How To Convert A Bike To Single Speed - Vertical Drop Out Frame

The following is a fairly comprehensive guide in how to remove the gears on your bike and change them to a single speed.  This guide will talk about removal of the cassette.  Adding your single gear, chain tensioner and chain as well as removal of the chainset and adding a single chainring.  As a difficulty rating I would give this a 4 out of 5.  The rating is high more because there is lots of things to cover here but each individual step isn't that difficult to do.

You will need Specialist bike tools for this job and there may be variations depending on your drivetrain.  To start you will need to buy the conversion kit. I've used a 32t front here on a 16t rear, having a 2:1 ratio which is good place to start.

Parts include:

16t Cog with various spacers

Chain tensioner

Singlespeed Chain

32t 104bcd Chainring (optional)

Chainring bolts (short)

                 

Tools Required:
Allen key Multi Tool
Cassette Removal Tool
Chain Whip
Chain Splitter
Crankset removal Tool For either Hollow tech or splined cranks
Workstand (Optional but it helps!)
Grease

Get your bike set up in your workstand or somewhere that supports your bike in a solid position.

Rear Wheel

Remove the rear wheel from the frame. The tools you'll need for this job are the Cassette Tool, An Adjustable Spanner if you don't have an all in one cassette tool, and Chain Whip.

Using picture above as guide put you cassette tool into the lock ring.  I reattach the quick release over the tool to stop it slipping off when twisting. Using the chain whip to hold the cassette in place turn the tool anti-clockwise to remove.  the Cassette should just slide off from the wheel leaving the bare cassette body. Sometimes the cassette may not slide off easily in which case use a small rubber mallet to tap it loose.

Clean the cassette body removing any grime or grease. Next, it's time to get your spacers cog and lock ring.  These slide easily onto the cassette body but now comes the hardest part of the exercise, knowing what spacers to place in which order.  It is a bit of case of trial and error.  Your aim will be to have a nice straight chain line from your back wheel to the chainset meaning less rub on the gears and a smoother ride.  More likely the cog will need to be closer to the outside of the cassette body.

With all the parts put on, screw back on the lockring holding the parts in place.  Use just the cassette tool to tighten it up (no need for chain whip).

Your finished wheel should look like the picture above.  Remember you may have to repeat this process a few times to get the chain line right in later stages.

Rear Derailleur

Using your Allen keys undo the bolt to remove the cable to the rear derailleur as shown by the left hand arrow.  The right hand arrow shows the bolt that will be need un-screwing to remove the rear derailleur from the frame.

At this point the chain will need removing.  If you have a Sram chain the you can unlink the chain by pushing the chain together where the gold power link is.  If not then you will require a chain tool.  Push the pin nearly all the way out (leaving a little in case you want to reattach) with the tool to split it.  Remove the chain from the derailleur and Chainset.

Once the derailleur and the chain have been removed it's time to attach the Chain Tensioner.  This is put in the same place as where the rear derailleur was bolted in.  Lightly grease the threads before attaching

When attaching the Tensioner pay attention to the small pin at the back.  In the picture above (taken from behind the frame hanger) you can see the pin sits up against the frame hanger.  If it is put on the wrong side, the tensioner will slip and not work.

With the Tensioner attached to the frame the wheel can be put back into the frame.  So far so good!  At this point it is a good time to remove all the gear cables from the bike including the inner and outer cables from the front and rear derailleur.

Chainset

Starting with the Front Derailleur. Unscrewing the Allen key bolt will allow the derailleur to be easily removed from the frame.  You are now ready to remove the chainset.

Using an Allen key loosen off the bolts to the Non Drive side Crank arm and remove the plastic cap with the specialist tool as shown.  There are some variations to this so it may be worth checking out what is required to remove your chainset.  This particular removal method is for Shimano components.

Once the Non driveside crank is removed the rest of the Chainset can be removed from the frame.  It should pull out easily but if not a gentle tap from a rubber mallet should move it.  Clean out the bottom bracket from any grime ensuring that inside is clean and dry.

Using an Allen key to remove the outer chainring and inner chainring.  The bolts can be tight so a long Allen key may be required.  Once removed, reattach the middle chainring (or new singlespeed chain ring) using shorter Allen key bolts grease each bolt before tightening.  Ensure that the chainring sits where the outer chainring used to be, on the outside of the cranks spider arm.

With the chain ring in place, replace the cranks onto the frame.  When attaching the plastic cap only screw it hand tight to nip up the crank arms and then tighten the Allen key bolts.  Hopefully you will end up with something that looks like the picture above.

Putting It All Together

Next you will need to put on your new single speed chain.  Before you start it's advisable to force the tensioner toward the chain stay by holding it in place with a cable tie or cord.  This will just make it easy to put the chain together as you won't be fighting against the tension on the chain.

Feed the chain over the cog through the bottom loop on the chain tensioner and around the chainset.  Bring the chain together.  At this point you will notice that you have an excessive amount of chain left.  Use the chain tool to break it down to length.  The chain can then be attached using the connecting plates supplied with the chain.  Remove the cable tie on the Tensioner and you are finished!  Or are you?  Now you need to check that the chain is tight.  There shouldn't be much play in the chain or it'll fall off on your next bumpy decent.  If its loose, try taking some more links out of the chain.

Rotate the cranks to ensure that the chain runs smoothly with out coming off or rubbing.  You may need to adjust the jockey wheel on the tensioner so it sits in line with cog above it. 

No its time to check that chain line.  Is it straight?  Does it follow a parallel line with bike?  As you can see from the two pictures above some adjustment had to be made with the spacers.  The top picture; the chainline may look straight but the chain line from the wheel moves away from the frame to the chainset.  This is corrected in the next picture giving a much better and smoother chainline.

With the chainline corrected then its time for a little test ride.  Hopefully everything will run fine and now you can go off and enjoy another great way to ride your bike.

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Single Speed Conversion Complete!!

