This tire rewards good technique with predictable and confidence-inspiring cornering traction. We feel this tire provides a great combination of traction and rolling speed and has a huge bandwidth in terms of conditions. More often than not, the more aggressive a tread design is, the more rolling resistance it has, and vice-versa. 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. 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. Let me leave you with two final tips that I believe will be helpful to almost everyone: Pack light-ish. The Eliminator is a well-rounded rear tire at a reasonable price. Running shorts: small and lightweight, for sleeping on warm nights or wearing on rest days. For the more aggressive rider, the Maxxis Minion DHR II is our favorite option. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Summaries by section: New Mexico | Colorado | Wyoming & Idaho | Montana | Canada. Fast-rolling and semi-slick tires get their speed from small, low-profile tread blocks. Location: Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Front tires often feature directional tread patterns to improve rolling resistance, although a front tire does not support as much weight as a rear tire and consequently doesn't suffer as much drag. I only recommend and link to products I know and love. The larger the circumference and the wider the tire, the less up-and-down. The Maxxis Minion DHF is our favorite tire for all-conditions riding. What are the best tires for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the Tour Divide race, and other long, mixed-terrain bikepacking routes? A multitude of mountain bike tires can easily be mounted onto a rim with just your bare hands. 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. Therefore, it is quite common to see riders opt for more aggressive tread designs for the front where their cornering grip and braking traction is a benefit, with less detriment to rolling resistance. 700 Miles of New Mexico-Bikepacking the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Haha yes, in many ways time (and motivation) are the most important things on the list! 2.8" Mountain Bike Tires: 26 & 29 Inch MTB Tires for Sale Online Pedaling forces are applied through the rear tire while the front tire is pushed along, guiding the bike along its journey. 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. Choosing a Bike for the Great Divide | How To Department BIKE: I'll be riding the Tour Divide on a 2020 Salsa Ti-Fargo frameset with a Firestarter carbon fork. If riding southbound and crossing the international border at the beginning, I would probably mail it home after crossing. Tires are a great way to improve the performance of your ride, but to have the best bike gear setup, you may need a few more items. Flexible flask: Vapur 10oz, used to carry olive oil, or sometimes a bit of whiskey as a special treat. Practical Advice for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. The only time I stretched its capacity was a 4 day section in New Mexico, otherwise there was plenty of opportunity to recharge on the GDMBR. This beefy model is one of the most popular tires of all time and is considered a benchmark against which all other tires are compared. This time around, we tested the TCS Light SG2 casing, dramatically reducing its weight while still providing a robust feel thanks to the Slash Guard (SG2) insert. Obligatory disclaimer: I dont use my earbud in areas with high risk of encountering bears, or on roads where traffic demands attention. Fire starter: Cotton balls rubbed in Vaseline, andwaterproof matches or lighter. If youve packed something youre not using, mail it home. I think the Fargo is a perfect bike for the GDMBR, at least unless you can afford a Cutthroat. Cloth face maskfor town, this being 2021 and all. 2y You run 2.2s on a 35 mm wide rim? Our joint tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3. Side knob designs vary, with slightly less emphasis typically placed on the rear tire's ability to corner. 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. Mostly worn for sleeping. [1] [2] [3] Due to the Mazza's tread design, it has a bit more rolling resistance than tires with a less aggressive tread. Free shipping for many products! 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. Heres a quick list of what I carried on the GDMBR, which I would categorize as a standard type of trip in that post. In general, a rear tire has more of a focus on pedaling and braking traction, and tread designs often reflect that. