Ive written about this little sanctuary many times before; it goes with me everywhere. Average star voting: 4 ( 74471 reviews) Summary: At nearly 4,300 km long, The Great Divide Mountain Bike race route is the world's longest, most challenging off-road mountain biking trail. Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed. This is the burliest of my rain jacket options and I chose it for the GDMBR a long trip in big mountains because its impenetrable and relatively breathable. 7 Bikes of the Tour Divide - Pinkbike Matt RC has logged over 5000 miles of touring on a Pugsley. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. T he Great Divide route, for the uninitiated, has been mapped by the Adventure Cycling Association, a bicycle group based in Missoula, Montana. Try a plastic bag between two pairs of socks as a lightweight alternative. The even tread pattern of those tires also feels more predictable on firm ground as the transition across the tread is smooth the whole way through. Bike Routes Near Me - Best Bike Routes to Ride 2021 - Bicycling I hope this post has helped you fine-tune your GDMBR gear list. T-shirt:Icebreaker Merino Tech-Lite Tee. I think mid-May is typical but it varies year to year, especially these days. It was originally called the Great Divide Race and followed a slightly shorter course along the original Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, starting in Roosville, Montana, at the Canadian border. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route - Riding Canada to Mexico Great Divide Route Trip Summary & Epilogue Riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route was an amazing experience, and we hope that sharing our journey here will inspire, inform and prepare others to embark on a similar adventure! Through the years, they've mapped routes down the West Coast and several routes across the U.S. for road bicyclists. On the GDMBR and for long bikepacking trips in general, I always recommend a freestanding tent. Thanks for taking the time. Fire starter: Cotton balls rubbed in Vaseline, andwaterproof matches or lighter. On my bike I feel free. Very compact and handy. The Vittoria Agarro and Michelin Force AM2 have a similar tread design to the Ardent and are great options for those looking to minimize rolling resistance. It's also one of the least expensive tires we tested, and we feel it is an excellent value. In our latest video, Neil sheds some light on the essential considerations that will help you make an educated decision. Learn more or say hi. Carry at least a small amount of soap and shampoo so you can properly enjoy these showers. Tire Selection for the Continental Divide Trail For this reason, many front tires feature tread designs with large side knobs that aid in maintaining cornering grip. Great Continental Divide Motorcycle Route - gpsKevin Adventure Rides The Kryptotal Fr impressed our testers and proved that Continental is back at the top of the game with their new generation of tires. Helmet mirror: Bike Peddler Take a Look visor mirror. Saddle: Brooks B17 Short Carved. I had come for this, in part, after a year of isolation that left me craving the community of a well-traveled route. If we were forced to pick one rear tire to ride for an entire year, knowing we'd be experiencing a huge range of conditions, trail types, and weather, we'd choose the Maxxis Aggressor. Some first aid items I do find useful for urgent situations: Tums, Imodium, New Skin Liquid Bandage (great for keeping small cuts and scrapes from getting infected when youre out in the dirt all day), a few gauze pads, Celox clotting powder (never needed, but seems useful in case of crash). This little guy makes it so much more pleasant. Rarely used given the high fire danger lately, but occasionally useful for campgrounds and in case of emergency. Nearly 70% of the route is on public lands - 18 National Forests, 6 National Parks and Monuments, and 4 areas with Bureau of Land . Disposable ear plugsfor noisy campgrounds or motels. Its sturdy EXO casing and mix of tread compounds provide ample sidewall support and exceptional grip, even at lower pressures. Despite its somewhat aggressive appearance, the Specialized Ground Control is a very fast-rolling tire. Tires are currently trending wider, and a wider front tire can help maintain traction as they have a larger contact patch on the rolling surface, and you can run lower tire pressures to enhance this even further. Thanks! We ended up sharing one and it worked fine. When it comes to big adventures, deciding to take the plunge is often half the battle. Braking traction is a crucial element of any mountain bike tire and one that varies dramatically between the different models and tread designs. My smartphone is easier to use and I wasnt usually short on battery during this trip, which is the primary reason I sometimes use the eTrex. Im glad youre finding it helpful! I suspect this can even be used to patch bike tubes in a pinch, but Ive never tried it. The Salsa Fargo Apex 1 is a burly steel frame gravel bike. Some of the more burly casings are more difficult to work with. These are made for hiking, not biking, but I use them for both. Rain jacket: ArcteryxBeta