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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #500 on: January 30, 2013, 08:23:41 AM
jaybo


Location: Essex Junction, VT
Posts: 18


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« Reply #500 on: January 30, 2013, 08:23:41 AM »

Hey all.  I will be setting out on June 7th heading South.  I was going to build up a bike for this ride, but long story short, I may not have a job when I get back......so I'm going to use what I have in an effort to save some money.  The two bikes I have that would work are a Giant Anthem 29 and a Surly Troll.  I haven't decided which one to use yet....The Anthem is lighter, but suspension issues would be a pain even though I can rebuild the fork and shock if I had to (plus it makes me a p@#$y for not going rigid). Was thinking of using a trailer with the Anthem, maybe.  The Troll weighs more, and has 26" wheels, but no suspension to worry about.  Im having a tough time deciding because I am very comfortable on either bike, and have spent many long days in the saddle of both.  Regardless of the bike, my gear is nice and light. Input would be appreciated, keep in mind I'm hoping to finish in around 27 days.   Hope to meet some of you in June!

  Jason

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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #501 on: January 30, 2013, 08:31:36 AM
BobM


Location: The Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan
Posts: 936


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« Reply #501 on: January 30, 2013, 08:31:36 AM »

Hey, Jason. If you can eliminate the trailer option I think you will have a faster and easier race.
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #502 on: January 30, 2013, 09:31:38 AM
jaybo


Location: Essex Junction, VT
Posts: 18


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« Reply #502 on: January 30, 2013, 09:31:38 AM »

Yeah, I know. It would just be so easy to throw gear in and go. Also, hope its OK I put my info in on the spreadsheet and posted in here. I'm not a contender to win and I'm just racing myself.....I'm hoping that by riding while everyone else is racing it will help motivate me, as taking too long is not an option. And maybe meet some cool people too. I figure that by starting a week before most people, I'll eventually get collected by the "peloton" and won't be alone ad often. Lol

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #503 on: January 30, 2013, 11:00:32 AM
phil_rad


Location: Gelnhausen, Germany
Posts: 566


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« Reply #503 on: January 30, 2013, 11:00:32 AM »

Jason, I'm no expert but I agree with Bob on this; lose the trailer. If there's any kind of snow (which there will be!) to hike through, you'll be hating it. On the single track connector leading up to Galton pass you'll also be hating it. Do what ever it takes but I'd advise you not to take the trailer. It'll make your ride much more manageable

Happy Trails

Phil
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #504 on: January 30, 2013, 11:22:22 AM
Christopher R. Bennett


Posts: 274


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« Reply #504 on: January 30, 2013, 11:22:22 AM »

Jason, I'm no expert but I agree with Bob on this; lose the trailer. If there's any kind of snow (which there will be!) to hike through, you'll be hating it. On the single track connector leading up to Galton pass you'll also be hating it. Do what ever it takes but I'd advise you not to take the trailer. It'll make your ride much more manageable

Happy Trails

Phil

At the 2012 Grand Depart there was someone riding with a Bob trailer. Does anyone know how they fared?
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #505 on: January 30, 2013, 11:34:02 AM
phil_rad


Location: Gelnhausen, Germany
Posts: 566


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« Reply #505 on: January 30, 2013, 11:34:02 AM »

I saw him too. I don't know how he did and if he made it or not but hats to him for trying. On Elk Pass, the first of a few snow trudges, I was wondering how he would do on those. Be some bonus miles in there for sure, going up with the bike then going back to get the freaking trailer, yikes! 
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #506 on: January 30, 2013, 01:51:39 PM
BobM


Location: The Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan
Posts: 936


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« Reply #506 on: January 30, 2013, 01:51:39 PM »

I saw him too. I don't know how he did and if he made it or not but hats to him for trying. On Elk Pass, the first of a few snow trudges, I was wondering how he would do on those. Be some bonus miles in there for sure, going up with the bike then going back to get the freaking trailer, yikes! 

I don't remember his name, but I talked with him some at Butts Cabin; he was a former factory team racer if I remember right.  He left Butts after I did, passed me on Cabin Pass and I never saw him again.
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #507 on: January 30, 2013, 03:35:12 PM
Rachel Brinks


Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 1


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« Reply #507 on: January 30, 2013, 03:35:12 PM »

It's so exciting to read about all of you planning on 2013 for TD! I just began biking about a year ago, and decided I want to do it, but I'm not exactly a strong cyclist yet :), so I'm planning/hoping to do the race in 2014.

Most of what I've been reading about gear is all gibberish to me, so I clearly have a lot more learning to do. Thanks to all of you for your insight!

Rachel
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #508 on: January 30, 2013, 03:49:11 PM
BobM


Location: The Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan
Posts: 936


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« Reply #508 on: January 30, 2013, 03:49:11 PM »

It's so exciting to read about all of you planning on 2013 for TD! I just began biking about a year ago, and decided I want to do it, but I'm not exactly a strong cyclist yet Smiley, so I'm planning/hoping to do the race in 2014.

Most of what I've been reading about gear is all gibberish to me, so I clearly have a lot more learning to do. Thanks to all of you for your insight!

Rachel

Welcome, Rachel,

Don't worry - most of it IS gibberish!  Dig up the old Tour Divide Basics thread from (I think) last year for lots of good info.  Once you start down the trail mental attitude matters a lot more than gear.

Bob
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #509 on: January 30, 2013, 06:50:32 PM
pro_out


Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 165


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« Reply #509 on: January 30, 2013, 06:50:32 PM »

Welcome, Rachel,

Don't worry - most of it IS gibberish!  Dig up the old Tour Divide Basics thread from (I think) last year for lots of good info.  Once you start down the trail mental attitude matters a lot more than gear.

