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Highland Fling (Half) - equipment list
I am entering my first mountain bike event, the half fling and have a couple of simple questions.
I generally do a lot of road riding so my fitness is about right, and I ride trails, approximately once a month. So I certainly wont be the most technical out there, but should have decent fitness to carry me through.
With this being my first event, I'll be riding an aluminium, hard-tail 29er.
I'm really interested in feedback on the equipment level being ridden by the average rider on this type of event and the spares and equipment that most people carry with them. Obviously a large part of the field will be riding some very decent bikes, but I think (maybe hoping) that many will be around my level.
I'm thinking this would be my equipment on bike:
- Trek X-Cal 8
- Bontrager 29-1 Expert Tyres
- SPD Shoes
- Knicks and Jersey
- Possibly light rain jacket or arnm warmers, if wet/cold
- Camelbak Hydration
- Small amount of food on bike
- 1 x Spare tube
- 1 x Multi-Tool
- 1 x CO2 inflator with 1 x Gas Bubble
Other pieces to take down with me:
- Hand Pump
- Assorted Regular Tools
- Spare Tubes/Tyre
- Assorted clothing for most weather
Any additions or issues with that list?
If you puncture, do you look to replace a tube on an event like this or is there an other option? I seem to remember seeing people using something to fill the tyre, but this may be only for tubeless setups?
Thoughts on tyre-pressure in particular for this course? I weigh about 82kg
Any thoughts you have to add would be great.
Thanks guys,
m0k0.
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I'd suggest a repair chain link. Was a saviour in my first one.
Sounds like you're not tubeless, so I'd highly recommend converting. If you don't, I'd be carrying 2 spare tubes. Also check that a gas cartridge will fill a 29" tyre, from memory, it takes about 1.5.
Also chuck a couple of cable ties in your bag, they weigh nothing but have a plethora of uses.
Consider throwing basic first aid in too.
EDIT PeteB beat me to it but don't forget your whistle! http://www.wildhorizons.com.au/highland-fling/ab...
http://youtu.be/NbZV3Eh73vI
I second the two tube comment. I managed to blow out both tubes a few years ago at the Fling at a creek crossings. Fortunately Jason English threw a spare to me as he raced past.
Being a roadie, I'd suggest you get comfortable taking waterbars at speed. The casualty list always appears to be weighted towards roadies coming unstuck on fast decents with waterbars.
Definitely some ear plugs to block out Huw's ranting.
And a stack hat.
Another vote for tubeless. Being able to run lower pressures (25psi F, 28-30 psi R) without pinch flatting is better for your back, rolling resistance and grip.
I'd also suggest a more aggressive front tyre and a lower rolling resistance rear, as they do quite different jobs on a mountain bike.
I second the vote on getting used to water bars, especially on a hardtail.
+1 on the extra tube and more CO2 canisters.
Having only one canister ultimately started my trip down DNF lane at last years fling.
Co2 cannisters AND the hand pump, AND 2 tubes, AND a patch kit.
I wouldn't bother changing over to tubless if you are happy running tubes - changing over just for a race doesn't make sense for me. By all means think about changing over permanently, but while it's a useful thing, there ae hassles associated with running tubeless that I don't think reward an occasional rider ( eg,the stans dries up over time) - 3 or 4 off road rides a week is a different matter altogether
Don't underestimate the amount of food, as well as the composition of what you take! I shoot for a mix of gels, energy bars (cadel's mountain mix), and occasionally some sweets. The Half isn't that long, but you'll still be expelling a lot of energy throughout the day - you can rely a bit on the water stop (s?), but best to have something ready to hand while riding
Thanks all.
I knew tubeless would be better, but this time round I will go on tubes. I'll take on your advice about extra tubes, extra gas canisters, patches.
For the chain repair link, whats the go here, I see the SRAM powerlink is popular, I run a Shimano 10-speed, would it work? or should I go with this KMC? http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/kmc-cha...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/sram-po...
KMC is good. I use them on my chains, 9 and 10 speed. Pretty much the same as SRAM, but multi use in 10 speed where I think SRAM may not be.