AR. Some are much more expensive than others, so we do our best to identify which models represent the best value. Bikepacking.com: Best Tires for the Great Divide By Jan Heine Tires With the 2021 Tour Divide happening this year - on a shortened course, since the Canadian border is still closed - Neil Beltchenko from bikepacking.com looked at what he considers the best tire for this challenging 2,745-mile (4,418 km) course. The T7 rubber compound offers a nice blend of grip and longevity, and the Grid casing feels relatively robust and durable while remaining lightweight. Continental's new tires can compete with the best in the business. This is one of our favorites as a front tire for aggressive trail riding because of its incredible traction in corners and its durability. The height, shape, and orientation of the knobs all play a role in how they bite into the trail surface as you apply the brakes. We did our best to use consistent testing trails that offered a variety of features and soil types. This casing may not be supportive enough for super-aggressive riders. Yup, I carried a Kindle! You must be so excited for your trip. Beyond that, this affordable tire is an excellent front tire, or both, for trail and all-mountain riders. So youre about to get into the nitty gritty details of planning your dream trip on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. The tread design of the Trail Boss seems optimized to work in dry conditions, and the tighter spacing of the knobs seems a bit more prone to packing up with sticky mud. Our joint tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3. If braking power is high on your list of priorities, running some of the tires we primarily tested as front tires on the rear wheel is a great option as well. I would suggest joining the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Information Exchange Facebook group and following what people say there. A few areas, in particular parts of New Mexico and Wyomings Great Basin, are much drier. Road Test: Surly Bridge Club | Adventure Cycling Association Crisscrossing the Continental Divide from alberta through the Canadian and American Rockies to its southern terminus at the mexican border, brian kesselman completed the 2784 mile route solo and self-supported with 161,563 feet of climbing, averaging 92.8 miles a day over 30 days. Passport: My husband brought mine with him when we met in Jackson, and we both carried ours (carefully) for the rest of the trip. Side knob designs vary, with slightly less emphasis typically placed on the rear tire's ability to corner. While we were truly impressed by the performance of the Ground Control Grid T7, it is important to keep in mind that these tires do have limitations. We found performance to be right there with the Minion DHF and the Wild Enduro Front. Most of the trail is comprised of gravel and dirt roads that are best done with something that can accommodate a 2.25in wide tire or larger. Vince kept bringing up the fact that he wanted to ride the Divide. Bikepacking.com: Best Tires for the Great Divide The result is a well-damped ride quality that feels very well connected to the trail surface. Related: How to Keep Electronics Charged While Bikepacking. Every few days at most basically as often as youll find food youll find a convenience store with the basics like toothpaste or soap. The DHF is offered in all-wheel sizes and a huge variety of widths, casings, and rubber compounds to meet a broad range of user preferences. Mylar space blanketfor emergencies and extra warmth on cold nights. Heres my GDMBR gear list related to water: Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze. Stretching 2,745 miles from Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, it loosely follows the Continental Divide through the Rocky Mountains on a series of dirt and paved roads. I said this at the beginning but it bears repeating: theres no single right way to pack for the Great Divide. Bike computer: CatEye Velo 7, simple and cheap, handy for checking distance covered without using smartphone battery. Squared-off edges and siping on tread knobs also help to grip and bite under pedaling forces. Ride, Eat, Sleep, Repeat 14 days on the Great Divide The JetBoil is so efficient that I / we only needed three canisters total for the whole GDMBR. Your Headquarters for THE GREAT DIVIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE Tires with decent-sized knobbies are recommended. This post describes the GDMBR gear list that worked for me, but if you know your preferences are different, you do you! Held snacks, sunscreen, bear spray when carried. Its burly enough to handle occasional rough stuff, efficient enough for pavement, and perfect for the large chunk of gravel and dirt road in between. Top 10 best bike for great divide trail in 2022 For other models, you may find it necessary to use a tire lever or two. