I saw everything out there, from How on earth are you surviving with so little? to How on earth are you hefting all that gear up these climbs?. The T7 rubber compound offers a nice blend of grip and longevity, and the Grid casing feels relatively robust and durable while remaining lightweight. BIKE: I'll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2020 Salsa Ti-Fargo frameset with a Firestarter carbon fork. The Vigilante's aggressive tread design comes with a slight penalty in the rolling resistance department. 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. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Heres a quick list of what I carried on the GDMBR, which I would categorize as a standard type of trip in that post. High-viz windbreaker vest: extra warmth and/or peace of mind in traffic. The Michelin Wild AM2 and Force AM2 feature Gum-X rubber compounds and the Gravity Shield casing. As a rear tire, it has excellent pedal and braking traction but has a relatively high level of rolling resistance. I would suggest joining the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Information Exchange Facebook group and following what people say there. The Great Divide Route is the world's longest off-pavement cycling route. Your experienced riding buddy in digital form: 140 mobile-friendly pages packed with how to's, problem solving tips, and hard-earned wisdom from the trail and road. The aggressive open tread is great in a range of conditions, but it's the new T9 rubber compound that's most impressive. Thanks for reading! Helmet mirror: Bike Peddler Take a Look visor mirror. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. If you have questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. My hands get cold easily and when I need to ride in cold temps these are essential. This may not always be the ideal tire for your riding style, your trails, or the conditions you encounter most frequently. Pedaling forces are applied through the rear tire while the front tire is pushed along, guiding the bike along its journey. That said, we feel this is a great rear tire option paired with something a little more aggressive in the front, and an affordable one at that. http://twentynineinches.com/2008/06/04/wtb-'08-29er-tiresprowler-sl-29er-update-ii/. Related: How We Tested Mountain Bike Tires. I rarely have problems with tire rub if I pack properly. Tent(s): Because I rode solo for the first five weeks and then was joined by my husband for the last four weeks, we used two different tents. Learn more. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is a 3,083.8 mi (4,962.9 km), off-road bicycle touring route between Jasper, Alberta, Canada and Antelope Wells, New Mexico, USA. And Im glad Im not the only one who brings whatever I want to bring regardless of what others think! This tire isn't the fastest-rolling, but that's a tradeoff that we expect most aggressive trail riders are willing to accept. Mylar space blanketfor emergencies and extra warmth on cold nights. Pavement and panniers or singletrack and seat bag, I love it all. Bike computer: CatEye Velo 7, simple and cheap, handy for checking distance covered without using smartphone battery. The side knobs molded to rock faces just as well as they clawed for traction in the rubble. Review of my Salsa Fargo After 4500 Bikepacking Miles. Help sustain this resource by joining the Bikepacking Collective: https://bikepacking.com/join/?utm_source=youtubeOutline: Intro - 0:00Support Bikepacking.com - 0:42Tire CharacteristicsWidth - 1:22Casing - 2:35Tread Pattern - 4:09Reliability - 5:53Tire OptionsWTB Nano - 6:30WTB Ranger - 7:40Maxxis Crossmark - 7:56Maxxis Ikon - 8:57Maxxis Ardent Race - 9:22Teravail Sparwood - 9:45Teravail Rutland - 10:26Vittoria Mezcal - 11:04Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge - 11:53Mentioned Links:29er Wheel Diameter History: (http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/p/beginnings-of-modern-29er-history.html)Tubeless Tire Repair and Install: (https://bikepacking.com/plan/tubeless-tire-repair-guide/)Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge Review: (https://bikepacking.com/gear/rene-herse-fleecer-ridge-review/)Eastern Divide: (https://bikepacking.com/plan/introducing-the-eastern-divide-trail/)Bikepacking Routes Page: (https://bikepacking.com/bikepacking-routes/)Do you enjoy our videos, routes, and articles? 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. Swan Valley logging detour removed -- route goes back to original GDMBR 2. You can also use certain water compatible water bottles, but the syringe is light and works well. This post describes the GDMBR gear list that worked for me, but if you know your preferences are different, you do you! For sure, were out there to enjoy ourselves and we all have our favorite ways of doing that. 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. 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. Carry at least a small amount of soap and shampoo so you can properly enjoy these showers. used because summer days were so long and pace was leisurely, so never needed to ride in the dark. To give context to the Great Divide gear list that follows, here are the basics of my experience on the GDMBR. Bears on the Great Divide Trail. See my review of the Copper Spur for more detail. Few tires are as popular as the Minion DHF, and for good reason. