27.5+ rigid or 29er with Lauf fork for TDR

[Norm]

Greetings,

This summer I toured from Banff to Whitefish on the GDMBR.  I had a great time and decided to go for the race in 2018. 

I rode a rigid steel 29er with steel fork and 2.2" tires.  I had numbing of the hands towards the end of the ride, which I know is normal, but I want to see if I can minimize that for the race. I have dupuytren's contracture in my hands, so I don't want to compound the problem. 

From bikepack racing standpoint, I was thinking either a Lauf fork on a 29x2.2 or a rigid fork with 27.5+ tires would help smooth the way.  Also, I'm still debating drop bars vs Jones loop, but I want to focus this discussion on the wheel choice.

Do you think one of these combos is faster than the other?  Any other considerations?

Thanks,
  Norman

[the tortoise]

The lauf fork with 29 would be a lot more forgiving.
Try a Jones bar with ergon grips. I like a swept back bar for comfort. With aero bars, a swept back bar and ergons I think that would give you the best chance to avoid hand issues.

[kiwidave]

I rode 27.5 with 2.35 Ikons tubeless at 22/26 psi front/rear, Stans ArchEx rims, straight bar (Thomson Ti), Ergon grips, Profile T1 aerobars and MRP Rock Solid forks. No major hand issues at all and it was a smooth ride. The tip of my little finger on my left hand was numb for 4 weeks post ride, but that is also because I had a Rohloff so was only changing gears with my right hand.

[bakerjw]

I iknow that Josh Kato liked the Lauf this last year.

Myself, I love the Jones H bar. It drops the elbows into a more natural posture. I did wrap mine with extra padding and next year will increase the padding. If you get an H bar, get it positioned where it is comfortable and then build up where your palm hits it. If done right you will have even pressure all across your hands.

[Mojomondo]

The lauf would be best - Kato swears by it but he doesn't swear- I had jones and their better that straight bars but you will get numb hands


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[Norm]

Thanks for the responses, guys!

What tire size do you think would be faster from a racing standpoint?  27.5 x 2.8" or 29 x 2.2?

On my tour this summer from Banff to Whitefish, I was wishing for some more voluminous tires at times.  However, racing the whole length you encounter a lot of different terrain and you want a tire size that works for the overall trail, while still maintaining speed.

Thanks

[kato]

Norman,

I really do enjoy my Lauf Boost.  I think its perfect for Dividing.  In terms of tire size...  I'm experimenting a bit right now with 27.5x2.8 tires in the front mixed with my regular 29er in back.  I have to say, I'm not sure I'm a while lot slower on Divide like terrain with the wider tire on flat ground.  I feel faster uphill with the 29er and faster downhill with the 27.5+. After all, the Divide is half downhill right? If I was touring or not trying to set a speed record I very well might go with the wider tire just for the added ability to rip downhills and keep my hands comfy.  The Lauf with a plus tire is pretty cush.

[Norm]

Thanks for the feedback, Josh.  I was sorry to see you crash out of this year's TDR.  I was looking forward to watching the competition.

[bouldernick]

I've been playing with both scenarios. I did a weeklong tour northbound on the Great Divide this summer on 27.5+ and loved it. Never felt slow to me, even compared to 29 x 2.2" that I normally run. On downhills and in looser sections or sand, it was amazing. It does add weight, but also comfort. I need to ride the Lauf more to have a firm opinion on it, but it seems like an ideal form of suspension for something like Tour Divide. I also agree with Mike, a YBB paired with a Lauf would be amazing. I'll have a review of the fork on Adventure Cyclist's website in the coming months.

Nick Legan

[Sparkyga]

Ride the setup you are most comfortable with and don't sweat over the wheel size. If your happy on a 27.5"+, ride it. Pain in any part of your body will prevent you from riding at your best and will easily negate any benefits that a different setup provides.

Personally considering debating riding my fat bike running a 29+ wheel set for a Divide ride. It's comfy and it works for me, not to mention it's the lightest bike I own by far...

[kiwidave]

Norm - on this year's Banff to Whitefish ride was your setup tubeless? With tubeless you can run a much lower tyre pressure which makes for better shock/vibration absorption.

[the tortoise]

I used a thudbuster on the TD and it was great. Takes the sting out. With all the washboard on the TD I think front suspension and a thudbuster are very beneficial.

[krefs]

For washboarded dirt roads, the extra volume of the 27.5+ tires won't necessarily do a lot more to dampen vibration. They do a much better job with that sort of damping on chunkier surfaces. For the Divide, I'd recommend a 2.3 or 2.4" fast-rolling tire, a plush but efficient fork (like the Lauf), and the right grips/handlebars/aerobars/gloves for your hands (and that takes experimenting with different options and configurations. Also make sure that your fit on the bike is appropriate and does not put too much pressure on your hands. That's my two cents...and there's no shortage of pennies around this forum