Chris NewbyFraser Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 I asked the organisers of Tohellandback if they will allow gravel bikes and the answer has come back Yes. Given the steep slopes of the main climbs, this ride should not be taken lightly. Apart from the light climbing gearing needed, excellent brakes are an absolute necessity, preferably hydraulic disc. If using a mechanical disc, in particular Tektro, I would caution that you get the best brake pads possible to prevent brake fade. SRAM BB7 also work on these brakes and maybe they make a good heat resistant pads.
TIB Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 Way back when we did it quite comfortably with rigid steel 26ers using cantilever brakes.... You will be just fine on a gravel bike.
Skubarra Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 Way back when we did it quite comfortably with rigid steel 26ers using cantilever brakes.... You will be just fine on a gravel bike. I'm fairly ignorant about gravel bikes so excuse the question - yes you can survive on anything but would gravel bikes be more suited than mtb's for this race though? Almost no flat sections, very steep gradients, lots of rocks & corrugations - not your typical gravel bike road?
DirtyDan Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 Don't know why you bother asking organisers. It's a non-motorised bicycle. If you want to ride it on a BMX in a mankini, go ahead...This whole micro-niching of the bicycle industry is a pair of distasteful dog's bollocks.My rant contribution for Friday.
TIB Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 I'm fairly ignorant about gravel bikes so excuse the question - yes you can survive on anything but would gravel bikes be more suited than mtb's for this race though? Almost no flat sections, very steep gradients, lots of rocks & corrugations - not your typical gravel bike road? I was ever so slightly sarcastic. A gravel bike can do it, but being old, having gone through the fixie/backpedal/singlespeed/rigid phases on BSA bikes in the early 70's I now embrace technology. 120mm travel front and rear works fine for me! Especially on the way to the Hell
Larry King Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 Nice... some of those downhills are not gravel bike friendly, should be fun to watch
fanievb Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 4.1.040 During MTB races no traditional road handlebars may be used. Clips-on extensions are forbidden but traditional barends are authorized. (article introduced on 1.02.12; text modified on 1.01.16). http://www.uci.ch/mm/Document/News/Rulesandregulation/17/29/73/4MTB-E-1.01.2018-Final_English.pdf for HAB it shouldn't be a problem as they are not CSA sanctioned. so basically up to the organiser. edit: goodluck and book a massage it advance, your back will thank you
Skubarra Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 I was ever so slightly sarcastic. A gravel bike can do it, but being old, having gone through the fixie/backpedal/singlespeed/rigid phases on BSA bikes in the early 70's I now embrace technology. 120mm travel front and rear works fine for me! Especially on the way to the Hell I can see the benefits of a gravel bike for the Swartland 100 race, but yes for hell & back I need proper shocks thank you!
Tim Brink Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 Don't know why you bother asking organisers. It's a non-motorised bicycle. If you want to ride it on a BMX in a mankini, go ahead...This whole micro-niching of the bicycle industry is a pair of distasteful dog's bollocks.My rant contribution for Friday.
Chris NewbyFraser Posted February 9, 2018 Author Posted February 9, 2018 Don't know why you bother asking organisers. It's a non-motorised bicycle. If you want to ride it on a BMX in a mankini, go ahead...This whole micro-niching of the bicycle industry is a pair of distasteful dog's bollocks.My rant contribution for Friday.Politics! If an event is a UCI affiliated race, then UCI rules apply and those jokers don't allow bikes with drop bars to ride an event with MTB's. But if the gravel bikes start afer the mtb riders, then the rules don't seem to apply. That's sort of how the Berg100 is getting around it. Another reason I contact the organisers - it's the right thing to do.
DirtyDan Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 Politics! If an event is a UCI affiliated race, then UCI rules apply and those jokers don't allow bikes with drop bars to ride an event with MTB's. But if the gravel bikes start afer the mtb riders, then the rules don't seem to apply. That's sort of how the Berg100 is getting around it. Another reason I contact the organisers - it's the right thing to do.ooh shot for the insight!
Tim Brink Posted February 9, 2018 Posted February 9, 2018 Politics! If an event is a UCI affiliated race, then UCI rules apply and those jokers don't allow bikes with drop bars to ride an event with MTB's. But if the gravel bikes start afer the mtb riders, then the rules don't seem to apply. That's sort of how the Berg100 is getting around it. Another reason I contact the organisers - it's the right thing to do.So if my gravel bike has a gravel-bike-specific bar, there is no problem? It doesn't say no drop bars...
TIB Posted February 10, 2018 Posted February 10, 2018 I can see the benefits of a gravel bike for the Swartland 100 race, but yes for hell & back I need proper shocks thank you!100%. Horses for courses
Chris NewbyFraser Posted February 11, 2018 Author Posted February 11, 2018 So if my gravel bike has a gravel-bike-specific bar, there is no problem? It doesn't say no drop bars...Gravel bikes have both standard and flared drop bars and these are fine 100%. Horses for coursesNow you oke's are making me worried. How much rougher is the Hell road versus other typical mtb jeep track sections? Don't want to break a wheel etc..
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