Coast-to-coast off-road

[MikeW-71]

Yep, I'm going to be going for this in early July this year, so I will need to be getting out much more on the MTB to train for it, as it will be 7 days of 30-40 mile, 4000 ft climb riding in a row.

Apart from improving myself, I also need to improve the bike a bit. Specifically, the wheels and fork and a rack.

I've just fitted some Mavic CrossOne wheels to replace the stock Giant CR70's. They feel significantly lighter and have much smoother bearings. Now I'm just waiting for the new fork, a RockShox XC32 Solo Air 100mm (it's only a Revel hardtail, not worth putting a £500 fork in) to replace the stock Suntour one (it's pretty knackered already) and I'm hoping this sheds a bit more weight and is a big improvement.

Have I done right? Anyone have experience of these wheels? I don't go crazy at trail centres getting big air or anything, so the XC32 should be OK for the job... I think. For the trip, my only objective is to get there. Preferrably uninjured

Any opinions are appreciated, the fork hasn't arrived yet, so I can still change my mind on it and get something different.

I must be mad

 

[mrbikerboy73]

I had some Rockshox XC32 forks to replace the somewhat leaky Suntour forks on my Hardrock Pro and they were a massive improvement. They are a good choice IMHO. I can't help with the wheels I'm afraid. Good luck with the ride and have fun!

 

[ShooglyDougie]

Sounds fun Mike, what route are you taking? Some friends an I are doing something similar in April starting near Kendal and finishing in Scarborough. Those xc 32s are nice basic forks I couldn't feel much difference between them and my recons so should be a huge upgrade from the suntours. Hope you have a good trip .

 

[dr snuggles]

I'd be very interested to see the route as well if you could. Definitely something I'd consider doing some time.

 

[MikeW-71]

Sounds fun Mike, what route are you taking? Some friends an I are doing something similar in April starting near Kendal and finishing in Scarborough. Those xc 32s are nice basic forks I couldn't feel much difference between them and my recons so should be a huge upgrade from the suntours. Hope you have a good trip .

I will be starting at Ravenglass and finish at Ravenscar just north of Scarborough, so some of our routes could overlap. I'm following this route:
http://www.pedalnorth.com/content/mtb-c2c

 

[JohnClimber]

Forget the rack, it adds extra weight you could do without.
Take a look
https://www.alpkit.com/bike-luggage
and here
http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/
for modern day bike packing carrying gear methods.

Will you be camping?

Here's my mtb set up for weekend nights bivi'ing out in the summer

This was my August ultra light Cyclo Cross Ravensglass to South Shields set up which took me up the Cumbrian coast and over the tops via Carlisle via Hadrians Wall with just one night out under a tarp and a train ride back

 

[MikeW-71]

Forget the rack, it adds extra weight you could do without.
Take a look
https://www.alpkit.com/bike-luggage
and here
http://www.wildcatgear.co.uk/
for modern day bike packing carrying gear methods.

Will you be camping?

Cheers for that, some interesting solutions

I won't be camping, B&B and YHA's en-route. I do know that all the stuff I will need will fit into the rack bag I've already got, which (including rack) would add less than 5kg. Not too bad. Between that and my Camelbak everything should fit with room to spare.

However, if there's a better and lighter solution, I'm all for it

 

[ShooglyDougie]

I will be starting at Ravenglass and finish at Ravenscar just north of Scarborough, so some of our routes could overlap. I'm following this route:
http://www.pedalnorth.com/content/mtb-c2c

I think we're doing a slightly altered version of that route.

http://connect.garmin.com/course/7787773#

Will let you know of anything to look out for.
Thanks for the links @JohnClimber I'm not a fan of rear racks so will look into the frame bags (was planning on using a rucksack but those look far better)

 

[MikeW-71]

Well, I'm committed now (or perhaps, should be..). Accommodation is all booked, all set for the end of July.

New wheels and new fork fitted, tested and good, now there is just training

*looks outside to see wheelie bin scooting down the road....

But not today

 

[MikeW-71]

For no other reason than I was bored, I tried fitting everything needed into the rack bag and the backpack.

Fail.

Neither can I get away with squeezing stuff into a drybag, so the larger rack bag will be required. For 3 or 4 nights on-road I could (and did) get away happily with the small rack bag, but not 7 nights off-road.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Neither can I get away with squeezing stuff into a drybag, so the larger rack bag will be required. For 3 or 4 nights on-road I could (and did) get away happily with the small rack bag, but not 7 nights off-road.

Could you consider sending stuff ahead to collect and posting things home? Or just wash things along the way? After all you wouldn't expect to be carrying all your food for 7 days so why all your clothes?

 

[MikeW-71]

I'll only be carrying some small snacks in the way of food, just a few flapjack bars for the first day or 2. I will be making good use of cafes and pubs, so no large amounts of food to be carried. I'm taking just a spare pair of shorts and spare jersey, a t shirt for evening, couple of pairs of socks and pants and also waterproofs. Add 2 tubes, pump etc, portable charger, wash stuff and it just doesn't quite fit into a 7 litre rack bag and a camelback. I still needed to find space that wasn't there for maps.

I can wash stuff along the way, so I really don't need any more than that. (I think).

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I would (sorry) be adding some evening trousers to that list. It is good to get out of Lycra or cycling kit in the evening and you may want to go to a pub in something other than a t-short and under pants, stylish as they may look with your socks... Just saying.

 

[MikeW-71]

Spare pair of MTB baggies can double-up as casual wear

Don't think the world really needs to have the Dangermouse underpants inflicted on it

 

[fossyant]

Don't forget, road riding will improve fitness quicker - you don't need off road specific training.