What bike setup for longer sportive?

[Brainstorm]

I am doing a 300km sportive this summer in Sweden. 17,000 riders, and it starts in the middle of the night as it is constantly light up there in the summer. I have never done a ride this long before and I am unsure of how to set up my bike.

I am thinking that comfort is probably the main priority. I have a set of carbon rimmed wheels that are very stiff and hence efficient, but somehow I am thinking my conventional spoked rims are better suited. I am also thinking a more upright position on the bike would help, even if it creates a bit more drag.

Any tips?

Thanks!

 

[P.H]

It's such a big question anyone who could answer it completly would end up writing a book. Luckily someone with that degree of expertise already has;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Long-Distance-Cyclists-Handbook/dp/0713668326

Good luck with the ride.

 

[Randochap]

And some Canadian chap has put together a website with a section on long-distance riding and equipment.

 

[ASC1951]

And some Canadian chap has put together a website with a section on long-distance riding and equipment.

I like his style. Here is an extract:

"...many cyclists — whether through competing obligations, or superior intelligence — are content to focus on shorter routes.."

 

[jimboalee]

And some Canadian chap has put together a website with a section on long-distance riding and equipment.

I though you was a Black Country lad.

I wouldn't be so rude as suggest you was a Yam Yam . You were no where near the Pleck.

Are you Naturalised Cannuck?

 

[jimboalee]

I like his style. Here is an extract:

"...many cyclists — whether through competing obligations, or superior intelligence — are content to focus on shorter routes.."

Is there a direct relationship between Ride length and Intelligence Quota?

Is it a Hyperbolic curve?

Which suggests the super intelligent stay at home and the real stupid clots go on 300km Randonnees.

 

[Brainstorm]

I have to agree this is slightly mad, I have questioned my sanity on several occasions with regards to doing this ride. On the day I suspect certain parts of me will regret it more than others!

Thanks for the information, it has given me some ideas! And I ordered that book.

 

[Greenbank]

Is there a direct relationship between Ride length and Intelligence Quota?

Is it a Hyperbolic curve?

Which suggests the super intelligent stay at home and the real stupid clots go on 300km Randonnees.

And what does that say about us idiots entered for the the 1400km LEL?

 

[Brainstorm]

I think it says you must have legs of steel and a backside made of leather!

 

[Greenbank]

It's such a big question anyone who could answer it completly would end up writing a book. Luckily someone with that degree of expertise already has;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Long-Distance-Cyclists-Handbook/dp/0713668326

I'd definitely recommend this book, it's provided some useful tips on my way from doing 100km rides up to 750km (so far). And especially given what happened to Simon last year.

 

[Randochap]

I though you was a Black Country lad.

I wouldn't be so rude as suggest you was a Yam Yam . You were no where near the Pleck.

Are you Naturalised Cannuck?

Born & bred. Luckily, my parents -- being of superior intelligence -- got me out of there before I could get in any more trouble.

Yam Yam? Yes, bona fide Canuck.

 

[Randochap]

Is there a direct relationship between Ride length and Intelligence Quota?

Is it a Hyperbolic curve?

Which suggests the super intelligent stay at home and the real stupid clots go on 300km Randonnees.

Who are you calling a stupid clot?

 

[jimboalee]

I've got the 300 km Brevet de Randonneur cloth patch and the Randonneur 1000 Series cloth patch.
I've also got the 300 km Randonneur medal, dated 2008.

What does that make me?

 

[Blonde]

Why not ride for a minimum of 200km (assuming you haven't already) and then you'll have an idea of comfort etc. Stiff wheels on a long ride might not work for you.If it rains, are you happy with carbon braking surfaces?