snaphaan

With my LBS about 300 km away, I live on a try first and seek help later bases. <?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> With my slight weight disadvantage, I decided to change the granny gear on my mtb from 24 ? 30 to 24 ? 34 on an 8 speed cassette. As can be seen from the photo, the 34 sprocket is quite a step up. According to the shimano website docs: Max. Rear Sprocket 34T Max Front Difference 20T I have adjusted the B-tension bolt to almost maximum in order to achieve a minimum clearance with the top pulley at all times. I have tried 3 different chain lengths : Max length + 2 Links, Max length + 4 links (Original), Max length + 6 links ( Max Length being biggest ring to biggest sprocket. ) >> The Max length + 2 Links produced the best result shifting through all combinations. I am unsure if this is correct I would have expected a little more clearance on the derailleur. Please look at the photos and advise if something is seriously wrong. Additional information can be supplied.

Thank you JB for a very informative thread.

Thank you for the info. I will look for the book when I'm in the city again.

I am very new to racing. Only MTB. I have studied many sites including this one and although I have improved dramatically, Weight has dropped from 122 kg to 116 kg > target: 95 kg? First 35km race pace 3h 55 Current 35km race pace 2h 50 Q1. Food intake while racing. I love the pasta idea before racing. There are drinks before, Drinks during and drinks after a race. There are Fruit, Energy bars, jelly people etc. Everything is bl?rie sweet. by the end of the race I feel like a lollipop and in desperate need of a steak. Is there a non sweet option, except beer, for food during a race? Q2. Eating between races while training. We have developed a much healthier eating regime at home. The kilo's does however not disappear as fast as one would wish. I have read a lot of diets especially in the forums. I do however think that a lot is untrue especially when the most tasty bit of a days food is the multi vitamin. Must we follow a very strict diet or will the situation improve over time?

I include the profile for the gravel road we use twice a month if time allows. As we are new to cycling this is just about the limit of my ability. We use a tar road back.