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 side knobs molded to rock faces just as well as they clawed for traction in the rubble. Heres what I suggest carrying in order to leave no trace: Spend your town time resting and eating instead of wondering what youre forgetting. Carry at least a small amount of soap and shampoo so you can properly enjoy these showers. 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. In much of Canada, Montana, and Colorado its easy to find surface water multiple times per day. The Copper Spur is functional, roomy, pretty lightweight, and mostly freestanding (except the vestibules). Each manufacturer has its own technology and name for how they choose to protect a tire with its casing. It's also still moderately heavy, but that's the price you pay for the performance it offers. We can't speak for the science behind it, but we found the Mazza's cornering knobs to have above-average durability. Despite costing less than most of the competition, the Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9 and the Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail T7 are highly rated and are our picks for an affordable front and rear trail riding combo. Location: Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. I had come for this, in part, after a year of isolation that left me craving the community of a well-traveled route. Thanks! Waterproof glove covers:MLD eVENT rain mittens, to cover gloves in case of both cold and wet weather. Panties: 2 pair for sleeping and town days. A 27.5+ hardtail with tubeless wheels and durable tires is recommended for the Baja Divide. I can definitely see advantages especially for those of us with low tire clearance. Gloves: Pearl Izumi lobster gloves. 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. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. The 2.3 width was a good balance for me, but you could certainly go narrower or wider depending on your priorities. Most of the trail is comprised of gravel and dirt roads that are best done with something that can accommodate a 2.25in wide tire or larger. We tested the TCS Light SG2 casing with High Grip rubber, and while it isn't the lightest tire in the world, it weighs a lot less than the Tough casing we've tried in the past. 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. We were thoroughly impressed by the tread life of the Vittoria Mazza. Any thoughts on what would be the earliest you could start? 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. This is a very popular filter and it works well. [1] [2] [3] Braking bite is superb, thanks to the wide paddle-shaped knobs of the center tread. Best For Trail Riding: Cushcore Tire For Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Buy on Amazon Compared with other tires in this category, the Cushcore Tire For Great Divide Mountain Bike Route has a convenient design. A closely packed row of taller shoulder lugs provides good cornering traction and a predictable feel until things get super loose. Gaia GPS is a popular alternative to RideWithGPS. Nano, Dry X 2.1, Small Block 8, in that order. Vittoria may not have the same level of brand recognition as some other manufacturers, but we feel that it is liable to change if they keep making amazing tires like this. The Maxxis Ardent is another fast and efficient tire that will appeal most to the XC crowd. Our joint tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. Bike: Salsa Fargo with steel fork. I think mid-May is typical but it varies year to year, especially these days. A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Thanks for taking the time. Sports bra:Patagonia Barely, very comfy (A cup) and stink-resistant. No rack, but bikepacking bags stuffed to the gills. I love riding solo but a month is enough, and Ive been wanting to share a long ride with him for years. Once the clock starts, the rider embarks on a solo, unsupported journey to get to the finish line. Im glad youre finding it helpful! Garmin eTrex22x: My backup navigation device while riding solo. Glacier Cyclery in Whitefish (406-862-6446) can handle any bike needs or outfit you with rental gear. Vince kept bringing up the fact that he wanted to ride the Divide. 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. As tires continue to trend wider, so too are the tires in our test. The WTB Vigilante also earns an honorable mention in the cornering metric. Now its your turn. 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. Due to the Mazza's tread design, it has a bit more rolling resistance than tires with a less aggressive tread. I usually kill a pair (scratched or lost) on every long trip and these are cheap enough that it doesnt matter. It should also be noted that this tire also delivers pretty solid cornering abilities given its impressive rolling speed. 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. I love reading at camp or on rest days. Good, predictable performance as a rear tire, The casing may be too supple for some riders. Heres my GDMBR gear list related to water: Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze. The Route covers 5 states: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana and is a . If you're not yet aware, the famous Tour Divide bikepacking race covers almost the same route as the GDMBR, but most racers aim to finish in under a month (or for the fastest folks, half that time!). Despite its somewhat aggressive appearance, the Specialized Ground Control is a very fast-rolling tire. As a general rule, the more aggressive the tread design, the better the tire will perform in loose conditions. I cant remember if they had any 29" tyres, and I doubt if you can accurately scale the performance from 26 to 29 inches, but its worth a look. These are mostly country roads that traverse Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management land. May be too aggressive for some riders/locations. These tires put a fight to get seated, but once mounted we never had further issues. In general, the GDMBR is perfect for a standard 3-season backcountry layering setup. Paracord and carabinerfor hanging or otherwise securing the Ursack. Feed bags: Climbing chalk bags (these work great and are cheap!). Examining a worn-out DHF nearing the end of its lifespan. This burly and mean front tire can stand up to aggressive movements, committed riding, and all types of terrain. I would check out the WTB Prowlers 2.1 SL 29er tires. Helmet brim: Da Brim Classic. One of the fastest-rolling tires in the test was the Specialized Ground Control. 