Currently riding the above on the North Downs.
It runs a bit faster than the HR2 it replaced but the braking (mainly loose over hard on the North Downs) is sketchy.
Definitely gives up grip faster that the HR 2 unsurprisingly.
Not sure whether to persevere with it as I am riding the SDW next weekend over 3 days lol...and need all the help I can get. Not fit and bike handling skills are lacking.
Trouble is, do I prioritise braking grip over rolling resistance?
My fitness level says go for the SS, my lack of biking skills says go for braking grip with the HR2.
Thoughts?
No point being faster if you fall off and hurt yourself
Id take grip over speed any day, but im a lazy c**t with an E-mtb so rolling resistance dosent bother me lol
Running a Maxxis DHR2 3c maxx terra with DD casing on the rear and a DHF maxx terra 3c exo on the front
Go with the SS as the South Downs Way in similar riding to the Pilgrims Way on the North Downs so not technical. Also download the taps map from the SDW double site as it was very useful.
Never done the SDW but I use a semislick (rock razor) on the back for probably 8 months a year, even for tweed valley offpiste and the like. Yeah you get a bit less straightline braking grip but you do adapt to it. And the difference in rolling resistance is huge.
(Also, I tell myself that skids aren't as evil, because the smoother tyre can't rip the trails up the same 😉 )
Can't help with the tyre choice but might see you next weekend. When you leaving and which way you heading? I'm aiming to do Winchester->Eastbourne in a day next Saturday. Will be the tired guy on a yellow rigid genesis plus bike.
Having ridden a very short section last weekend, and QECP, I would go for less rolling resistance personally..
nixie
Subscriber
Can’t help with the tyre choice but might see you next weekend. When you leaving and which way you heading? I’m aiming to do Winchester->Eastbourne in a day next Saturday. Will be the tired guy on a yellow rigid genesis plus bike.
My plan is to leave Winchester early Friday morning. I'll be bivvying around Cocking Friday night.
I'm the big guy coughing up a lung with a baby blue Evoc backpack and massively overbiked on a black Jeffsy 29er.
You absolutely WILL pass me at some point. 😁
Oh, I'll be sporting a bright blue Catlike helmet.👍
Me last year before multiple crashes and begging at random houses for water. Lol
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When it's running 'hard' you could ride 99% of the SDW on slicks - it's only on a few of the steep ascents where you get marbles over the hard chalk where grip gets sketchy
SS definitely on rear...as above, can be done on slicks when hard and plenty of folk do the sdw on gravel/cx bikes (tad brutally for my liking). Personally i like Racing Ralphs on the sdw and hope to get back on it soon.
Sounds fun over 3 days...enjoy!
Not fit and bike handling skills are lacking.
Trouble is, do I prioritise braking grip over rolling resistance?
Most braking power comes from the front I think with the rear only really assisting. No fitness and no skill sounds like a cue to take it a bit easier and be a little more cautious while taking advantage of less rolling resistance.
Unless it's all muddy of course, in which case, ignore the bit about taking advantage of less rolling resistance.