[John the MTBer]

I'm going to be doing my first 12hr race in a couple of weeks. I'm thinking of alternating between two bikes during the race. Both are single speeds, one is a full suspension, one is a rigid 29er. I thought by doing this, the difference in seating position may keep me fresher not to mention a stint or two on the FS bike will probably be a welcome relief. What do you all think, stick with one bike for consistency, or mix it up for a change?
The course is neither really rough or hilly, but there are a lot of roots and small rocky sections that may wear on you after a while.

 

[Joe_Jitsu]

I've done 24-hour races where I switched between two different singlespeed bikes. I didn't like it. I found that one bike worked/felt better than the other. That was the bike I wanted to be on. All the time I spent on the 'other' bike, I felt like I was falling behind or feeling worse than was necessary. Trust me; 18 hours into a 24, you don't need to be dealing with this stuff.

Today, I have two bike that are set up very nearly the same. One is full rigid with Jones Hbars and one has front suspention and wide riser bars. I bring them both to races, but tend to only use the one that I like best for that particular course.

If I were in your position, I'd bring both bikes. Ride them both in the early laps and find the one that seems to work best for the course conditions. Use the other only as a backup if you have problems with your first choice.

Best of luck,

Joe

 

[miSSionary]

I've done 24-hour races where I switched between two different singlespeed bikes. I didn't like it. I found that one bike worked/felt better than the other. That was the bike I wanted to be on. All the time I spent on the 'other' bike, I felt like I was falling behind or feeling worse than was necessary. Trust me; 18 hours into a 24, you don't need to be dealing with this stuff.

Today, I have two bike that are set up very nearly the same. One is full rigid with Jones Hbars and one has front suspention and wide riser bars. I bring them both to races, but tend to only use the one that I like best for that particular course.

If I were in your position, I'd bring both bikes. Ride them both in the early laps and find the one that seems to work best for the course conditions. Use the other only as a backup if you have problems with your first choice.

Best of luck,

Joe

I think this post is well spoken, my advice is to take both as well and use the other as a back-up only. I have done 12 and 24's, if you just get out there on the favorite one put it out of your mind and just ride it will all be fine. I have a lot of friends switching cogs in races as well, if you ask me it kinda goes against all the reasons I SS in the first place, but those are my reasons and not theirs. I guess my advice is spoken so now all that is left is for me to tell ya to get out there and have a good one, update us on what you did and (of course) good luck man!!