draw the hood shut-may not be an issue if used at all times with a tarp? I thought it would be more on the disposable side of the quality spectrum because I'm hard on gear and it's pretty lightweight material. But it's held up unexpectedly well and surpassed my expectations in regards to durability.

[sherpaxc]

I'd like to see what the new Impacts look like compared to the Freeriders.  I saw a side by side of the new/old Impacts.  It's very obvious the difference between the two.  Couldn't find a pic of new Impacts and Freeriders.  I like the look of the dot pattern as well on the new Impacts.  I'm also a fan of the red.  I never liked the all black. 

[elfreako]

I have used the SOL Escape on many bikepacking training rides for the last year and used it on last years CTR and this years AZT 300. It is bomber and breaths well. I used it in conjuction with a Stoic 30 degree bag and a Klymit Inerita xlite airpad that border lines uncomfortable but does the job for these types of events. My total sleep system in the Revelate Sweetroll is only 3.5 pounds and includes a lightweight tarp as well.

[peteshoe]

I raced CTR in the Ascents last year. They were great except the the inside of the forefoot is wide and sharp. The insides of my heels were a bloody mess from getting hit as I took steps. Every night when I put my other pair of socks back on the scabs would be one with my socks and peel off. If you go with them I would consider running a belt sander on the inside of the outsole. The shoes held together really well though, I was really happy with them. I think I'll be running these adidas with stealth bottoms this year though:
http://www.rei.com/product/866101/adidas-terrex-solo-stealth-hiking-shoes-mens

Full disclosure: I now work for adidas, but I didn't when I bought these.  I did a 2 day trip on the Koko last month with them and they were great.

[Woodland]

I don't have to tell you where this is...lots of snow still up in them thar hills

[boatmana]

Love the info looking fwd to giving this route a shot as its in my new backyard.  

Anyone else having problems with Simons GPX links?

[dream4est]

Love the info looking fwd to giving this route a shot as its in my new backyard. 

Anyone else having problems with Simons GPX links?

http://www.climbingdreams.net/ctr/

Stefan has full size and 10k GPX tracks of the 2013 course there. I think Toby Gadd supplied it or dialed it in at some point.

I used Tobys track once which I believe is the same as Stefans.