best tires for great divide mountain bike route

I mostly used it on rest days for taking notes and answering messages, and found it totally worth the weight. Welcome to part 4 in my series of GDMBR summaries by state. 27. overmyhead (Jul 15, 2019 . Bike computer: CatEye Velo 7, simple and cheap, handy for checking distance covered without using smartphone battery. Based on that experience, we feel that the performance of a tire between different wheel sizes will be roughly the same. 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. Fire starter: Cotton balls rubbed in Vaseline, andwaterproof matches or lighter. While riding, tires make the only intentional contact with the trail and play a major role in your bike's ride quality, handling, and overall performance. Chamois shorts (2 pair): very personal choice, but Louis Garneau Carbon 2 shorts work well for me. Bikepacking Pace Guide: How many miles per day? Afternoon thunderstorms are common throughout the Rockies and temperatures can drop quite low, so a good rain setup and warm layers are critical. I highly recommend these for the Great Divide and bikepacking in general. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. No ads. It was originally only available in the DH casing which was super heavy, but now its versatility has been expanded to the rest of the market with the lighter options. In the far north as temperatures dropped I also slept in my down jacket. One of the fastest-rolling tires in the test was the Specialized Ground Control. Traillinks. Im glad youre finding it helpful! With a tread design that looks strikingly similar to the Minion DHF, the Vittoria Mazza also boasts impressive cornering traction. The Maxxis Minion DHR II has an aggressive tread pattern with wide paddle-shaped lugs that offer great braking traction on most surfaces, including soft and blown-out corners. (2) Schwalbe Johnny Watts 27.5 Tire. As with front tire braking traction, rear tire braking traction is also dependent on the size, shape, and orientation of the tread knobs. Look for tires that are as durable as possible. I likethese from REIandthese from Woolly Clothing. Do you all think that would be too small? 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. We found performance to be right there with the Minion DHF and the Wild Enduro Front. Due to the Mazza's tread design, it has a bit more rolling resistance than tires with a less aggressive tread. It is one of the best cornering tires our testers have ever used. Spoon: Toaks Long titanium: Simple, lightweight, long enough to eat out of any container. I use Jabra Elite wireless earbuds (technically only one earbud; I always leave one ear open) to enjoy audiobooks, podcasts, and music on all my long adventures. We are in the pre planning phase of our Great Divide trip, your writing is very motivating. The DHR II has great braking traction, and it works very well for climbing in loose conditions. When it comes to big adventures, deciding to take the plunge is often half the battle. The height, shape, and orientation of the knobs all play a role in how they bite into the trail surface as you apply the brakes. The 10 Best Bike Saddles of 2023 (So Far) I love it (see my review here) but its pricey. Guys use them for long expeditions across Africa, for faster racing with better access to stores, a lighter/better rolling tyre would be better. Frame bag: Salsa EXP. Gear Aid Tenacious gear repair tape, handy for patching tent, sleeping pad, bike bags, water bladder, etc. Bigger than the Salsa pouch and similar in size to a Revelate pouch. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Running a Maxxis Minion DHF or Asegai, Vittoria Mazza, or WTB Vigilante front and rear might not be the fastest rolling choice, but it would definitely stop you in a hurry. Author: www.bikeforums.net. I said this at the beginning but it bears repeating: theres no single right way to pack for the Great Divide. Figuring out which tires will perform well and hold up for the duration can be tricky, especially given all the options on the market. You will want the cusion of a larger tyre. Congratulations! That's why we put each tire through rigorous testing of heavy use before examining the wear on the tread and casing to assess durability. Regarding 700x45..I recently trained on some of the panaracers that size, fully loaded for a couple of months. That said, the Maxxis Aggressor, Maxxis Dissector, WTB Trail Boss, and Specialized Eliminator T7 offer decent braking bite given their rolling speed. The handlebars are Salsa Cowchipper 50cm drop bars for best grip and handling. 