The Convict 100 is one of Australia’s longest running XCM racing, after a pandemic induced hiatus in 2020 the event is back tomorrow! With a covid capacity entry limit of 1500 riders reached there will be plenty of action at the Hawkesbury hamlet of St Albans on May 1. With 3 distances to choose from 103km, 74km and 44km the courses have been just marginally changed after the devastating NSW floods tore through the area just a few weeks ago.
With a significant lack of XCM racing over the past 18months in Australia due to obvious reasons, we expect the competition to be fierce as a competitive outlet is finally granted for the country’s XCM racers. In the elite 103km race team rider Justin Morris will be lining up on his Norco Revolver. With diverse terrain to conquer in the Convict bike and gear choice for this race is always intriguing. Below is a summary of what Justin will be racing at the iconic Convict in 2021!
Frame: Norco Revolver FS
Forks: FOX Factory 32 Kashima Step cast 100mm remote lockout. The dual remote lockout has been a game changer for me on this bike. Especially handy for The Convict due to the large amount of climbing. After running 120mm fork for the past few months on this bike, going back to 100mm really livens the front end up and reminds me I’m racing not out for just a cruisey shred. More feedback = more awareness = faster line choice!
Rear Shock: FOX Factory Float Kashima EVOL 100mm.
Wheelset: EIE carbon 32H rims laced to Shimano XTR hubs BOOST. These wheels have been ever reliable since first used in 2019. Super light and also offering a wider rim width which makes the bike feel very stable allowing for the narrow tyres I run to use the full bag. I use a heavier alloy set of wheels with XT hubs for training and sliding these in for racing makes the bike really come to life.
Rotors: Shimano ICE TEC XTR 180mm front, 160mm rear.
Cassette: Shimano XTR M9100 12speed 10-51. Since moving to xtr 12sp in 2019 I have not looked back. Especially given I live in the mountainous area around Hobart, allowing me to select an appropriate cadence up steep climbs rather than grinding my way up in the 42 or 46 has been much appreciated.
Crankset: Shimano XTR M9100 34T chainring. Was nearly going to put the 36T to cater for the long road stretches but decided I am not that hard core at the moment and opted for the 34, with 51 up back this makes all the climbs in The Convict more than manageable.
Tyres: MAXXIS IKON 3C EXO maxspeed 29×2.2front 29×2.0 rear. Tubeless. Opted for the classic Ikon, a favourite among Sydney riders. Went for an older school 2.0 up the back, as after all there are long stretches of dirt road and the climbs are long so the less knobby rubber on the road the more speed available. It will be a disadvantage in the middle portion of the race but otherwise happy with running 2.0’s still.
Pedals: Shimano XTR M9100 race. Simply the best pedals going. Good cleat platform and importantly light, for a rotating weight like the pedals weight is important for me.
Brakes: Shimano XTR M9100 race.
Seatpost: KS LEV carbon 60mm dropper. A small drop but just enough for XCM racing. To be honest, was about to transition to a regular fixed post for this race as will only be a handful of sections where a dropper would be utilised. But after racing the Tour of Jordan in early 2020 which was predominantly on dirt road I came to appreciate how much speed can be gained from using the dropper even on open dirt and sealed road descents.
Saddle: PRO Turnix MTB.
Bars/ Stem: PRO Koryak 60mm stem, PRO PLT alloy 70mm bars. Normally would be running MT Zoom carbon bars but just for the travel in bike bag to this event I opted for the alloy bars.
Storage: Backcountry strap. Storage of spare tube here free’s up jersey pockets for more lollies!
Bottle Cage: Mt. Zoom Carbon. One of the lightest and easiest to access bottle cages on the market. Just running 1 bottle cage and no camelbak this year which will be a test on my hydration but should be right with big bidons.
Bottom Bracket: KOGEL triple sealed ceramic. With wet river crossings in this race I am grateful to have this reliable set of bearings between my cranks!
Chain Lube: RIDE mechanic Bike Syrup. Long lasting and reliable for wet/ sandy conditions.