[Event] Swartberg100 Gran Fondo 2018

[Jewbacca]

geez... Im planning on riding it 39/20. Better bring some hiking shoes!

[Underachiever]

I’m more concerned with size of cassette rather than size of tyres

My Niner is geared at 36x32.  No way I will make the last part of the Pass after 140km (at heavy 40c tyres) in that gear.

[eddy]

Your granny will kick your gluteus.... every day of the week....

 

At least it is a big target

[milky4130]

And?

 

I suppose if you are not pushing 100kg like some of us, 36x42 is enough for the pass.

 

Is 36x11 enough for the flats?

yeah I am dipping in just under 70kgs. Definitely was sufficient for me, I think going out we had a head wind that year so no bigger gears was really required, after Meiringspoort it was a tailwind but Road tilted up & we went off road so again no big gears was needed.

[eddy]

yeah I am dipping in just under 70kgs. Definitely was sufficient for me, I think going out we had a head wind that year so no bigger gears was really required, after Meiringspoort it was a tailwind but Road tilted up & we went off road so again no big gears was needed.

That makes sense. Thx

[jcza]

My Niner is geared at 36x32. No way I will make the last part of the Pass after 140km (at heavy 40c tyres) in that gear.

I’ve got 34x32, don’t think it’s enough but also not sure how much money I want to spend. I’m yet to find a pass I cannot walk up.

 

Will study the segment Caves to Top and decide on plan of action.

[Eddy Gordo]

I was in the Cederberg the past few days. Some of those climbs.....

However I would love to attempt this event on the Sun tho as I have to work on the Sat no matter what.

So I see Eddy mentioned pushing the 100 kg mark. Are there people pushing up some of those hills?

I need to train, the 100km wont be a problem, but climbing is gonna hurt. Most likely will have to get a training partner willing to punish me

[eddy]

 

Are there people pushing up some of those hills?

 

Yip. Or maybe just stop and take in the view a couple of times....

 

 

 

I need to train, the 100km wont be a problem

 

It is 100 MILES. 170 km.

[Prince Albert Cycles]

I rode the pass from Prince Albert side and the road conditions are near perfect.

And you did not come and say hello .

Did it on Jan1 and I agree

[TALUS]

Damn. I forgot this overlaps with Panorama. Already committed there. I really want to take my Slate to a race that is actually friendly towards my friend.

[Prince Albert Cycles]

Damn. I forgot this overlaps with Panorama. Already committed there. I really want to take my Slate to a race that is actually friendly towards my friend.

If it was not the Panorama I would have said you are looking for an excuse

[Underachiever]

And you did not come and say hello .

Did it on Jan1 and I agree

I came to say hello!!  Was nice to meet you and to admire the Colnago!!

[Armand08]

My setup for Swartberg 100 is as follows: (weight: 70kg)

Cannondale slate

WTB resolute 42mm tires, 25-30 psi

1x11 setup 

48T chainring

11-42 Cassette

 

Now I need to work on the legs to push that gear up the swartberg.

[Armand08]

And you did not come and say hello .

Did it on Jan1 and I agree

 

We will all need an update on road conditions closer to the event, so we will rely on you local knowledge. Expecting an update 2nd week of April....   

[Patchelicious]

Currently both gravel bike options have 50/34 11:32 Shimano 105 setups.

 

I checked and saw Shimano does a CX crank but it’s small blade is still a 34.

 

What’s the best way to get a slightly smaller chain/m ring or crank on there? I’m happy with the 50 but maybe a 32 would be nice.

[eddy]

Currently both gravel bike options have 50/34 11:32 Shimano 105 setups.

 

I checked and saw Shimano does a CX crank but it’s small blade is still a 34.

 

What’s the best way to get a slightly smaller chain/m ring or crank on there? I’m happy with the 50 but maybe a 32 would be nice.

 

Can you not run a 36 or 40 at the back ?

 

I have a medium cage XO derailleur, 11-32  paired with 50/34 but for for touring with a load (and mountains) I fit a ??-40 cassette.

 

I certainly don't cross chain 50-40 but otherwise I am fine with it.

 

ps, I rode up there with a mate on his CX bike and a compact crank and 30 at the back and he coped fine.