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. We love the DHF up front, but it's also suitable for use as a rear tire. In conclusion, when shopping for a bike for the Great Divide Trail, you should consider the type of bike, the size, the components and suspension, the drivetrain, and the tires. Solo riders especially (and their loved ones) will likely appreciate the peace of mind. Semi-slick and inverted tread tires are not recommended. Theyre unisex but somehow fit my small face (and my husbands large face) just fine. Heres the stuff that carried all the other stuff. We tested the Butcher Grid Trail T9 in both 2.3" and 2.6" widths, and while the tread pattern hasn't really changed, this feels like an entirely new tire. Like most cross-country tires, they are very fast rolling, but unlike a typical XC tire, they provide better cornering and braking traction than you might expect. We feel the Trail Boss is best suited to duties as a rear tire when paired with something a little more aggressive in the front, although it is also an effective front tire in the right conditions. The Maxxis Aggressor provided us with excellent pedaling traction on a huge range of surfaces and conditions. Helmet brim: Da Brim Classic. While other tires may handle specific conditions better, the Aggressor rarely leaves us wanting more. Socks: 2 pair of Smartwool PhD hiking socks, plus 1 pair of thicker Darn Tough socks for sleeping. While we really loved most aspects of the performance of the Butcher Grid Trail T9, it isn't the fastest rolling tire. Read more: Review of my Salsa Fargo After 4500 Bikepacking Miles and Cutthroat vs. Fargo. Before the rubber hits the dirt, you'll be laying out some coin for said rubber make the most of it. Matt RC has logged over 5000 miles of touring on a Pugsley. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a continuous long distance bicycle touring route from Banff, Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, USA (at the Mexico border). I wouldnt have minded magically reducing my bike weight by about 5 pounds. But on the GDMBR we often showered at RV parks and campgrounds that didnt offer this. I absolutely recommend tubeless, especially in New Mexico. T-shirt:Icebreaker Merino Tech-Lite Tee. Land between the lakes canal loop mountain bike trail, Calvert City, Kentucky. This versatile model performs well in all but the loosest of conditions. Mylar space blanketfor emergencies and extra warmth on cold nights. Those who want a relatively fast-rolling rear tire that maintains good cornering abilities might consider the Specialized Eliminator T7. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail T7 review, Specialized Ground Control Grid T7 review, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, EXO sidewall protection, excellent cornering grip, good on front or rear, dual compound increases longevity, Great cornering and braking traction, fair price, long tread life, supportive sidewalls, work in a wide range of conditions, Fair price (for trail casing), offered in multiple casings for different uses, good braking traction, Great cornering grip, good braking traction, aggressive tread pattern, super damp ride quality, available in 2.6 and 2.3-inch widths, Reasonable price (for trail casing), excellent cornering traction, offered in multiple casings for different uses, Not the best for hardpack, high rolling resistance, requires good technique, Tread may be too aggressive for some riders/locations, a little heavy, Challenging set up process, heavy for "trail" casing, Difficult installation process, heavy-ish for a "trail" tire, One of the most popular tires ever, and for good reason, An aggressive tire with excellent cornering traction, braking bite, and above-average durability, A durable rear tire suited for aggressive trail riding in a range of conditions, Specialized's classic aggressive trail riding tire with a new rubber compound, enhanced grip, and same great value, A durable front tire for aggressive trail riding that carves corners with the best of 'em. Good, predictable performance as a rear tire, The casing may be too supple for some riders. The 2.3 width was a good balance for me, but you could certainly go narrower or wider depending on your priorities. Off trail alternate routes can require significant navigation skills, especially in poor weather. 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. TCS Light SG2 casing is much lighter than the Tough casing. Water availability varies along the Great Divide. I hope youre able to get out there eventually. Ways to expand your water capacity: buy disposable bottles; carry collapsible bottles or bladders, fill up the dirty bag from your water filter, and carry a small stuffable backpack to hold it all. Front fork: Assortment of RockBros dry bags (2L and 5L) and Voile straps. The Schwalbe Marathon XR's look good in terms of durability, protection and rolling resistance, but at only 2.00" wide them seem a little narrow. The capacity of a regular Ursack was fine for my southern solo section and the more populated areas of the north. A multitude of mountain bike tires can easily be mounted onto a rim with just your bare hands. Make sure to backflush it regularly to keep flow rate high, and sleep with it in cold weather to protect it from freezing. Wireless earbuds: Not everyone will agree, but when I spend months riding my bike I like to use some of that time for learning and exploring in other dimensions too. Likewise, braking is controlled and confidence-inspiring, and should you choose to run it on the rear, it hooks up very while climbing. Youll probably have service in towns, but dont count on it out in the national