Well that wasn't so bad.  In fact my conversion from geared annoyance to single speed simplicity went without the usual mechanical hells you can get from removing and reinstalling components.  Even my chainring bolts came undone without too much swearing!  The hardest part was getting the chainline correct but I got it pretty much spot on second time lucky

Anyhoo, here is what my bike looks like now.  Oh, and she now has a name (about time!).  Say hello to 'Betsy'!

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Singlespeed Parts Ordered

I've been threatening this for some time, but finally I've got around to ordering the parts to convert my Mtb to a single speed fun machine.  I've got a bit sick of my gears recently, a combination of needing a new rear mech as the shifting just doesn't seem to work well no matter what I do or other mechanics try. A stiffening front mech, and now the realisation my chain and cassette are nearing the point of replacement it seems that now is a good time to give singlespeed riding a go.

So I've gone and ordered a couple of my parts from On-One which includes a 16t with spacers and chain Tensioner.  I've also order a Sram chain to use (not sure how good the singlespeed ones are!).  Obviously, I'll have to see how I get on with a 16t cog, I have a feeling that I may need lower gearing than that to go with my 32t front chainring.  Its a bit hilly around here!

I don't think this will be last purchase for my singlespeed conversion either.  I've had on my bike for the last seven years now the XT duel shifters.  These have been alright in fairness but I've never liked the bulky look of them, that and at times shifting can be a bit awkward.  I'm going to just by the new 2012 XT levers on their own and hope they are still compatible with my older XT callipers.

I'll be letting you know how I get on soon!

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Want It Wednesday #20

I'm sorry folks.  Normally I have something beautiful to show you, something that we can all have a little oooh and ahhh at but this time.......well this time there is nothing.  My Want It Wednesday this time is not about something I want to buy, or something I wish I had the money to buy but something much more simple

I simply want to get out and ride again.

Since I raced at the beginning of April, I have not touched my bike.  I've sadly been put in a position where I've not had the opportunity.  My wife had been unwell for the last two months with seriously bad headaches, sinus infections and tooth infection.  It has meant that I've had to sort getting the kids to school and nursery which means driving the car everywhere.  I hate driving as it is and my usual cycle commute has fallen by the way side. Even weekends have been difficult as my wife hasn't been really able to look after the children so I've had to be around for them much more than normal.

I've found myself watching from my car window at cyclists enjoying their bike rides doing their thing (cue violin music) wishing that I could be there feeling the cool air on my face, the feeling of being more alive with steady breathing and spinning legs. *Sigh*.  I've read with much jealousy your stories of epic rides, challenging races and lovely holidays in the sun and just so wanted it to be me.

Monday and my wife braved a return to work.  I rode to work for the first time in 7 weeks.  It just felt sooo good to be doing something I love.  It makes me feel more awake when I get to work, fitter and healthier and just have a much more fulfilled feeling within me. 

Tuesday and it was time to set a time on my Strava and see where I am fitness wise.  I felt fairly good on Monday.  My ride to work is only 6 miles on fairly rolling roads and I rode at a comfortable tempo pace climbing in and out of the saddle.  It felt good to have my legs work hard again and legs push a good pace.  I wasn't really expecting a good time, I had after all spent four months training to go for the long distance and after a seven weeks off my fitness would have dropped. I averaged 19.1mph.  To some of you that's not great but for me that actually is.  In fact its a whole mile per hour faster than anything I've previously done before.  I could have gone faster too......... So am I now fitter?

Who cares, I'm out riding again.  I made an apology at the beginning of this blog which I'm going to retract.  I don't think any of us should have to say sorry for wanting more than anything but to just go out and ride our bikes.

So who is taking part in Want it Wednesday and have something to show or tell?

Merry*Death on a Bike
racerwannabe
Trainin' on a Prayer
I love My Brooks Saddle

Don't forget to take a look at what other people are showing and even better leave a comment to show your support folks!

If you would like to take part then go to my tab marked Want it Wednesday on the home page and follow the instructions.

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The Halfords Tour Series - Rd 2 Durham

I love this race. I first went to see it last year in Durham City centre and it has thankfully made a return again this year.  The race is basically a Criterium race on a 1.4km circuit, the course is tight, bumpy with a steep cobbled decent and an even steeper cobbled climb.  The corners are often tight and slippy, and riders have to use all their skills and strength to get around it in one piece.

This race is a professional race so its great to get up so close to some of the best in this country and unlike the usual road race format where you wait for ages for the riders then they zip by and its all over; with this race the riders only take a few moments and you see them again and again.  

Its a gruelling course for them though and within a few laps the small group of teams split up stringing out along the course.  It can get all a bit confusing after a while, when the riders start overlapping each other (even the commentators get confused!)  The only thing you can be sure of is who the race leader is as he is the one following the motor bike.

I walked around the course a couple of times finding some great viewing points.  Sadly I only had my camera phone with me so couldn't take any great pictures.  I love the team cars as pictured here.  They were all lined up at the side of the road all with their sports directors and staff.  I just like to admire their lovely bikes!!

Anyway, this years winner was Kristian House of Rapha Condor who pretty much led and dominated the race from the beginning.  It was a comfortable lead and he managed not to fall foul of the damp and slippery circuit unlike a lot of other racers.  The overall team to win the race was Endura Racing who retained the over all Orange vests from the first round. Kristian retained overall leaders Jersey.  There was some real suffering going on in this race.  The repeated sharp climb was taking its toll and riders by the end struggled to maintain any reasonable pace up it.  It made great viewing though, you realise that even the best suffer just like you and I.  I hope to see this next year, big thanks to Durham City for bringing this event to my door step!

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How To Do A 24 Hours Solo Mountain Bike Race- What You're Going To Need- Part 2

Pit Area

Pit Crew

Without a doubt having a pit crew can make a difference for your race ahead.  Having one or two helpers can make your life so much easier in what is already a challenging race.  It may be called a solo event but having a team behind you can mean the difference in between quiting and placing well.  Of course not everyone may be in the position to have helpers and they are the true soloists, but more about them in a bit.

