Missouri Trails versus Arizona Trail

[bobjenkins79]

So, a bunch of us Mid-MO folks are gonna try the AZT300 this year. I've read every race report I can find, but can't get a solid fix on how to compare trail conditions between the two states. We've got some rough stuff out here, but not much in the way of cactus and rattlesnakes. I gather tubeless tires are a requirement? Has anyone here ridden in both states, and how would you compare the two? Thanks for all input.

[bncrshr77]

Yep, I've ridden in both places.  All of my riding was in the Ozarks and I do remember some of it being rocky and steep.  I would have to say the Arizona trail is going to be a good bit more unforgiving because EVERYTHING is sharp and just a small mistake and you have 50 needles in your tire or body.  Lack of water sources is a game changer as well.

I prefer tubeless but there are plenty of guys who use tubes and they love to argue about which is better.  I figure what ever you are comfortable with is the way to go.

[bobjenkins79]

Good to hear. I'm looking forward to the adventure. I guess picking needles out of my ass is just gonna be a part of it. Can't wait!

[AZTtripper]

Yeah your not a desert mountain biker until you've picked cactus out of your ass! Have fun out there.

[Rorr]

I'd say tubeless is a must with slime tube back ups. I spent @ 20yrs. Riding in the Ar. Ozarks and raced some in Mo. before moving to Co. But I ride in Az. some,they have very sharp rocks that will shred your tires to bits so I'd run some burly ones. I'll be running some 950 gram tires for the 750 maybe over kill but I don't like tire trouble.

[AZTtripper]

Two tubes with sealant at the minimum I've carried three, since patches don't stick to Slime tubes worth a shit. You can patch tubes with Stan's in them tho, now I carry 2 tubes with Stan's plus a Stan's 2oz, and an over sized patch kit. Get a patch kit from ACE that has bigger patches and more contact cement this ones for your tires, then get a regular bike patch kit as well for tubes.

The Stan's will plug holes in a tube just a well as a tire if not better, using an over size patch as a boot helped me save a group ride here.

If you have to install the tube, be sure to save any Stan's from your tire, that's what the little bottle is for. Put what's in it in the tube so you double up in there and then you can if careful pour into the bottle from the tires with folding beads.

Rampages tubeless is the go to tire for the AZT for me and several of the racers I know.

Tim

[bncrshr77]

I run Maxxis ardents tubeless loaded with stans.  If I remember right I put 4 ounces or more in each tire.  I did carry 2 tubes with stans last year but I might chance only taking 1 this year.   Last year I made the 300 without a flat but I bet I had 50 holes in both tires by the time I was done. 

[Adam Alphabet]

Two tubes with sealant at the minimum I've carried three, since patches don't stick to Slime tubes worth a shit. You can patch tubes with Stan's in them tho, now I carry 2 tubes with Stan's plus a Stan's 2oz, and an over sized patch kit. Get a patch kit from ACE that has bigger patches and more contact cement this ones for your tires, then get a regular bike patch kit as well for tubes.

The Stan's will plug holes in a tube just a well as a tire if not better, using an over size patch as a boot helped me save a group ride here.

If you have to install the tube, be sure to save any Stan's from your tire, that's what the little bottle is for. Put what's in it in the tube so you double up in there and then you can if careful pour into the bottle from the tires with folding beads.

Rampages tubeless is the go to tire for the AZT for me and several of the racers I know.

Tim

Tim saves the day again for the out of staters. Thanks again!

[AZTtripper]

There's other ways to fix flats and tubeless sewing fixes has a sticky.

[critfit]

I just recently moved back to the ozark area. I currently live near St. Louis. I've ridden Berryman and some of the local stuff. I also raced AZT last year and finished in under 3 days. I would be glad to go over everything I learned and experienced. My training, nutrition, and bike setup. The desert is harsh but certainly not as bad as some folks make it out to be. I ran Specialized tires 2.3 Ground Control Grid on the front and a Fasttrak Grid on the back. I had some tire issues in the Canelos (broke valve stem from a rock and a puncture on the Fasttrak). stans worked great. I did add a 2 oz bottle and replaced the valve core. If I race this year I will not use the Fasttrak and run the same ground control. Shoot me an email at x3ministry@gmail.com if you want to meet up for a ride or give me a call.

[dream4est]

I second the thumbs up on the Ground Control Grid 2.3 Critfit. Seems to me to be a great all around tire and as good as any other 800ish gram tires I have tried.