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is a journey from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Water filters for Bikepacking and Touring, How to Keep Electronics Charged While Bikepacking, Bikepacking Bikes and Bags for Small and Short People. The aggressive tread of the Minion DHF might feel a bit overkill on super buff and hardpack dirt, but that's not the arena this beast was designed to fight in. They give pretty good traction and so far have been very durable. One of the fastest-rolling tires in the test was the Specialized Ground Control. Rarely used, but again, I had the luxury of mostly hunkering down in bad weather. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail T7 review, Specialized Ground Control Grid T7 review, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, EXO sidewall protection, excellent cornering grip, good on front or rear, dual compound increases longevity, Great cornering and braking traction, fair price, long tread life, supportive sidewalls, work in a wide range of conditions, Fair price (for trail casing), offered in multiple casings for different uses, good braking traction, Great cornering grip, good braking traction, aggressive tread pattern, super damp ride quality, available in 2.6 and 2.3-inch widths, Reasonable price (for trail casing), excellent cornering traction, offered in multiple casings for different uses, Not the best for hardpack, high rolling resistance, requires good technique, Tread may be too aggressive for some riders/locations, a little heavy, Challenging set up process, heavy for "trail" casing, Difficult installation process, heavy-ish for a "trail" tire, One of the most popular tires ever, and for good reason, An aggressive tire with excellent cornering traction, braking bite, and above-average durability, A durable rear tire suited for aggressive trail riding in a range of conditions, Specialized's classic aggressive trail riding tire with a new rubber compound, enhanced grip, and same great value, A durable front tire for aggressive trail riding that carves corners with the best of 'em. Throughout our rigorous field testing, we rode each tire as much as possible while focusing on important performance metrics in an effort to help you find the tires that best meet your needs and budget. Heres the stuff that carried all the other stuff. All trademarks property of their respective owners Ive pushed myself hard on enough prior trips and wanted time for more relaxation and type 1 fun this time around. The Ardent has a low-profile tread design that prioritizes rolling speed. Our test tire weighed in at a lighter-than-advertised 950 grams, and if you want even more peace of mind, it's available in Maxxis's heavier casing options as well. Kindle E-Reader. Many tires come in more than one casing option, so you can make that decision for yourself based on how you ride, your trail conditions, and terrain. This tire rewards good technique with predictable and confidence-inspiring cornering traction. Then they went to work, laying out a fantastic touring route for mountain bikers. The Great Continental Divide Adventure Route is a motorized route that follows closely along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Practical Advice for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route what do you think? I suggest packing the same toilet kit you would for a wilderness backpacking trip. Vittoria uses a 4C (4 compounds) rubber that is infused with Graphene. I was thinking about doing it on a Surly Long Haul Trucker - the frame can handle a 45C Tire. The Minion DHR II was originally designed for use as a rear tire, and paired with a Minion DHF up front, we think it's the ultimate combo in loose conditions for aggressive trail riders. If you want a light and fast rolling tire that still hooks up, the Ground Control is our recommendation. From a casing standpoint, we were impressed by the TCS Light SG2 casings on the WTB Vigilante and Trail Boss. Mountain bike tires are expensive. One of the astonishing things is that routes can be utterly wild yet almost 100 percent rideable on a gravel bike. The Maxxis Aggressor is a great rear tire with a versatile tread pattern that gives it broad appeal and functionality across a wide range of conditions. The Best Tires For The Great Divide? - YouTube When things get loose and steep, the Aggressor can't match the DHR II's more aggressive tread. Its moderate height center tread is fast-rolling, yet it has a substantial row of side knobs that provide excellent grip in the corners. Tights:Columbia OmniHeat. The Maxxis Aggressor, Dissector, and WTB Trail Boss offer more traction while still maintaining impressive rolling speed. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. George Rose / Contributor // Getty Images. Related: How We Tested Mountain Bike Tires. But you might be a few hundred miles from one when something goes wrong! Those wide paddle-shaped lugs in the center tread of the DHR II dig in effectively, especially in loose conditions. So useful for so many things: sun coverage, hair band, neck gaiter, towel, face covering, pillow case, etc. (Offline caching requires a small monthly fee, totally worth it in my opinion.). They didn't hold up as well as I'd hoped and they made me real nervous on descents. Dont forget to check for a helmet-compatible hood. We found the T7 rubber to be long-lasting with even wear, and the Grid Trail casing stood up to our abuse during testing. Pretty well. The platforms on these pedals are big and