Other Sports Biking Question - Page 3

**Renegade** · 08-08-2018, 09:17 AM

I have a Road Bike which I really enjoy riding. I am wanting to branch out a little and take up Gravel and maybe Cyclocross. I have tried MTB, and just didn't care for it.

Any suggestions, tips etc? I am looking at the Salsa Warbird and Trek line of bikes right now.

NewChief · 08-09-2018, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by headsnap

Enduro is a blast and one reason is the group ride social aspect to it, but if you don't like group rides it might not be for you. BTW, I just took 3rd in the 50-59 Masters at the USA Cycling Championships that were at Snowshoe, WV a few weeks ago.

That's awesome, man! Do you ride a Reign?

Enduro is really taking off here, as are all things cycling with some help from the Walton boys. They're throwing some pretty decent purse money into the Arkansas Enduro series to try to attract out of state talent.

Also currently have Velosolutions here building the largest pump track in North America to host the Red Bull World Pump Track Championship in October. So pumped (haha) for it to be completed. It's looking amazing.

Graystoke · 08-09-2018, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graystoke

Where in Iowa?

I have a vintage Ibis Hakkalugi in Phlem Green.

Duh, RAGBRAI.. the picture wasn't downloading on my computer.

**Bugeater** · 08-09-2018, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graystoke

Where in Iowa?

I have a vintage Ibis Hakkalugi in Phlem Green.

That pic was taken in the beautiful Loess Hills east of Onawa.

**Bugeater** · 08-09-2018, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renegade

Hotter 'n Hell Hundred in Texas the weekend before Labor Day. Century ride in over 100 degree heat.

https://www.hh100.org/

Oh damn. Gonna have to pass on that one. They would be scraping me off the side of the highway. I have yet to conquer a Century Ride, most I've ever done in a single day is 56 miles.

**Renegade** · 08-09-2018, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Oh damn. Gonna have to pass on that one. They would be scraping me off the side of the highway. I have yet to conquer a Century Ride, most I've ever done in a single day is 56 miles.

I love endurance stuff. I will probably ride 4 centuries this year, the first one is one Eureka Springs this Saturday. The reason I am wanting dirt/cyclocross is I want to do the Kanza 200 next June to really test my limits.

**Bugeater** · 08-09-2018, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renegade

I love endurance stuff. I will probably ride 4 centuries this year, the first one is one Eureka Springs this Saturday. The reason I am wanting dirt/cyclocross is I want to do the Kanza 200 next June to really test my limits.

My problem is I don't have the time these days to ride 3-4 times a week to get in shape for a Century. I was riding that often a few years ago and should have gotten one done then...but I didn't.

cooper barrett · 08-10-2018, 06:20 PM

Have you ever done the BAK "Bike Across Kansas" run? I think they get about 800 for that ride. My Ex SO did it 5 or 6 times. She said the MS 150 was a training run and basicly an excuse to drink too much beer. I don't do distance rides. Period.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

I love group rides, just did a little one in Iowa a few weeks ago.

**Buehler445** · 08-10-2018, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

I love group rides, just did a little one in Iowa a few weeks ago.

Holy shit. That's a TINY highway. Did anyone get smoked by a tractor?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooper barrett

Have you ever done the BAK "Bike Across Kansas" run? I think they get about 800 for that ride. My Ex SO did it 5 or 6 times. She said the MS 150 was a training run and basicly an excuse to drink too much beer. I don't do distance rides. Period.

One of the routes comes through Scott and a buddy of mine and some of his buddies stayed with me one year. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I very nearly waxed some of his compatriots with my sprayer.

**Bugeater** · 08-10-2018, 08:06 PM

RAGBRAI essentially shuts down whatever highway they are riding on. Traffic isn't an issue.

Never even heard of the Bike Across Kansas. There's also Bike Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN) but it doesn't draw much of a crowd. Iowa just does it better than everyone else.

CaliforniaChief · 08-10-2018, 08:34 PM

I did RAGBRAI in 2015. What an awesome week. Lucked out with the weather, too.

RedRaider56 · 08-10-2018, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renegade

That is what I am finding about Trek, is they don't list tire clearance. I really like the Warbird and the Raleigh 3. Where did you find your Niner? Most cheap bikes I am finding are Kona's and I just think they are too stiff.

I found mine through the cycling club that I belong to. I find a number of good deals through facebook as well. There are usually bicycle sale & trade groups you can join. Many of the bike shops where I live, sell used bikes they've taken in on trade

RedRaider56 · 08-10-2018, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Oh damn. Gonna have to pass on that one. They would be scraping me off the side of the highway. I have yet to conquer a Century Ride, most I've ever done in a single day is 56 miles.

Did that ride about 4 times. damn near killed me each time. 1st year I did it, there were over 14,000 riders participating

RedRaider56 · 08-10-2018, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewChief

Generally, you can get a similar gear range with modern 1X setups as 3X setups, plus you have less weight and far fewer mechanical issues (less moving parts without a front derailleur). Most 3X setups predominantly give you more choices within a range, not more overall range. This is a result of fairly recent technology around wide-range rear cassettes.

Note: good 1X drivetrains are, counterintuitively, more expensive than 2x and 3x drivetrains. Here's a good article that explains it:

https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/...1x-drivetrains

When I was looking at gravel bikes I rode both 1x & 2x setups and ended up going with a 2x

Pros of a 1x as pointed out. Fewer mechanicals to mess up, lighter weight. Typically found on a bike geared more toward CX (cross country) vs. pure gravel.

Cons: Wider gear jumps on the back cassette. Front crank is a smaller chain ring (typically a 42 or 46) vs a 50 or 52 on a 2x setup. This translates into higher cadence for top end speed if you find yourself riding on roads that are a mix of gravel and asphalt.

I'm not a very strong rider, so I ended up going with a 2x setup. I found the 1x spacing to have too big of jumps between gears for me

**Buehler445** · 08-10-2018, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

RAGBRAI essentially shuts down whatever highway they are riding on. Traffic isn't an issue.

Never even heard of the Bike Across Kansas. There's also Bike Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN) but it doesn't draw much of a crowd. Iowa just does it better than everyone else.

BAK draws a pretty big crowd but they spread out pretty quick so it normally isn’t a group like that very often. They have good support across the ride though.

If you decide to do it and it is the year for the 96 route, let me know. I have a bed for you.

**Bugeater** · 08-10-2018, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

I did RAGBRAI in 2015. What an awesome week. Lucked out with the weather, too.

I was out on the 2nd day, Storm Lake to Ft Dodge, and yeah, that was a good year with the weather. This year as well, couldn't imagine being out there when it's a buck-o-five or more.

08-08-2018, 09:17 AM
Renegade Just Lurking Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ozark Mountain Country Casino cash: $1797904	Biking Question I have a Road Bike which I really enjoy riding. I am wanting to branch out a little and take up Gravel and maybe Cyclocross. I have tried MTB, and just didn't care for it. Any suggestions, tips etc? I am looking at the Salsa Warbird and Trek line of bikes right now.
Posts: 2,003

08-10-2018, 08:06 PM	#39
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $6252680	RAGBRAI essentially shuts down whatever highway they are riding on. Traffic isn't an issue. Never even heard of the Bike Across Kansas. There's also Bike Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN) but it doesn't draw much of a crowd. Iowa just does it better than everyone else.
Posts: 70,443

08-10-2018, 08:34 PM	#40
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12422899	I did RAGBRAI in 2015. What an awesome week. Lucked out with the weather, too.
Posts: 17,319