For the safety of your food and the bears, I recommend this bear-resistant bag that will help protect your food when a proper bear hang isnt possible. The result is a well-damped ride quality that feels very well connected to the trail surface. I used these less than expected on the GDMBR, but it was a relatively warm summer and my leisurely pace meant I rarely rode in the chilliest hours of the day. But if you want more cushion in the tire area, the bike can accommodate up to . I love the bladder but recommend replacing the bite valve with this one from Hydrapak that includes a shutoff valve and cover. http://twentynineinches.com/2008/06/04/wtb-'08-29er-tiresprowler-sl-29er-update-ii/. See my review of the Copper Spur for more detail. Bootlegger Bikes is a small, full service bike shop near Smugglers Notch in Jeffersonville, Vermont that serves the Jeffersonville, Cambridge, Fletcher, Fairfax, Johnson, Underhill, Jericho, and surrounding areas. Wanted to see if anyone had recommendations on some good tires? While the medium-height tread is efficient and capable for most situations, there are better options for braking traction when the terrain gets super loose. I've got some long term plans for the GDR, and want to check out these two tires beforehand: I use the Marathons for training. The Maxxis Minion DHR II is an aggressive rear tire with terrific cornering grip and excellent braking traction. In our latest YouTube video, we talk about what factors to consider and reveal a few of our favorite tires for long, mixed-terrain routes. Beyond those concerns, we feel the Mazza is an outstanding tire that rivals the best of the best. The Tour Divide is a 2,750 mile (4,425 km) self-supported mountain bike race based on Adventure Cycling Association's Great Divide Mountain Bike Route that travels through the Rockies from Banff, Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico on the Mexican border. If the mission of the day is to climb up a ridiculously loose fire road with golf ball-sized rocks loosely embedded in the surface and soil that is so loose you're leaving a wake in the sand behind you, something knobby like the Minion DHR II will "get 'er done.". If we were forced to pick one rear tire to ride for an entire year, knowing we'd be experiencing a huge range of conditions, trail types, and weather, we'd choose the Maxxis Aggressor. The Maxxis Aggressor provided us with excellent pedaling traction on a huge range of surfaces and conditions. Those concerns aside, we feel this is a great, well-rounded rear tire for aggressive trail riding. Despite its do-it-all intentions, it has a relatively aggressive tread design with tall, stout side knobs and similarly tall and aggressive tread in the center and intermediate zones that inspire confidence in corners and on the brakes. Ian Stowe recently joined our tire test team and brings a wealth of experience from working in the cycling industry and as a lifelong rider. Once I picked up the bear spray this was redundant. Cloth face maskfor town, this being 2021 and all. Wider than standard rims, ranging from 35-50mm, support these mid-fat tires even when used at the low riding pressures required to tackle soft sand and other loose terrain. Thanks for the detail. With rear tires, you'll find huge variances in traction, depending on the type of terrain and the surface conditions. When things get a little damp, the somewhat open tread design sheds mud quite well to ensure a clean braking surface. I highly recommend these for the Great Divide and bikepacking in general. The recent proliferation of plus bikes, which feature 3.0" wide tires, are a boon to bicycle adventurers in Baja California. He also touches on eight different tires that fit the bill, including his favorite one in this class. Excited to try bikepacking but need help getting started? If braking power is high on your list of priorities, running some of the tires we primarily tested as front tires on the rear wheel is a great option as well. Few tires are as popular as the Minion DHF, and for good reason. Nano, Dry X 2.1, Small Block 8, in that order. I think mid-May is typical but it varies year to year, especially these days. Average star voting: 4 ( 74471 reviews) Summary: At nearly 4,300 km long, The Great Divide Mountain Bike race route is the world's longest, most challenging off-road mountain biking trail. Mostly worn for sleeping. Many tires can be used as either a front or rear tire, while some are designed with rear use in mind. Standard AA and AAA batteries are easy to find at convenience stores, so you only need to carry one spare set at a time. $61.38. Gloves: Pearl Izumi lobster gloves. Your needs will vary based on where and how you ride. Yup, I carried a Kindle! The tread design of the Trail Boss seems optimized to work in dry conditions, and the tighter spacing of the knobs seems a bit more prone to packing up with sticky mud. One look at the Wild Enduro Front, and you can see why. Long sleeve midlayer:Icebreaker Merino 260 Half Zip. Due to the Mazza's tread design, it has a bit more rolling resistance than tires with a less aggressive tread. A narrow tunnel of light from my handlebar illuminates the white snow. And Im glad Im not the only one who brings whatever I want to bring regardless of what others think! The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a long journey through varied terrain and you WILL be camping