best tires for great divide mountain bike route

I cant remember if they had any 29" tyres, and I doubt if you can accurately scale the performance from 26 to 29 inches, but its worth a look. Some are much more expensive than others, so we do our best to identify which models represent the best value. I had to replace mine halfway through the GDMBR. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is a journey from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. 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. If I ever get nervous, having it nearby helps me sleep. there are a lot of toilets along the route, but that doesnt guarantee youll find one when you need it. The WTB Trail Boss provides excellent cornering traction in the rear of the bike. https://w. Unfortunately, this has an adverse effect on braking traction on anything but firm conditions. The Specialized Eliminator T7 is a semi-aggressive rear tire that we feel is a great, affordable option for trail riders. Good, predictable performance as a rear tire, The casing may be too supple for some riders. 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. We'd highly recommend it as a front tire for aggressive trail riders who are looking to try something different. Continental has several new models in their lineup, with the Kryptotal intended as the all-arounder for aggressive riding in mixed terrain and conditions. Finally, this route goes in wild terrain, and a bear encounter is possible. The Maxx Terra compound on the Minion DHF is an excellent balance of grip, rolling resistance, and longevity. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. If you leave some necessity for your trip at home, don't worry, you will be able to replace it easily here. The sections are arranged in the direction I rode, which is northbound (also referred to as NOBO). Here are all the electronics I carried on the GDMBR: Smartphone: Primary navigation device using the RideWithGPS app, with maps cached offline. This time around, we tested the TCS Light SG2 casing, dramatically reducing its weight while still providing a robust feel thanks to the Slash Guard (SG2) insert. [1] [2] [3] The feel of this tire may take a little getting used to for some, but once you experience the sensation of it locking into a turn, you'll have a hard time going back to anything else. Read more: Review of my Salsa Fargo After 4500 Bikepacking Miles and Cutthroat vs. Fargo. The 10 Best Bike Saddles of 2023 (So Far) I replaced it halfway through with the womens version which is slightly warmer and shorter perfect for me. 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. It was originally called the Great Divide Race and followed a slightly shorter course along the original Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, starting in Roosville, Montana, at the Canadian border. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. When it comes to big adventures, deciding to take the plunge is often half the battle. We put in lots of time and miles while testing mountain bike tires. It should also be noted that this tire also delivers pretty solid cornering abilities given its impressive rolling speed. Incredibly fuel-efficient and decently lightweight as a stove/pot combo, especially shared between two people (though I carried it solo too). BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Braking traction is another highlight, and the large knobs with open spacing grab well on most surfaces when it comes time to slow things down. Date Submitted: 09/30/2019 08:43 PM. My only complaint: the bottoms arent very durable. Ive pushed myself hard on enough prior trips and wanted time for more relaxation and type 1 fun this time around. I used one set for the entire 2700 miles and they still had life left to spare at the end. They are bulletproof but heavy. In general, the GDMBR is perfect for a standard 3-season backcountry layering setup. Held electronics, toiletries, first aid, other miscellaneous items. In many places I failed to find any trees that would work for a proper bear hang. Author: www.bikeforums.net. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. You need to be logged in to use these features. Down tube: Water bottle cage and tool pouch. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. 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. Bluetooth mini-keyboard: As you can probably tell, I like to write! Bike computer: CatEye Velo 7, simple and cheap, handy for checking distance covered without using smartphone battery. Few tires are as popular as the Minion DHF, and for good reason. When conditions get really loose, it is easy to break this tire into a skid, drift through corners , spin out while climbing. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. For highly skilled riders that can push the pace while maintaining some semblance of control, these tires are a fast option. Bikepacking Pace Guide: How many miles per day? It inspires high levels of confidence and is most at home when leaned into a turn aggressively with a substantial row of large side knobs that grip through corners. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. High-viz windbreaker vest: extra warmth and/or peace of mind in traffic. Guys use them for long expeditions across Africa, for faster racing with better access to stores, a lighter/better rolling tyre would be better. The Bikepacking Trip Planner Workbook can help you take the next step. Some tires are easier to install than others. The Route covers 5 states: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana and is a . We've tested the WTB Trail Boss before, but were always a little turned off by its heavy weight. Fast-rolling and semi-slick tires get their speed from small, low-profile tread blocks. 