Mountain Bike Racing - What would you do?

I have raced road and cross for the last two years and will soon be making the jump to XC. I purchased this bike and it will arrive in the next couple of days. My first race is on 3/16.

What would you change about the specs before race day that would give me a greater advantage?

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_9357_07instocknow.htm

Thanks.

RB

Thats pretty well spec'd out of the box.
I would get a different wheel set first, and probably new tires and cassette. I like having the 32t cog on my mtb for the short steep climbs when you don't want to drop into the granny ring. I would probably check out some tubeless wheel/tire options, but the bike looks race ready out of the box.

Thats pretty well spec'd out of the box.
I would get a different wheel set first, and probably new tires and cassette. I like having the 32t cog on my mtb for the short steep climbs when you don't want to drop into the granny ring. I would probably check out some tubeless wheel/tire options, but the bike looks race ready out of the box.

Wheelset is out of the question as of now.

What tires would you recommend for the midwest? I know it varies by course, etc. But is there something in particular you think I should run instead?

Just curious, but what's wrong with the cassette. I will have a 32t middle ring, what cassette combo would be best, IYO?

Thanks.

RB

Maxis crossmarks are pretty popular, as are Bontrager jones XR TLR's, and Panaracer fire xc pro's.
The cassette thats on there is an 11-27, which works perfectly fine, but personally I like having a wider range cassette. You can't always see whats ahead on the course, and having a few low gear options is always good. But if it's flat in your area an 11-27 would probably work fine.

Just go pre-ride & get used to handling it, and HAVE FUN!!

Just go pre-ride & get used to handling it, and HAVE FUN!!


Along that note, ride the piss out of it, get used to the handling, get all the cables worked in, make sure the components are in good order and everything is working.



What tires would you recommend for the midwest?

The Midwest has a lot of different terrains but just to toss some ideas yer way,
If you rally want to change out the tires (all though the ones on there should work) then try some Nokian

NBX Lights- better if the ground is loose or muddy

Kenda Small Block8 1.95 - rolls faster and works better on hardpack

Michelin Comp S Lights- in between the other two, not as fast as the SmallBlocks and not as much grip as the NBX's

DBD:beer:

In the midwest, I guess that cassette is probably fine. If your race has any sort of hill in it, get a normal 32 mountain cassette, unless you want to jump down to the granny all the time.

The wheelset is what I would change next, whenever you get the money. Other than that, it looks good to go.