Check out this ride.... Michigan Mountain Mayhem

[Doc_d]

If I decide to do this I'm seriously considering switching over to a compact crankset for this ride. I'm currently running a standard 39x53 with a 12-25 cassette. I'm wondering if I went to a 34x50 if I should even consider going with a 12-27 cassette as well or if that would be over kill.

[Geff]

I just think doing this ride is great! Thanks for posting the vids.

[SteveF]

If I decide to do this I'm seriously considering switching over to a compact crankset for this ride. I'm currently running a standard 39x53 with a 12-25 cassette. I'm wondering if I went to a 34x50 if I should even consider going with a 12-27 cassette as well or if that would be over kill.

I tried a compact crank for a while and it just didn't work that well in my area. (Lansing area--flat, not many big hills) My cruising speed was right at the crossover so I was constantly shifting the front. I prefer to run a triple setup so I can use the middle and big rings around home and have the granny when I do a ride such as this one outside the area.

If you're generally happy with your current gearing, another option is to slap a mountain bike cassette and rear derailer and longer chain on there temporarily--this will be easy to swap back when you get home and is probably cheaper than a new compact crankset or triple conversion...

[Geff]

If I decide to do this I'm seriously considering switching over to a compact crankset for this ride. I'm currently running a standard 39x53 with a 12-25 cassette. I'm wondering if I went to a 34x50 if I should even consider going with a 12-27 cassette as well or if that would be over kill.

I tried a compact crank for a while and it just didn't work that well in my area. (Lansing area--flat, not many big hills) My cruising speed was right at the crossover so I was constantly shifting the front. I prefer to run a triple setup so I can use the middle and big rings around home and have the granny when I do a ride such as this one outside the area.

If you're generally happy with your current gearing, another option is to slap a mountain bike cassette and rear derailer and longer chain on there temporarily--this will be easy to swap back when you get home and is probably cheaper than a new compact crankset or triple conversion...

Now that's some good advice and idea.

[SteveF]

Nice thing about long road rides--plenty of time to obsess about things like bike fit and gearing...

[Boyneboy]

Only two weeks left! The deadline for a jersey order is April 15th if you want it for the day of the event.

[Doc_d]

Boyneboy - Any idea how many riders you are expecting? I noticed on the website it said they will be supplying transponders. Do you really have that many available?

[Boyneboy]

we are expecting 500-800 and we might sell out at 1000. As far as transponders are you referring to the chip timing? If so I have confirmed from the company that is in charge of that and they do have 1000 if needed.

[Geff]

Wow! Congrads on your entries.

[Boyneboy]

Less than six weeks left!

Who all is going?

[mmba7693]

I have a registration that I would like to transfer to someone.

[Will_C]

I signed up for the 200km as soon as I heard about it, now the day is nearly upon me and I'm approaching it with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Was trying to source compact chainrings for my bike, then realized I couldn't fit a 34-tooth chainring with the cranks I have. So gonna try a wide-range road cassette and see if my derailleur fits. I just hope my knee holds out, if so then should be a blast!

Who else is going? And how many riders are expected?

[Boyneboy]

We will have 600+ riders.

See you on Saturday.