[Ben_Im]

I've ridden Whiskeytown a few times before a LONG time ago on a geared bike, but I was planning to race at the Lemurian Shasta with my SS and wanted to see what gear ratios you guys have raced with in the past.

I plan to do a the long course (26 miles, 4,300 ft climbing) so I was thinking about running 32-19.

What ratios have you guys run in the past?

 

[Jlee197853]

26 or 29? That is a pretty steep gear for a 29er, unless you are really studly. Lots of steep climbs on that course.

 

[Loki]

Thats what I have ridden out there in the past. 32x19 on a 29er. Its a tough course to choose a gear because of the steep climbs and the long flat section through the canal.

 

[rndmrdr]

Any idea if the course will be marked Friday evening before the race? Looking to pre-ride the downhill finish. I've never ridden there before but it looks like I can shuttle somewhere near Recliner, climb a bit then down Couch? Google maps shows that road "closed in winter" but I'm assuming it's open now?

http://shastalemurian.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/LongCourse2012.pdf

 

[Renovatio]

Its a tough choice. You have two 12%+ climbs for about a mile or a tad more. If long course there is a shorter 10% climb, not nearly as bad but it makes the last part suck.

Climbs can get pretty loose on the wide fire road; chances are, unless you are a god, that you'll be walking a steep pine needle section.

That said, 32x20 is doable, 19 is pretty darn close and you'd appreciate it on the flats.

 

[RojoRacing53]

On paper is sounds a bit easier then my local stuff so I could probably go with a 34-19 or even 18 on the niner depending on the layout of the climbs. Ben based on our setups at previous races so far this year I'd say a 32-20 would be your tallest option and I'd recommend you have a 21 just in case.