bvader
iMTB Rockstah
@Cornholio Get Your Pack, Get Out There, and Ride what you can. Like others say just being part is cool, and no judging. The early Morning Conga Line to Beeks is Cool. You will only regret it if you *don't* do it.
Unoffically Official 2017 VQ and CC Thread
- Thread starter DBMX119
- Start date
mtnbikej
J-Zilla
I have all 4 of them....but on 23mm rims.
The 2.2 vs 2.35 Ikon is about 200g gain. Fortunately they both roll well. I run the 2.2 on the SS and the 2.35 on the Tallboy.
Same deal with the Ardent vs. Ardent Race. The race rolls faster, but is only about 50-75g lighter than the regular Ardent.
At this point I'd just go with whatever you wanna run after VQ.
Cornholio
iMTB Rockstah
You read my mind, after I posted my question I realized I should just get what I will get more use out of. The difference between the Ikons was 100g so went 2.35 for my wider rims. Went 2.4 Ardent for the front. Gotta love living close to Jenson with free next day shipping.
kioti
iMTB Rockstah
Sounds like a good call, @Cornholio. And if you're using them for the CC, I recommend get some miles on them so you'll know what to expect.
Cornholio
iMTB Rockstah
For sure, going to try and hit black star this weekend at some point and see how far I can make it. Doubt I'll have time to make it to motorway so CC will be my first time down it. Not too worried though as I am a better descender than ascender.. thanks, gravity!
kioti
iMTB Rockstah
I know a shortcut to the Motorway if you want to check it out.. park at the bottom and HAB up it. Good to pre-ride a course whenever possible.
Runs with Scissors
iMTB Hooligan
Today's LB (Long Beach, not the other one) Press Telegram Sports section...but it's about the Rams and not the real thing.
Now back to your regularly scheduled pre-race nervousness and self-doubt.
Now back to your regularly scheduled pre-race nervousness and self-doubt.
Cornholio
iMTB Rockstah
Well my LBS won't let a cracked frame be my scapegoat for bailing on CC. Took my bike in to start the warranty process and was given a new model JET RDO as a loaner in the meantime. Feeling a bit sick today but hope to try it out asap.
I have had nothing but great customer
service from Pro Bike Supply in Newport over the past 3+ years. Really couldn't be happier with how they treat me, especially the owner Mark.
I have had nothing but great customer
service from Pro Bike Supply in Newport over the past 3+ years. Really couldn't be happier with how they treat me, especially the owner Mark.
mtnbikej
J-Zilla
Well my LBS won't let a cracked frame be my scapegoat for bailing on CC. Took my bike in to start the warranty process and was given a new model JET RDO as a loaner in the meantime. Feeling a bit sick today but hope to try it out asap.
I have had nothing but great customer
service from Pro Bike Supply in Newport over the past 3+ years. Really couldn't be happier with how they treat me, especially the owner Mark.
That's awesome.....an bike more for the type of ride CC will be....not that the RIP wasn't going to cut it.
bvader
iMTB Rockstah
If do the decent past Pleasant's Peak you might as well head to the Motorway. If you go across half the main divide to Motorway it will be harder to turn around. Good Luck Man. Get out out there an do yer best!
Runs with Scissors
iMTB Hooligan
For anyone worried about their possible performance (or lack thereof) on the ride and if you actually paid & signed up, the hierarchy is as follows:
NNF > DFL
DFL > DNF
DNF > DNS
DNS < Lame.
The above actually applies to any event on which you have spent any money.
NNF > DFL
DFL > DNF
DNF > DNS
DNS < Lame.
The above actually applies to any event on which you have spent any money.
bvader
iMTB Rockstah
For anyone worried about their possible performance (or lack thereof) on the ride and if you actually paid & signed up, the hierarchy is as follows:
NNF > DFL
DFL > DNF
DNF > DNS
DNS < Lame.
The above actually applies to any event on which you have spent any money.
Uhh you forgot the lowest of the low.
DQ (cheating)
Plus I don't know the NNF DFL
StrandLeper
Well-Known Member
Good luck gents!
Runs with Scissors
iMTB Hooligan
NNF = Nowhere Near First.
DFL = Dead F$#%ing Last
I am intimately acquainted with both.
singlespeedrider
Well-Known Member
My total lack of training will make the day hard at least the weather will be nice.
jasonmason
Member
Hey, anybody know if I can have someone else pick up my packet for me at pre-reg? I won't be heading down until Friday. My brother is still down in SoCal and can pick it up for at the Path for me, but I can't remember if WS allows that or not. I'm going to shoot them an email tomorrow morning, but thought I'd check in here to see if y'all might know. If not I'll just plan to be there a little earlier Saturday morning.
Also...the new Soma is built, took it out for a shakedown ride in Auburn today. Definitely stiffer than the El Mar was, and the extra degree of HA slack was noticeable. The bike seems to invite seated pedaling more than the Salsa did as well, which will really help not blow my legs up too early. Looking forward to racing on it!
Also...the new Soma is built, took it out for a shakedown ride in Auburn today. Definitely stiffer than the El Mar was, and the extra degree of HA slack was noticeable. The bike seems to invite seated pedaling more than the Salsa did as well, which will really help not blow my legs up too early. Looking forward to racing on it!
mtnbikej
J-Zilla
They usually do. If not, you can get it Saturday morning.
