Race Sagebrush on 1X9. Thoughts?
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What's the advantage? Just weight or are you changing Q-factors as well?
Just curious, currently what are your gearing options, 3X9, 2X9, and 1X9??
Just wondering if you're changing cranksets for different races. If so, how many cranksets do you have?
Changing gearing for courses is a new concept for me (for geared bikes). I just take what I have and make it work. Next season I'm going to go 2X10 and planning on just making it work.
Just curious, currently what are your gearing options, 3X9, 2X9, and 1X9??
Just wondering if you're changing cranksets for different races. If so, how many cranksets do you have?
Changing gearing for courses is a new concept for me (for geared bikes). I just take what I have and make it work. Next season I'm going to go 2X10 and planning on just making it work.
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I switched over to 1X9 simply to try something new....I don't want to switch back if not totally necessary for Sage..thoughts?Poncharelli said:
Other than the paved climb out which can easily be done 1X9....are there sections that I will be struggling (losing time) on without the granny??
I know you don't know my fitness level of course. Just looking for thoughts on the course really...
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I think they will be doing two laps at the top instead of Mt. Pinos like last year for expert...heard thru the grapevine..Rivet said:
Edit...found on site: For pre-ride...DOES THIS SOUND CORRECT AND EASY TO FIND/FOLOW?
The race will start on Corral Canyon Road on the north side of Lake Morena at the Campground.
NOTE: The campground is currently closed.
Take Corral Canyon Road to Four Corners. Take the Number 1 trail to Sky Valley Road ¾ of a mile
to the Five Jeep Road. NOTE: It is easy to miss. Turn right on the 5 Road.
There is a hike-a-bike on the 5 Road. Take the 11 Road back to Corral Canyon Road, turn right. Take
Corral Canyon Road back to Four Corners. NOTE: We may go up the 2 Trail but it is currently
closed. At Four Corners before you begin to go down Corral Canyon Road, turn right on Los Pinos
Road, go 30 yards and on your left is the Kernan Trail. Take it down to Corral Canyon Road, turn
right and head back to the Start/Finish.
Pro's / Cat 1's Men up to 49 & Pro Women
As we did last year you will do two laps up top instead of going up to Mount Pinos. We got a lot of
good feedback on that route.
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I would guess that HAB is maybe .1 to .2 of a mile of really steep stuff. I'm sure some of the pros and cat 1s could clean it. Everyone I saw in the cat 2 race was walking it.
With the 1x9 I'd be a little more concerned with the start. That first mile on the paved road is flat and can be pretty fast. You wouldn't want to lose contact with the group right off the start. That's the closest thing to a road race I've done. You'll basically be in a peloton for a mile. If you're gearing is big enough for fast speeds at the start then I think you'll be fine. Might have to hike a little but you won't be the only one.
With the 1x9 I'd be a little more concerned with the start. That first mile on the paved road is flat and can be pretty fast. You wouldn't want to lose contact with the group right off the start. That's the closest thing to a road race I've done. You'll basically be in a peloton for a mile. If you're gearing is big enough for fast speeds at the start then I think you'll be fine. Might have to hike a little but you won't be the only one.
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sagebrush is one of those courses where a 1x9 could be a bit of a drag.
if you gear low enough that you can have a decent climbing gear, then the drag race to the first climb could be a deal breaker unless you are comfortable with 120rpm
have a buddy that missed the train on the start two years ago (i don't think it was last year) and he never was able to get back on despite being one of the strongest guys in the field. also won't be able to pedal the wide open fire road descent.
the other problem is if you gear up and can hang in the group you will not have much for a recovery gear if you are attacking/being attacked on the pavement climb back to 4 corners, or the shorter climbs on the dirt. i personally wouldn't want to have that much strain on my legs in the tech sections either, it would send me into crampy land.
i used to really love my 1x9 for lots of reasons, but it just doesn't give me enough range for racing.
i too heard we were doing the same course as last year (double the first loop) and that works okay for me even though i miss that descent off pinos. i like seeing the loop twice, gives me a shot to go even faster and compare the splits.