stable, and there were times where I rode them unclipped for days. That said, it's no worse than most similar tires, and a trade-off for its otherwise excellent traction and super smooth feel. I'm looking for something with better than average rolling resistance (though it still needs some traction) and good wear. Custom, handbuilt 27.5", 29", Plus and Fat wheels. New off-highway route north of Hartsel, CO 3. Bluetooth mini-keyboard: As you can probably tell, I like to write! If youve packed something youre not using, mail it home. The fastest men can complete the route in under 14 days, while most people who tour it take six to ten weeks. Youll be spending a lot of hours in this stuff, so choose carefully. The Eliminator has a semi-aggressive center rolling for speed, but it still has good braking bite and cornering traction. I saw everything out there, from How on earth are you surviving with so little? to How on earth are you hefting all that gear up these climbs?. It was never cold enough on the Divide that I needed to ride in this (though I sometimes do in other places), but it was essential for camp and occasionally sleeping on cold nights. I love it (see my review here) but its pricey. Benson's mountain bike roots trace back to New England in the early 1990s, and he has seen and experienced the evolution of mountain bike tires. When not worn it was usually bungeed to my seat bag for extra visibility. Sign up here for occasional emails full of inspiration and information about bikepacking and bicycle touring. there's been a few Kahns on Ebay recently. Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances. to support us + get The Bikepacking Journal. Definitely touring, not racing. The flip-up cover was essential for protecting the spout from mud, and it was one of few 1 liter bottles I found thats skinny enough to fit in a standard water bottle cage (with extra strap for support). Wallet(I use a small ziplock bag) with ID, credit cards, health insurance, etc, plus cash in $1, $5, and $10 (useful for campground fees, laundromats, and donations to trail angels). The sections are arranged in the direction I rode, which is northbound (also referred to as NOBO). This tire has a large and stout row of side knobs, like those found on the Minion DHF, to dive into corners and hold a line on off-camber sections. You need to be logged in to use these features. Totally worth the weight. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Chlorine dioxide: I carried a small number of Potable Aqua tablets as a temporary backup in case my filter failed. A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Semi-slick tires have lower profile treads in the center to decrease rolling resistance with sturdy side knobs for confident cornering. While we really loved most aspects of the performance of the Butcher Grid Trail T9, it isn't the fastest rolling tire. Bikepacking The Great Divide: A Guide on What to Pack Spare t-shirt, another Merino Tech-Lite Tee for backup and town days. My husband carried the body and I carried the fly. In general, a rear tire has more of a focus on pedaling and braking traction, and tread designs often reflect that. Before the rubber hits the dirt, you'll be laying out some coin for said rubber make the most of it. We'd highly recommend it as a front tire for aggressive trail riders who are looking to try something different. Just 5% of the route is on more difficult terrain such as unpaved four-wheel drive tracks and single tracks. Any thoughts on what would be the earliest you could start? TCS Light SG2 casing is much lighter than the Tough casing. Incredibly fuel-efficient and decently lightweight as a stove/pot combo, especially shared between two people (though I carried it solo too). Much better than the squeeze pouch that comes with the Sawyer filter! Note about reception: Dont expect to have connectivity on all (or even most) of the GDMBR. Sunglasses: Im currently liking these affordableCastKing Hiwasseepolarized sunglasses. And Im glad Im not the only one who brings whatever I want to bring regardless of what others think! The Specialized Ground Control Grid T7 is a tire that bridges the gap between cross-country and trail riding, call it down-country if you like. Like most cross-country tires, they are very fast rolling, but unlike a typical XC tire, they provide better cornering and braking traction than you might expect. https://w. Choosing a Bike for the Great Divide | How To Department Modern trends have dictated that all of the tires in our test are either 27.5 or 29-inch. Fill it with food on your way from the grocery store to the motel, or fill it with water bottles to get you through a rare long dry stretch. The Assegai hooks up in corners no matter the conditions. Held clothes, food, and sleeping pad. We tested the Butcher Grid Trail T9 in both 2.3" and 2.6" widths, and while the tread pattern hasn't really changed, this feels like an entirely new tire. Mountain bike tires are available in three diameter options - 26", 27.5"(also referred to as "650b" typically in the road and gravel bike context), and 29". A mountain bike designed for off-road riding with adjustable components and a 1x drivetrain, and tires with