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. I roll up the hand portion around my wrist when wearing bike gloves. It is a 1X12 / 10-52 and the front chagrin is a 32T. What are the best tires for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the Tour Divide race, and other long, mixed-terrain bikepacking routes? That and the fact that the route comes back through Whitefish makes Glacier Cyclery the logical US staging headquarters for Great Divide riders. It should also be noted that this tire also delivers pretty solid cornering abilities given its impressive rolling speed. Summaries by section: New Mexico | Colorado | Wyoming & Idaho | Montana | Canada. Finally, this route goes in wild terrain, and a bear encounter is possible. We also found it to be a touch heavy when compared to similarly aggressive tires of the same size. Its important to note that my Great Divide gear list is based on a touring pace ride that took over two months. Youll probably have service in towns, but dont count on it out in the national forests. The tread design of the Trail Boss seems optimized to work in dry conditions, and the tighter spacing of the knobs seems a bit more prone to packing up with sticky mud. At the same time, the sharp edges of the tread knobs bite well into firm to moderately loose, dry conditions while pedaling and braking. That said, I do use the eTrex for racing and more rugged routes; see my eTrex review for more detail. 2y You run 2.2s on a 35 mm wide rim? A couple of the toughest tires we've ever installed are the Continental Kryptotal models. New off-highway route north of Hartsel, CO 3. This is why 29er wheels roll better than 26 wheels. Excited to try bikepacking but need help getting started? Traillinks. Taller knobs with wide spacing can penetrate deeper into loose surfaces, and braking edges that face perpendicular to the direction of travel will most help slow your roll when it's super loose. Good cornering and braking traction compared to similar tires, Not ideal for super aggressive riders or terrain. These tires put a fight to get seated, but once mounted we never had further issues. And of course, if youre unlucky, anything can happen My husband somehow snapped his inner chainring in Montana and finished the ride on a haphazard 110 conversion! We found the T7 rubber to be long-lasting with even wear, and the Grid Trail casing stood up to our abuse during testing. The larger the circumference and the wider the tire, the less up-and-down. Comfy and as stylish as baggy bike shorts can be. I only recommend and link to products I know and love. More aggressive treads and softer rubber compounds have a tendency to roll more slowly. A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. I would never claim my way is best for everyone, but I do think its a solid setup that wont steer anyone too far wrong. I replaced it halfway through with the womens version which is slightly warmer and shorter perfect for me. Your needs will vary based on where and how you ride. The aggressive tread of the Minion DHF might feel a bit overkill on super buff and hardpack dirt, but that's not the arena this beast was designed to fight in. My solo tent: Big Sky Soul 1P. Likewise, the Michelin Wild Enduro Front is a top performer in the corners. A multitude of mountain bike tires can easily be mounted onto a rim with just your bare hands. I love riding solo but a month is enough, and Ive been wanting to share a long ride with him for years. We selected tires in the 2.3 to 2.6-inch width range. Those concerns aside, we feel this is a great, well-rounded rear tire for aggressive trail riding. 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. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is a journey from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Use the postal service. Pretty well. Baggy bike shorts: I wear these over my padded shorts, just personal preference. 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. 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. In some areas you might rarely fill it all, carrying only 1-2 liters at a time. We put the best mountain bike tires from Maxxis, Specialized, Vittoria, Michelin, WTB, and others to the test. Incredibly fuel-efficient and decently lightweight as a stove/pot combo, especially shared between two people (though I carried it solo too). The 2.3 width was a good balance for me, but you could certainly go narrower or wider depending on your priorities. 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. 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. 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. A relatively squared-off profile and a stout row of shoulder knobs give it excellent cornering manners, while the moderately spaced center and intermediate tread do a fine job of providing traction when braking and climbing in most conditions. Despite the reduced weight, we found the tire to provide adequate sidewall support, and the Slash Guard (SG2) insert stood up to all the abuse we could dish out. Rolling resistance is often more of a concern for a rear tire, and some tires feature low to medium height center tread knobs that roll faster than more aggressive designs. Hello! Learn more or say hi. Try a plastic bag between two pairs of socks as a lightweight alternative. We also found the Grid Trail casing to be a bit squirmy under hard cornering forces, and that we had to get the pressure exactly right to not burp it. Interesting, the new Racing Ralph's perform very well. Land between the lakes canal loop mountain bike trail, Calvert City, Kentucky. Some of the more burly casings are more difficult to work with. For more detail, seeHow to Use Your Garmin InReach Mini. While neither of these tires is light, they're both impressive when the going gets radical. Ive lost count of how many times Ive needed to pitch my tent on a hard surface: in the parking lot, on someones patio, inside an abandoned building, the list goes on Stakes are fine for short predictable trips in the backcountry, but sooner or later youll be stuck with unstake-able ground. Water filters for Bikepacking and Touring, How to Keep Electronics Charged While Bikepacking, Bikepacking Bikes and Bags for Small and Short People. 