Tour Divide 2013

[woody]

Hey Guys,

Quick question: I'm getting some new wheels built for the TD and am using Stans Crest rims. I had been planning on running WTB TCS Nano tires, but the Stans website suggests that WTB tyres aren't compatible with their rims. Has anyone tried WTB tires on a Stans rim, if so do they work together? Does anyone have any suggestions on other tires that would be good for the TD.

Ed

Yeah WTB TCS Nano on Stan's rims are almost impossible to get on and are impossible to get off. Last year I put one on my rear for my training and it was a bear to get on. Then I found out it isn't designed to be put on a Stans rim. I ran it and it was a great tire, but when I tried to get it off I had to cut it off.

Like kcampagna said no problem running the non-tubeless Nano with Stans.

Woody

[Georg66]

Hi outthere,

I do have the ACA-Map-set from 2008 and planing to buy a current set just to make sure I am updated with all necessary info. But: Does somebody knows if there will be a new edition of ACA-Maps before this year TD? So ordering maps now or waiting? Till? Any suggestion from this audience here?

Cheers

M-M

Hi GuF, hi guys
before racing last year, I got in contact with someone from the ACA and they told me which maps will be reprinted soon. And it is important, they might sell the older versions until they are sold out. So you should always ask for availability, ...
On the other hand, the "older" issues work as well, if you know the difference using the updated cues from the website.

[pickupel]

Thanks for the advice guys. Just to make sure I've understood kcampagna right — it's possible to run the regular, non TCS, Race Nanos tubeless? The other tire I'm considering, if the Nanos are not an option, is the Schwalbe Racing Ralph. Anyone used those before? The Mountain Kings look good — anyone know how they are with Stans rims?

[Mauro_N]

Thanks for the advice guys. Just to make sure I've understood kcampagna right — it's possible to run the regular, non TCS, Race Nanos tubeless? The other tire I'm considering, if the Nanos are not an option, is the Schwalbe Racing Ralph. Anyone used those before? The Mountain Kings look good — anyone know how they are with Stans rims?

I'm currently running Stans rims with Conti X King, no problems at all with setting them up tubeless. The X kings do seem to be a little bit narrower than the race kings from what I can tell from pics and a blog post from one of the Ergon Topeak racing team. 

Can't comment on WTB tyres but 3 of us from UK ran Conti Race Kings in 2011 with 1 puncture between us.  That rider reckoned he got it overnight where he left his bike.  All running tubeless, 2 x 29 and 1 x 26 size.  J.E. James advertising them at £14.99 each at the moment as well in 29 x 2.2 flavour!

Modded to 'Race' Kings

Sweet confirmed my tyre choice, thanks for that info! Did you use the protection version of the race kings and did you have to change to a new set?

Thanks Mauro

[stappy]

I ran a snakeskin tubeless ready racing ralph for a rear tire last year. Super fast rolling. I considered going the whole way on it but ended up changing it in Grants. By the time I did, the tread was worn smooth and when I stopped for a period of time I would notice about 40 pin holes weeping stans. Never needed to have air added though, zero flats for the ride. Snake skin ralphs would make great divide tires if you rotate them or change them half way.

[pickupel]

Cheers Stappy — I think I'll go with the Racing Ralphs. I can get a really good deal on them at the moment and I've had good experience with Schwalbe tires in the past.

[sthig]

here's version 3, probably will be on version 800 before June

[Mental-Miles]

Cheers Stappy — I think I'll go with the Racing Ralphs. I can get a really good deal on them at the moment and I've had good experience with Schwalbe tires in the past.

HI I go with 2,25" RR too ... fine tires ... did grenzsteintrophy a couple of times with the tire without any flat!

M-M

[Veetack]

here's version 3, probably will be on version 800 before June

Looks like a pretty good setup sthig. Is that your entire setup, or will you have a pack on your back, too? You're carrying pretty much exactly what I'm looking at for TD `14, except I've been considering a full frame bag. Any idea what your carry capacity is in Liters or Cubic Inches?

[sthig]

I'm pretty spotty on exacts - I'm going to have a spreadsheet eventually.  No backpack except for that I have a sea to summit backpack that I'll use to store food between long stretches. 

[Veetack]

I'm pretty spotty on exacts - I'm going to have a spreadsheet eventually.  No backpack except for that I have a sea to summit backpack that I'll use to store food between long stretches. 

It sounds like you have a pretty good plan hashed out. I'm at work and I've been sitting here reading your site for the better part of the past 7 hours. I didn't even think about it, but I can definitely run the TNGA for training. I wish I had the money/time and know-how to hire a trainer and nutritionist, but honestly, if I did, I wouldn't be planning on racing the TD on a $1000 bike. Seriously though, thanks for keeping me entertained.

[sthig]

I wish I had the money to hire them too!  Fortunately I'm a graphic designer so I'm trading design for services or I'd be sunk

thanks for the compliments - I love writing and making people laugh (or, maybe enough where you blow air through your nose a little harder at your desk)

[sthig]

Veetack,  and I also think the TNGA is excellent training.  In fact I'm heading to the Cohuttas for the weekend to use the Death March as some training. 

[Veetack]

Veetack,  and I also think the TNGA is excellent training.  In fact I'm heading to the Cohuttas for the weekend to use the Death March as some training. 

I may email you or PM you here in the near future. I'm trying to brainstorm my website and how to gain sponsors, seems like you have a little bit of knowhow to do it.

[sthig]

scott.thigpen AT gmail

and I'll tell you everything I know!  Local sponsors really will help out vs biggie sized ones!

[JDP]

Just finished my last post on my 2012 effort.  A true rookie last year, I only made it to Butte.  I will be back this year with a whole lot of knowledge.  Still going to be a huge challenge, but I can't wait.  Check it out at jdstourdivide.blogspot.ca.  Let me know what you think.  Still working on gear changes but I will post what I have when its a done.  Also I am selling an Edge 605 if anyone is interested.

JDP (Crusher)

[pickupel]

Just about to finalize an order for some wheel parts and (typically) I'm second guessing myself, particularly when it comes down to rims. I'm going to be running a Rohloff hub for the TD, which I have already, and am planning on lacing it to a Stans crest rim. A Rohloff tends to build a stronger wheel than a normal hub, so I think the crests should be fine, but what do you guys reckon? For reference I weigh ~165lbs.

[kcampagna]

I built mine up with a Arch EX rim. I've been riding Crest for a while now, but wanted a little stronger rim.
(my 2 cents)  

[Done]

here's version 3, probably will be on version 800 before June

I just noticed that you have your Spot on your top tube. If you've already tested it there, then feel free to ignore me. But I'm not sure that the top tube is a great place for a Spot. Your body might reduce GPS satellite reception and/or transmission. Mine seems to work best when there's nothing blocking its view to the sky. Also, vibrations seem to kill Spots over time, which is why I now carry mine on my shoulder--my body acts like a big vibration damper.

Nice rig!

[marco_n]

I just noticed that you have your Spot on your top tube. If you've already tested it there, then feel free to ignore me. But I'm not sure that the top tube is a great place for a Spot. Your body might reduce GPS satellite reception and/or transmission. Mine seems to work best when there's nothing blocking its view to the sky. Also, vibrations seem to kill Spots over time, which is why I now carry mine on my shoulder--my body acts like a big vibration damper.

Nice rig!

same for me...
I've used my spot on top tube with bad results.
in Greece I've ride for 40Hrs with my spot on the top of the saddle bag with no problems.