Trans Iowa V10

[Boney]

Whichever platform you enjoy for 'normal' gravel racing and riding is probably the best choice. I finished V9 on a Cross Check with 35mm Continental Cyclocross Speed tires. The year before I started on a Fargo and didn't finish. I definitely don't blame my DNF on the MTB, but I had a lot more fun the following year on the smaller, more appropriate bike.

[scooteremu]

All I have is my 26er as I want to hit up the divide ride someday. Even better, I have never done a gravel race but have been riding 2-3 times a week for about 2 hours on trails so that should pay off until I really get going. I am surely diving into the deep end by going for Iowa first.

[dave_newsom]

Whichever platform you enjoy for 'normal' gravel racing and riding is probably the best choice. I finished V9 on a Cross Check with 35mm Continental Cyclocross Speed tires. The year before I started on a Fargo and didn't finish. I definitely don't blame my DNF on the MTB, but I had a lot more fun the following year on the smaller, more appropriate bike.

I did a long (300+mi) gravel ride last summer on 33mm Maxxis Razes, although they're now worn out. Raced cross season on 32mm Vittoria Cross XGs but those aren't gravel-reliable. I'm a heavier chap and found the Razes too narrow on sandier gravel or anything muddy, so new rubber this year for sure. Given there will be significant B-road sections this year, how fat should I go before encountering diminishing returns? I was looking at Clement MSOs in 40mm but could go for something smaller (+ better mud clearance) if it's not needed. Planning on using the Cross Check at this point.

[scooteremu]

Hopefully all this chat about tire widths will be helpful and in the end, not have to be used as the roads will be dry. Knock on wood. Going with Continental Race King 2.2 but quick question...

Recommended PSI for the tires is 50-65 but the Stan's ZTR rims are 40(Im guessing that is for the no tube setup, correct me if I am wrong), which PSI is the limit? Have been at 40.

[dave_newsom]

Recommended tire pressures for higher volume tires are usually higher than the *maximum* I would ever consider running. I run the smaller 2.0 Race Kings at maybe 35-40 with tubes.

The 40psi limit on Stan's rims is just for tubeless, that's right. Rims don't care what pressure you run with tubes.

[scooteremu]

Thanks. 40 feels good but lets get it going with the mud on one of those B roads. Should be a nice slop fest but hopefully not.

[dave_newsom]

I might just bring both bikes and ride the Niner with 2.2s if it's muddy and the Cross Check with 40s or so if it's promising to be dry.

[scooteremu]

Since I am one tracking it with the bike, I only had to worry about how many times I need to reapply the chammy. Eat alot, ride alot (above 10mph) and not get lost. I bet groups sticking together is a huge mental booster for this ride.

[Boney]

I've enjoyed using the MSOs a lot. From what little I have seen of Iowa B roads, they will be unrideable by any tire width if they are wet (Fuller would be a better person to ask about this). Just let the other 95% of the route guide your choice in rubber.

[scooteremu]

Mso? As long as its not too cold, the B roads are going to be fun.

Also read your blog on riding together and couldn't agree more. Hopefully someone runs across my path

[scooteremu]

Is there any need for this kind of race to bring a replacement chain or derailleur hanger?

[sfuller]

I've enjoyed using the MSOs a lot. From what little I have seen of Iowa B roads, they will be unrideable by any tire width if they are wet (Fuller would be a better person to ask about this). Just let the other 95% of the route guide your choice in rubber.

Late to the party on this - Wet Iowa B Roads = walking

If they aren't complete soup, then they are clay and sticking to your wheels, or they are snot on top of clay.

[sfuller]

Is there any need for this kind of race to bring a replacement chain or derailleur hanger?

In general, people will bring a minimum of one or two quick links. I had that, along with a few actual links of chain, and a spare hanger last year. But I'm a duct tape and bailing wire kind of guy, and I liked the warm fuzzy of the extra insurance. Turns out last years road conditions were some of the best ever, other than a lot of fresh rock. Only one really small wet section that we walked, and that was more for insurance than anything (literally 3 steps across a wet seeping area on a B road)

[sfuller]

I came up with the concept to Pack everything I can on the bike for those 120. Lots and lots of....food!

Remember that most people's stomachs can only process about 300 calories or so per hour. It's also important to bring a variety of food with you. Last year, what I was eating earlier in the day was very unappetizing during the overnight hours.

[scooteremu]

This weather better go away so I can get outside to ride! Northwest Indiana so far has had a bad winter.

[dave_newsom]

Has anyone used Bruce Gordon Rock'n'Roads (43mm) on these roads? Excited about volume, concerned about rolling resistance and (Cross Check) mud clearance... Guitar Ted liked them anyway.

[sfuller]

I haven't used those particular tires. I had no issues running 42c Marathon Mondials last year. Resistance was nothing untoward.

[bouldernick]

See you guys there! I'm planning on using Bruce Gordon Rock 'n Road tires, tubeless, on a drop bar 29er. Lots of clearance and I have a frame bag for it.

[scooteremu]

About the same setup but with a 26er. Lots of room for food

[bouldernick]

Scooter, you managing many hours outside? I live in Colorado, but I'm originally from Indiana. You guys have had one heck of a winter!