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. George Rose / Contributor // Getty Images. JavaScript is disabled. We found the Aggressor works best on hardpack, rock, and loam. Rarely used given the high fire danger lately, but occasionally useful for campgrounds and in case of emergency. Trails were often loose, blown out, and rocky. I wouldnt use this setup for prolonged technical riding, but it worked fine for gravel. My style tends toward moderately lightweight (I ran a bikepacking bag setup, no rack) but not too minimalist (I like hot meals, warm layers, and reading at camp). That said, we feel it is an excellent option for aggressive cross-country and light trail riding for riders seeking a lightweight and fast-rolling tire for their down-country rig. When things get a little damp, the somewhat open tread design sheds mud quite well to ensure a clean braking surface. Odor-Proof Bags from Opsack (12 x 20): Not sure how odor-proof these are in practice since theyre hard to zip, but theyll prevent spilled food from making your food bag into a rodent buffet. Additionally, it is safe to assume that they might sometimes take a cost-effective approach to stock specifications. Front tires are responsible for more of the steering and cornering duties, and they do a fair amount of the braking work as well. Companions: Solo until Jackson, WY (about 1600 miles), then joined by my husband for the final 1100 miles. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Benson's mountain bike roots trace back to New England in the early 1990s, and he has seen and experienced the evolution of mountain bike tires. Hydration bladder with hose: Platypus 3 Liter Hoser, carried in my frame bag as my primary water container. Related: Essential Bike Repair Skills You Can Learn at Home. This doesnt have to be fancy. Club Ride Savvy shorts are my absolute favorite. But you might be a few hundred miles from one when something goes wrong! The Maxxis Ardent is another fast and efficient tire that will appeal most to the XC crowd. (Update: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Womens Review). Bikepacking.com: Best Tires for the Great Divide By Jan Heine Tires With the 2021 Tour Divide happening this year - on a shortened course, since the Canadian border is still closed - Neil Beltchenko from bikepacking.com looked at what he considers the best tire for this challenging 2,745-mile (4,418 km) course. Thanks! Good, predictable performance as a rear tire, The casing may be too supple for some riders. The biggest issue: with the dry bags on the front fork, the load is very front-heavy. Finally, Ill underscore again how many ways there are to pack for a route like the GDMBR. Never had to use it for anything else. Despite their Light designation, these tires proved to be tough with a Slash Guard (SG2) insert that stood up to our abuse. Those who want a relatively fast-rolling rear tire that maintains good cornering abilities might consider the Specialized Eliminator T7. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail T7 review, Specialized Ground Control Grid T7 review, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, EXO sidewall protection, excellent cornering grip, good on front or rear, dual compound increases longevity, Great cornering and braking traction, fair price, long tread life, supportive sidewalls, work in a wide range of conditions, Fair price (for trail casing), offered in multiple casings for different uses, good braking traction, Great cornering grip, good braking traction, aggressive tread pattern, super damp ride quality, available in 2.6 and 2.3-inch widths, Reasonable price (for trail casing), excellent cornering traction, offered in multiple casings for different uses, Not the best for hardpack, high rolling resistance, requires good technique, Tread may be too aggressive for some riders/locations, a little heavy, Challenging set up process, heavy for "trail" casing, Difficult installation process, heavy-ish for a "trail" tire, One of the most popular tires ever, and for good reason, An aggressive tire with excellent cornering traction, braking bite, and above-average durability, A durable rear tire suited for aggressive trail riding in a range of conditions, Specialized's classic aggressive trail riding tire with a new rubber compound, enhanced grip, and same great value, A durable front tire for aggressive trail riding that carves corners with the best of 'em. We'd highly recommend it as a front tire for aggressive trail riders who are looking to try something different. Solo riders especially (and their loved ones) will likely appreciate the peace of mind. Down tube: Water bottle cage and tool pouch. Seat tube length: 508mm (center to top) Seat tube angle: 73 Top tube: 615mm (effective) Chainstays: 435mm Bottom bracket drop: 60mm Fork Offset: 43mm Wheelbase: 1093mm Standover height: 812mm Specifications Frame: 4130 chromoly steel, three bottle mounts, rack and fender mounts Fork: 4130 chromoly steel, rack