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I have raced many times before, but in the geared class. I also haven’t really ridded a SS to much before and never raced in the class Anyone have any advice a first timer in the SS class.
thanks
thanks
Go as fast as you can?RideOrDieDan said:I have raced many times before, but in the geared class. I also haven't really ridded a SS to much before and never raced in the class Anyone have any advice a first timer in the SS class.
thanks
I've done a few races in the last 5 years (all on the ss). I'm not the fastest guy, but I can generally hold my own. Here is my advise. Introduce yourself at the start and get a feel for the other riders. If you see a guy all decked out in race clothes, don't become frightened of him. He is probably just a guy like you, that is doing his first race too. Singlespeeders are generally friendly, for some reason not like the other classes. Above all else have fun! Work your arse off but have fun. The fast boys will take off right from the start. They will be flying. If you can keep up with them, go for it. This is where the men separate from the boys. Your heart will be in your throat, your lungs with be in your nose and your legs will be screaming!! If you feel confident in the distance of the race...try to keep up with them otherwise just go at 85% and try to keep pace. If you think you can make podium, make the podium. If you are well off the back, make it your race and don't care about the others....have fun!RideOrDieDan said:I have raced many times before, but in the geared class. I also haven't really ridded a SS to much before and never raced in the class Anyone have any advice a first timer in the SS class.
thanks
I think it really depends on the race course.JamR said:What about gearing?
Any suggestions?
Thanks !!!Lambone said:I think it really depends on the race course.
In my race i think I blew it on the gearing a bit (34/18). I should have been more like 32/18. This because the race was a 2000 ft climb to start and then all downhill. I should have had lower gearing for the climb, and on the downhill it didn't really matter. The race was one in the first mile or two on the fire road.
On a more rolly-flat couse I think you'd want 2/1 at least.
Matt
RideOrDieDan said:One of my team members isn't racing so I asked if I could borrow his SS and try racing it, since I have been thinking of getting one. The course is a 14-mile time trial we'll be leaving in two's every 30seconds. So just as long as I can stay in front of the guy I start with I think I will be doing good! I'll be racing geared in the expert class at 10:00 and SS in the expert/elite SS class at 12:30, which should give me 1-1/2 hour to eat/drink and rest.
It will be fun! I'm definitely looking forward to it, having another class to race in and group of people to compete with.
the 4 hour drive home is going to feel like 8.
I think that's good advice. Maybe don't kill yourself trying to speed on descents. Save it up for the climb, then reel people in there.Lambone said:It's tempting to try to keep up with the guys in front at the start...but it can burn you out real quick. I saved a bit and ended up catching up with some gearies later in the climb.
I won at Custer, but it was on a geared bike, which I have only raced before tomorrow. I think I will be happy with whatever the turns-out as long as i give it my best! I just have to forget that an hour earlier I would have just went all out on the geared bike. mental! its all in my head, maintain speed, less brakes, save it for the hills. I think I got it!steelbike said:You're prolly going to do pretty well if not win it if you're the dan that won at Custer.