Which Bike should I take ?

[HLaB]

I'm doing the Scottish Borders Sportif on Sunday, with 3000m of climbing but the weather looks sh1te.
Which bike do people think is best in the conditions the carbon compact (50/36, 12-25) but no mud guards or the Kinesis double (52/38, 12-25) which has full mud guards?

 

[wyno70]

Mud guards................ aren't they for tourers?????

With that amount of climbing I'd go for the compact. Might regret it if you don't towards the end of the day!!!

 

[simon_brooke]

I'm doing the Scottish Borders Sportif on Sunday, with 3000m of climbing but the weather looks sh1te.
Which bike do people think is best in the conditions the carbon compact (50/36, 12-25) but no mud guards or the Kinesis double (52/38, 12-25) which has full mud guards?

If I were going (which I'm not, because I'm still recovering from flu and it would be tough for me even if fit) I'd be taking a light carbon bike with 53/39 and a 13-29 cassette. Close ratio cassettes are fine on the flat, not so good on the hills. And I'd take raceblades.

There are a lot of flooded roads in Galloway this morning, I imagine the Borders will be similar. Sealskins socks or waterproof overshoes might not be a bad idea.

 

[Waspie]

I would take the carbon compact.

That said, I'm looking out the raceblades.

 

[Scoosh]

Whatever you take, the people behind you (us-types) would really appreciate the mudguards

 

[Noodley]

Carbon compact.

It's only a bit of muddy wet spray in the face for those behind you....and a wet arse/back for you. And if they don't like it they should go past and take the lead

 

[magnatom]

It was wet when I did the Blackpool sportive and I had mudguards on (too lazy to take them off). I was the only rider with mudguards on (one other had race blades).

Do mudguards really slow you up a lot? Or, as I suspect is everyone at the mercy of cycling fashion?

I hope it went well today HLaB? I look forward to the report.

 

[HLaB]

I ended up taking the carbon compact for a very wet ride. When I got home the car boot was full of water then I took the seat post out and another pint (probably an under estimate) poured out

The ride was very well organised and the hosts were very nice, its just a pity about the weather.