When choosing or convincing people to help you out for what is a fairly tough job, consider your friendship or relationship with them.  They have to have a good understanding of what they will be letting themselves in for.  They may also have very little sleep which means emotions can be high during the race so you need to be able to get on well and they should be prepared for a grumpy or an emotional and tired wreck when entering the pit at some silly hour in the morning.  I'm told that having a partner with you can be both a calming effect on you but also put considerable strain on the relationship!  If you can have two helpers then it helps to have one who can cuddle you and one who can kick you back on the course again.  Trust me when I say this, you'll go through various feelings as tiredness kicks in.  Having someone push you out each lap is great and will keep you going but you'll get very low at some point and just want a more softer touch.

I watched during my race at the crew opposite look after their female rider.  They pushed her on and encouraged her out.  I watched at about four in the morning as she came in a near broken woman.  She was sobbing uncontrollably because she was desperate to sleep and so fatigued.  They cuddled her, kept encouraging her, fed her and later I saw her racing around the course still going on.  Would she have given up if not for them?

Role Of The Pit Crew

So if you've found someone to help out, what is it you need them for other than emotional support.  Really the most important part is to make sure they are getting you fed and watered right during the event and that they are following your race strategies.  Cleaning and being ready for any mechanical eventuality.

When you come in for each lap, your crew should be ready to hand you your next bottle of fluids and any food or gels that you will be taking with you on your next lap out.  They need to ensure that they get the energy drink or water right in your bottle and that when they take the old bottle off you they observe how much you are taking on per lap and whether it is enough. Although I'll cover Nutrition another time more carefully as an example of my food habits that a pit crew could have been aware of is that I had two different drinks which I labelled A and B.  Drink A would be just an electrolyte drink and drink B would be an energy drink.  Both drinks were accompanied by different foods and gels.  Also when the night set in I had caffeine drinks and gels to keep me going.

If you are running two bikes then you can swap bikes per lap, have your crew clean it up for you and check everything like gears and brakes are sound so when you come back you can swap again.  It is therefore quite important to have a crew member who has at least some basic knowledge about bike mechanics and cleaning them right. Really the role of the pit crew is there so you don't have to think, You can concentrate on your race and have everything done for you.  It takes a lot of pressure off you as a racer.

Something, else I noticed about not having someone to help me out was that when it came to eating in between laps it took a great deal of time to sort my own food out.  In fact I could go as far as to say I lost at least one laps worth in time.  That was the difference in finishing 4 places further up the field.  It is often hard to know where you are in a race and the crew can check on the timings and so inform you of what place you are in and who or where you nearest compeitiors are.

Below is a nice video of last years winner at the European Solo Champs won by Matt Page.  It shows his pit crew in action.

True Solo

So you couldn't get any helpers or felt that the word Solo really meant just that and you're up for the challenge?  Well you are certainly going to be at a slight disadvantage.  You will loose time in the pits, eating, cleaning and any other problems that may happen.  So the aim here is damage limitation.  Your pit area has to be extremely organised.  Have your drinks if you can pre prepped and marked with what each one is (I just marked mine A or B). Obviously, the more bottles you own the better.   Have food portions all pre arranged.  The idea here is that as you come to your pit, you can without much thinking, grab what you need quickly and go.


I did mine in this fashion and it served me well.  I had my drink and food planned for each lap even including when I would be introducing caffeine gels and drinks in as well as my eating stops and what I would have ready.  I had all my tools at hand too as well as first aid.  Basically, make sure everything is easy to find and quick to get to.  Don't pile everything up, have it laid out in order or importance.  You may feel anal doing it but when you get really tired you'll be grateful to yourself for being organised.

By all means, doing the race on your own is not impossible, it's a tougher challenge and when things go wrong you have to be mentally strong to deal with it.  There will be no one there to console you and coming back to an empty pit can be a bit demoralising when its night time its dark and you have no one to talk to about how you feel.  Some people get over this by using head phones and music for company.  I lit up my tent a bit so when I got back it felt more welcoming.  Leave notes for yourself, pictures of loved ones, anything that you think may help is all good.  This race will take you through some of your worst times and some of your best.  The more aware you are that this will happen and are prepared for it, the better you will cope with it.

Pit Set Up

How pits can be set up for the race can be varied but on the whole there is a similar theme amongst the more professional teams.  I only had a tent that had good storage space, it worked ok but for a better set up I'd recommend the following.

Arrive at your race as early as is allowed, ideally before the day.  Drive up, park and have a good look around to find a good area to pitch your equipment.  Good area include good access to the race track, and good areas to any amenities such as toilets, food areas, mechanics tent etc.  Make sure the ground is fairly level and not potholed or rutted so you aren't going to be tripping up.

Get yourself a Gazebo.  If possible one with closed sides so that it can be kept warm.  The reason mainly is for your pit crew.  It gives them a sheltered area to be in that isn't the tent.  Tents are ok but unless you have a really big tent you can't stand up in them which means cleaning, doing mechanicals or prepping food and kit has to be done crouched down.  Have some chairs for them to sit down in.  The typical folding camping chairs are ideal as they are quite comfortable.  Make it homely if you can with spare blankets to keep them warm as they will be sitting around for the majority of the time you are out racing and can get cold.  I've even seen some use coal burners and other various forms of heaters to keep them warm.  Obviously, a tent that is equipped for sleeping, like sleeping bag and inflatable mattress will make the whole experience for them ideal but is good back up should you have to sleep for any reason.  Set the gazebo as close to the track side as you can.  It allows you to stop right by your equipment.

Talking of stopping, I placed a bike stand right outside my tent which was useful to keep my bike upright as I pitted so I didn't have to put it into the mud.

Get a table or two to put you gear on.  Have it inside your gazebo or tent.  It helps when laying out your food.  The fold up tables are ideal.  I didn't have one and regretted it.  Mainly because when I was sorting my bottles I had to kneel on the floor and even with a mat on the floor I could feel the cold dampness chilling my tired knees.  Not ideal, it also just made sorting stuff feel more sluggish.
Keep all your stuff under shelter.  This is where having a gazebo with sides comes in, as it stops rain coming in wetting all you kit.

