While I can't speak for anyone else, the increased likelihood of a "moist" T.I. has caused me to completely re-think my equipment setup for the 2013 event. To that end, this past weekend I took my singlespeed Singular Gryphon and stripped it of its drivetrain, replacing it with a fully-geared setup, optimized to take on the Iowa mud. And with a 43c Bruce Gordon Rock 'n Road on the front, and a 42c Continental Cyclocross Speed on the rear, the bike has more than an inch of mud clearance at any point around both tires. I think this setup will be a key to getting to the finish this year.
Of course, my training has to be on-track, but I feel good about where I'm at there. And now, I feel great about my equipment as well. I know I'll be on a bike that can go the distance.
So, with that said, here are some shots of the evolution of my TransIowa v.9 race bikes...
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| The grey Singular Kite was my first choice for TransIowa. It has fantastic clearance in the fork and seatstays (for a CX bike), but lacks the massive clearance of a true 29-inch mountain bike like the Gryphon. It'll make an awesome steed for summer gravel grinders and fall 'cross races though! |
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| With massive mud clearance, a retro 8-speed rear end and inexpensive 'parts bin' components I don't have to worry about trashing, my 'V2' Gryphon can roll into muddy conditions with confidence. |
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| Where should we ride today? Regardless of the conditions, I'm fortunate to have a drop-bar dirt bike that's perfect for the job, thanks to Singular Cycles. |
11 comments:
if your t.i. is moist ,,, just keep it to yourself!! ha!
What is that rear rack on the gryphon? Looks like a nice n light set up.
LOL... The rack on my Gryphon is a Salsa Minimalist, using a Salsa Rack Lock seat collar mount as the top mount, and the top rack mounts as the lower mounts. It's solid and, as you suspected, relatively light.
During TransIowa, I'll run an Arkel TailRider rack-top bag on the Minimalist rack, along with a small Jandd frame bag. This setup keeps as much weight off my body as possible (no bag/CamelBak), which is how I prefer to roll.
Cheers,
MG
Nice setup. I remember Shockey running his Vassago with lots of clearance. most modern cross bikes cannot handle the mud.
Ari
Thanks Ari... Not only does it have the clearance I think we're gonna' need, it's got the ride quality I will love to be with for more than 300 miles. That's perhaps the best part about it...
See you soon, my friend. Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
MG
Here's a question - are you running tubeless on the Rock 'n Road? I love the tire, but lack of success tubeless hurts. Any setup tips on the R'nR?
I had no problems setting the RnR up tubeless. It aired right up on my converted Salsa Delgado Cross rims. All I can say is, keep trying... Persistence (and a compressor) pays.
Good luck!
@Llama, what issues are you having? Can you get the tires to bead-up, or are you having trouble with that?
Just getting the bead to seat is tough. It's so noodly I think I need six hands to keep it on the rim while I hit it with the compressor. Make me wonder about how it will do in the wild.
Once beaded, it's a great riding and handling tire. I'm a fan of Panaracer-made tires, which the Rock N Road is, and it has the classic Panaracer ride quality. Tubeless just brings it out to a greater extent, in my experience.
I have about 250 miles on my Rock N Road tires, all tubeless, and all good... No, actually all great. These might be some of my favorite all-around tires ever!
Hope your experience is the same once you get 'em beaded up.
Cheers,
MG
FWIW... I'm running RnRs front and rear on the Gryphon now.
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