and fender mounts, triple mounts The Trail Boss works great as a rear tire with great cornering performance and fairly low rolling resistance. As with front tire braking traction, rear tire braking traction is also dependent on the size, shape, and orientation of the tread knobs. Standard AA and AAA batteries are easy to find at convenience stores, so you only need to carry one spare set at a time. Custom, handbuilt 27.5", 29", Plus and Fat wheels. The Eliminator is a well-rounded rear tire at a reasonable price. There are better choices than the Minion DHF if you ride firm ground almost exclusively due to the fact that the knobs are on the aggressive side with a fair amount of spacing between them. This lightweight model tips the scales at just 867 grams in a 29" x 2.35" size, contributing to their zippy feel. For the Great Divide route, most will use nanoraptors, but I kept on getting pinch flats at 200lbs plus gear. Rawlins to Pinedale (Great Basin) The Great Basin (the area starting north of Rawlins and ending south of Atlantic City) is often spoken about with reverence as the most remote and dry section of the entire Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. The simple, no-nonsense tread design uses square, horizontally siped knobs that splay to increase friction and surface area. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing so more people can benefit from it: Great resource thanks! The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The Salsa Fargo Apex 1 is a burly steel frame gravel bike. Whether you have roasted the original set of rubber or need to purchase the right tires for your local trails, this comparative analysis should help you make a decision. The side knobs are stout enough to rail corners but not so burly that they resist flicking the bike's rear end into corners and breaking traction when the mood hits. Rain is a certainty, and snow and hail cant be ruled out. Pedals and Shoes for Bikepacking: Is clipless worth it? Bike: Salsa Fargo with steel fork. Continental's new tires can compete with the best in the business. We tested the Butcher Grid Trail T9 in both 2.3" and 2.6" widths, and while the tread pattern hasn't really changed, this feels like an entirely new tire. We put the best mountain bike tires from Maxxis, Specialized, Vittoria, Michelin, WTB, and others to the test. We used our beloved Joe Blow Booster floor pump to successfully set the bead on many, while a standard floor pump proved to be powerful enough for several of them. Run panniers if you want, or run a lightweight racing kit, but whatever you choose, do it intentionally. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. The Maxx Terra compound on the Minion DHF is an excellent balance of grip, rolling resistance, and longevity. I had come for this, in part, after a year of isolation that left me craving the community of a well-traveled route. A substantial row of side knobs handles well when tipped on edge through corners, with a supportive and durable EXO casing. You'll need full camping gear, bike tools, and a water filter. While testing, we always felt confident that they would hook and grab hold when it came time to slow things down. 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. Unfortunately, this has an adverse effect on braking traction on anything but firm conditions. Given this tire's impressive rolling speed and moderate height/relatively tightly packed tread knobs, it can't compete with more aggressive tires in loose conditions. While the medium-height tread is efficient and capable for most situations, there are better options for braking traction when the terrain gets super loose. 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. Chamois shorts (2 pair): very personal choice, but Louis Garneau Carbon 2 shorts work well for me. I love this thing and always clip it on when riding in traffic. In many places I failed to find any trees that would work for a proper bear hang. For the safety of your food and the bears, I recommend this bear-resistant bag that will help protect your food when a proper bear hang isnt possible. The flip-up cover was essential for protecting the spout from mud, and it was one of few 1 liter bottles I found thats skinny enough to fit in a standard water bottle cage (with extra strap for support). VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The Specialized Ground Control Grid T7 is a tire that bridges the gap between cross-country and trail riding, call it down-country if you like. Mile for mile, the Colorado Trail is one of the most beautiful trails I've ever ridden. Still think lightweight racks ie Tailfin beat Saddle Packs by themselves by a street mile. Satellite Messenger: Garmin InReach Mini, for communication and emergencies in areas without phone service. Note about toiletries: In the US its common for hotels, and even most budget motels, to provide small amounts of basic soap and shampoo. Modern trends have dictated that all of the tires in our test are either 27.5 or 29-inch. 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. I said this at the beginning but it bears repeating: theres no single right way to pack for the Great Divide. 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. Only downsides: they wear out quickly and are not especially sun-protective. Heaven and Hell on Wheels. 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. Pillow: Sea to Summit 8 Liter Dry Sack stuffed with odds and ends and wrapped with a Buff.
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