Race 2 Sun - Gravel v Mtb

[Charity85]

Hey hubbers

Got a late entry to r2s, my bike options are Momsen R355 and Trek Top Fuel. Not sure of current route conditions but the Momsen feels like ideal bike for this race, I have it on a pair 45c so should be able to cope with most obstacles. Thoughts for a newbie to race and route?

[Charity85]

Sunday bump, any opinions/info on Bike selection and course conditions will be welcomed

 

[peetwindhoek]

The Pros win this with gravel bikes. The only section that I can remember that you have to take with momentum is the short rocky section getting out of the railway section. The body typically takes a greater beating on a gravel bike, but you should be faster on it for this race.

[Charity85]

6 hours ago, peetwindhoek said:

The Pros win this with gravel bikes. The only section that I can remember that you have to take with momentum is the short rocky section getting out of the railway section. The body typically takes a greater beating on a gravel bike, but you should be faster on it for this race.

Thanks ended up prepping the Momsen so going for a fast effort, done a few 100 millers with it before where mostly mtb rode so rate with what I heard almost ideal for this event as it's quite mild

[Koos Likkewaan 2]

Did it on the gravel bike last year. Will do it on the mtb this year, only because the body will be tired from a long flight home on Friday.

Little bit of corrigation after the halveway mark. Probably for about 20km.

Then about 10km of railway service road (a bit rocky) from about 145 - 155km.

Gravel will almost always be faster on this route.

[TVS Cycles]

Good day. Gravel is a harder ride on the body but faster in my opinion on that route any day of the week 🫡 so if you want to race it = gravel, if you want to ride it for fun/participate and not so much worried about time = MTB   Thomas 😊🚴‍♂️

[Skubarra]

Saying this tongue in cheek but I would say if you own a gravel bike but decide to do the national gravel champs on your mtb then you need to consider that owning a gravel bike is possibly a waste of your money.

[Zeffer]

10 hours ago, Skubarra said:

Saying this tongue in cheek but I would say if you own a gravel bike but decide to do the national gravel champs on your mtb then you need to consider that owning a gravel bike is possibly a waste of your money.

Agree. Last year the 1st MTB in was 36th overall

[mecheng89]

Only have done this race once, and on a gravel bike, the only feedback I have is a gravel bike. I'm pretty sure if you are going to gold, a MTB would not get your prize. There is no needs for a dual sus bike at all.

 

[Dexter-morgan]

On 5/6/2024 at 11:16 AM, mecheng89 said:

Only have done this race once, and on a gravel bike, the only feedback I have is a gravel bike. I'm pretty sure if you are going to gold, a MTB would not get your prize. There is no needs for a dual sus bike at all.

 

My problem is I only have a HEAVY D/s.

[_David_]

Maybe the answer is in between. a Hardtail MTB might be the best bike for national gravel champs 😂