In international trail running you have a point system. E.g. if you want to enter UTMB you will require a certain amount of points that you only get by finishing other long distance events in a specific time.
This could probably be implemented in MTB too but would bring down the entry numbers most likely.
I've switched to oval on my MTB a few weeks ago and my experience are in line with the comments above:
- subjectively more control and rounder pace on steep climbs
- not very noticeable on the flats
As usual there is already a GCN clinic on that topic 🙂
I recommend to go with the lightest that you can get your hands on / afford.
You don't win or finish the Epic on the downhills - it's the climbing you have to master. And there every gram on your bike and yourself counts 🙂
I've got an USWE Outlander pack and I find it very comfortable to wear.
What I dislike about the USWE is that it moves up and hits my helmet once the bladder is empty because it sits so high on the back. I guess it depends on your position on the bike and how your utilize the straps. Might be a non-issue for other people.
Also with the 2l there is not much space besides the bladder. I can squeeze in a key - maybe a cellphone.
I recurrently ask myself the same question - why don't I get a hardtail instead of full suss?
Save some on maintenance and weight.
But every time I hit the three hour mark on a ride / race I'm glad to have suspension 🙂
My solution is now to have a cheap aluminium road bike for early morning road rides and CTCT and a full suss for weekends and marathons.
Over the years I had HRMs from Bryton, Sunto, Sigmasports and all of them failed for no reason after different periods of time.
Besides factory reset and new batteries I don't think there is any other way to resolve.
And link for the 59km Strava profile: https://www.strava.com/activities/8728882416?share_sig=[C%404256b961679590255&utm_medium=social&utm_source=android_share
Taken from here: https://www.entryninja.com/events/78559-lourensford-classic