if you gear low enough that you can have a decent climbing gear, then the drag race to the first climb could be a deal breaker unless you are comfortable with 120rpm
have a buddy that missed the train on the start two years ago (i don't think it was last year) and he never was able to get back on despite being one of the strongest guys in the field. also won't be able to pedal the wide open fire road descent.the other problem is if you gear up and can hang in the group you will not have much for a recovery gear if you are attacking/being attacked on the pavement climb back to 4 corners, or the shorter climbs on the dirt. i personally wouldn't want to have that much strain on my legs in the tech sections either, it would send me into crampy land.
i used to really love my 1x9 for lots of reasons, but it just doesn't give me enough range for racing.
i too heard we were doing the same course as last year (double the first loop) and that works okay for me even though i miss that descent off pinos. i like seeing the loop twice, gives me a shot to go even faster and compare the splits.
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Thanks Allison. Good info there. Looks like I will be switching back...argh!whybotherme said:sagebrush is one of those courses where a 1x9 could be a bit of a drag.
if you gear low enough that you can have a decent climbing gear, then the drag race to the first climb could be a deal breaker unless you are comfortable with 120rpm
the other problem is if you gear up and can hang in the group you will not have much for a recovery gear if you are attacking/being attacked on the pavement climb back to 4 corners, or the shorter climbs on the dirt. i personally wouldn't want to have that much strain on my legs in the tech sections either, it would send me into crampy land.
i used to really love my 1x9 for lots of reasons, but it just doesn't give me enough range for racing.
i too heard we were doing the same course as last year (double the first loop) and that works okay for me even though i miss that descent off pinos. i like seeing the loop twice, gives me a shot to go even faster and compare the splits.
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There is a small chance I might be coming down from NorCal for this. (working in San Diego a few days prior and trying to decide if I should stay a few days extra to check this out)
I'd be riding rigid (A9C). Is it a rigid friendly course? Or maybe another way to frame the question.....is it more like a Sea Otter course or a Downievill style course?
Will most likely be racing Cat1 SS or Cat1 age group if i get my 1x10 stuff by then.
Thanks.
I'd be riding rigid (A9C). Is it a rigid friendly course? Or maybe another way to frame the question.....is it more like a Sea Otter course or a Downievill style course?
Will most likely be racing Cat1 SS or Cat1 age group if i get my 1x10 stuff by then.
Thanks.
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That's hubby - but I would say the same thingrydbyk said:
BUT, if you really like the 1x9 and want to use it all season, use it. Just know the limitations. Let us know how it is on the pre-ride!
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I cant speak for this course. But, I do race 1x9. As long as theres guys beating me with ONE gear, my 9 speeds should be plenty. Thats how I look at it. Is it the best setup for every course? No. But, I also dont think it holds me back. The weight savings and simplicity help too. I was in the middle ring 90% of the time. So why carry around a front derailleur, shifter, and 2 gears I dont use?
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last time I saw the course was last year's race... so this isn't an up to date/storm damage report.Tyrone Shoelaces said:
the course at sagebrush is a bit more of Sea Otter than D-ville. some fun fast single track that is primarily used by motos for most of the year. there are a few spots of chunkyness, but nothing severe. the paved road climbs kind of suck, but that is part of the deal. there is one HAB section, it is short and I usually run past a few of the younger CAT1's there on the first lap.
the last descent can be kind of jammed up. depending on when you go through, you can get stuck behind beginners that did only one loop. not ideal if you are ripping the descent and battling for a podium spot.... :eekster:
I just pre rode it today. 1x9 would not be a good choice if you are racing to win but would be fun to ride. Fully rigid would be no issue as the course is really smooth! SS rigid would actually be a killer choice. I found myself locked out most the ride.
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pinnacle10 With the 1x9 I'd be a little more concerned with the start. That first mile on the paved road is flat and can be pretty fast. You wouldn't want to lose contact with the group right off the start. That's the closest thing to a road race I've done. You'll basically be in a peloton for a mile. If you're gearing is big enough for fast speeds at the start then I think you'll be fine. Might have to hike a little but you won't be the only one.[/QUOTE said:
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