good grip, puncture resistance, and durability will provide . When conditions get really loose, it is easy to break this tire into a skid, drift through corners , spin out while climbing. For more detail, seeHow to Use Your Garmin InReach Mini. One of these days Ill have to try that kind of setup. need to know - Great Divide Route 10 of the best USA bikepacking routes - Bike Perfect In general, the size, shape, and orientation of the center tread play the biggest role in how well a tire slows and stops your forward momentum. Swan Valley logging detour removed -- route goes back to original GDMBR 2. If youre not yet aware, the famous Tour Divide bikepacking race covers almost the same route as the GDMBR, but most racers aim to finish in under a month (or for the fastest folks, half that time!). The Specialized Eliminator T7 is a semi-aggressive rear tire that we feel is a great, affordable option for trail riders. Sandals and sometimes stove strapped to the outside. This isn't much of a surprise given its cross-country pedigree. It's possible your local shop might even curse getting these inflated. I think youll like them, but you can unsubscribe at any time. Fast-rolling and semi-slick tires get their speed from small, low-profile tread blocks. It worked great for the GDMBR: super quick to set up, good in the rain, and freestanding so it can be pitched on pavement, rock, or anywhere else. Heaven and Hell on Wheels. The Racers of the Longest Off-Road Cycling Race in the United States What kind of bike maintenance is needed on the GDMBR? These days there is no bicycle shop, just full-time adventure whether it's living on my bicycle for a month in an exotic place, or doing weekend adventures in the Southwest . How I Am Preparing for The Tour Divide Sarah Swallow Waterproof glove covers:MLD eVENT rain mittens, to cover gloves in case of both cold and wet weather. A narrow tunnel of light from my handlebar illuminates the white snow. I recommend around 3 liters of capacity for most of the route. That and the fact that the route comes back through Whitefish makes Glacier Cyclery the logical US staging headquarters for Great Divide riders. We put the best mountain bike tires from Maxxis, Specialized, Vittoria, Michelin, WTB, and others to the test. While riding, tires make the only intentional contact with the trail and play a major role in your bike's ride quality, handling, and overall performance. Sawyer Fast Fill adapter kit, allows you to gravity filter directly from the Sawyer into a hydration bladder. The Route covers 5 states: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana and is a . With a tread design that looks strikingly similar to the Minion DHF, the Vittoria Mazza also boasts impressive cornering traction. The Trail casing we tested offers a good blend of support and suppleness, and Vittoria's 4C Graphene rubber was surprisingly resilient with an above-average tread life. As a northbound rider who had already been through New Mexico, I didn't find it particularly challenging. Once the clock starts, the rider embarks on a solo, unsupported journey to get to the finish line. I use the Blackburn Central 50 which is sadly discontinued, but Planet Bike Superflash is good too. Our mountain bike tire review is led by our Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor, Jeremy Benson. The GDMBR is an epic journey, and I think youll be really glad you decided to take it on. The 9 Best Mountain Bike Tires | Tested by GearLab In the market for the best new tires for your mountain bike? What are the best tires for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the Tour Divide race, and other long, mixed-terrain bikepacking routes? Bootlegger Bikes is a small, full service bike shop near Smugglers Notch in Jeffersonville, Vermont that serves the Jeffersonville, Cambridge, Fletcher, Fairfax, Johnson, Underhill, Jericho, and surrounding areas. The Best Tires For The Great Divide? (video) - BIKEPACKING.com http://twentynineinches.com/2008/06/04/wtb-'08-29er-tiresprowler-sl-29er-update-ii/. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a long journey through varied terrain and you WILL be camping at least some of the time, so a solid 3-season shelter and sleep system is a must. The aggressive open tread is great in a range of conditions, but it's the new T9 rubber compound that's most impressive. Solo riders especially (and their loved ones) will likely appreciate the peace of mind. The Aggressor is impressively versatile and works across a huge range of conditions. Here are all the electronics I carried on the GDMBR: Smartphone: Primary navigation device using the RideWithGPS app, with maps cached offline. Click here to login, or start an account if youre not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective. Water availability varies along the Great Divide. there are a lot of toilets along the route, but that doesnt guarantee youll find one when you need it. Date Submitted: 09/30/2019 08:43 PM. The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the worldby locals, in their own backyards. I think a racing type tire with low profile knobs would be fine, but most of those have sort of scary thin sidewalls for loaded touring.