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route - Wikipedia Bears on the Great Divide Trail. He also touches on eight different tires that fit the bill, including his favorite one in this class.Do you enjoy our videos, routes, and articles? It is exciting but slightly frightening to look through it and realize I have just about everything needed to embark on an adventure like this, apart from time (for now)! We chose metrics like cornering abilities, braking traction, pedal traction, rolling resistance, and ease of installation. An avid racer, Benson competes in endurance gravel and XC races throughout northern California. Essential Bike Repair Skills You Can Learn at Home. While it provides good braking traction in most situations, the knob spacing also doesn't bite quite as well as more open tread designs in super loose conditions. Once I picked up the bear spray this was redundant. The aggressive tread of the Minion DHF might feel a bit overkill on super buff and hardpack dirt, but that's not the arena this beast was designed to fight in. 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'll be departing on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route this August and I'll be riding a Niner M.C.R. Heavier tires with thicker sidewalls can be a little tougher with less pliable casings, while lighter and more flexible tires are slightly easier to handle. 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. Theyre unisex but somehow fit my small face (and my husbands large face) just fine. Help sustain this resource by joining the Bikepacking Collective: https://bikepacking.com/join/?utm_source=youtubeOutline: Intro - 0:00Support Bikepacking.com - 0:42Tire CharacteristicsWidth - 1:22Casing - 2:35Tread Pattern - 4:09Reliability - 5:53Tire OptionsWTB Nano - 6:30WTB Ranger - 7:40Maxxis Crossmark - 7:56Maxxis Ikon - 8:57Maxxis Ardent Race - 9:22Teravail Sparwood - 9:45Teravail Rutland - 10:26Vittoria Mezcal - 11:04Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge - 11:53Mentioned Links:29er Wheel Diameter History: (http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/p/beginnings-of-modern-29er-history.html)Tubeless Tire Repair and Install: (https://bikepacking.com/plan/tubeless-tire-repair-guide/)Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge Review: (https://bikepacking.com/gear/rene-herse-fleecer-ridge-review/)Eastern Divide: (https://bikepacking.com/plan/introducing-the-eastern-divide-trail/)Bikepacking Routes Page: (https://bikepacking.com/bikepacking-routes/)Do you enjoy our videos, routes, and articles? Helmet brim: Da Brim Classic. Learn more or say hi. 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. The rest we replaced as needed along the way. Many bike brands spec the DHR II as a front and rear tire on complete builds. We felt this tire was the best balance of rolling resistance, grip, and traction offered in the entire test, a true all-around performer. Look for tires that are as durable as possible. Plus, pit toilets are often out of toilet paper so youll need that no matter what. We researched nearly every tire on the market before buying 28 models for side-by-side testing. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. If braking power is high on your list of priorities, running some of the tires we primarily tested as front tires on the rear wheel is a great option as well. The Best Tires For The Great Divide? - YouTube Baggy bike shorts: I wear these over my padded shorts, just personal preference. The Maxxis Minion DHF is our top recommendation for a burly and aggressive front tire. The rigid fork would theoretically have some braze ons which would give you more places to bolt stuff, either more water or fork bags or something along those lines. NOBO start date depends on snowpack in the San Juans and how long it takes you to get there. Thanks for the detail. Again, the tires you choose should complement how and where you ride and the terrain and conditions you typically encounter to enhance your riding experience. Each manufacturer has its own technology and name for how they choose to protect a tire with its casing. While the Eliminator T7 is a well-rounded and versatile tire, it sacrifices a bit in the braking traction department in exchange for rolling speed. And of course, if youre unlucky, anything can happen My husband somehow snapped his inner chainring in Montana and finished the ride on a haphazard 110 conversion! Frame bag: Salsa EXP. I tried to rinse and dry one pair while wearing the other, switching each day. Mosquitos are also a consideration on the Divide; youll want fully zippable bug netting. If youre lucky, simply change your chain and brake pads halfway through, replenish your chain lube supply a few times, top up your sealant once or twice, and youll be all set. $61.38. Incredibly fuel-efficient and decently lightweight as a stove/pot combo, especially shared between two people (though I carried it solo too). Horizontal knobs with edges that run perpendicular to the direction of travel are often employed to enhance braking traction. Interesting, the new Racing Ralph's perform very well. We like to be in control and we assume you do too. Through the years, they've mapped routes down the West Coast and several routes across the U.S. for road bicyclists. