SS cyclocross

[SSCYCO]

I'll be doing a practice race this weekend - the first time I will be racing cross on a SS. Any advice?

[Rotifer]

Any advice?
Give up now! ha ha ha

[Mauriceman]

I'D PROBABLY push an easier gear my first time out, depending on the course. BTW, do you know the course? This might make a big difference in what gear you choose. I try and rest when racing. That sounds weird, but i like to pace myself so i don't burn out. If It's a good long ride, i like to start in back and save my energy for the end. But if it's going to be all singletrack, you might need to start out fast so you don't get stuck behind people.

[JerseyDevil]

If you're riding a SS, race your own race. By this, I mean to ride at your own pace, not the others.
Geared bikes can beat you on the long flats, so let them go when you get to those. When things get tight and shifting slows them up, that's when you have the advantage. If there's a sprint, don't burn yourself out trying to keep up with the sprinters. Catch up to them when they start to run out of gas.

[SSCYCO]

Originally posted by Rotifer

Give up now! ha ha ha

Say what you want - but when I finish ahead of you - you'll just wonder "where'd he hide the motor".

The bike has a 44x16 - most of the courses around here gain most of their elevation on the run ups - I have a practice race this Sun, that should help me decide if I need a lower gear. I'll be riding with Rotifer, he'll be able to tell eveyone what a slug I am.

[Rotifer]

I've never ridden these courses, so you have an advantage. Nothing sayin' we can't work together a bit. :D We just need to convince Mohaka to give it a shot.

[SSCYCO]

The 44x16 was too big, it was hyper fast, but I don't think I could keep it up for an entire race - I changed to a 44x18 yesterday feels much better. I'm gonna take it to the course today and give it a spin.

[Rotifer]

What tires are you using?

[SSCYCO]

Specialized - They are pretty good - the max pressure is 100 psi, but I have ran them as low as 50 and they feel great. Plus my LBS buddy gave them to me for 15 bucks a pop (kevlar).

I went to Highbridge and test road the course today with a 44x18 gear - much better. Spun out a bit in one of the straights, but not bad. I went hard for about 25 min and it felt like I could keep that pace for the whole race (1 hour) - we'll see.

[Rotifer]

Cool. Of course, I had to buy a new rear tire. Ordered one (a Geax) from icycles in NV on Monday and the bastards have yet to even process the order. Soooo... I'll probably be hunting for a tire on Saturday - let me know where I should go. I also have to true my wheel and replace a spoke, it's ugly. At least it didn't blow on a descent. :rolleyes:

[SSCYCO]

If al else fails, I've got a Ritchy cross (looks like a skinny semi-slick - 32c) you could borrow for the race - I'll bring it Sunday just in case, or if we hook up Sat, I could give it to you then. As far as finding one in town, you'll have to call around - I know the Wheelsport off Sulivan road had a couple a week ago, but the season is upon us.

[Rotifer]

Thanks, please bring it just in case.

[steevo]

i rode a 44x16 around the city here last winter and didnt have any problems going up hills, a good city gear. I took it offroading a good bit, and it was too high, I couldnt get up many of the harsher climbs that i know i would have crushed on a geared bike. im going to have to build that bike up again for the winter, it was a good time.
Some cross races have a SS cat. the one here the other week did.

[Rotifer]

The Western WA races have a SS category but they lump them in with us here. Tend to be fewer SS racers on this side, I think.