Bob
Although, less than ideal gear can erode mental attitude.
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Lone Wolf

  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #510 on: January 31, 2013, 02:05:54 PM
pablito


Location: Utah
Posts: 37


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« Reply #510 on: January 31, 2013, 02:05:54 PM »

Im setting up to do the Divide in 2014...I am currently running a 1x9 set up with a 32x12-36..Would you say this is a sufficient set up or should I convert to a 2x9 with a 24/32x11-34 or possibly a 2x10 with a 26/39x11-36 or 1x10 with a 39x11-36?

I am opting for no FD. Running a 1 x 11. Logging miles on it now to test durability as I want to "proof" it before the Grand Depart. So far, its very durable and flawless. Its and 10-42t cassette. Loads of range. No chain guard necessary.
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #511 on: January 31, 2013, 05:32:43 PM
MattL


Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 97


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« Reply #511 on: January 31, 2013, 05:32:43 PM »

I am in no position to second guess anyone's equipment, but if you *do* need a cassette you're looking at $425+ and probably mail order. I'm curious why you chose this over a normal drive train or an IGH.
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I finished the 2013 TD.  I did the whole damn thing,
excluding the 2013 detours, in good style and—as
far as I know—totally in accordance with the rules.

  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #512 on: February 01, 2013, 12:21:38 AM
pickupel


Location: Salisbury, UK
Posts: 72


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« Reply #512 on: February 01, 2013, 12:21:38 AM »

Hey guys, sorry if this question has already been dealt with on the thread, but how / when do we submitt our letters of intent?
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #513 on: February 01, 2013, 01:00:51 AM
Blackhound


Location: Derby, UK
Posts: 126


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« Reply #513 on: February 01, 2013, 01:00:51 AM »

Here in previous years:

http://tourdivide.org/

But noticed nothing for 2012 and wonder if still required?
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #514 on: February 01, 2013, 01:02:31 AM
chainagent


Location: Germany
Posts: 95


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« Reply #514 on: February 01, 2013, 01:02:31 AM »

Hey guys, sorry if this question has already been dealt with on the thread, but how / when do we submitt our letters of intent?


Letters of Intent are accepted from the 21.December (see http://tourdivide.org/contact). I've sent my LOI in November, but never got an answer. A few weeks ago I sent it again via the contact form at the TD website and got an answer within one day!

          Michael
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My Tour Divide 2013 Blog: http://mgtd2013.blogspot.de/

  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #515 on: February 01, 2013, 02:28:36 AM
pickupel


Location: Salisbury, UK
Posts: 72


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« Reply #515 on: February 01, 2013, 02:28:36 AM »

Thanks Blackhound and Michael, just sent it!
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #516 on: February 01, 2013, 03:53:26 AM
Desert Pollo


Posts: 19


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« Reply #516 on: February 01, 2013, 03:53:26 AM »

Hey all.  I will be setting out on June 7th heading South.  I was going to build up a bike for this ride, but long story short, I may not have a job when I get back......so I'm going to use what I have in an effort to save some money.  The two bikes I have that would work are a Giant Anthem 29 and a Surly Troll.  I haven't decided which one to use yet....The Anthem is lighter, but suspension issues would be a pain even though I can rebuild the fork and shock if I had to (plus it makes me a p@#$y for not going rigid). Was thinking of using a trailer with the Anthem, maybe.  The Troll weighs more, and has 26" wheels, but no suspension to worry about.  Im having a tough time deciding because I am very comfortable on either bike, and have spent many long days in the saddle of both.  Regardless of the bike, my gear is nice and light. Input would be appreciated, keep in mind I'm hoping to finish in around 27 days.   Hope to meet some of you in June!
  Jason



Hey Jason,
I own both of those bikes and I would use the Troll.  The 26-inch wheels will work just fine and that stretched out steel frame will be good on your body for those long days.  Best yet, whatever breaks or wears out on a stock Troll will be cheap to take care of from anywhere to nowhere along the way.  I rode a steel frame last year (but not the Troll) and I'm glad I did.  It had a Reba fork but I don't think it did that much good at soaking up the road chatter.  I would have preferred a carbon fork.  I'm sure a steel fork would have been fine too and knocked off a couple of pounds to boot.  Good luck.
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #517 on: February 01, 2013, 04:42:27 AM
hruss


Location: Osceola, MO
Posts: 19


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« Reply #517 on: February 01, 2013, 04:42:27 AM »

I sent in my letter of intent at tourdivide.org a couple of weeks ago and received information, via email, on the 2013 course and that I would be put on the 2013 list.
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #518 on: February 01, 2013, 05:53:23 AM
woody


Location: Southern Utah
Posts: 288


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« Reply #518 on: February 01, 2013, 05:53:23 AM »

I just looked at the signup spreadsheet and it looks like a father/son have signed up. Now that's pretty damn cool. thumbsup

woody
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  Topic Name: Tour Divide 2013 Reply #519 on: February 01, 2013, 08:05:55 AM
chris-r


Posts: 13


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« Reply #519 on: February 01, 2013, 08:05:55 AM »

Hi everyone, I'm relatively new here but have been getting a TON of good info from all of you for preparing to race this June. Just sent in my letter of intent on the site and posted it on my blog here: http://www.probikeswap.com/tour-divide-2013-letter-of-intent/
I seriously can't wait to get to the start and meet everyone and begin this journey. Happy training to all of you racing this year!
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