On the tables put all you food in the right order.  Drink, food for racing laps and food for longer pit stops.  Have your lights ready charged including back up lights and helmet lights.  Tools for repairing you bike should be near a work stand (something else that is handy to own!)  Make sure you've got your tool box sorted so things are easy to find.  Any spares should be kept separate so you aren't spending ages to find them.  Check and double check before you leave home that you have brought all your tools!  Basics should include, Allen keys, chain tool, cable cutters, pedal spanner, brake bleeding kit, spoke key, tire levers, chain oil, Track pump.  And anything else you may own.  Don't panic if your tool kit is lacking in many things as there is often mechanical support at hand.

First Aid kit.  Ok hopefully you won't need anything too drastic and there are always ambulance crews on hand for serious accidents but I made up a kit more for race discomforts.  Painkillers are your friend.  Ibuprofen and paracetamol can be both taken at the same time or staggered to help ease pain just remember to follow dosing instructions.  I often get really bad headaches from long rides brought on by stress in my neck in my shoulders so they are a real help for events like this.  Heat rubs, deep freeze spray are good for any little niggles as well as heat pads for lower and upper back pain.  Anything like that is good when you are suffering.  Tube grips (Joint supports) are worth packing to help with sore knees, elbows and ankles.  Have all of this on your tables and within easy grasp.

Lastly have all your clothing ready.  Really here, you'll probably just want to have warmer clothing at the ready everything else is just a bonus and just in case.


Kit List

Here is a copied list of the list I made prior to my race.  I've made some amendments to it for the things I wish I'd brought with me!

Camping

Gazebo                                  Folding Chairs                        Money                      
Tent                                       Two Tables                             Phone                       
Sleeping bag                          Heat or cooking stoves           Umbrella          
Inflatable Mattress                 Blankets                                  Cups and bowls
MP3 player                           Shower Gel                              Tooth Brush and Paste

Race Gear

Bike!                                       Innertube
Lights Helmet and bike        Patches
Saddlebag                               Multi Tool
Pump                                      Heat Rate Monitor
CO2 Canisters and refill

Nutrition

Energy Bars                         Electrolyte Drink x one tube                  Water 2L x6
Cereal Bars  x12                  Electrolyte Drink Caffeine x one tube
Energy Gels Caffeine x6     Jelly Babies x 2 large packs
Energy Gels x6                    Mixed Nuts
Bottles x6                            Malt Loaf x2
Energy Drink x 6                Chocolate

Cycle Clothing

Shorts x3                         Tights                            Helmet
Jerseys x3                        Socks x2                       Race shoes
Base Layers                     Waterproof Socks        Glasses
Arm Warmers                  Gloves                          Buff
Knee Warmers                Warm gloves                Waterproof


Casual Clothing

Walking trousers            Socks x4
Waterproof                     Underwear
Fleece                             T-shirts
Walking Boots               Jumpers
Wellies                           Hat

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Want It Wednesday #19 - On-One Scandal 2012

These Wednesdays seem to come round way too quick!  Well my last want was very much the dream, and unless I win millions on the lottery was never going to really happen.  Instead I am now on a saving mission to buy a new bike.

I have been spending a great deal of my time on On-Ones website looking for a new bike frame, and forks.  I really like these bikes.  They are often so well rated and because they miss out on the middle man, are so much cheaper than similar models out there.  I've really um'd and ah'd over what to buy though.  I was tempted by their Whippet frame which I put in a previous WIW.  It's carbon, and has a swappable rear hanger so I can also run it as a single speed. Only £300!

However, I really want something that is going to be and feel different to my current bike.  I looked at their Lurchers which are for 29ers and I was a bit smitten.  It has the same benifits as the Whippet but could allow me to own a 29er.  I could then run it on a ridgid fork and singlespeed and be happy as a pig in......  Yet, the frame is even more expensive.  Two hundred more.  I'd have to buy the ridgid fork and buy new rims and new tyres.  It's just too much money.

It was then that I stumbled upon their aluminum equivalent.  The scandal.  Just over 3.5lbs and only £200.  Add that to their carbon fork at £150 and I'm now looking at a very real prospect!  So after much waffle from me here is my want it wednesday.......an On-One Scandal!

The frame itself come in three colours. Black (which is a bit boring as I have a black frame now), Racing green (which is really tempting as I could add gold bits to it and make it very lotus racing like) and raw finish with lazer etched graphics.  Actually the raw is the most tempting as I can get it sprayed in the colour I really want.  I want to get one painted in a deep polished cream colour then finish it with the silver polished thomson seatpost and stem.  I'd then use red annodized bits on the seat clamp and QRs etc.  I've seen a bike done like this before and it is beautiful.  I just like the fact its so different from the usual black finishing kit that covers every bike out there.  And yes, I'd get the fork done the same colour!

I'll also add to this the forks and rims which I want to be Stans ZTR crests, with Schwalbe Rocket Rons.

So who else is joining me this Wednesday?

Merry*Death On A Bike!
I Love My Brooks Saddle
Racerwannabe
Cervelo Girl
I'll Be Back Soon


If you want to take part in this fun with some other friendly bloggers then all you have to do is follow this link here.

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How To Do A 24 Hour Solo Mountain Bike Race - What You're Going To Need - Part 1

What do I need for a successful race?

So you've signed up for that race, but as a first time entrant your probably now buzzing with a million and one questions.  One that entered my head, and took some planning, was what I needed on race day.  If you've walked around a 24 hour race site you'll have some idea what the pit areas look like but I hope to break this all down into a list of things to remember and to pack before you get there.

I will say this though, unless you happen to be a seasoned camper or race goer, 24 hour racing is an expensive thing to take part in.  The entry fee is only the start, but cost of spare bike parts, lights, food, camping gear can all add up.  So if you are stuck for money (as I was) then grovel and beg to friends and family till you get everything you need.  You'll be surprised how supporting people can be for something like this so hopefully you shouldn't have too much difficulty!


The Bike

Maintenance

Yes this is obviously something you will need, but the big point here is that your bike needs to be in perfect working condition.  Clean your bike like you've never cleaned it before, polish it even and ensure that all bolts are torqued tight.  Get someone to check it over if you like, but make sure it is sound.  Remember, you're out riding for a lot longer than any training ride.  It'll be like riding 4 or five training rides back to back and if a problem does occur it could ruin your race or at least effect the outcome. Even on race day I rode my bike and discovered my gears had gone out a bit despite being checked the days before.  So it pays to double check.

