TucknRoll Posted October 4, 2013 Share Hi I am planning to ride the Berg & Bush Descent on my rigid SS, any recommedations for gearing ? I did Spring Classic (18x34), Nissan Trailseeker Cullinan 70km (16x34) and Van Gaalen 70km (18x34). Also the USN cup, but they were flat. Edited October 4, 2013 by TucknRoll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V12man Posted October 4, 2013 Share Hi I am planning to ride the Berg & Bush Descent on my rigid SS, any recommedations for gearing ? I did Spring Classic (18x34), Nissan Trailseeker Cullinan 70km (16x34) and Van Gaalen 70km (18x24). Also the USN cup, but they were flat. Just go with the van Gaalens setup... 18 x 24.... if you can make that work at VG. you can use it at B&B... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shangri la Posted October 4, 2013 Share TucknRoll, you did a different 70k at van Gaalen to me if that was flat - especially the downhill in the rocks and dust!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgar Posted October 4, 2013 Share I did it last year on using 32x18 and was able to ride everything. The hands and arms took more gas then the legs on the rigid. I would normally do the flatter GP races on 32x15 to give you an idea of where I am. TucknRoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TucknRoll Posted October 4, 2013 Share Just go with the van Gaalens setup... 18 x 24.... if you can make that work at VG. you can use it at B&B... Thanks, but that should read 18x34 not 18x24. Thought I had correted it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TucknRoll Posted October 4, 2013 Share TucknRoll, you did a different 70k at van Gaalen to me if that was flat - especially the downhill in the rocks and dust!!USN Cup races were flat, VG definately wasn't :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TucknRoll Posted October 4, 2013 Share I did it last year on using 32x18 and was able to ride everything. The hands and arms took more gas then the legs on the rigid. I would normally do the flatter GP races on 32x15 to give you an idea of where I am.Thanks Edgar, I normally ride 16x34 - Northerns, Modders, B'sorah etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryanpmb Posted October 4, 2013 Share Difficult question for others to answer. My suggestion would be to compare the distances and profiles of the BnB days to the relevant races you've done. Bring into account the fact that you'll be doing this for 2 or 3 days in a row. Personally I'd stick to the 34/18 as that seems to be your preference and what your comfortable on. Making it easier may help a little on the hills but you'll get frustrating spinning out earlier than normal. My 2c. Good luck. Let us know how it goes. If you ride up Spioenkop you deserve more than a sticker... TucknRoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryanpmb Posted October 4, 2013 Share The hands and arms took more gas then the legs on the rigid. Was going to mention that on a rigid you may feel it a bit. Lots of looong downhill sections to build up some arm pump TucknRoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewbacca Posted October 6, 2013 Share ok, so I have a different spin on things. I would go 34 - 19. Don't kill me but it just makes the last 40km on the last day a bit less of a grind if you get tired. I am not doubting your prowess on a bike, just suggesting that you choose an easier gear than normal in case you get a bit knackered. I ride all sorts of ratios but like today at Jonkers I rode 32/20.... hills are a bitch and spinning the back wheel sucks ass. Im not macho, just practical. Oh, all you single speeders out there.......... I have a big surprise if I can get 7 entrants confirmed into the bridge cape Pioneer 2014...... Please please please lets get 7 of us together and enter and confirm....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TucknRoll Posted October 8, 2013 Share ok, so I have a different spin on things. I would go 34 - 19. Don't kill me but it just makes the last 40km on the last day a bit less of a grind if you get tired. I am not doubting your prowess on a bike, just suggesting that you choose an easier gear than normal in case you get a bit knackered. I ride all sorts of ratios but like today at Jonkers I rode 32/20.... hills are a bitch and spinning the back wheel sucks ass. Im not macho, just practical. Oh, all you single speeders out there.......... I have a big surprise if I can get 7 entrants confirmed into the bridge cape Pioneer 2014...... Please please please lets get 7 of us together and enter and confirm.......Thanks, noted. But I'm going to stick with 18 for day 1, think its technical enough to stay with the geared riders. Plus my partners on a geared bike, so I'm going to have to do my share of the work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TucknRoll Posted October 14, 2013 Share Unfortunately I didn't manage to finish on my SS, mostly probably due to the heat, lack of training & wrong gear selection for the altered route on day 2. Managed day 1 fine with 18x34 and decided to stick with that for day 2. Wasn't feeling strong after day 2 & after looking at day 3 profile (hilly start & flat finish) I opted to put gears on my bike and finish the race. :-( maybe next year Chro Mo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryanpmb Posted October 14, 2013 Share 2/3. Good effort. At least you went out and did it - next year you'll know what to expect. TucknRoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rouxtjie Posted October 14, 2013 Share Well done tuck&roll...stage racing on a SS is quite hard, one tends to destroy your legs and they become pipe cleaners after the first two days. TucknRoll 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewbacca Posted October 14, 2013 Share ok, so I have a different spin on things. I would go 34 - 19. Don't kill me but it just makes the last 40km on the last day a bit less of a grind if you get tired. I am not doubting your prowess on a bike, just suggesting that you choose an easier gear than normal in case you get a bit knackered. I ride all sorts of ratios but like today at Jonkers I rode 32/20.... hills are a bitch and spinning the back wheel sucks ass. Im not macho, just practical. Oh, all you single speeders out there.......... I have a big surprise if I can get 7 entrants confirmed into the bridge cape Pioneer 2014...... Please please please lets get 7 of us together and enter and confirm....... Hate to say it but............... Well done for attempting it though. Its a learning experience which you can only gain from. Ok, so does anyone here have any interest in riding the most beautiful multi day race in Southern Africa on a rigid SS? PM me..... And if you have any friends who might be game tell them to PM me.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peadar Posted October 16, 2013 Share I did it last year on using 32x18 and was able to ride everything. The hands and arms took more gas then the legs on the rigid.I would normally do the flatter GP races on 32x15 to give you an idea of where I am.hay im thinking of doing it with a 32/18. how was Spionkop? did you make it all the way up? to give you an idea i ride mostly on a 32/17 (29er rigid) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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