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. The GDMBR is an epic journey, and I think youll be really glad you decided to take it on. Its moderate height center tread is fast-rolling, yet it has a substantial row of side knobs that provide excellent grip in the corners. Dont forget to check for a helmet-compatible hood. This casing may not be supportive enough for super-aggressive riders. The Michelin Wild Enduro Rear is right there with the DHR II when weight is less of a priority and cornering abilities and traction are emphasized. The aggressive open tread is great in a range of conditions, but it's the new T9 rubber compound that's most impressive. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Headband and neck gaiter: Buff and/or bandana. Our mountain bike tire review is led by our Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor, Jeremy Benson. You'll need full camping gear, bike tools, and a water filter. The 10 Best Bike Saddles of 2023 (So Far) 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. More here. When not worn it was usually bungeed to my seat bag for extra visibility. New off-highway route north of Hartsel, CO 3. In hot and sunny New Mexico I loved it, but as I rode north I often found that the sunniest places were also the windiest. Trails were often loose, blown out, and rocky. 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. For more detail, seeHow to Use Your Garmin InReach Mini. The result is a well-damped ride quality that feels very well connected to the trail surface. I used one set for the entire 2700 miles and they still had life left to spare at the end. The Vittoria Agarro and Michelin Force AM2 have a similar tread design to the Ardent and are great options for those looking to minimize rolling resistance. Still think lightweight racks ie Tailfin beat Saddle Packs by themselves by a street mile. Top tube bag: Moosetreks Gas Tank. See my review of the Copper Spur for more detail. This tire has super tall and aggressive shoulder lugs that bite into nearly any trail surface. A mountain bike designed for off-road riding with adjustable components and a 1x drivetrain, and tires with good grip, puncture resistance, and durability will provide . RockBros front pouch: held snacks and other small items. Mosquitos are also a consideration on the Divide; youll want fully zippable bug netting. Spare t-shirt, another Merino Tech-Lite Tee for backup and town days. You will want the cusion of a larger tyre. To give context to the Great Divide gear list that follows, here are the basics of my experience on the GDMBR. We researched nearly every tire on the market before buying 28 models for side-by-side testing. This DH tire has more tread in the transitional zone, softer rubber, and an even more robust casing that makes it unflappable. Chamois shorts (2 pair): very personal choice, but Louis Garneau Carbon 2 shorts work well for me. The Michelin Wild AM2 and Force AM2 feature Gum-X rubber compounds and the Gravity Shield casing. Some miscellaneous items that dont fit in other categories: First aid kit, lightweight and customized. I love the bladder but recommend replacing the bite valve with this one from Hydrapak that includes a shutoff valve and cover. I love this thing and always clip it on when riding in traffic. When buying a complete bike, it comes with whatever tires the manufacturer chooses. That said, it works well and stays attached nicely, and really does help with sun exposure (which youll get a lot of on the Great Divide). Its important to note that my Great Divide gear list is based on a touring pace ride that took over two months. Some cities even have beer boats, if that . We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Its burly enough to handle occasional rough stuff, efficient enough for pavement, and perfect for the large chunk of gravel and dirt road in between. Ascent to Tornado Pass. Going from the center tread onto the side knobs, the rider may notice a "dead" zone about halfway through the lean while passing over the channel between the tread knobs on the crown of the tire on the way to the big side knobs. Off trail alternate routes can require significant navigation skills, especially in poor weather. there are a lot of toilets along the route, but that doesnt guarantee youll find one when you need it. Sign up here for occasional emails full of inspiration and information about bikepacking and bicycle touring. 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. The Maxxis Minion DHF, Vittoria Mazza, and Continental Kryptotal Fr use deep, open tread designs with tall knobs that dig well into just about any soil type. Ive used these for years and think they have an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Running a Maxxis Minion DHF or Asegai, Vittoria Mazza, or WTB Vigilante front and rear might not be the fastest rolling choice, but it would definitely stop you in a hurry. Author: www.bikeforums.net. I prefer a tent over a tarp or bivy on long trips, because I like to close myself off from the world if Im camped in a public place like a campground or town park. (Update: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Womens Review). One of these days Ill have to try that kind of setup. 14 great midwest bike trails. On the GDMBR and for long bikepacking trips in general, I always recommend a freestanding tent. Thanks in advance for spreading the word! Satellite Messenger: Garmin InReach Mini, for communication and emergencies in areas without phone service. Flint hills trail state park. 1 liter bottle: I carried this bottle in a cage under my down tube as extra capacity and to have a container for electrolyte drink separate from my pure water. 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. 