Some way riders get over this is to have two bikes on the day.  If you're lucky enough to be in this position then take the spare, ensuring that is also in great working order.



Set Up

Bike set up is important.  I adjusted mine by raising the stack height of the stem meaning my back was under less strain.  I made this adjustment months before.  It is really important that if you must make changes to your bike in terms of saddle position or bar height that you do not do it a few weeks before, but more like months before to allow the muscles to adapt otherwise you are on a one way ticket to get an injury. And we don't want that now do we?  Also, don't buy new equipment to use for the day, use what you are used to for the same reasons.  New equipment could work great but has a very likely chance of not working just right first time.  Saddles for instance, need bedding in, wheels can if not made right loose a bit of trueness etc

The only thing that should be considered for change is your chain and cassette if worn, and brake pads so check these out a couple of weeks before race day.

Saddles

Make sure you have a good.....no sorry, great saddle.  One that is totally comfortable.  You should be able to ride on it for up to 5 hours without really noticing. A great saddle doesn't need to be over padded but be just the right shape and have some flex.  It's such a personal thing but I swear by my Fki'zi:k Gobi as do many others and it is rated best saddle in various magazines. Worth trying is also Charge Bikes - Spoon Saddle

Tyres

If you can get the chance to pre ride the course before racing then do so.  On some courses you could be lucky that they are all weather and so you can choose a fast tyre.  Others sadly, suffer horribly over the hours of use from hundreds of tyres especially if it rains and the course gets wet.  If you can get a spare set of tyres then do so, particularly is they work well in most conditions.  They are also a good back up if your tyre gets shredded, hopefully something you will never have to experience.  I recommend something like Schwalbes Rocket Rons or Maxxis Ardent as great all rounders.


Night Lights

What to Buy

The light market is almost as daunting as buying a new bike.  There are so many company's offering the 'best' lights out there.  So what do you actually really need?  12 years ago when I was doing my first night racing I had two 10w lights that you just about pick out what was ahead.  One was a slight flood allowing you to see the width of the trail whilst the other was a spot which picked out the detail.  They were attached via a big thick cable to a big battery pack which was strapped to the frame.  They worked and you just get away with it but really weren't ideal at any speed or when the trail got technical.

Lights are very expensive, expect to pay around £200 for something half decent.  So first off see if you can borrow a set from a friend.  Ideally you should have a back up light too just in case one should fade.  It's worth checking with the race organisers if they have any lights to hire, some do and this can help with cost. However, if you've got the money as it is something worth owning.  You can always use them during the winter months and of course you'll be able to use them for training prior to the race. (something which is quite important and I'll cover that in training)

So when choosing your own obviously you will want something as bright as you can, something that not only gives a fairly food flood of the area but also picks out the detail ahead.  You should try and get something between 600 and 1800 lumens.  This isn't actually that difficult to find but you quickly run into a major problem that caused me no end of headaches.  Most lights at high brightness only last a few hours, which isn't ideal when your race could be between 6 and 10 hours of darkness.  Loads of light manufactures are terrible at telling you how long a battery will last at lower outputs or what lumens of light you will then get. This will leave you with the dilemma of not knowing whether you have to buy back up batteries and how many you will need.  Extra batteries just add up to the cost and are a pain to have to keep all charged and swap over when racing.

I would therefore like to highly recommend to you USE's Exposure Lights.  These lights are a bit bigger than some but are a self contained units so no battery packs needed.  I bought the Maxx D which give 1286lumens for three hours or 900 for 10 hours.  This was perfect.  It gives off a great amount of light ahead and would last all through the night without needing annoying changes.  Exposure are great and up front about burn times on their lights and they are a great solid well made light.  The only other light I know others recommend are Ay-Up lights which are beautiful small lights that are light but let off an amazing amount of power.

Helmet Light or Just Handlebar Light?

Most lights you buy like the one mentioned above fix onto your handle bars.  But what about helmet mounted lights.  I've done a lot of night riding without a helmet light and have to say that it is not totally necessary.  Most of the time the trail is flood lit enough to see where you need to be going.  However, there are times when in twisty single track with switch backs that you can loose sight.  You may be looking ahead but your bars are pointed the wrong way.  This is where a helmet light comes in.  It puts down a spot light where you are looking (with a bit of fiddling and setting up right!).  It eliminates those dark areas.  I hired one for my race and it was a good help to me but like I said before not crucial.  They are a bit cheaper than normal lights but they aren't as powerful on the whole so I wouldn't use it as my only light source but more as a secondary light.  Once again, Exposure do a great little helmet light.



 Clothing

What to Pack

It may depend on what time of year you race or the climate that you race in but pack for two eventualities.  Hot and cold.  The day time may be warm but come the night the temperature will drop and so just riding in shorts may no longer be possible.  Its amazing how quickly you can get cold if you have to repair an inner tube or mechanical out on the course.  In last years 24 hours of Exposure the race was held in May and yet a couple of people got hypothermia during the night as the result of stopping and cooling down fast.  It happens all to easily.  The worst time for getting cold is just before dawn breaks, so put on an extra layer before hand.

Arm warmers, leg warmers are great and versatile bits of clothing to own, as they are easy to pull on and off and pack in your back pocket.  Consider something like a sleeveless body warmer too.

Ensure you have a decent waterproof too if the weather turns nasty and wet.  One that breaths well to prevent building up with moisture on the inside.  I love my Gore pace-lite jacket, its almost like a windproof its so thin yet through years of use has still yet to let any water in. 

Should you change shorts during the race is a personal point.  Many say not to, as changing bib shorts when knackered is a challenge in itself.  There is no real need I found either but if its wet then it may be of some relief.  Just ensure before hand that whatever shorts you are going to wear have good padding and are pre prepped with chamois cream.

As a little tip I got from someone else, change your gloves half way through the race.  Trust me, it just feels nice!

