Originally Posted by
sknhgy
So, maybe I should strip down my MTB and make it as light as possible and enter the race? i.e. no frame pump, seat bag, rear rack, computer, etc.? I don't imagine people stop to fix flats during these races.
We have a local CX club that put on MTB races within their programme. This is how I got into MTB racing but that is a different story.
Within the CX races- there was one rider on an MTB. He did pretty well for such an outcassed bike but a couple of changes he made obviously helped. Rigid forks and he used Project ll's. A knowm fork that works and is lightweight. And Tyres. He used Conti Tyres in 1.5 size. The same as I use as a MUD tyre on the MTB. These narrow tyres bit through the mud to get grip on the hard ground underneath the gloop and they gave enough clearance so the did not clog the frame or the forks. And just face it- although a specific bike would have an advantage- Any lightweight bike that carries 10lbs of mud on the frame is going to be heavy.
You may not win- in fact you could possible come last but at least you would get the insight as to whether you want to take up the sport. So after seeing what it is like next week- prepare the bike and get your entry in for the next race.