at least some of the time, so a solid 3-season shelter and sleep system is a must. We mounted tires to 30mm internal diameter wheels. Gaia GPS is a popular alternative to RideWithGPS. In Canada, or anywhere in the mountains really, nights can dip below freezing even in the summer. More often than not, the more aggressive a tread design is, the more rolling resistance it has, and vice-versa. Heres a list of my GDMBR gear related to food and cooking: Ursack Major bear-resistant food bag: You will be camping in bear territory on the GDMBR, and properly hanging food is a lot harder than it sounds. The Assegai is the best cornering tire we've ever tested. This wasnt my first rodeo, and I was pretty satisfied with my gear choices overall. I just find these more trouble than theyre worth. . In hot and sunny New Mexico I loved it, but as I rode north I often found that the sunniest places were also the windiest. But its always a good idea to have a headlight in case youre stuck riding in dusk or dark for some unforeseen reason. If you spend more nights in town (we camped as often as possible) and arent too fussy about eating cold food, you can get by without a stove. Thanks for taking the time. That said, we feel this is a great rear tire option paired with something a little more aggressive in the front, and an affordable one at that. A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Ive lost count of how many times Ive needed to pitch my tent on a hard surface: in the parking lot, on someones patio, inside an abandoned building, the list goes on Stakes are fine for short predictable trips in the backcountry, but sooner or later youll be stuck with unstake-able ground. We also particularly like the 2-knob, alternating paddle tread running down the center of the WTB Vigilante. Any thoughts on what would be the earliest you could start? If youre lucky, simply change your chain and brake pads halfway through, replenish your chain lube supply a few times, top up your sealant once or twice, and youll be all set. Gear Aid Tenacious gear repair tape, handy for patching tent, sleeping pad, bike bags, water bladder, etc. And of course, if youre unlucky, anything can happen My husband somehow snapped his inner chainring in Montana and finished the ride on a haphazard 110 conversion! If youve packed something youre not using, mail it home. Partial inclusion of GDMBR dirt route from Cuba to Grants 5. Hydration bladder with hose: Platypus 3 Liter Hoser, carried in my frame bag as my primary water container. One of the fastest-rolling tires in the test was the Specialized Ground Control. This tire uses Specialized's T7 rubber compound that prioritizes rolling speed and longevity over all-out grip, and the medium height center tread with moderate spacing helps further reduce rolling resistance. Date Submitted: 09/30/2019 08:43 PM. Wallet(I use a small ziplock bag) with ID, credit cards, health insurance, etc, plus cash in $1, $5, and $10 (useful for campground fees, laundromats, and donations to trail angels). Practical Advice for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Additionally, it is safe to assume that they might sometimes take a cost-effective approach to stock specifications. The Vigilante's aggressive tread design comes with a slight penalty in the rolling resistance department. Socks: 2 pair of Smartwool PhD hiking socks, plus 1 pair of thicker Darn Tough socks for sleeping. I had come for this, in part, after a year of isolation that left me craving the community of a well-traveled route. The JetBoil is so efficient that I / we only needed three canisters total for the whole GDMBR. This tire performs as well as the best cornering tires we've tested. TCS Light SG2 casing reduces weight and still feels tough, Tighter fit in the rim during installation. This post covers my experience bikepacking the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route in Montana.. May be too aggressive for some riders/locations. For sure, were out there to enjoy ourselves and we all have our favorite ways of doing that. 9. Author: www.bikeforums.net. No matter how much we like to escape the real world when we bikepack, electronics are essential parts of our navigation and safety systems these days. Gravity filter bag: CNOC Vecto 3L (28mm thread), used as dirty bag in a gravity filter system and for extra water capacity as needed. Other rear tire options will roll noticeably faster than the DHR II, but that's a trade-off you'll need to consider for a tire with the cornering grip and braking traction it provides. The Great Continental Divide Adventure Route is a motorized route that follows closely along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. However, this isn't the most aggressive tire on the market. Seat tube length: 508mm (center to top) Seat tube angle: 73 Top tube: 615mm (effective) Chainstays: 435mm Bottom bracket drop: 60mm Fork Offset: 43mm Wheelbase: 1093mm Standover height: 812mm Specifications Frame: 4130 chromoly steel, three bottle mounts, rack and fender mounts Fork: 4130 chromoly steel, rack and fender mounts, triple mounts I absolutely recommend tubeless, especially in New Mexico. If you have a bright headlamp and a way to mount it, you could consider using that as an emergency-only night riding option. The larger the circumference and the wider the tire, the less up-and-down. It has a distinctive locked-in feel, though it may take