upgrades for joburg2c?

[rudi-h]

I have a pretty standard SC 5010c, rigged mostly for enduro so its all aluminium parts other than the frame.  Thought of some upgrades to make my life a bit better for a longish stage race, so currently facing the "what to get" dilemma...

 

carbon bars... worth it or not?  I've got 780mm Spank risers (alu) at the moment

 

power meter...  Training with a pm on my road bike and I'm curious to see how my power holds up over 9 days?  if at all, should I stick with stages on the MTB or should I go with 4iiii or something else?  I've heard the stages stuff aren't really mud and weather proof when its gets messy.

 

cassette... have a 11/44 SLX cassette at the moment.  What's the best bang for my buck, probably looking to make the granny a bit lighter, so maybe a 10/48 or similar?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Get a sunrace 11-50 if you can. MUCH better spacing than the Shimano jobs. 

 

Carbon - nah, I reckon those Spank Alu bars are pretty damn comfy. Maybe different grips?

 

Power meter - why not?

[Wannabe]

rudi-h, you are overthinking things.

Ride your bike as is. I did the J2C two years back on my Hardtail with 1x11 (11-42/32) with 100mm front travel. The first three days are hard on the bum on a hardtail, your dualie will make it more pleasant.

 

The only worthwhile change I'll make to your setup, is maybe a dropper post, and then a 11-46 or 11-50 Sunrace cassette, as there is a few climbs where you will need it.

 

Why do you think a power meter is a worthwhile upgrade? It is only a nice to have piece of technology that can go wrong (stop working) and then you will just stress about not being able to see you power output.

 

Nah, just go out and enjoy it, it will be the best 9 days of riding you'll ever do (even the bumpy first three days are still a jol)

[Dieter ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

What tyres do you have on now? If it's rigged for enduro that's what will probably make the most difference.

[nick_the_wheelbuilder]

What wheels are you running?

[rudi-h]

thanks for the input.  i agree that none of these upgrades are essential, but i seem to have the itch

 

i've got a dropper already and running on e13 trs aluminium rims (28mm internal) and hope hubs.  2.3" Maxxis ardent UST tyres front and back.

 

the itch isn't that bad, so maybe i'll get the sunrace cassette and maybe a new pair of five ten freeriders... (i might be the only guy riding joburg2c with flats  )

[SteveS]

I would take those Ardents off. Replace them with some Maxxis Ikon 2.35's. Evobikes are selling them for R695. That will make a huge difference.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I would take those Ardents off. Replace them with some Maxxis Ikon 2.35's. Evobikes are selling them for R695. That will make a huge difference.

On the back, yes. On the front - HELL NO. 

[BikeisLife]

I would take those Ardents off. Replace them with some Maxxis Ikon 2.35's. Evobikes are selling them for R695. That will make a huge difference.

Rather put an Ardent Race on the front and an Ikon on the back.

[Wannabe]

Chuck them both, and fit Vittoria Barzo 2.25 front, and Saguaro 2.20 rear. 

You'll thank me later.

[NelAndre]

I have the Ardent 2.35 front and Ikon 2.2 at the back. Need to replace both so was thinking Spez Ground Control 2.3 front and Spez Fast Track 2.3 at the back. That any good?

[V12man]

Change the 5010 for a blur.... ok - that's not quite right - more correctly - buy a blur in addition to the 5010.... you will be happy

[FDP]

If you really want to part with some money for the race, get new decent bibs.

[Wet Ears]

Apologies for the hi-jack but I am running a Minion DHF Exo 2.3 upfront and an Ardent Race Exo 2.35 at the back - views?

 

Came std with the bike so simply assumed was best combo for the bike. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Apologies for the hi-jack but I am running a Minion DHF Exo 2.3 upfront and an Ardent Race Exo 2.35 at the back - views?

 

Came std with the bike so simply assumed was best combo for the bike. 

Don't change. you want that grip at the front. Ardent race at the back is fine. 

[Wet Ears]

Don't change. you want that grip at the front. Ardent race at the back is fine. 

Baie dankie meneer!