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Figuring out which tires will perform well and hold up for the duration can be tricky, especially given all the options on the market. This doesnt have to be fancy. We tested the Butcher Grid Trail T9 in both 2.3" and 2.6" widths, and while the tread pattern hasn't really changed, this feels like an entirely new tire. In our latest video, Neil sheds some light on the essential considerations that will help you make an educated decision. The feel of this tire may take a little getting used to for some, but once you experience the sensation of it locking into a turn, you'll have a hard time going back to anything else. This isn't much of a surprise given its cross-country pedigree. Finally, Ill underscore again how many ways there are to pack for a route like the GDMBR. What kind of temperatures are we talking about? Rarely used, but again, I had the luxury of mostly hunkering down in bad weather. The WTB Vigilante also earns an honorable mention in the cornering metric. More here. With rear tires, you'll find huge variances in traction, depending on the type of terrain and the surface conditions. Satellite Messenger: Garmin InReach Mini, for communication and emergencies in areas without phone service. How fast a tire wears out can be subjective and a function of how much, how hard, where, and what conditions you ride in. Pretty well. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. If you ride aggressive terrain and loose conditions, the WTB Vigilante is another great option to consider. I love riding solo but a month is enough, and Ive been wanting to share a long ride with him for years. I use Jabra Elite wireless earbuds (technically only one earbud; I always leave one ear open) to enjoy audiobooks, podcasts, and music on all my long adventures. I think mid-May is typical but it varies year to year, especially these days. Unfortunately, this has an adverse effect on braking traction on anything but firm conditions. Fill it with food on your way from the grocery store to the motel, or fill it with water bottles to get you through a rare long dry stretch. Tights:Columbia OmniHeat. tires fitted to 50mm wide rims. He also touches on eight different tires that fit the bill, including his favorite one in this class. Best Bike For Great Divide Trail (2023 Updated) - Social Moms Read more: Continental Kryptotal Front 2.4. Semi-slick and inverted tread tires are not recommended. Youll also want the ability to add another 3 4 liters occasionally, probably only a handful of times. Im glad youre finding it helpful! Never needed, but good to have. It also allows . Power bank: 10,000 mAh Ainope, lightweight and quick-charging. Carrying about two days of food is pretty common. 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. Sleeping bag: Enlightened Equipment 10 degree Convert: I am acold sleeper, and this quilt (combined with a Hoodlum hood) kept me plenty warm most nights on the Divide. T-shirt:Icebreaker Merino Tech-Lite Tee. They didn't hold up as well as I'd hoped and they made me real nervous on descents. 60 DAY Free Returns & Shipping / Orders All Over The US Need Help? When conditions are firm, some of our fastest rolling tires perform exceptionally well. Bikepacking Pace Guide: How many miles per day? I roll up the hand portion around my wrist when wearing bike gloves. 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. The stock build alone is excellent for immediately hitting a trail such as The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Related: Essential Bike Repair Skills You Can Learn at Home. There are hundreds of post offices along the GDMBR. Now its your turn. Completed in 1997, the GDMBR was developed by Adventure Cycling Association, who continue to maintain highly detailed route maps and a guidebook. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams: Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. I especially liked the flexibility of the big 5L dry bags on the front fork, which could expand or contract a lot to hold varying amounts of food or even, in one long dry stretch, water. Hello! TCS Light SG2 casing reduces weight and still feels tough, Tighter fit in the rim during installation. Youll be spending a lot of hours in this stuff, so choose carefully. For these cases its best to call a business along the route (hotel, RV Park, store, bike shop) that you plan on patronizing and ask if theyll hold a package for you. A 27.5+ hardtail with tubeless wheels and durable tires is recommended for the Baja Divide. It's moderately heavy at 1,123-grams in the 29" x 2.6" we tested, and the aggressive tread, open spacing, and grippy rubber put up a bit of rolling resistance. Headlamp,Petzl Actik Core: I like that this headlamp is USB-rechargeable but can also take AAAs in a pinch. Top tube bag: Moosetreks Gas Tank. Crisscrossing the Continental Divide from alberta through the Canadian and American Rockies to its southern terminus at the mexican border, brian kesselman