a little getting used to for some riders. I hope youre able to get out there eventually. The rest we replaced as needed along the way. Its sturdy EXO casing and mix of tread compounds provide ample sidewall support and exceptional grip, even at lower pressures. Last year, I had to ride with a slashed nano from Banff to Steamboat- its a sweet tyre but dont expect any shops to carry 29" tyres at all. I love reading at camp or on rest days. Note that ordering items from Amazon or other online retailers can be harder since they often use UPS. Wider tires have more air volume and provide more damping and traction. Benson is a competitive gravel and mountain bike racer, highly experienced tester/reviewer, and published author. Our test tire weighed in at a lighter-than-advertised 950 grams, and if you want even more peace of mind, it's available in Maxxis's heavier casing options as well. Specialized's Grid Trail casing feels supportive enough while remaining supple and surprisingly resistant to punctures or tears. The aggressive open tread is great in a range of conditions, but it's the new T9 rubber compound that's most impressive. Free shipping for many products! Off trail alternate routes can require significant navigation skills, especially in poor weather. The Butcher T9 offers impressive performance at a reasonable price. Rain jacket: ArcteryxBeta AR. The capacity of a regular Ursack was fine for my southern solo section and the more populated areas of the north. Pedals: Funn Mamba Single-Sided SPD. It sacrifices some rolling speed in exchange for boatloads of braking traction and cornering prowess. This scenic trail runs from the USA/Mexico border into Canada and covers 2,767 miles of spectacular remote wilderness. This is a very popular filter and it works well. We felt this tire was the best balance of rolling resistance, grip, and traction offered in the entire test, a true all-around performer. Mountain bike tires are expensive. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. The Avid BB7 brakes took a lot of fiddling to keep adjusted. Side knob designs vary, with slightly less emphasis typically placed on the rear tire's ability to corner. Mile for mile, the Colorado Trail is one of the most beautiful trails I've ever ridden. We put the best mountain bike tires from Maxxis, Specialized, Vittoria, Michelin, WTB, and others to the test. Pedals and Shoes for Bikepacking Is clipless worth it? While the rubber doesn't have the tackiest feel, its dampening properties give it an especially smooth, glued-to-the-ground ride quality. We now have several models in the 2.5" and 2.6" widths that are becoming much more common in the current mountain bike tire market. To give context to the Great Divide gear list that follows, here are the basics of my experience on the GDMBR. Never had to use it for anything else. We found performance to be right there with the Minion DHF and the Wild Enduro Front. Dates: June 22 August 26, 2021 (65 days, including 9 non-riding days for rest, visiting, and exploration). Note about reception: Dont expect to have connectivity on all (or even most) of the GDMBR. Despite costing less than most of the competition, the Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9 and the Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail T7 are highly rated and are our picks for an affordable front and rear trail riding combo. Related: How We Tested Mountain Bike Tires. For help with other aspects of your Great Divide prep, see these other posts: These general bikepacking posts might also be helpful: Or, visit the bikepacking resources center for many more bikepacking guides and stories. All trademarks property of their respective owners Garmin eTrex22x: My backup navigation device while riding solo. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Finally, Ill underscore again how many ways there are to pack for a route like the GDMBR. 70 % of the of the GDMBR is on quiet gravel roads with very little traffic. Other than what might be chalked up to a singular incident of difficult installation, we have little to complain about with this burly front tread. We were thoroughly impressed by the tread life of the Vittoria Mazza. For more options, see Water filters for Bikepacking and Touring. Incredibly fuel-efficient and decently lightweight as a stove/pot combo, especially shared between two people (though I carried it solo too). For anyone curious, it does actually work with the Da Brim. The platforms on these pedals are big and stable, and there were times where I rode them unclipped for days. The Mazza mixes it up with the best of 'em. A closely packed row of taller shoulder lugs provides good cornering traction and a predictable feel until things get super loose. If you're not yet aware, the famous Tour Divide bikepacking race covers almost the same route as the GDMBR, but most racers aim to finish in under a month (or for the fastest folks, half that time!). Those who want a relatively fast-rolling rear tire that maintains good cornering abilities might consider the Specialized Eliminator T7. If you have questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. Read more: Specialized Ground Control Grid T7 review. Sign up here for occasional emails full of inspiration and information about bikepacking and bicycle touring. We selected tires in the 2.3 to 2.6-inch width range. used because summer days were so long and