This is my full experience on the New Mexico portion of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.I rode the Priority 600x, a bike that I helped design. Down tube: Water bottle cage and tool pouch. Our joint tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3. Montana: Bikepacking The Great Divide #4 - Notes, Pics, & Tips For the more aggressive rider, the Maxxis Minion DHR II is our favorite option. Tights:Columbia OmniHeat. The larger tire will absorb some of the rough stuff and give you some more traction. Garmin eTrex22x: My backup navigation device while riding solo. Likewise, the Michelin Wild Enduro Front is a top performer in the corners. Free shipping for many products! And 68-year . Like most cross-country tires, they are very fast rolling, but unlike a typical XC tire, they provide better cornering and braking traction than you might expect. Passport: My husband brought mine with him when we met in Jackson, and we both carried ours (carefully) for the rest of the trip. Nearly 70% of the route is on public lands - 18 National Forests, 6 National Parks and Monuments, and 4 areas with Bureau of Land . Your needs will vary based on where and how you ride. The Maxxis Ardent, Michelin Force AM2, Specialized Ground Control, and Vittoria Martello perform better in these cases with smaller knobs that don't give the rider a feeling of riding high off the ground. 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". RockBros front pouch: held snacks and other small items. Other rear tire options will roll noticeably faster than the DHR II, but that's a trade-off you'll need to consider for a tire with the cornering grip and braking traction it provides. Now its your turn. 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. Youll want a system that keeps you cozy enough in a bad mountain storm. I recommend around 3 liters of capacity for most of the route. We're dealing with a product category here that is prone to specialization, so if you're looking for something other than an all-arounder, make sure to read up on our award winners for tires that do specific jobs well. I had mixed feelings about this. Tail light: Red blinky tail light for visibility on high-traffic roads. FAQ - The Great Divide Trail Association I can definitely see advantages especially for those of us with low tire clearance. The Maxxis Aggressor is a great rear tire with a versatile tread pattern that gives it broad appeal and functionality across a wide range of conditions. We are also thinking about going NOBO. Colorado Bikepacking Trails - A Bikepackers Dreamland Beyond those concerns, we feel the Mazza is an outstanding tire that rivals the best of the best. Some tires are easier to install than others. I would suggest joining the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Information Exchange Facebook group and following what people say there. Companions: Solo until Jackson, WY (about 1600 miles), then joined by my husband for the final 1100 miles. Headband and neck gaiter: Buff and/or bandana. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. I was thinking about doing it on a Surly Long Haul Trucker - the frame can handle a 45C Tire. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route - Riding Canada to Mexico The 26" size used to be the industry standard, over the last two decades, 27.5 . I discuss my repair kit in more detail here: Tools and Spares List for Bikepacking. 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. Similarly, the Specialized Eliminator and WTB Trail Boss provide balanced traction across a wide range of surfaces and conditions. The tread design also contributes to controlled and predictable braking performance that outshines other models in its category. Theres more where this came from! Some are much more expensive than others, so we do our best to identify which models represent the best value. I've found the Geax Saguaro can't be beat. I've been writing and sharing stories of my bicycle travel adventures since 2011 through Swallow Bicycle Works which is where you will find a whole slew of fun things to read, look at, and be inspired by pre-2017. Few tires are as popular as the Minion DHF, and for good reason. We selected tires in the 2.3 to 2.6-inch width range. Related: How to Choose Mountain Bike Tires. But if you want more cushion in the tire area, the bike can accommodate up to . When backpacking we dont find it worth the weight, but on this bikepacking trip we absolutely did. Outside of larger towns its often convenience store and diner food, in other words, not the healthiest. Totally worth the weight. TD 2022 updates include: 1. Bootlegger Bikes is a small, full service bike shop near Smugglers Notch in Jeffersonville, Vermont that serves the Jeffersonville, Cambridge, Fletcher, Fairfax, Johnson, Underhill, Jericho, and surrounding areas. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. i can't attest to their load handling stregnth,as i just got my 1st 29er last week.i'm kinda a big fat n beefy tire kinda guy,so when i saw the nanorapters,i. Extra bottles: I carried two 1L Platypus SoftBottles for extra capacity. The DHR II has great braking traction, and it works very well for climbing in loose conditions. Lots of lengthwise siping on all of the knobs allow them to really conform to the trail surface, and it holds well on firm surfaces, off-camber terrain, and rock slabs. Best Bike For Great Divide Trail (2023 Updated) - Social Moms When not worn it was usually bungeed to my seat bag for extra visibility. It was originally only available in the DH casing which was super heavy, but now its versatility has been expanded to the rest of the market with the lighter options. I hope that will be especially helpful to my fellow northbound riders, since there are fewer resources out there written from our perspective. The even tread pattern of those tires also feels more predictable on firm ground as the transition across the tread is smooth the whole way through. [1] [2] [3] The medium profile center tread allows for exceptional pedaling efficiency and low rolling resistance, all while offering adequate bite for climbing and braking traction. