The great Gravel/Trail bike debate

[TyronLab]

Ahoy bikehubland.

 

So in my (now incessant) search for gains I can find outside of drinking less beer (much easier thanks to the government now) and training more (eeeeeeeh), I've run into a conundrum.

 

For context, I'm entered into next year's Transbaviaans and am basically entered into the Munga Grit (except I'm not even slightly entered, I'm equal parts trying to justify spending that much money on a race and butterflies-in-tummy excited about the prospects it holds). I also recently acquired a Trek Stache (29x3.0 tyred monster truck) as my only bike. Its like a velcro stress ball on trails, comfortable if a little slow on gravel and horrid on the road. I equally like 100km+ rolling gravel odysseys and 40km intense trail blasts.

 

Now, to the conundrum! 

 

On a recent gravel ride I was riding with a similarly-matched buddy who was on a Merida 96-600 full sus bike with 2.1" Crossmarks on. On the road he had a very clear advantage in terms of rolling resistance, and I had to work to keep up. On smooth gravel sections it seemed relatively even with him maybe having a small edge on me, and on rougher, rockier gravel / jeep track I had a slight advantage. This led me to ponder my current setup for the Munga Grit / Baviaans. While its true they're very different races, I'm exploring ways of optimizing my bike to give me the best chance of enjoying both of them.

 

Here are the options I've considered and would like your inputs on:

 

• Change to narrower tyres (2.4-2.6),
  • Decreasing rolling resistance on smoother surfaces and maybe saving a bit of weight (although the Bontrager Chupacabras / XR2s are pretty light for a 3.0 tyre at 850g)
  • May not be ideal with my current 45mm IW rims (Duroc 50s).
  • Will limit me a bit i.t.o. trail riding unless I go for more aggressive tread designs, which may end up negating the increased rolling resistance.
• Change to rigid fork
  • I can save a smidge over 1kg by changing to a rigid Carver fork. I've tested this theoretically by locking out my fork on gravel and trail rides and its pretty manageable with the exception of rough, fast descents (of which there aren't that many in GP anyway).

Anyone with experience in these types of changes, ultra racing experience, or just a strong opinion about things you have no experience with (like me), feel free to weigh in.

 

Also, keep in mind, whatever I change it involves selling the thing I'm changing, so advising me to have two wheelsets or two forks is a no-no. Its an all-or-nothing type deal.

 

Also also, I'm doing all of this in the name of having a good time, which is equal parts being comfortable enough to be able to enjoy yourself and at least moderately efficient at the same time. There's a very good chance I'll ride my bike as-is, this is more for conversation sake than trying to shave off 20min from my time in those races.

[Danger Dassie]

Under rated and versatile bike, especially here in SA. Rode one for a while and loved it.

Keep the fork, better for overall riding in the long run and just one ride somewhere like van Gaalen, Buffelsdrift or Thaba will be testament to this. 

Narrower tyres, 2.5 work fine on those rims. If you can swing it, a spare set of wheels with a more standard rim/rubber setup will go a long way. You don't want to hear this, but it is literally the most practical and cost effective solution.

Edited July 28, 2020 by danger dassie

[RocknRolla]

If you enjoy the benefits of suspension in the rougher bits, going rigid will certainly not be the best option.

Locking our your front fork is nothing like riding rigid fork. There are pro's and cons to the rigid.

Yes, saving weight, and it will certainly make you choose better lines, but that feeling of having done a million push-ups after a fast technical decent will not be missed. 

You will fatigue sooner on longer rides, because there is no let-up. Corrugations? you will want to rather pick up your bike and run with it.

 

I would solidly put getting smaller rubber on the top of your list. Or keep rolling the fat ones, and see you get stronger and stronger as you keep on riding.

 

Chasing gains with no budget is not worth the effort in my mind, spending time training is the cheapest gains you can possibly obtain.

[Just Jacques]

Hi Tyron

 

Well i want to start of by saying - hold onto the Stache as that bike just grows on you . I have previously owned 2 of them ( the 7 & more recently the 9.7 ) , but my personality could not pass on the “lockdown specials” that Trek was running on their Topfuel models.

 

in my experience , i have come to love the Stache for everything that it offered and lacked as that is the one thing you must know of the bike- you are always going to look for upgrade opportunities. The harsh reality is that the more i explored and looked into upgrades via My local Trek dealer, i found myself exploring more uncharted territories with the Stache matching everything i threw at it.

 

i did 100km+ gravel sessions , highly technical riding( best the cape has to offer) and even my weekly interval sessions that consist of beating some gents with pure bred xc and marathon machines! 
 

Fact is , the tyre upgrades are possible BUT you will need to invest in a 30/40mm rim and the secondhand market on the Duroc’s are pretty non- existing as you need a frame and fork that will accommodate the 3inch wheelset. 
the fork can be replaced BUT again you are going to have to wait for the right buyer and how long until you miss having that travel ?
 

if you really want to change something , get a 34t upfront for some increased topend speed (as that is the max the Stache frame will take) and be that guy who trap away from everyone on your dikwiel! 
 

I have come to realize that the clever oakes designing these toys know what they doing and i was the one needing to improve ( on every level)to keep up with the fatty beast

 

I hope this will help in a small way , and if not enjoy that awesome bike

[LazyTrailRider]

Buy the Roval 38s I have up for sale, they'll more easily run 2.4s without hassle 

 

Keep your existing wheelset for fun, and have this second set for longer rides...

 

Edit: Sorry, I see you're on 29x3.0 and not 27.5+

Edited July 28, 2020 by LazyTrailRider