forests. Semi-slick tires have a pared-down center tread to reduce their rolling resistance, framed in by larger side knobs to maintain strong cornering performance. The Colorado Trail Bikepacking Route is a 539-mile mountain bike route that crosses many major mountain ranges across the state. There are several outdoor sports stores for camping supplies and clothing, and Glacier . Again, many tires are designed to be lightweight and compromise durability. Monday November 14, 2022. That seems crazy wide for the tire, ya? We are also thinking about going NOBO. This tire rewards good technique with predictable and confidence-inspiring cornering traction. Definitely touring, not racing. No issues and no punctures that didnt immediately seal. Learn more. Its burly enough to handle occasional rough stuff, efficient enough for pavement, and perfect for the large chunk of gravel and dirt road in between. 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 Never needed, but good to have. I would never claim my way is best for everyone, but I do think its a solid setup that wont steer anyone too far wrong. Bluetooth mini-keyboard: As you can probably tell, I like to write! Saddle choice is highly personal, so for help making your own decision see Brooks B17 Short vs Carved vs Standard and Comfortable Bike Seats for Women. I love these shirts for their lightweight comfort and natural stink-resistance (so important for this kind of adventure). If you want a light and fast rolling tire that still hooks up, the Ground Control is our recommendation. There are better choices than the Minion DHF if you ride firm ground almost exclusively due to the fact that the knobs are on the aggressive side with a fair amount of spacing between them. The front tire is primarily responsible for cornering and needs to respond appropriately to your input in order to remain on your intended line. The best of both worlds! The Maxxis Minion DHF features a pronounced transitional zone and scored among the highest for cornering. High-viz windbreaker vest: extra warmth and/or peace of mind in traffic. Depending on your setup, some people will need multiple sets of new brake pads and maybe new tires. It also allows . The Minion DHR II was originally designed for use as a rear tire, and paired with a Minion DHF up front, we think it's the ultimate combo in loose conditions for aggressive trail riders. MSRP $66.00. If you ride aggressive terrain and loose conditions, the WTB Vigilante is another great option to consider. We feel this tire provides a great combination of traction and rolling speed and has a huge bandwidth in terms of conditions. And Im glad Im not the only one who brings whatever I want to bring regardless of what others think! We've tested this tire on both the front and rear of the bike, and it performs outrageously well in both locations. Pedals and Shoes for Bikepacking Is clipless worth it? Despite their Light designation, these tires proved to be tough with a Slash Guard (SG2) insert that stood up to our abuse. Figuring out which tires will perform well. This scenic trail runs from the USA/Mexico border into Canada and covers 2,767 miles of spectacular remote wilderness. NOBO start date depends on snowpack in the San Juans and how long it takes you to get there. This tire isn't the fastest-rolling, but that's a tradeoff that we expect most aggressive trail riders are willing to accept. Outside of larger towns its often convenience store and diner food, in other words, not the healthiest. The truth of the matter is, trail riding is the most common style of riding that most people participate in. Companions: Solo until Jackson, WY (about 1600 miles), then joined by my husband for the final 1100 miles. The Butcher T9 offers impressive performance at a reasonable price. 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 Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. But it delivers excellent pedaling traction. We selected tires in the 2.3 to 2.6-inch width range. TD 2022 updates include: 1. 60 DAY Free Returns & Shipping / Orders All Over The US Need Help? If youre on the fence about bringing something, leave it with a friend and ask them to mail it to you on the road if requested. While neither of these tires is light, they're both impressive when the going gets radical. 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. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Rain jacket: ArcteryxBeta AR. Pedaling forces are applied through the rear tire while the front tire is pushed along, guiding the bike along its journey. Its moderate height center tread is fast-rolling, yet it has a substantial row of side knobs that provide excellent grip in the corners. Note about toiletries: In the US its common for hotels, and even most budget motels, to provide small amounts of basic soap and shampoo. Some first aid items I do find useful for urgent situations: Tums, Imodium, New Skin Liquid Bandage (great for keeping small cuts and scrapes from getting infected when youre out in the dirt all day), a few gauze pads, Celox clotting powder (never needed, but seems useful in case of crash). Spare derailleur hanger not used (but has been needed in the past), A few zip ties and extra electrical tape used the electrical tape to patch my handlebar tape. What are the best tires for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the Tour Divide race, and other long, mixed-terrain bikepacking routes? Standard AA and AAA batteries are easy to find at convenience stores, so you only need to carry one spare set at a time. 