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams. If youre lucky, simply change your chain and brake pads halfway through, replenish your chain lube supply a few times, top up your sealant once or twice, and youll be all set. Standard AA and AAA batteries are easy to find at convenience stores, so you only need to carry one spare set at a time. It has a distinctive locked-in feel, though it may take a little getting used to for some riders. Look for tires that are as durable as possible. The DHF is offered in all-wheel sizes and a huge variety of widths, casings, and rubber compounds to meet a broad range of user preferences. We researched nearly every tire on the market before purchasing the 28 models in this review. Figuring out which tires will perform well. That said, selection is limited until you reach a larger town with a full grocery or drug store. Related: How to Keep Electronics Charged While Bikepacking. That and the fact that the route comes back through Whitefish makes Glacier Cyclery the logical US staging headquarters for Great Divide riders. It was tirelessly mapped over a 4 year span, and published in 1998 by Adventure Cycling Association, North America's premiere bicycle travel organization. There are many different approaches to choosing gear for the GDMBR, and no one can give you the one perfect list. Similarly, the WTB Trail Boss rolls relatively quickly, but its stout row of shoulder knobs hook up and rails through the bends. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. 70 % of the of the GDMBR is on quiet gravel roads with very little traffic. Sports bra:Patagonia Barely, very comfy (A cup) and stink-resistant. Hello! It's also one of the least expensive tires we tested, and we feel it is an excellent value. 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 . Read more: Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9 review. You can see the deterioration of the shoulder knobs. This isn't much of a surprise given its cross-country pedigree. 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. Note about toiletries: In the US its common for hotels, and even most budget motels, to provide small amounts of basic soap and shampoo. . The Best Tires For The Great Divide? - YouTube . Find the balance. There are hundreds of post offices along the GDMBR. In our latest YouTube video, we talk about what factors to consider and reveal a few of our favorite tires for long, mixed-terrain routes. Cup: Snow Peak titanium mug. I replaced it halfway through with the womens version which is slightly warmer and shorter perfect for me. To receive USPS packages at any post office, use General Delivery. Fast-rolling and semi-slick tires get their speed from small, low-profile tread blocks. Plus, pit toilets are often out of toilet paper so youll need that no matter what. But its also a long time to be out there without whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy. With a tread design that looks strikingly similar to the Minion DHF, the Vittoria Mazza also boasts impressive cornering traction. More often than not, the emphasis of trail riding is on the downhill, and the uphill is a necessary, and often just as enjoyable, part of the total experience. Welcome to part 4 in my series of GDMBR summaries by state. 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. Based on that experience, we feel that the performance of a tire between different wheel sizes will be roughly the same. Tires with decent-sized knobbies are recommended. In our latest video, Neil sheds some light on the essential considerations that will help you make an educated decision. I appreciate good quality gear but dont have money to burn, so most of my gear is carefully chosen and well-used. This wasnt my first rodeo, and I was pretty satisfied with my gear choices overall. A tire's performance is the corners is one of its most important attributes. The biggest issue: with the dry bags on the front fork, the load is very front-heavy. The 8 Best Tires For Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (2022 reviews) The majority of our testing took place in dryer California conditions. Spare batteries as needed for your devices. 27. overmyhead (Jul 15, 2019 . With that in mind, we set out to review the best tires for all-mountain and trail riding; you can even call it enduro if you like. GearLab is reader-supported. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. This is why 29er wheels roll better than 26 wheels. We rode the 2.4" Trail casing, endurance compound tire and it was truly an inspiration on the front wheel; holding like a rail through corners, and delivering superb braking performance in a range of conditions. 60 DAY Free Returns & Shipping / Orders All Over The US Need Help? I suspect this can even be used to patch bike tubes in a pinch, but Ive never tried it. Youll also want the ability to add another 3 4 liters occasionally, probably only a handful of times. The alternative would be to use a sturdy rear rack and small panniers or dry sacks, which I saw pretty often on the Divide. 700 Miles of New Mexico-Bikepacking the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route There is less to bite into the soil, and on loose, dusty, or wet trails, these tires tend to slide under braking forces. Nano, Dry X 2.1, Small Block 8, in that order. 