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. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. The T9 rubber is the grippiest that Specialized uses, and while it isn't exactly super soft, it's been designed to rebound slowly to reduce deflection and enhance grip. One of the fastest-rolling tires in the test was the Specialized Ground Control. We researched nearly every tire on the market before purchasing the 28 models in this review. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing so more people can benefit from it: Great resource thanks! Dont forget to check for a helmet-compatible hood. Paracord and carabinerfor hanging or otherwise securing the Ursack. Vittoria uses a 4C (4 compounds) rubber that is infused with Graphene. I / we carried a stove for the entire trip and enjoyed hot meals at camp, but its not mandatory. There are affiliate links in this post. Through the years, they've mapped routes down the West Coast and several routes across the U.S. for road bicyclists. I just find these more trouble than theyre worth. As a general rule, the more aggressive the tread design, the better the tire will perform in loose conditions. There are some sections with sharp rocks. 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. 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. I estimate my fully loaded Fargo weighed around 55 lbs without much food or water. We selected tires in the 2.3 to 2.6-inch width range. While traveling across North America you bike 2,774 miles on a route that is 88% dirt and 12% paved roads. How to Avoid Hand Numbness and Weakness While Cycling, My Bikepacking Gear List System, from Ultralight to Ultra Prepared, 7 Utah Bikepacking Routes for Every Style and Experience Level, Salsa EXP Anything Cradle + dry bag: held sleeping bag. Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. what do you think? Satellite Messenger: Garmin InReach Mini, for communication and emergencies in areas without phone service. It also allows . I suggest packing the same toilet kit you would for a wilderness backpacking trip. That said, it works well and stays attached nicely, and really does help with sun exposure (which youll get a lot of on the Great Divide). As a rear tire, it has excellent pedal and braking traction but has a relatively high level of rolling resistance. We resupplied a few specific or hard-to-find items our favorite sunscreen, Dr. Bronners soap, chamois cream via several mail drops throughout the route. I'll be departing on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route this August and I'll be riding a Niner M.C.R. I think mid-May is typical but it varies year to year, especially these days. That said, the Maxxis Aggressor, Maxxis Dissector, WTB Trail Boss, and Specialized Eliminator T7 offer decent braking bite given their rolling speed. The Michelin Wild Enduro Rear is right there with the DHR II when weight is less of a priority and cornering abilities and traction are emphasized. So much great information, I keep going back to your links. It's also one of the least expensive tires we tested, and we feel it is an excellent value. Held 3 liter water bladder, some tools, spare tube. In our latest video, Neil sheds some light on the essential considerations that will help you make an educated decision. There is less to bite into the soil, and on loose, dusty, or wet trails, these tires tend to slide under braking forces. Two shallow tire tracks heading uphill into the darkness remind me that Josh and Ben had recently pushed their bikes through this same slush. Light and very sturdy. 70 % of the of the GDMBR is on quiet gravel roads with very little traffic. Something with plenty of tire clearance and go with a plus sized tire on the front or something. Fuel canisters were easy enough to find at gear stores, hardware stores, hiker boxes, etc. I didn't want to give up on them, but simultaneus pinch flats were the final straw. RockBros front pouch: held snacks and other small items. 27. overmyhead (Jul 15, 2019 . I suspect this can even be used to patch bike tubes in a pinch, but Ive never tried it. The Maxxis Aggressor provided us with excellent pedaling traction on a huge range of surfaces and conditions. My husband carried the body and I carried the fly. The Maxxis Aggressor, Dissector, and WTB Trail Boss offer more traction while still maintaining impressive rolling speed. Semi-slick and inverted tread tires are not recommended. Backflush syringe for Sawyer filter. The Maxxis Minion DHF is arguably the most popular tire ever thanks mostly to its cornering prowess. Wider tires have more air volume and provide more damping and traction. Tent strapped to front of dry bag using Voile straps, Presta-Schrader valve adapter not used, but potentially essential in case of a broken pump, Chain lube and rag used often and replenished along the way, Spare tube (1 per rider) and patch kit not used, Tubeless plug kit, tiny tube of superglue not used, Extra sealant, between 2-4 oz per rider used and replenished along the way, Small section of chain and several quick links not used, but I did buy and install an entire new chain in Jackson, Blue threadlocker for loose bolts not used, Spare cleat and bolts (at least one set per rider) I used one of the bolts to replace a lost one, and replaced my cleats when I replaced my shoes halfway through, Spare brake and shift cable (one of each for two riders) not used. Read more: Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail T7 review. The most important thing you can do is get tires that suit your riding style, terrain, and conditions. I have limited tire-to-bag clearance on my small 29er frame but this system is pretty dialed. Summaries by section: New Mexico | Colorado | Wyoming & Idaho | Montana | Canada. Spare batteries as needed for your devices. When things get loose and steep, the Aggressor can't match the DHR II's more aggressive tread. Let us know! You can see the deterioration of the shoulder knobs. This tire rewards good technique with predictable and confidence-inspiring cornering traction. 