I'm not in the fold this year, so I don't really know what is going on.
kioti
iMTB Rockstah
Except for the Black Star mud problem..I like this one even better... Rain on Friday and cool temps for race day? Bring it on!
View attachment 27027
HBkites
Well-Known Member
So I went on a short recon ride on Sunday...... I came back with more questions than answers.
I wanted to check out the water crossing down HJ. On my way up I tried gingerly to step on the rocks and logs in order to keep my socks dry. I was somewhat successful, but it was slow and wobbly. on the way down, I decided just to walk through the water. That was much quicker, and my shoes came out clean. The only downside was the wet socks. I started riding up to WHT, and my socks sort of dried out (not completely).
Question to VQ veterans. Should I be concerned with wet socks? Should I make the effort to keep them dry?
Going up Trabuco, I managed to puncture my rear tire. Mentally, I was getting ready to put on a tube, but Mr. Sten came to the rescue, and quickly (20-30 sec) stoped the leak.
When I got home I inspected the tire and count find the puncture. At this point, I have 3 options:
1 Keep the Icon on and pray that it hold up (it has about 200 miles on it).
2 Replace it with an XR1 I have on the shelf.
3 Replace it with a new Ikon (that I'll have to order).
Initially, I was leaning toward ordering a new tire. Now I'm not sure.
I don't have much experience with puncture tires. Your thoughts.
I wanted to check out the water crossing down HJ. On my way up I tried gingerly to step on the rocks and logs in order to keep my socks dry. I was somewhat successful, but it was slow and wobbly. on the way down, I decided just to walk through the water. That was much quicker, and my shoes came out clean. The only downside was the wet socks. I started riding up to WHT, and my socks sort of dried out (not completely).
Question to VQ veterans. Should I be concerned with wet socks? Should I make the effort to keep them dry?
Going up Trabuco, I managed to puncture my rear tire. Mentally, I was getting ready to put on a tube, but Mr. Sten came to the rescue, and quickly (20-30 sec) stoped the leak.
When I got home I inspected the tire and count find the puncture. At this point, I have 3 options:
1 Keep the Icon on and pray that it hold up (it has about 200 miles on it).
2 Replace it with an XR1 I have on the shelf.
3 Replace it with a new Ikon (that I'll have to order).
Initially, I was leaning toward ordering a new tire. Now I'm not sure.
I don't have much experience with puncture tires. Your thoughts.
Faust29
Moderator
You know I'm a first timer at CC/VQ, but I recently had a revelation. I've always gone by the "keep the feet dry" approach. I grew up in Buffalo. Wet feet turned to blocks of ice...
At the Redlands ride a couple weeks ago, my feet were killing me most of the day. It was my first big ride on the new shoes, and my first big ride with carbon bottoms. At mile 55 (?), we hit a water crossing that was knee deep and flowing fast. The water breathed new life into my feet, and they felt like brand new for the last 20 miles. I even joked to @mtnbikej that I was hoping there were some big puddles on Main Divide during VQ. I'm not going to worry as much about the HJ water crossings this time around... As far as the tire, I'm in the same boat. My rear tire leaked 4 ounces of Stan's onto my Garage floor a few weeks ago. I got it to seal, and I've been running it since. I think I'm going to go with it... But I'm curious to hear what the others say.
mtnbikej
J-Zilla
I go with replace it. Jenson has them and can have it to you by Weds. Make sure to get the EXO/TR version. Use the old tire after the event when getting a flat isn't as important. You'll just have a spare. Also, you are sure it is the tire and not the valve stem? If the tire is going flat and you are seeing any Stans coming out a puncture location, it could be a bad seal around the valve stem/rim interface. Faust had this issue at the Redlands Strada. It would be good for a little while then go flat almost instantly. Check the tape around the valve and valve hole.
Water crossings....hard to say. Looks like temps are gonna be on the cooler side, so shoes and socks most likely won't dry in time for WHT. How fast you get through the water is gonna depend on how close you are to the cutoff. If you have the time to spare, tip toe through them. Otherwise just go for it. Having dry socks in a drop bag won't do you much good if your shoes are still wet. Don't think it will be much of a problem unless you have really sensitive feel.
Faust29
Moderator
Oh Man... And now I see that I can get a new Ralph 2.25 here with same day delivery. You may see two new tires on the bike for Wednesday's ride. I'm still a little nervous about going to the narrower tire up front and need to try it out. I've gotten really used to that 2.35.
DBMX119
Member
Except for the Black Star mud problem..
Yup... Thankfully all of the sites are showing different forecasts right now. In my experience that usually means an unstable system that gives little to no rain. Fingers crossed we're not dealing with B* mud!
DBMX119
Member
I'd take it off, clean it up and try to find the hole. If its not able to be seen, then I'd throw it back on with a little extra Stans and run it! If you find a hole, you can always patch it for added security.
As far as the socks being wet, I generally just accept they are getting wet and move on. I guess I never think about it actually and have never had a problem on WHT. In years past the streams have not been as deep and I've ended up riding most of them without any issues. This year will be interesting as some of them are really deep (or were a few weeks back).
mtnbikej
J-Zilla
Faust29
Moderator
Tire ordered... And should be here today. That settles it. New Racing Ralph in 2.25 for the front and back. I'll throw the old ones back on right after the race.