If you wear cycling glasses then make sure you take some clear lenses.  Sunglasses in the dark are a bit over the top.  Interchangeable lens for glasses are great to own but can be a faff to swap around.  I just put my clear lenses in from the beginning but then again it was never sunny so you'll have to do what ever the weather is doing.

Feet

Socks.  Yes socks, not something you may think on too much but I bought a brand new pair to put on my feet and they felt lovely.  Its amazing how old socks get worn down and thin out so its a great little tip to keep your feet happy.  Remember to pack any water proof ones too if it gets wet on course.  Next is your shoes.  Don't buy anything new for the event, use a pair of shoes that are well bedded in, or a trainer style shoe, the last thing you want is for them to rub and for you to get blisters.  There maybe times during the race where you find yourself walking up hills and a tight rubbing shoe is only going to add to your misery.

Hydration packs or Water Bottle

Which to choose?  Both have their pros and cons.  Hydration packs can hold all your tools and water and so the bike remains light and rattle free.  Water is more accessible and there is less chance of running out whilst on the lap.  Yet these points can be detrimental to your race as well.  You are never totally sure whether you will run out of water, having a bottle you can see whether you are drinking enough and come your pit stop its a quick change over and off you go.  You can also do like I did and change the sort of drinks you take out on the lap with you.  This isn't so easy with a pack.  Also if you puncture you have to fiddle around getting your pack off finding your tube and pump and having to put it back on.  All crucial time eating into your race. Also, although with a pack your bike might be light, you aren't.  Having a pack on your back for many hours will only add strain to your back.   I notice that the majority of racers used bottles and I'd highly recommend the same.  Get a saddle pack for your tools and a good gripping water bottle cage for your bottles.  You will perhaps need to buy a few bottles so you're not having to change water at every pit.  I had four bottles but even that wasn't enough.


Back Up

Whilst racing its worth having a few extras at hand in your pits.  Take some spare inner tubes and patches.  Brake pads for front and rear, its amazing how fast they can wear in sloppy conditions. C02 Gas canisters and replacements for fast puncture repairs.  Mini tool to put in your saddle bag with a chain tool and some tyre levers. (really stuff you'd take with you on every ride)

In part two, I'll be going into this a bit more.  I will cover everything you will need to have in your pit area and how to make it efficient and ensure you won't get caught out.

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How To Do A 24 Hour Solo Mountain Bike Race

It was the year 2000 when I took part in my first 24 hour Mtb event, the infamous Red Bull Mountain Mayhem 24.  I did it with three of my friends, only myself and another friend were regular riders the other two had only ridden a few times so expectations were not high and we were doing it as a fun challenge.  It was an amazing, tiring, soul crushing, euphoric experience.  The emotions falling in pretty much that order.

I remember vowing never to do it again, but two years later there we were again plodding around the course with what by today's standards were low powered lights, or waiting cold and shivering at 3am for your partner to return from their stint.  This was the at the rise of 24 hour racing and teams were now more competitive and organised, but even at this time there was small group of racers that earned a reverent type status.  The solo riders.

As I came to the last lap and finish line I was passed by a solo racer.  I was so tired and I just couldn't imagine how these guys could do it.  In fact I thought that this was something I couldn't possible ever do and I held this belief for many years later.

The year 2012 I took part in my first 24 hour solo event and completed it.  I did something I'd built up in my head the years before to be impossible.  I have no real memory of what made me look into doing a solo attempt but I do remember looking into it.  I researched well and I was enticed by the 24 hours of Exposure a race geared up for new comers to the event and uniquely the only 24 hour solo race in Europe.  What I came to the conclusion whilst trying to find information on it, is that information is quite scarce.  There certainly is information out there but nothing that is concise, free, and all in one place.  So this is what I'd like to rectify.

Now I certainly don't profess to be an expert, or experienced in 24 hour racing but I hope to steer new comers in the right direction and avoid mistakes that I made and use others knowledge and experience to help make your own 24 hour solo race a success or even faster than your last one.

So if your mouse cursor has been hovering over the enter button for one such race, you are of sound health and mind but you are doubting your ability, and overall fitness then heed these words of wisdom.

JUST GO FOR IT!

If in doubt just read through these future posts to get extra advice. What I shall do is go through some main elements in my next few blog posts, these will include:

• What you are going to need - Part 1 - Bike, Lights and Clothing
• What you are going to need - Part 2 - Pit Area, Tools and Help
• Training
• Nutrition
• Race Day

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Want It Wednesday #18 - Giant Anthem X Advanced 29er

I wonder how many of you dream about winning the lottery?  Winning Millions would be lovely wouldn't it?  I've discussed this conversation with countless people who dream of winning and living the rich persons dream.  Most will tell me of houses they would like to buy, high powered sports cars they would drive, the shopping sprees they would go on etc.  Is it sad that all I care about it buying my dream bike?  The other stuff would come second, I'm not really bothered by cars, to be honest my car would be more like a van that I could transport my bike gear and stuff in for races!

But then, what actually is my dream bike.  I would probably buy a dream road bike, time trial bike, cross bike and mountain bike.  No doubt if I was rich enough I could buy multitudes of each type but really, is there any need for that?  I suppose you could argue the need for winter bikes but beyond that do I need multiple road bikes?  The hardest problem is could I actually choose just one?

There is so much choice.  I love bikes from Pinarello, Colnago, Cannondale.  I often thought wouldn't it be cool to have a selection of the best bikes from the same company and all the racing gear, but actually that can make choosing even harder. Pinarello for instance don't make mountain bikes. The closest brand to have everything I would want is Cannondale.  A brand I've always loved since owning my own 'Dale'.

But there is one bike that I keep coming back to time and time again. And that is Giants' Anthem range.  I've been wanting one for years, but have never had the money.  When you look at them they are nothing ultra flash, not like Colnago or Niner bikes, but these bikes have a pedigree of oustanding quality.  They have been out for a few years now, not changed much either, and continue to slap other bikes into the dirt.  They have always won best on test because of both their lightness and fantastic suspension action that defies belief that they only have 100mm and will take on those with 140mm.

