Maybe it was just the way the author wrote the piece, but seems like he is completely discounting the impact of the course on tire choice. Could make for a long day of chasing.
I wonder if Keegan double’s down on the Maxxis ReFuse this year or has something else up his sleeve.
Hearing Kenda Pro’s have a new prototype they are running - thicker rubber and somewhat similar tread profile to Pathfinder Pro.
Alex Howes has had some interesting stuff on his IG. Looking like he wants to run something with a smoothish tread in about a 50. Vittoria Terreno Dry, Conti Terra Trail or Schwalbe G-One Speed Super Ground where the options he said he was considering.
I thought the same thing, but then also thought he might be playing 3d chess and just playing dumb. The last time the race went north, there were a bunch of flats in the pro field (even from some of the experienced off road guys).
Whatever he’s running, Keegan is long overdue for a flat in a major race. I hesitate to call him lucky since I’m a big believer in making your own luck, but at some point everyone gets bitten even when doing everything right. He may make it through again, but I bet there will be significant chasing from multiple favorites due to flats this year.
Dan Hughes said course is going to be rough for people running smaller then a 42.
I have a 47 pathfinder pro on the rig with 3-4mm of clearance and a 40mm tire on the back up wheel set. 5/30 decision to swap the 40mm tire onto the race wheelset.
I’m just here for the organizers getting rightly roasted for their IG post about how you better not dare to bend the large race number or you might get disqualified…
One year at SBT, I wrapped my number plate around my head tube. I got no official timing results. So there is merit to the argument that the timing chip may not work correctly.
As a racer, there are lots of ways to mount the number without bending the plate, so what is the pressing problem that needs to be solved? And who are “they” that you suggest should be developing a bendable plate? Are you talking about the engineers/companies who developed the current timing technology used at pretty much all of these kind of races? How much extra would you pay per race if we had an option of using active (powered) tags (the current number plates use cheap passive sensors that aren’t always energized/read by the timing mat when bent). If not the timing companies, what would you suggest the race organizers do to solve this plate bending problem besides telling people not to do it?
Should we go back to finish line cameras and numbers pinned to our jerseys and results that were always wrong and took forever to figure out? Sorry, that’s a bit tongue in cheek, but I personally think the automated timing systems are really good even with the tag limitation.
Sure, I’d love to see a plate that could be bent, but for me that doesn’t make the top 100 things I’d be concerned about for this race. But bike racers will be bike racers and everyone has their own challenges.
I don’t understand how, in the year of our lord 2024, we are still using the oldest and worst numbering system available to us. Why…“tradition”?
It makes so many things difficult…and that is without even addressing aerodynamics. Interference with computer mounts, lights, cables, HB bags, etc. It is simply dumb.
A few years ago, I did a ride where organizers gave you the timing strip and you stuck it on your helmet. Easy, simple, no dumb number plate.
Also zero reason why numbers / timing chips can’t be affixed to the SP.
No need to develop new technology, the answers are already available.
I can’t sell you pictures of yourself at various stages of suffering if I can’t SEE your number, like huge sail blocking the wind and making you less aero…
I guess I’m still thankful we aren’t pinning on numbers any more. Nothing like ruining a $200+ speed suite by putting holes in it constantly… But I do wish seat post mounting was allowed. Having the number visible is a real thing though, sometimes the mats don’t pick up the chips even when away from the frame and unbent.
I was looking at better front mounting options earlier this season and this thread has a few good options. -
The number plate is for officials as much as it is timing. Much easier to see a number on the front of a bike than a small printed number flapping off a seat post.
FYI - I ordered one of these from soprocycling for Unbound and UPS lost it. I reached out to the owner about getting a fast replacement, and he informed me he’ll be at the Expo. He’s holding one for me, and I assume he’ll have others to sell for those that want a last minute option.
Personally I have had the number plate get ripped and had to grab it mid race and then put it in my jersey till we had a bunch sprint when I put it in my mouth to get scored.
They make noise
They take up space
They can wear the paint
There ugly
Your race is based on not losing it, friend had it fall off in a crash.