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. 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. 1 liter bottle: I carried this bottle in a cage under my down tube as extra capacity and to have a container for electrolyte drink separate from my pure water. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is one of America's best big adventures, traversing thousands of miles of remote dirt roads and high-altitude trails through the Rocky Mountains. We pedal up the hill to ride back down it. What are the best tires for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the Tour Divide race, and other long, mixed-terrain bikepacking routes? These are mostly country roads that traverse Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management land. The Maxxis Ardent is another fast and efficient tire that will appeal most to the XC crowd. Sign up here for occasional emails full of inspiration and information about bikepacking and bicycle touring. Rain pants: Mine (White Sierra Trabagon) have been discontinued, but theyre a relatively lightweight 2-layer pant. One of these days Ill have to try that kind of setup. 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. Tires are currently trending wider, and a wider front tire can help maintain traction as they have a larger contact patch on the rolling surface, and you can run lower tire pressures to enhance this even further. Vittoria uses a 4C (4 compounds) rubber that is infused with Graphene. I chatted with every cyclist I met and . 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. MTB Project. There are affiliate links in this post. I would check out the WTB Prowlers 2.1 SL 29er tires. I heard the trails aren't that technical but I'm sure theres plenty of nasty stuff along the way. The only time I stretched its capacity was a 4 day section in New Mexico, otherwise there was plenty of opportunity to recharge on the GDMBR. I eventually grew annoyed by the feeling of wind pulling on my helmet and mailed the brim home from Jackson. I love riding solo but a month is enough, and Ive been wanting to share a long ride with him for years. The center tread has a well-designed pattern of medium-height knobs with sharp, unramped front edges that provide ample bite and traction with surprisingly low rolling resistance. We preferred it in the front, paired with something a little faster rolling in the back. To give context to the Great Divide gear list that follows, here are the basics of my experience on the GDMBR. I especially liked the flexibility of the big 5L dry bags on the front fork, which could expand or contract a lot to hold varying amounts of food or even, in one long dry stretch, water. Each manufacturer has its own technology and name for how they choose to protect a tire with its casing. $61.38. The Maxxis Minion DHF is our top recommendation for a burly and aggressive front tire. The most important thing you can do is get tires that suit your riding style, terrain, and conditions. I usually kill a pair (scratched or lost) on every long trip and these are cheap enough that it doesnt matter. Here are all the electronics I carried on the GDMBR: Smartphone: Primary navigation device using the RideWithGPS app, with maps cached offline. Pedals and Shoes for Bikepacking: Is clipless worth it? The platforms on these pedals are big and stable, and there were times where I rode them unclipped for days. He comments: For off-pavement touring, the Endomorphs make for an extremely comfortable ride. A relatively squared-off profile and a stout row of shoulder knobs give it excellent cornering manners, while the moderately spaced center and intermediate tread do a fine job of providing traction when braking and climbing in most conditions. There are some sections with sharp rocks. The simple, no-nonsense tread design uses square, horizontally siped knobs that splay to increase friction and surface area. Rarely used, but again, I had the luxury of mostly hunkering down in bad weather. Totally worth the weight. Pedals: Funn Mamba Single-Sided SPD. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I layer this on for sleeping or riding in cold weather. 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!). To receive USPS packages at any post office, use General Delivery. The WTB Trail Boss provides excellent cornering traction in the rear of the bike. Your needs will vary based on where and how you ride. Related: How to Choose Mountain Bike Tires. What kind of temperatures are we talking about? Specialized's Butcher T9 is at the top of the heap in the corners as well. In Canada, or anywhere in the mountains really, nights can dip below freezing even in the summer.
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