Sunday, September 13, 2009

Laurel / Pilot in 2:20.... solo, rigid, and fixed.

Today's ride was exceptionally difficult: Laurel Mountain to Pilot Rock, starting from Yellow Gap. Not the toughest route under most circumstances but today I decided to try it fixed gear 34x19. I was off the bike more than usual going up and down but still made it back to the Jeep in just only 20 minutes slower than what I consider a fast pace, on any bike, for myself.

It was a beautiful late summer day. Highs in the 70's, low humidity, a cool breeze... Here's the view from Pilot Rock:


I was having more trouble today with the actual gear size than the non-coasting bit. I'm used to SS'n a 25 in the back. 19 is makes any uphill feel STEEP. I was wondering if I could just drill out an endless and bolt it on back there. Anyone know if this can be done?


When I got home I felt like I had been on a 6+ hour ride. The descent down Pilot beat me up. I felt like a novice... Rocky switchbacks are difficult when you can't coast.
Here's a very quick vid I shot while descending 1206 towards Bradley Creek. About 1 millisecond after I started shooting I realized the camera is in the wrong hand....

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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2009 at 11:23 AM

    Wow! Not only do you give up the gears again, but go fixie!! Sweet!

    I can't wait to get back down there this fall.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2009 at 11:24 AM

    Oh yea, why not just get a Tomi Cog in the correct gearing?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Eric Wever / Pisgah ProductionsSeptember 16, 2009 at 11:42 AM

    bent,
    Tomi only makes them up to 20. I guess he's either MUCH stronger than me or he's never spent much time in Pisgah..... or both.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 'e'September 16, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Dude, that was my 1st ever off road fixed gear ride, and yeah, I cleaned pilot! Dropdown to a 32 up front and grab a 20t for the rear or adjust accordingly. Then you'll be fine. 34x20 is what I run everywhere I go, on a 29" wheel. Keep the posts coming, they're quite enjoyable.

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