Sukerbosrand Reserve loop - 57km

[Gerhardc]

What is a good time for the 57km loop at the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve on a road bike?

 

or what have been your guys (gals) times....?

 

Why am I asking, cause I'm a MTB'er who recently got himself a road bike....yes, that's right...i got a roadbike.....boy and did I suffer on some of those Suikerbos climbs....my bike is the 2011 Scott CR1 Pro with Shimano Ultegra 20-Speed 53 x 39 T crank in front and 20-Speed 11-25 T casette at the back....I just could not sit and climb...I had to stand the whole way to get up those climbs in my easiest gear....the above is as it comes out of the box....do you guys go bigger (11-28?) at the back for something like Suikerbosrand??

 

Just a MTB'er asking, cause he knows boggerall about road....my Garmin profile for anybody interested... http://connect.garmin.com/activity/118309314

Edited October 3, 2011 by Gerhardc

[Eldron]

"Good" is relative... I've been trying to crack 2 hours "cattle grate to cattle grate" for years but never managed it. I know loads skinnies that have done it. I reckon your SBR time is about 25% faster than your 94.7 time so there is a good indicator for you. The amount of climbing is the same - just a few km shorter...

[Gerhardc]

Eldron,

 

WOW, sub 2 hours....eish!!

 

Please see my question about gear ratio on road bike?

 

Thx,

G

Edited October 3, 2011 by Gerhardc

[The Saint]

My best from cattle grid to cattle grid has been 2:17 - I would think for a beginner anything under 3 hours would be good going.

 

Your gear ratios are fine for Suikerbos

[Eldron]

Eldron,

 

WOW, sub 2 hours....eish!!

 

Please see my question about gear ratio on road bike?

 

Thx,

G

 

Fate is always conspiring against me - rain, illness, crazy wind, a puncture - you name it and it has prevented me from cracking that damned 2 hour mark!

 

I ride a 39x23 gear when I'm in really good shape and a 39x25 when I'm coming back from injury or after a lazy winter. I don't sit the whole way up the first climb or the harsh one at the ~48km mark. I find it easier and faster to stand every few hundred metres to rest the "sitting muscles". Hope that helps!

 

Edit: I think it'll take a few tours of SBR to get you ready for sitting most/all of the the way - those hills are steeper than anything else in jhb - your legs are just not used to it...YET!

Edited October 3, 2011 by Eldron

[8848]

most people (i think) use standard gear ratios.

 

I have cracked sub 2 hours, but it helps once you knwo teh route, an know ehere to go for it, and where to old back etc. so give it a few more goes.

[Cyclewizz]

Don't worry, I suffer every time I go there.

Avoided that place for about a year but visited it last week doing the Race for Victory.

 

I run similar gearing to you 12-25 on the back.

Majority have to stand to climb those 13% gradients.

[Eldron]

most people (i think) use standard gear ratios.

 

I have cracked sub 2 hours, but it helps once you knwo teh route, an know ehere to go for it, and where to old back etc. so give it a few more goes.

 

Bastard! Bloody agent!

[Gerhardc]

Thanks guys!

 

I wanted to sit on those 2 climbs, one at start and one at 48km's.....but I COULDN'T....had to STAND in order to turn the crank....my upper legs are just too weak at this moment in time....and off course by standing my heart rate went through the roof as a result of it.....

 

As a MTB'er, I think I've become too accustomed to my GRANNY gear!!

 

I got new respect for roadies....

 

Will do SBR more often!

Edited October 3, 2011 by Gerhardc

[scotty]

2.35 has been my best with 12/27 cluster but these days i'm happy with a sub 3.

[TNT1]

 

As a MTB'er, I think I've become too accustomed to my GRANNY gear!!

 

I got new respect for roadies....

 

 

Ping: Sean. Editorialise this...

[Li Mu Bai]

2:06 is my best. you need to visit often, because each time you will notice your time drop by a minute or two, you definitely get stronger with each loop. Its the best place to get in shape after a long fat winter. try go once a week.

I enjoy my 11-28, although 11-25, or 11-27 works fine too, sitting. Standing uses too much energy, so get out of that habbit if you can.

Some places you can get over 80km/h, but be careful. lots of wildlife that can pop out of nowhere and knock you off your ride, not to mention the staff cars and occasional visitors riding in the wrong direction taking short cuts. Tall grass and blind corners = danger.

 

best soul riding in JHB. damn wish I could be there right now...

[Gerhardc]

2:06 is my best. you need to visit often, because each time you will notice your time drop by a minute or two, you definitely get stronger with each loop. Its the best place to get in shape after a long fat winter. try go once a week.

I enjoy my 11-28, although 11-25, or 11-27 works fine too, sitting. Standing uses too much energy, so get out of that habbit if you can.

Some places you can get over 80km/h, but be careful. lots of wildlife that can pop out of nowhere and knock you off your ride, not to mention the staff cars and occasional visitors riding in the wrong direction taking short cuts. Tall grass and blind corners = danger.

 

best soul riding in JHB. damn wish I could be there right now...

[davetapson]

I get 3hrs on an MTB. Some youngsters (MTB) I met there said they aim for 2hrs, but I don't know if that includes the loop at the end.

 

Apparently Kevin Evans and DG were knocking out 90min laps (MTB), but also don't know if that includes the end loop.

[Showtime]

I am not alone I'm also a mountain biker that got a 2011 CR1 Pro and was wondering about a 11-28 ratio. Then I searched the hub and somebody had a thread about needing a 25 at the back for Suikerbosrand instead of a 23.

 

I just stared at the screen and decided to toughen up

[Weight Weenie]

Would compact crankset not be better suited to someone just starting out on a road bike ?

I have one on mine (50/34 with 11-25 cassette) and it's still tuff as you can't spin up some hills like with an mtb, would really sukkel on a normal crankset.