Which one for EPIC

[29pgc10]

Two months ago I connected with Mother Earth and broke my wrist.

With only six days until the start of Epic I need to make choice of the machinery to be used:

 

Option 1:

Been riding 96s for two years now, in Epic as well. This one for a year.

Flat bar, Fox Fit and I know it well.

 

Option 2:

Ibis Mojo - new teritory for me, collected her only on Saturday.

Riser bar, Revelation 150mm shock, CB Jawlin seat post.

 

Option 3:

Not an option now, I will be there taking it day-by-day, until finish line or failure. It is here to agree that we disagree.

 

 

I need to make choice between the known -to me- behavior of the 96 vs perceived comfort of the Mojo. My wrist will take beating on the descends, but I have not ridden the Mojo for any significant length of time, never mind for 8 days.

 

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo197/29pgc10/50a5ff24.jpg

Edited April 6, 2011 by 29pgc10

[Aurora]

Ibis, its alot plusher then the 96 and thats perfect for epic

[Caerus]

Option 4: Get another bike Just so there are no rumours

[stringbean]

If you posted this a few months ago i would say the ibis.Definately a far better bike BUT as you have only a week to go there is no time to ride and adjust to a new bike.Even if you try to get the build the same you still might be out by a few mm.It takes time to get used to the new bike.

Stick with the merida and what your body knows and has adjusted to.

My 2c.

[Brakkies Sport Fotos]

its not the bike, its going to be the one you trust the most and fit the best for 8 days (7 -8hours a day non stop)

[wchampion]

Stay on the bike you know, changing anything this close to the epic will be a mistake.

[Ab 1]

Nice wheels on the Ibis.

Go for the 96.

[Eddy Gordo]

i would say go with the ibis, what a way to learn a beatiful bike. It not like its a horse and its gonna throw you! Besides the ibis should be alot more trail friendly

[DJR]

I unfortunately have some experience in the "breaking a wrist" department, I've done it twice (and rode an Argus with the cast still on).

 

My advice is to get a really good wrist guard because your ligaments will still be very stiff after the long immobilization of the fracture. The first time you have a little unplanned dismount and land on your hands, those ligaments are likely to tear. 661 make various longer and shorter ones, I use the Race Wrap and it is pretty comfortable, worn over your gloves. They are sold in left and right separately, but buy both, because your good hand will be taking more of the load and will thank you for it afterwards. Also consider getting larger diameter grips or ergonomic grips because your hand strength will not be as good as usual and that will help your hands not getting so tired. Alternatively, take some road bar tape with you to modify your grips further if needed. Small bar ends to give you more hand positions can also help. A bit more of a riser bar or a shorter, higher stem will also take weight off the hands and you will not regret doing that. Just make sure it is not too radical a change to mess up your bike fit.

 

About the bikes, no advice from me, but if you want to bring both to the Cape, I'll look after the Mojo for you while you ride the Merida.

 

Good luck for the Epic, I'll be there cheering you on at the prologue and making sure you don't mess up the Tokai trails that we so lovingly prepared for you. About that, it's going to be more technical than the usual winter Tokai, how are your sand, rock and root skills?

[gummibear]

First off...damn you are lucky to have two awesome bikes.

 

Your body knows the 96 so stay with it for now and i think it may be a little lighter than the Ibis and that will help if you aren't totally fit.

 

Are you going to ride with a wrist guard...just in case?

[Caerus]

I think some sort of added wrist protection would help, cause either bike could become null & void.

[ichnusa]

if your partner is stronger than you - the 96... if you are stronger - the ibis

[jarek.pski]

Merida plus ducktape your wrist of a plank of wood + restrainer

[29pgc10]

Thank you everybody for your comments. I got myself nice wrist guard that fits over the gloves (what a rip-off: on CRC the 661 Race is 15quids here some other brand R480...). Will be taking both bicycles: will try the Ibis in Tokai and will see. there is nothing in the rules about swaping bikes:

 

7 Bicycles

 

Only mountain bikes in good working order and race ready at the start of each stage will be allowed to start that stage.

For purposes of rule 7.1, “race ready” means the following:

 

1) The front number board is securely fitted and visible from the front.

2) The frame marking is displayed as per instructions received at registration.

3) The bike is in safe working order, as determined in the discretion of the commissaire.

 

 

Handlebar ends and handlebar extensions shall be plugged and must not have sharp or jagged edges. The use of tri-bars and bladed wheels is not allowed.

Each rider is responsible for the maintenance of his/her own bike for the duration of the race.

In all cases of maintenance and repair, riders are required to complete the full distance of the stage and must complete the stage within the maximum stage time. Time spent on maintenance and repair will thus not entitle a rider to any extension of the maximum stage time.

 

 

9 Team Riding

 

...

Any rider may receive physical assistance from his/her team partner or from a fellow competitor. For purposes hereof, “physical assistance” shall mean the sharing of water and nutrition, sharing of bike parts and accessories (including the swopping of bike frames), assistance with maintenance and repair, and pushing/towing by physical contact only. ...

 

can not wait: week of fun in the cape

[gummibear]

Good luck and enjoy the race

[CAAD4]

Is that rule correct? Surely the pro's would then be swapping bikes left, right and centre depending on the terrain per stage?