BEST BICYCLE FOR THE ARGUS

[renburg]

I intend to participate in the Argus Cycle Tour 2014 for the first time. I am 45 years old, 1,74metres tall and have been cycling for approximately a year and participated in approximately x10 MTB Challenges. I have a 2012 model 26inch MTB and accumulated approximately 3000km on same.

1. Would you recommended that I acquire slicks and utilise my 26inch MTB being a bicycle with which I am comfortable?

2. Would you recommend that I acquire a 29er? I was informed that I will improve my time in relation to a 26inch MTB.

3. Would you recommend that I acquire a road bicycle?

My intention is to enjoy the ride in an average time for my age.

Kindly furnish me with your advice.

[fabes]

Definitely get a 27.5 er

Edited September 24, 2013 by fabes

[nickc]

Welcome to the Hub.

 

Do you do other Road Races or only the Argus. I see you list your interests as MtB. If this is your prime focus?

 

Then I would look at possibly an upgrade to a 29er - will help your Argus time.

 

If you are happy with your 26er keep it and use it once a year for the Argus - have fun.

 

If you feel you would like to do more road races by all means look at a road bike as well.

Edited September 24, 2013 by nickc

[eddy]

I intend to participate in the Argus Cycle Tour 2014 for the first time. I am 45 years old, 1,74metres tall and have been cycling for approximately a year and participated in approximately x10 MTB Challenges. I have a 2012 model 26inch MTB and accumulated approximately 3000km on same.

1. Would you recommended that I acquire slicks and utilise my 26inch MTB being a bicycle with which I am comfortable?

2. Would you recommend that I acquire a 29er? I was informed that I will improve my time in relation to a 26inch MTB.

3. Would you recommend that I acquire a road bicycle?

My intention is to enjoy the ride in an average time for my age.

Kindly furnish me with your advice.

 

absolutely

['Dale]

Slicks on the existing bike will be fine.

What will make you 'faster' is to train harder.

 

[gummibear]

I intend to participate in the Argus Cycle Tour 2014 for the first time. I am 45 years old, 1,74metres tall and have been cycling for approximately a year and participated in approximately x10 MTB Challenges. I have a 2012 model 26inch MTB and accumulated approximately 3000km on same.

1. Would you recommended that I acquire slicks and utilise my 26inch MTB being a bicycle with which I am comfortable?

2. Would you recommend that I acquire a 29er? I was informed that I will improve my time in relation to a 26inch MTB.

3. Would you recommend that I acquire a road bicycle?

My intention is to enjoy the ride in an average time for my age.

Kindly furnish me with your advice.

 

Slicks and a 48 chain ring on the front

[Butterbean]

Yeah no point buying a road bike for a once a year event.

 

If you're going to pursue road events, which isn't a bad idea, hell yeah!

 

But for now, pop slicks on and you'll probably sail up the hills past the roadies with those big cogs!

[rock]

Slicks on the existing bike will be fine.

What will make you 'faster' is to train harder.

 

+1

 

did plenty of argusssessss (argii?)on a 26er with a borrowed pair of slicks......

[TALUS]

... and maybe drop your handlebar down one or two spacers.

[SamL1220]

I have a couple sets of 26er slicks in my garage

Pm me your postal/house adress and I'll send them to you

 

Use what you have, no need to buy anything else, just have some fun!

[P.A.K.]

Welcome to the Hub.

 

It's all about your fitness. If you think having a road bike and participating in road races will increase your fitness, get one. And you can buy a cheapish second hand one.

 

If you are looking to get a 29er anyways, you can instead go that route. A 29er with slicks can also be fun at the Argus.

 

Lastly, if all you want to spend is a set of slicks, fit those to your current bike.

 

 

[Brawler]

Depends on what you are trying to achieve and how much you want to spend but a 26er with slicks is absolutely fine for the Argus. I did my first Argus this year on one and it was fine and there were thousands of others as well.

 

I would definitely not buy a new bike just for a once a year event. Are you trying to go for a quick time?

[renburg]

Definitely get a 27.5 er

Is your recommendation based thereon that I am 1.74 m tall? Is a 29er more suitable for a taller rider? Kindly advise.

[Hennie VR]

Use what you have. There is nothing more satisfying that passing a roadie on your 26'' MTB.

And remember to smile and wave when you pass them

[2721sim]

I intend to participate in the Argus Cycle Tour 2014 for the first time. I am 45 years old, 1,74metres tall and have been cycling for approximately a year and participated in approximately x10 MTB Challenges. I have a 2012 model 26inch MTB and accumulated approximately 3000km on same.

1. Would you recommended that I acquire slicks and utilise my 26inch MTB being a bicycle with which I am comfortable?

2. Would you recommend that I acquire a 29er? I was informed that I will improve my time in relation to a 26inch MTB.

3. Would you recommend that I acquire a road bicycle?

My intention is to enjoy the ride in an average time for my age.

Kindly furnish me with your advice.

 

My first Argus I rode on a Raleigh M650 ... Just for the experience ... Managed a painful and uncomfortable 6:47 without a day in the training seat ... but managed it. I would suggest, add slicks and go with the MTB ... I would doubt that the difference in bikes is going to be that dramatic that you would notice it ... As mentioned, see how it goes and then consider buying a road bike for multiple events if road inspires you.

[V12man]

Is your recommendation based thereon that I am 1.74 m tall? Is a 29er more suitable for a taller rider? Kindly advise.

 

This is the hub - he is just yanking your chain....

 

A 29er will make no difference to your first Argus time at all - add slicks and give it a go - once you have a reasonable start group (once you have a seeding time), then a 29er MIGHT make a small (ie tiny) difference, but when you are in the middle of the groups, then no chance of that.

 

I am 1.67, and I have 2 29ers - nether of them make me faster on the road that my 26" bikes - the only thing that does is my road bike...