So I'm now even more in love with their new bike they have just released.  The Anthem X Advanced 29er.  An all new Carbon frame for their 29er bikes.  I WANT ONE!

 At 22lbs this is one light full sus bike, and just looks very 'sexy'. 9 grand though, so like I was saying before, one for me to buy if I win the lottery.

On an off subject note, my Forum is now up and running properly so if you get chance take a look!

So who am I joined by this Wednesday?  If you want to join in with a group of great bike bloggers than all you have to do is go to my Want It Wednesday page and follow the instructions to join in. You can see those who have taken part below.  Click on their links to visit their great blogs and see what they want!

1. racerwannabe
2. Merry*Death on a Bike
3. I'll be back soon
4. I Love My Brooks Saddle

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Birthday Bike

No not for me, this wee bike is for my daughter who is going to be three on Monday.  It's her first bike :)  When my son was the same age I had bought this really cool (seriously)12inch wheeled Specialised balance bike so he could learn to keep his balance before getting to grips with pedalling.  It worked quite well and by the age of four he was whizzing around on a bigger bike with pedals and no stabilisers.

I thought we'd take the same route with my daughter.  I thought she could just sit on her brothers balance bike and use that instead for a bit.  On sitting her on it a problem was en counted.  She stood there flat footed on the ground the saddle was at its highest.  Oh.  It was the first time I'd realised she is in fact tall for her age.  So off to the shops we popped to size her up and after trying a few out we realised that a 12inch wheel was just too small and that she would need a 14inch.  Marked up as being suitable for a 4 year old.

I wasn't happy with any of the choices in the shop or other shops so it was a bit of time on the Internet to find the right bike.  Now girls bikes are a swine to buy for.  She was determined to have a pink bike.  Easy enough.  But they all came with bloomin white tyres, a wholly impractical colour and they just look so scruffy after a few moments riding on them. Also doll carriers may look cute but they just make getting on the bike harder, the only way is to step through the frame but she was already hoicking here leg over the back saddle (good girl).

Anyway, finally we got this one.  It was a joy to build everything working and fitting well.  It even has the added bonus of having V brakes rather than those useless U brakes that so many bikes have.  All for a reasonable and comparable price.  Hope she likes it!

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Cycling Forum Fun

Just a quick post to let you know I have been playing nice with my blog again.  In a never ending quest to make my blog different and more unique I have added a new page.  I have added a little discussion Forum!  Ooooo get me!

It's not totally complete, I have a few design issues that I want to clear up first and it needs a change to the colour scheme to make it more in line with my blog.  However, all sub discussions are set in place and is ready for people to start there discussions so feel free to use it.

I'm not over sure how well it will go, or even if it will see much action but I'm quite pleased to have got one on my blog and am now ready to flop into bed from brain drain.  It wasn't a quick job!  I'll probably be busy sorting out a few other things on my blog just neatening things so I may not post much this week. 

I have added a page called tech advice but I wouldn't bother clicking on it yet as it contains....nothing!  I will at some point be compiling a photographic workshop taking people through the basic, and intermediate mechanics on the bike.  Some of the more advanced mechanics of you may not find it useful but there are plenty of novice mechanics who would.

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24 Hours Of Exposure - My Results

Here I am rocking it at the 24hrs of Exposure.  Steely gaze hides the discomfort I was already feeling.

My lap times were as follows:

1. 1:34:53          5. 2:04:10
2. 1:30:35          6. 7:15:21
3. 1:35:58          7. 2:36:24
4. 1:47:13          8. 2:15:41
                          9. 1:40:10

Total Time:22:20:30

The question I'm left asking myself is that I had 1hr and 39 minutes and 30seconds left to go before the 24 hours was up.  Could I have squeezed out one more lap in that time?  It would have been tight!!!

Anyhow, I'm feeling much more human today, and am actually looking forward to getting back out on the bike to do some fun riding with friends.  May throw in the occasional race along the way!

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Want It Wednesday #17 - Exposure Joystick Mk6

During my24hr race I decided to hire a helmet mounted light to go alongside my bar mounted one.  I currently have an Exposure Maxx D light which is just totally fantastic.  It belts out 1296 lumen's for 3 hours and is a totally sealed unit meaning no faffy cables.  Even when used at a third of the power (about 800 lumen's) it is still bright and will last for 10 hours.

But bar mounted lights have their limitations. No matter how bright they might be.  If you are on a twisty trail with switch backs you just can't see around the corners, you just end up looking into a vague dark area.  This doesn't make for the fastest riding.  A helmet mounted light is the solution. Step up the lovely Exposure Joystick.

 

It retails in the UK for £165, having the same wire free design and long burn times that is common with all its lights making them a very good light option.  You can see more at Exposure Lights

This light really was fantastic to use and being light I never noticed it on my helmet.  The mount is quite simple.  It sit in between the vents and once tightened can still be adjusted to point just where you are looking.  Its bright at 325lumens giving a perfect little spot light.  It's not a light to be used on its own in my opinion as it doesn't light up enough of the trail.  You need a flood light for that.  Hence my other Exposure light!

So who else is taking part in Want It Wednesday.  Well we've got Paul who's got a fantastic beer pulling bike to show, love it! And Neil is showing a Surly Tag Nut.  I so want one! Cervelo Girl is showing off something beatiful from Colnago and Lindsay is finding the ultimate in comfort.

Cheers for your contributions Guys and Gals. Great stuff!

Do you want to take part?  Just go to my page marked Want it Wednesday and follow the instructions.

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24 Hours Of Exposure

24 hours is a long time. Think of all those things you can achieve in that time.  In that time most of us will achieve very little but work, eat, watch TV and sleep. For Easter Weekend, I raced in the UK and European 24hr Solo MTB Championships. This is my story.

