Calling all elite MTB riders

[The_Break]

Hi Guys

 

This is mostly a question for the more elite MTB guys.

 

I am thinking of trying my hand at some MTB. From a performance point of view I would probably fall into the more elite category as this is where I left off with my road racing. Would just need to get my skills sorted out. My strength lies in TT on the road and I would typically ride a 40km TT in anything sub 57min when generally fit, peaking around 55min. Never been a great climber.

 

So my questions to you guys are:

 

1. What type of events should I look at trying out, i.e. marathon, cross country, etc?

2. What type of bike should I be looking at getting for this type of racing, i.e. hardtail, dual?

3. What kind fo price should I be expecting to get a bike for an elite level of racing to be on average with the rest of the bikes in this category. Bike does make a difference as I have seen on road?

4. What would be best for this type of rding from a 26er vs. 29er point of view?

 

Thanks up front!

The Break

[martinsnyman]

Hi The Break, maybe I can help a little here as I have done soooooooooo much research and you have helped me so much! Lets start with how tall are you?

[martinsnyman]

Hi Guys

 

This is mostly a question for the more elite MTB guys.

 

I am thinking of trying my hand at some MTB. From a performance point of view I would probably fall into the more elite category as this is where I left off with my road racing. Would just need to get my skills sorted out. My strength lies in TT on the road and I would typically ride a 40km TT in anything sub 57min when generally fit, peaking around 55min. Never been a great climber.

 

So my questions to you guys are:

 

1. What type of events should I look at trying out, i.e. marathon, cross country, etc? You will have to try the different events to decide which suites you better - how did you decide on TT's?

2. What type of bike should I be looking at getting for this type of racing, i.e. hardtail, dual? Will depend on which type of riding you will be doing most, skill and confidence levels will also be a factor, in my experience dropping into the ruin at Rosemary Hill took less guts on my DS than on my hardtail, not a hugely technical drop - but confidence plays a roll!

3. What kind fo price should I be expecting to get a bike for an elite level of racing to be on average with the rest of the bikes in this category. Bike does make a difference as I have seen on road? I will leave this one to elite riders!

4. What would be best for this type of rding from a 26er vs. 29er point of view? This will hugely depend on your height and terrain, there is a very interesting article in the latest TREAD mag on the pro's and cons of 26", 650B(27.5") and 29" bikes.Super handy as this is very factual seeing as there are so many different opinions around, if you don't believe me- go to your local bike shop and ask two different salesman which is the better bike - 26"0r29"????????? Try it!!!

 

Not an elite cyclist at all - infact a complete rookie, but I read, ride and ask alot - this is what I have gathered.

 

Thanks up front!

The Break

[The_Break]

Hi The Break, maybe I can help a little here as I have done soooooooooo much research and you have helped me so much! Lets start with how tall are you?

180cm

[The_Break]

Hi MArtin

 

Did all really, but TT were I was best. I came from a tri background. Mentioning it here as I see MTB to be much more of an individual event than a bunch ride. So the roadies/mtb guys will be able to put this in context as to my strengths.

[martinsnyman]

Still feel you should try all the various disciplines, I have access to a pretty decent carbon dual suspension bike, might be a ball hair too big but we can remedy that with the set up, come take it for a spin - you need to ride the different bikes and see what works and where you feel most comfi! Based in Centurion

[martinsnyman]

Sorry - did not mean to hijack the post - elite cyclists, please step in. The Break has given me some very sound advice on various topics, let us pitch in and convert him to a champion MTB'er

[The_Break]

Anyone out there?

 

So far info from local boys are that I am looking for a hardtail 29er to do marathon type events.

 

You agree?

[The_Break]

And apparently 20k can get me a very competitive rig?

[TheV]

If you are as competative as you say, you wont be happy with a 20k machine.

 

You should get a 29er HT, because it will be light, and it will be most familiar to your road background in terms of performance and power transfer.

 

You might as well invest in a decent bike upfront, otherwise you will fall into the always upgrading pit. Or worse, end up selling the bike at a loss.

 

Pyga, Scott or Spez are some decent options.

 

Groupset should be nothing but Shimano XT, spend extra bucks on frame, wheels or forks.

[TheV]

In terms of getting fit, get a garmin and join strava, it will make you want to ride

[patches]

Groupset should be nothing but Shimano XT.

 

...if you're stingy. If you don't mind spending money on yourself then get X0

[TheV]

Lastly, forget about stage races for the first year, they are expensive and you will need a partner, rather invest time, energy and money into getting to grips with the sport in terms of gear and tech skills.

 

Ride as many one day races as possible, start with some shorter ones and build up, they are fun and you will meet riders.

 

R40k is what you need for race ready competative bike and gear such as shoes, lid, clothing, etc

[TheV]

 

 

...if you're stingy. If you don't mind spending money on yourself then get X0

 

the only problem with X0 is avid brakes.

 

Orderec some ZEE's for my 66, dying to try them.

Edited August 2, 2012 by TheV

[BLACKvoodoo]

I'm very far from elite but I can say if you want reliability go XT.

[patches]

the only problem with X0 is avid brakes.

 

true true! although I have 2 sets of Avid that I'me happy with. Not XX or X0 though... Juicy 7 carbons and Codes. For great feeling brakes though... Hope Tech X2 Evo's are the way to go.

 

@ The_Break... +1 on the day races. Pity the Nissan series is halfway through. That would have been a good start to a 1st season

Edited August 2, 2012 by patches