pace was leisurely, so never needed to ride in the dark. Satellite Messenger: Garmin InReach Mini, for communication and emergencies in areas without phone service. Monday November 14, 2022. Pepper spray: I always carry pepper spray as a sleep aid when I travel solo. Figuring out which tires will perform well and hold up for the duration can be tricky, especially given all the options on the market. The Eliminator has a semi-aggressive center rolling for speed, but it still has good braking bite and cornering traction. Run panniers if you want, or run a lightweight racing kit, but whatever you choose, do it intentionally. It carries speed exceptionally well and performs precisely as intended. The bike has a Sram Eagle X01 ASX drivetrain, Sram Force brake lever shifters with Sram guide dual piston brakes. Im Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality. Most of the trail is comprised of gravel and dirt roads that are best done with something that can accommodate a 2.25in wide tire or larger. Water is often (not always) relatively clear, but should always be filtered. On the GDMBR and for long bikepacking trips in general, I always recommend a freestanding tent. Horizontal knobs with edges that run perpendicular to the direction of travel are often employed to enhance braking traction. Summaries by section: New Mexico | Colorado | Wyoming & Idaho | Montana | Canada. Backflush syringe for Sawyer filter. But it delivers excellent pedaling traction. More aggressive treads and softer rubber compounds have a tendency to roll more slowly. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route - Riding Canada to Mexico Great Divide Route Trip Summary & Epilogue Riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route was an amazing experience, and we hope that sharing our journey here will inspire, inform and prepare others to embark on a similar adventure! Front fork: Assortment of RockBros dry bags (2L and 5L) and Voile straps. I appreciate good quality gear but dont have money to burn, so most of my gear is carefully chosen and well-used. The Kryptotal Fr impressed our testers and proved that Continental is back at the top of the game with their new generation of tires. It has a wide temperature range without feeling clammy, and critically the half zip fits over a bike helmet for quicker layer changes on the go. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Bluetooth mini-keyboard: As you can probably tell, I like to write! Rawlins to Pinedale (Great Basin) The Great Basin (the area starting north of Rawlins and ending south of Atlantic City) is often spoken about with reverence as the most remote and dry section of the entire Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. 4. number44 (Jul 15, 2019 at 8:26) Shiny and chrome! The DHF's more aggressive sibling, the Assegai has even more grip in the corners. In general, a rear tire has more of a focus on pedaling and braking traction, and tread designs often reflect that. And 68-year . While we were truly impressed by the performance of the Ground Control Grid T7, it is important to keep in mind that these tires do have limitations. I heard the trails aren't that technical but I'm sure theres plenty of nasty stuff along the way. Heres a quick list of what I carried on the GDMBR, which I would categorize as a standard type of trip in that post. Despite its square profile, it rolls easily into corners and hooks up and grips in all conditions thanks to the tall row of burly side knobs. Vittoria uses a 4C (4 compounds) rubber that is infused with Graphene. Rolling resistance is often more of a concern for a rear tire, and some tires feature low to medium height center tread knobs that roll faster than more aggressive designs. Reroute for fire closure in Gila Mountains (FS150) Ive used these for years and think they have an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Just 5% of the route is on more difficult terrain such as unpaved four-wheel drive tracks and single tracks. You can lean as hard as you want into this tire, and the casing is supportive. But you might be a few hundred miles from one when something goes wrong! Sun Sleeves:Outdoor Researchhiking sleeves stay up on my small arms better than most. Chamois shorts (2 pair): very personal choice, but Louis Garneau Carbon 2 shorts work well for me. There is less to bite into the soil, and on loose, dusty, or wet trails, these tires tend to slide under braking forces. Mountain bike tires are available in three diameter options - 26", 27.5"(also referred to as "650b" typically in the road and gravel bike context), and 29". The center knobs sort of link up to form a center ridge, particularly after some wear. (Update: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Womens Review). The WTB Vigilante also earns an honorable mention in the cornering metric. I / we carried a stove for the entire trip and enjoyed hot meals at camp, but its not mandatory. Whether it be EXO (Maxxis), Tough (WTB), or ProTection (Continental), a robust casing helps to add abrasion and puncture resistance, as well as support to the sidewalls of a tire. Those wide paddle-shaped lugs in the center tread of the DHR II dig in effectively, especially in loose conditions. We researched nearly every tire on the market before buying 28 models for side-by-side testing. Saddle: Brooks B17 Short Carved.
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