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. 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. Lower profile tread designs like those of the Maxxis Ardent, Vittoria Agarro, and Michelin Force AM2 grip very well on hardpack and slabby rock, though they tend to falter when the surface conditions are super loose. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. In some areas you might rarely fill it all, carrying only 1-2 liters at a time. This may not always be the ideal tire for your riding style, your trails, or the conditions you encounter most frequently. Despite its square profile, it rolls easily into corners and hooks up and grips in all conditions thanks to the tall row of burly side knobs. The route is approximately 2,700 miles long and follows the Continental Divide as closely as . TD 2022 updates include: 1. The T9 rubber is the grippiest that Specialized uses, and while it isn't exactly super soft, it's been designed to rebound slowly to reduce deflection and enhance grip. It has a wide temperature range without feeling clammy, and critically the half zip fits over a bike helmet for quicker layer changes on the go. Youll also want the ability to add another 3 4 liters occasionally, probably only a handful of times. TCS Light SG2 casing reduces weight and still feels tough, Tighter fit in the rim during installation. It pairs nicely as a rear tire with the Specialized Butcher in the front. Many bike brands spec the DHR II as a front and rear tire on complete builds. The DHR II has great braking traction, and it works very well for climbing in loose conditions. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. I hope youre able to get out there eventually. Similarly, we found the new Michelin Wild AM2 to rip through the bends. I replaced it halfway through with the womens version which is slightly warmer and shorter perfect for me. Youll want a system that keeps you cozy enough in a bad mountain storm. Interesting, the new Racing Ralph's perform very well. They inflated and seated easily, but it required two tire levers just to pull the tire into position. Load: Fairly typical long-distance bikepacking setup. Bright glints of light near my eyes sparkle - the headlamp reflecting against the sleet. Excited to try bikepacking but need help getting started? The Assegai is the best cornering tire we've ever tested. Rarely used given the high fire danger lately, but occasionally useful for campgrounds and in case of emergency. The handlebars are Salsa Cowchipper 50cm drop bars for best grip and handling. The bikepacking route is mostly singletrack, except where it detours around wilderness areas. Front tires are responsible for more of the steering and cornering duties, and they do a fair amount of the braking work as well. I absolutely recommend tubeless, especially in New Mexico. Continental's new tires can compete with the best in the business. Both of these tires really impressed us with their long-lasting tread and resilient sidewalls. Never used, sent it home when my husband arrived (his phone would serve as our backup). Braking traction is hugely important in a tire. Outside of larger towns its often convenience store and diner food, in other words, not the healthiest. Riding northbound you could have someone at home mail it out to you (with proper insurance and certifications). I think a racing type tire with low profile knobs would be fine, but most of those have sort of scary thin sidewalls for loaded touring. Our selection of test tires is split between the two wheel sizes, and in many cases, our testers have experience riding them in both sizes. The rest we replaced as needed along the way. If you ride aggressive terrain and loose conditions, the WTB Vigilante is another great option to consider. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Sports sandals: Not strictly essential since my bike shoes work for walking, but I like to bring these for camp shoes, town days, public showers, and a backup in case something happens to my bike shoes. We like to be in control and we assume you do too. Fire starter: Cotton balls rubbed in Vaseline, andwaterproof matches or lighter. The cushcore tire for the great Divide mountain bikeroute is designed for tubeless tire systems. Bear spray: picked up at Brush Mountain Lodge for the northern section (theres a box where southbounders leave their bear spray and northbounders pick it up). The height, shape, and orientation of the knobs all play a role in how they bite into the trail surface as you apply the brakes. It is one of the best cornering tires our testers have ever used. 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. Some are much more expensive than others, so we do our best to identify which models represent the best value. I suggest packing the same toilet kit you would for a wilderness backpacking trip. Cup: Snow Peak titanium mug. Theyre unisex but somehow fit my small face (and my husbands large face) just fine. Flexible flask: Vapur 10oz, used to carry olive oil, or sometimes a bit of whiskey as a special treat. It is a 1X12 / 10-52 and the front chagrin is a 32T. Companions: Solo until Jackson, WY (about 1600 miles), then joined by my husband for the final 1100 miles. The Trail casing we tested offers a good blend of support and suppleness, and Vittoria's 4C Graphene rubber was surprisingly resilient with an above-average tread life. Much better than the squeeze pouch that comes with the Sawyer filter! MSRP $98.00. Hello! Pavement and panniers or singletrack and seat bag, I love it all. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing so more people can benefit from it: Great resource thanks! T he Great Divide route, for the uninitiated, has been mapped by the Adventure Cycling Association, a bicycle group based in Missoula, Montana. Ive written about this little sanctuary many times before; it goes with me everywhere. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. In the market for the best new tires for your mountain bike? I heard the trails aren't that technical but I'm sure theres plenty of nasty stuff along the way. There's no way around it; mountain bike tires are pricey. 