Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - What is my bike good for...if anything?

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tilleya
10-05-11, 02:36 PM
I'm also posting this in the Mountain Bike forum in case that's the best place, but here goes:

I have a Novara Method 1.0 mountain bike (some specs here: http://www.rei.com/product/744760/novara-method-10-mountain-bike). This bike is heavy - about 35 lbs I think.

I want to take on some longer races/rides (thinking a 50 next year and a 100 the year after, maybe a 24-hour at some point).

My question is what distance is this bike good for? I know I "could" do any distance on any bike, but what's advisable - a good idea. So the follow up questions are first, would it be worth trying to lighten the bike for these rides (my guess is no). Second, if this bike is no good for any of those distances, I need some suggestions for a LOW COST bike I could pick up on craigslist for these types of rides. Low cost is key here, as I already have 3 bikes, and if I get another one I'll be sleeping on the couch, with the length of time directly proportional to the cost.

Thanks in advance!


Machka
10-05-11, 08:10 PM
What are your other 3 bicycles?

tilleya
10-06-11, 12:57 PM
I have the novara, a trek 1200, and a Felt s22...and a specialized transition that I'm trying to sell.


10 Wheels
10-06-11, 01:04 PM
Downhill or cross country. Steep drops or tight turns. Doesn't matter. With Novara Method 1.0 you own the power and control to go wherever you want.

RichardGlover
10-06-11, 02:22 PM
So, you have two TT/Tri bikes, a road bike, and a mountain bike, and you're wondering if the MTB is good for long distance.

If it were me, I'd pick any of the others, with a preference for the Trek if we're talking anything over 8 hours unsupported.