[gofastpops]

I plan on doing the 12 hours of Dauset this weekend. Since this will be my first 12 hour event on a singlespeed (I've raced it XC); I'm curious how does one decide on the gear ratio to use for 12 hours. On my 29er, I currently have a 32x18 and it's almost perfect for this course (I did a 3 hour pre-ride this weekend). HOWEVER, there are two moderate climbs that have me spinning in the 50 - 60 rpm range and I can't keep my heart rate under my LT threshold (170 bpm), the rest of the course is relatively flat.

So my question is - do I gear the bike for the climbs and sacrfice my speed on the flats? or do I plan to walk after 6 or 7 hours?

Any thoughts?

 

[singlespeed.org]

I did an 8 hour race a few weeks back and used the same gearing as I would for a shorter course. I just planned to walk the areas that would sap too much energy from me (even if they were ride-able).

 

[BikeMojo]

It is a 12 hr race, you have plenty of time to switch out a cog. Takes no longer than changing a flat.

I would start with your regular gears, 32x18. After a few hours drop down to 32x19 if needed

 

[gofastpops]

thanks

Well, I went with the 32x18 and I felt it was the right call; I had to really focus on my pacing for the climbs but I was able to stay competitive throughout the day.

The race started at 11:00AM and was hot and dry until 3; when a quick thunder shower drenched the twistier section of the course. Half the course was soaked and the other half relatively dry. The gearing was a little sketchy in the peanut butter mud but I stayed on the bike the whole race. By 6:00PM the rain started again for the evening and by 7:15 they closed the course and cancelled the race.

I finished 4th with 8 laps (the top 4 all had 8) in just under 9 hours. Good call guys...