4. number44 (Jul 15, 2019 at 8:26) Shiny and chrome! Hello! MSRP $98.00. Here we get to the meat of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route packing list: clothing! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. My feet search for stability in the snow . But its always a good idea and offers an extra layer of safety if things ever go sideways. 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. At the same time, the sharp edges of the tread knobs bite well into firm to moderately loose, dry conditions while pedaling and braking. I hope youre able to get out there eventually. The Maxxis Dissector is another of our favorite rear tires. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Many bike brands spec the DHR II as a front and rear tire on complete builds. Crisscrossing the Continental Divide from alberta through the Canadian and American Rockies to its southern terminus at the mexican border, brian kesselman completed the 2784 mile route solo and self-supported with 161,563 feet of climbing, averaging 92.8 miles a day over 30 days. Figuring out which tires will perform well and hold up for the duration can be tricky, especially given all the options on the market. It was never cold enough on the Divide that I needed to ride in this (though I sometimes do in other places), but it was essential for camp and occasionally sleeping on cold nights. But when two of us together needed food for more than a day or two, it was too small. There are hundreds of post offices along the GDMBR. Tires: Continental CrossKing ProTection 292.3 tubeless. Additionally, it is safe to assume that they might sometimes take a cost-effective approach to stock specifications. Kindle E-Reader. Having said all that, we still feel the Aggressor is the most versatile rear tire. Monday November 14, 2022. Free shipping for many products! Congratulations! The fastest men can complete the route in under 14 days, while most people who tour it take six to ten weeks. I highly recommend these for the Great Divide and bikepacking in general. Bright glints of light near my eyes sparkle - the headlamp reflecting against the sleet. With a relatively squared-off profile, an aggressive open tread design, and the tacky High Grip rubber, the Vigilante eats up the corners and excels in loose conditions from dust to loam. Spoon: Toaks Long titanium: Simple, lightweight, long enough to eat out of any container. Small knife: Kershaw Scallion, useful for cooking on trail and in town. 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. 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". Alternate routes are indicated in orange on the GDT map, and include: Mount Rowe to Sage Pass - moderately difficult cross-country ridge walk, literally on the Great Divide without any water sources (other than residual snow). These days there is no bicycle shop, just full-time adventure whether it's living on my bicycle for a month in an exotic place, or doing weekend adventures in the Southwest . We tested each tire as much as humanly possible and ranked them based on these metrics. I hope this post has helped you fine-tune your GDMBR gear list. Fire starter: Cotton balls rubbed in Vaseline, andwaterproof matches or lighter. I love riding solo but a month is enough, and Ive been wanting to share a long ride with him for years. For the majority of these tires, we were able to install and seat the bead on our rims without the use of a high-powered compressor. We researched nearly every tire on the market before buying 28 models for side-by-side testing. Headlamp,Petzl Actik Core: I like that this headlamp is USB-rechargeable but can also take AAAs in a pinch. This tire relies on its aggressive tread pattern to do most of the work, with well-supported shoulder lugs and a supportive yet supple Gravity Shield casing. When things get a little damp, the somewhat open tread design sheds mud quite well to ensure a clean braking surface. 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. As with front tire braking traction, rear tire braking traction is also dependent on the size, shape, and orientation of the tread knobs. I think the Fargo is a perfect bike for the GDMBR, at least unless you can afford a Cutthroat. Haha yes, in many ways time (and motivation) are the most important things on the list! Yup, I carried a Kindle! Each manufacturer has its own technology and name for how they choose to protect a tire with its casing. 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. You'll need full camping gear, bike tools, and a water filter. I love reading at camp or on rest days. Never needed, but good to have. If riding southbound and crossing the international border at the beginning, I would probably mail it home after crossing. Superb, extremely comprehensive, very useful. Passport: My husband brought mine with him when we met in Jackson, and we both carried ours (carefully) for the rest of the trip. Learn more. Mountain Bike Tire Sizes Knobby 29 x 2.6 Teravail Kessel trail/enduro, Mountain bike Tire. The Ardent has a low-profile tread design that prioritizes rolling speed. This is a very popular filter and it works well. Even the legendary Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which often crests above 10,000ft in its 2,700 miles, fits this category.Our selection of routes spans the whole spectrum, from short two-dayers in the desert, to properly long technical mountain routes, and woodsy adventures in .

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