I was cold, in pain.  Curled up in a ball in my tent, huddled in my duvet the race going on all around me.  The shouts from the pits as riders pulled up to get their food echoed around me.  My eyes heavy from tiredness, I lay their on my own, lonely and in turmoil.  My race all but over.  It was only midnight

The start of the 12 and 24 hour race takes place in the small Scottish village of Newcastleton. Up to 170 riders massed in the square to sign on and line up ready to race.  I choose to be at the back, to avoid the race rush of the 12 hour racers but stick with my plan of just taking it easy and ride consistently around the course. I was not going to be in contention of winning, I just wanted to finish mid table and above all not finish last. I was cold, I'd been cold since the day before.  The night in a tent hadn't been the best experience as I shivered through the night fighting off the cold and damp.  We all totted out of the the town led at the front by a lone bagpiper cheered on by many of the locals who came to send us off.  As the bagpiper reeled off the pace increased and we were away!  We followed the road up to the forest to start the race properly an obvious gap already forming between the Elite riders.

The course itself was a tough one.  12 miles in length and 550 metres (1800ft) of climbing per lap.  The first third of the lap was perhaps the worst.  The climbs here were steep and even the single track sections seemed testing and without flow, as they rolled down and climbed steeply up again.  The rest of the course contained some great single track descents that were fast but not technical, swooping berms, drops, bridges and loose stone.  Two very long climbs split this part of the course climbs that twisted up into the trees seemingly without end but remained consistent and allowed for a steady rhythm.  The last part was an energy sapping grassy, sticky incline followed by a bumpy decent before finally heading into the pit area.



My first two laps went well, I seemed to chat with quite a few riders who were also out there to just complete the race.  It was all very friendly and more like just going out for a ride with your mates than going for a race.  As the race went on and the riders spread out along the course this became less common and started to become more a personal battle with yourself.

First lap done and into my pit area.  My pit only included my tent which I'd left open so I could get easy access to me pre set drinks bottles, food and gels.  Where as most pit areas had helpers mine was empty, this was going to be a pure solo effort. It had taken 1h 35 minutes.  Five minutes outside my desired lap time

Second lap nearly 20 miles in and the first of my pains started to show.  My lower back was feeling the strain from the climbs, this wasn't a great feeling with the prospect of another 21 or so hours to go.  My pace wasn't dropping though and I came over the line hitting 1h 30 minutes.

The next two laps and my pace dropped of a little but my body was starting to feel battered by the course.  My back pain had eased but my arms, particularly my triceps hurt on the bumpy and twisty singletrack descents and my knees felt like they would explode on some of the climbs.  These pains would come and go through out the race, never all at once but enough to remind me that I was giving my body a hard time.  More painful was my right wrist which would twinge with shooting pain as I tried to use my brakes.  Not handy, and made the single track sections that should have been fun a grim affair.

Although, the course was full of friendly racers and there were people and marshals cheering you on as you went round, returning to an empty pit was a sad affair.  I had no one to tell of my discomforts or share my experiences with.  Completing my fifth lap I was feeling tired having only done 60miles.  I took a little time out to prep my drinks and food for the next two laps and stretch my legs and take on some food.  As I crossed over the timing gate to start my sixth lap the commentator announced my position as being 39th.  I remember feeling a tinge of disappointment at this stage, I was a long way off my goal of being in the middle of the pack, but I was still not last.  Still it was now properly dark and I was now on my first true night lap.  This I hoped would make the racing feel different and raise my spirits as night racing is quite fun.  It worked in part, my bright lights worked well in picking out the lines ahead. I wasn't quick and my lap times had seriously slowed.

By the time I got to the top of the second long climb I stopped to drink (I'd done this a few times as getting my bottle out of its cage send a twinge of pain through my right elbow.)  As I stood there I was hit by an overwhelming sense of tiredness.  I started to feel dizzy, I couldn't focus and felt unwell.  I stood there for what felt like an age, coldness taking a hold of me.  I had to get moving again to keep warm but as I rode I struggled to keep my line, nearly crashing out a few times, unable to brake properly was not helping in me picking good lines.

As I got to the off the bike in the pits, I could barely stand or walk in a straight line.  I wondered around delirious unsure of what to do.  I ate some more food but just couldn't stomach much, I got changed into some fresh warmer clothes, but it was no good.  I was done for, and as I lay there in my tent my race was over.  I lay there fighting with the sense of wanting to race on knowing I had so many supporters at home but loosing my self with despair, pain and the urge to just sleep.

I woke up after three hours sleep.  It was now 3:00am.  I lay there warm and snug, it was quieter outside now with only the 24 hour races going around still.  It took every ounce of strength and will to get out of my bed, all my mental strength to force myself out of my tent and back onto my bike.  But I did. I'd come here to race and I'd be damned if I was going to spend it lying in a tent feeling sorry for myself. Even if it meant walking up all the climbs.  I promised myself one more lap, I'd dropped only one place and now lay in 40th position.  The lap was slow but as my legs eased up the climbing became easier, I'd learned that if i braked with my index finger only I got no pains in my hand and so once again started to enjoy the night riding in all its weirdness.

I went out another two times after that.  Each lap getting faster, pains still coming and going but I was now smiling, occasionally singing to myself, I laughed at myself for what I was doing.  I was still there hanging on.  My last lap was my ninth and I was going great, climbing and racing at speed equal to the start of the race.  I felt I was getting stronger with every mile and pushed deep on the climbs and blitzed the descents, as I got to the finish line there was another 1hour and half to go, but I knew I couldn't do another lap in that time.  (any laps over 24 hours aren't counted).  I confess to crying once I got over the line.  Tears steamed down my face, and I buried my face in my hands slumped over the bike.  I was so proud of what I'd done.  I'd over come my daemons and despite myself had fought on where at one point I'd all but given up.  That was hard, really hard when I had no no one to push me on.  But there I was at the finish, tearfully happy.

I came 37th out of 49.  I had ridden 108 miles and climbed 4950m (16,200ft).

Looking back, if I'd had spent a half hour less in the pits then I could have gone out one last lap which would have put me in 31st.  But what I achieved for a first time purely on my own was something I won't ever forget, and something I can feel proud to have done.

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Bike Butterfly

So why is this not available at my local bike shop?

Gotta love the expression on both the rider and the pedestrian! :)

Six days till my race............and winter is returning.  Ah boooooooo! :(

Jez



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