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. Figuring out which tires will perform well. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. This is why 29er wheels roll better than 26 wheels. If youve packed something youre not using, mail it home. We tested each tire as much as humanly possible and ranked them based on these metrics. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. 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. Tires like the Schwalbe Magic Mary, Michelin Wild Enduro Rear, WTB Vigilante, and Maxxis Assegai slay corners, but they also roll much slower than most of the competition. Yup, I carried a Kindle! In the far north as temperatures dropped I also slept in my down jacket. Stretching 2,745 miles from Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, it loosely follows the Continental Divide through the Rocky Mountains on a series of dirt and paved roads. Toiletries are pretty easy to find throughout the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. I only recommend and link to products I know and love. Definitely touring, not racing. My DIY tool pouch a pencil case did NOT work well once the zipper became covered in mud. This rings true whether you are churning out miles on pavement, grinding gravel backroads, racing your local cyclocross course, or blasting dirt . As a rear tire, it has excellent pedal and braking traction but has a relatively high level of rolling resistance. Guys use them for long expeditions across Africa, for faster racing with better access to stores, a lighter/better rolling tyre would be better. It varies with the conditions, but more often than not, a tire with a more aggressive tread design is going to brake better. If youre not yet aware, the famous Tour Divide bikepacking race covers almost the same route as the GDMBR, but most racers aim to finish in under a month (or for the fastest folks, half that time!). Held 3 liter water bladder, some tools, spare tube. Related: How We Tested Mountain Bike Tires. Look for a model that has thick rubber on the sidewall and the tread. 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. Thanks for reading! Cattle are everywhere on the GDMBR, even where you might not expect them. Tires are trending wider and so are our test models. I / we carried a stove for the entire trip and enjoyed hot meals at camp, but its not mandatory. Other than what might be chalked up to a singular incident of difficult installation, we have little to complain about with this burly front tread. Fuel canisters were easy enough to find at gear stores, hardware stores, hiker boxes, etc. The Assegai hooks up in corners no matter the conditions. Many tires can be used as either a front or rear tire, while some are designed with rear use in mind. Theres more where this came from! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Read more: Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9 review. Pillow: Sea to Summit 8 Liter Dry Sack stuffed with odds and ends and wrapped with a Buff. I use the Blackburn Central 50 which is sadly discontinued, but Planet Bike Superflash is good too. We put in lots of time and miles while testing mountain bike tires. Saddle choice is highly personal, so for help making your own decision see Brooks B17 Short vs Carved vs Standard and Comfortable Bike Seats for Women. Figuring out which tires will perform well and last long can be tricky, especially given all the options on the market. There are hundreds of post offices along the GDMBR. Squared-off edges and siping on tread knobs also help to grip and bite under pedaling forces. 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. Those who want a relatively fast-rolling rear tire that maintains good cornering abilities might consider the Specialized Eliminator T7. 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. In New Mexico in summer, nights can be hot. The DHF's more aggressive sibling, the Assegai has even more grip in the corners. The center tread has a well-designed pattern of medium-height knobs with sharp, unramped front edges that provide ample bite and traction with surprisingly low rolling resistance. 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. This type of traction, cornering performance, and durability come at a slight weight penalty, and the tacky rubber and tall tread knobs also result in some serious rolling resistance. Vittoria uses a 4C (4 compounds) rubber that is infused with Graphene. I'm looking for something with better than average rolling resistance (though it still needs some traction) and good wear. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. But you might be a few hundred miles from one when something goes wrong! Ian Stowe recently joined our tire test team and brings a wealth of experience from working in the cycling industry and as a lifelong rider. The larger the circumference and the wider the tire, the less up-and-down. Seat bag: Revelate Viscacha 14L. Saddle: Brooks B17 Short Carved. Finally, this route goes in wild terrain, and a bear encounter is possible. Whether it be EXO (Maxxis), Tough (WTB), or ProTection (Continental), a robust casing helps to add abrasion and puncture resistance, as well as support to the sidewalls of a tire. While neither of these tires is light, they're both impressive when the going gets radical. I just find these more trouble than theyre worth. The stock build features Salsa Woodchipper drop bars, a 1x11 drivetrain, and 29 x 2.2" tires. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! Water is often (not always) relatively clear, but should always be filtered. Having said all that, we still feel the Aggressor is the most versatile rear tire. We loved the Mazza as a front tire where it excels in the corners with a stout row of well-supported side knobs that grip well in a huge range of conditions. I love it (see my review here) but its pricey. While traveling across North America you bike 2,774 miles on a route that is 88% dirt and 12% paved roads. JavaScript is disabled. The biggest issue: with the dry bags on the front fork, the load is very front-heavy. Carrying about two days of food is pretty common.
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