completed the 2784 mile route solo and self-supported with 161,563 feet of climbing, averaging 92.8 miles a day over 30 days. Pillow: Sea to Summit 8 Liter Dry Sack stuffed with odds and ends and wrapped with a Buff. Look for a model that has thick rubber on the sidewall and the tread. Heres my GDMBR gear list related to water: Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze. I use the Blackburn Central 50 which is sadly discontinued, but Planet Bike Superflash is good too. Great Divide Mountain Bike Race - Brian's Routes If the mission of the day is to climb up a ridiculously loose fire road with golf ball-sized rocks loosely embedded in the surface and soil that is so loose you're leaving a wake in the sand behind you, something knobby like the Minion DHR II will "get 'er done.". Lots of lengthwise siping on all of the knobs allow them to really conform to the trail surface, and it holds well on firm surfaces, off-camber terrain, and rock slabs. For this reason, many front tires feature tread designs with large side knobs that aid in maintaining cornering grip. I love reading at camp or on rest days. (Update: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Womens Review). How I Am Preparing for The Tour Divide Sarah Swallow While neither of these tires is light, they're both impressive when the going gets radical. The recent proliferation of plus bikes, which feature 3.0" wide tires, are a boon to bicycle adventurers in Baja California. Ive been using this pad for 7 years and love its combination of light weight and relative comfort for side sleeping. 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!). need to know - Great Divide Route You can see the deterioration of the shoulder knobs. As with front tire braking traction, rear tire braking traction is also dependent on the size, shape, and orientation of the tread knobs. Sign up here for occasional emails full of inspiration and information about bikepacking and bicycle touring. Rolling resistance is often more of a concern for a rear tire, and some tires feature low to medium height center tread knobs that roll faster than more aggressive designs. With a tread design that looks strikingly similar to the Minion DHF, the Vittoria Mazza also boasts impressive cornering traction. The Ardent has a low-profile tread design that prioritizes rolling speed. 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. Read more: Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail T7 review. The WTB Trail Boss provides excellent cornering traction in the rear of the bike. This burly and mean front tire can stand up to aggressive movements, committed riding, and all types of terrain. The Maxxis Minion DHF features a pronounced transitional zone and scored among the highest for cornering. The race was conceived in 2004 by cyclist Mike Curiak. Bachelor Party Ideas: The Ultimate Guide To Throwing An Epic The cushcore tire for the great Divide mountain bikeroute is designed for tubeless tire systems. Ive gone through a few and find the Cerium to be a good balance of packability and warmth. Never used, sent it home when my husband arrived (his phone would serve as our backup). 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. Rain jacket: ArcteryxBeta AR. 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. It pairs nicely as a rear tire with the Specialized Butcher in the front. Tent strapped to front of dry bag using Voile straps, Presta-Schrader valve adapter not used, but potentially essential in case of a broken pump, Chain lube and rag used often and replenished along the way, Spare tube (1 per rider) and patch kit not used, Tubeless plug kit, tiny tube of superglue not used, Extra sealant, between 2-4 oz per rider used and replenished along the way, Small section of chain and several quick links not used, but I did buy and install an entire new chain in Jackson, Blue threadlocker for loose bolts not used, Spare cleat and bolts (at least one set per rider) I used one of the bolts to replace a lost one, and replaced my cleats when I replaced my shoes halfway through, Spare brake and shift cable (one of each for two riders) not used. Bluetooth mini-keyboard: As you can probably tell, I like to write! RockBros front pouch: held snacks and other small items. Both of these tires really impressed us with their long-lasting tread and resilient sidewalls. Gear Aid Tenacious gear repair tape, handy for patching tent, sleeping pad, bike bags, water bladder, etc. If youre on the fence about bringing something, leave it with a friend and ask them to mail it to you on the road if requested. As my wheels rolled along its roads, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) offered constant reminders that I was not alone. There are many different approaches to choosing gear for the GDMBR, and no one can give you the one perfect list. These are mostly country roads that traverse Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management land.