Sometimes it seems that cyclists (professional or amateur) can be divided for how they see their bicycle. Some see it as a tool of their trade – merely what they need to use to perform a task. Many of us see our bikes as more than this, viewing a bike as a source of pride. These bikes will be clean, running well, and often quite up to date, or remarkably retro.
For the Crocodile Trophy, all riders on the Subaru/MarathonMTB.com team are on something new. While we do all enjoy our bikes, and look after the ones we have, and cherish where they can take us – the Croc has specific demands. Hopefully we have made the right choices about what we’re taking. After discussions with previous competitors, running a hardtail seemed to be the best option. The over-riding sentiment was reliability – the less moving parts, the better. With 10 days of racing, and a long way from any real servicing, this made sense. And with the long stages, wheel size would have to be 29″ – that just makes sense for their greater rolling efficiency and higher effective gearing when running 42×11.
As for frame material, the three of us were at the mercy of product seasons. No 2011 stock left, precious little 2012 stock available. So we have two aluminium frames and a high modulus carbon.
Suspension duties are being taken care of by Fox Racing Shox. QR15 lowers are standard across all three bikes, but the damping cartridges are different. Justin is running a F29 RL, Graeme is on a F29 RLC, and I am using a new Terralogic. The stiff QR15 and Fox chassis should help keep us on the straight and narrow, even at the end of longer days on the bike. Although there are plenty of stories of the Croc being a dirt road race, there are also enough stories of harsh, rocky areas. Quality suspension is a must.
Wheels are ever important, and it’s hard to go past the NoTubes ZTR Crest 29ers. Between the three of us, we’re all running different wheel builders. Justin is testing a set of ZeBosch wheels, built by Nick Both, using the Crest rims and lighweight spokes and hubs. Graeme is running TWE hubs and spokes, built onto Crest rims by Dave from Cranks Bikestore. I’m running a mix of a DT 240 rear and XT front, built by Cranks Bikestore veteran, Paul Williams. All three sets are lightweight and riding well. Best of all, they sealed up tubeless with no problems.
A wheelset is nothing without tyres, and we have received fantastic support from Maxxis tyres, with the new Maxxis Ikon EXO 29 x 2.2’s to wrap around the Crest rims. They seal up perfectly on the Crest. With a big bag, and a fast rolling tread pattern, the Ikons should prove to be a great tyre in Far North Queensland. They are being run tubeless, with plenty of sealant inside.
As for gearing, it’s a mixed selection. Graeme has a full SRAM XO build, including the 2 x 10 crankset. Justin and myself are on Shimano 10 speed Dyna-Sys parts, both running an SLX/XT mix. It’s hoped this will be a reliable selection, and easy enough to maintain for our team supporter, Pete Figg.
We will all be perching ourselves on Selle SMP saddles. Graeme and I have been running these all year, but Justin is a more recent adopter. After racing all year on a padding-free Forma, I’m pretty happy to have put a more heavily padded Stratos model on. Graeme is on his faithful Evolution, and Justin is on the popular Dynamic.
The three bikes look good, and they ride well. From here it is just a case of making sure we are completely comfortable, have the rest of our gear sorted out, and get to Cairns in one piece.
And for those who are curious? Bike weights are:
Graeme’s Scott Scale 29er Elite (custom spec): 10.45kg
Justin’s’ XTC 29er (custom spec): 11.25kg
Mike’s Scott Scale 29er Premium (custom spec): 10.3kg