2y You run 2.2s on a 35 mm wide rim? The Specialized Eliminator T7 is a semi-aggressive rear tire that we feel is a great, affordable option for trail riders. For these cases its best to call a business along the route (hotel, RV Park, store, bike shop) that you plan on patronizing and ask if theyll hold a package for you. (1) It can be argued that tires may be the most important (and most affordable) upgrades you can put on your bike. Chlorine dioxide: I carried a small number of Potable Aqua tablets as a temporary backup in case my filter failed. For sure, were out there to enjoy ourselves and we all have our favorite ways of doing that. The bike has a Sram Eagle X01 ASX drivetrain, Sram Force brake lever shifters with Sram guide dual piston brakes. The Western Wildlands Route - Bikepacking Roots Semi-slick tires have a pared-down center tread to reduce their rolling resistance, framed in by larger side knobs to maintain strong cornering performance. The Maxxis Minion DHR II is an aggressive rear tire with terrific cornering grip and excellent braking traction. Having said all that, we still feel the Aggressor is the most versatile rear tire. As tires continue to trend wider, so too are the tires in our test. It also allows . Aside from testing the top-ranked mountain bikes on the market, our testers have also reviewed components from dropper seatposts to pedals (both clipless mountain bike pedals and flat pedal styles) and accessories like mountain bike helmets and the best men's mountain bike shoes and best women's mountain bike shoes. Bikepacking The Great Divide: A Guide on What to Pack 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. We want our tires to last, and we get the feeling you do too. Many tires come in more than one casing option, so you can make that decision for yourself based on how you ride, your trail conditions, and terrain. Any thoughts on what would be the earliest you could start? Cannondale Trail 5 for Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR)? - Reddit 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. Wyoming & Idaho: Bikepacking The Great Divide #3 - Exploring Wild Reroute for fire closure in Gila Mountains (FS150) I would suggest trying the smaller Sporty version if youre on the fence. Starting from the south early in the summer is the best bet to avoid flies as much as possible. In general, the size, shape, and orientation of the center tread play the biggest role in how well a tire slows and stops your forward momentum. BIKE: I'll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2020 Salsa Ti-Fargo frameset with a Firestarter carbon fork. When conditions are firm, some of our fastest rolling tires perform exceptionally well. Let us know in the conversation below if you have a tire that youd recommend for a long mixed terrain route like the GDMBR. When you consider all the towns, campgrounds, pit toilets, etc. As my wheels rolled along its roads, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) offered constant reminders that I was not alone. We pedal up the hill to ride back down it. This saddle has worked well for me in the past, but it caused issues on this trip and Ive since retired it. Related: Essential Bike Repair Skills You Can Learn at Home. Bandanafor wiping out dishes and other miscellaneous needs. 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. Mountain Biking: Fat Tires on the Divide - Outside Online The Kryptotal Fr impressed our testers and proved that Continental is back at the top of the game with their new generation of tires. For this reason, the tires with the lowest profile center treads and the semi-slicks garnered top honors in rolling resistance or lack thereof. The WTB Vigilante also earns an honorable mention in the cornering metric. If you leave some necessity for your trip at home, don't worry, you will be able to replace it easily here. Tires are a great way to improve the performance of your ride, but to have the best bike gear setup, you may need a few more items. More often than not, the more aggressive a tread design is, the more rolling resistance it has, and vice-versa. The Maxxis Minion DHF is our favorite tire for all-conditions riding. Celebrating its 20th year, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route stretches the length of the United States, and was researched and mapped by the Adventure Cycling Association to provide a non-paved cycle touring route for those who are so inclined. Held 3 liter water bladder, some tools, spare tube. There are countless options to choose from, and we know that finding the right tires for the conditions, terrain, and your riding style can be a challenge. Sign up here for occasional emails full of inspiration and information about bikepacking and bicycle touring. For anyone curious, it does actually work with the Da Brim. We usually rode together and often filled up with potable water from campgrounds or stores, so we werent stopping to filter as often as we do on backpacking trips. Ive used these for years and think they have an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Squared-off edges and siping on tread knobs also help to grip and bite under pedaling forces. This is an awesome resource! I'll be departing on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route this August and I'll be riding a Niner M.C.R. Mylar space blanketfor emergencies and extra warmth on cold nights. One of the best pieces of advice Ive heard from couples who take long adventures together: use a 3 person tent! The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! 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. We put the best mountain bike tires from Maxxis, Specialized, Vittoria, Michelin, WTB, and others to the test. The warmer months also bring bicyclists traversing the scenic Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which this year runs nearly 2,500 miles (4,023 kilometers) from northern Montana to southern New Mexico. I expect this one to last at least another 7 years. This tire has a large and stout row of side knobs, like those found on the Minion DHF, to dive into corners and hold a line on off-camber sections. And Im glad Im not the only one who brings whatever I want to bring regardless of what others think! If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing so more people can benefit from it: Great resource thanks! Similarly, we found the new Michelin Wild AM2 to rip through the bends. Heres what I suggest carrying in order to leave no trace: Spend your town time resting and eating instead of wondering what youre forgetting.
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