I'm not an Enduro racer but in two weeks time I will be on the starting line of the NZ MTB Rally. Lucky me but yikes! My main reason for participating is to pack in as much great riding as possible into just a single week away from work and family; I have no aspiration of being anything but last and I am totally fine with that. I have done some local enduros in the past and hoping plenty of riding experience makes up for lack of any talent!
I live in NZ but my preparations are lacking and lagging though I have managed to do more riding than normal over Christmas and last couple of months. My main issue now is the kit; although I have a lot it turns out I need more!
Looking for recommendations of safe bets for the following items available in NZ (where availability is often more limited than UK) with my current ideas in [square brackets]:
- Full-face or convertible helmet: [Fox Proframe]
- Back/chest protector:
- Elbow pads: [G-Form Pro X-3]
- Sunglasses: [Oakley Sutro with Prizm lense]
- Goggles: [Giro Tazz]
- Hydration/bag: [Camelbak Chase]
I am willing to spend money where it is worth it but some of this stuff may not get a lot of use after the event (particuarly back protector, goggles and fullface). My go to search location is probably Hyper Ride: https://www.hyperride.co.nz/ but happy to shop anywhere that can deliver.
I also have a bike dilemma, trying to choose between:
- Riding my 2015 Transition Scout (125mm travel, -1 degree angleset, 27.5", familiar, reliable, undergunned?)
- Hiring something like an Orange Stage 6 (high quality bike, zero time to get familiar)
- Buying something temporary (to sell afterwards) like a 2021 Trek Slash or 2023 Stumpjumper Evo
Hmm, I have left myself quite a lot to do. Any advice appreciated!
The Scout will do fine, assuming you have decent brakes and tyres.
You bastard! I was just looking at this today … wistfully. Eddie Masters is doing it this year.
Theres also the TransTas at about the same time… if only.
Anyway I’ve raced a few Queensland races in a Proframe and I would recommend as it’s light and airy.
Fox Race frame is pretty good chest protector and easily available from MX stores I think.
I wear Sutros but honestly can’t get on riding it them as I sweat too much. 100% goggles are cheap from mx places. I rarely wear them again because too sweaty and steamy most of the time.
All my eyewear is Melon Optics - Alleycats with low light or photochromic lenses, Kingpin with the Vantage lens, Diablo Pro goggles with low light or red chrome lens.
I really rate the optics - I'm a distance, intermediate and near glasses wearer and manage to ride my bike fine with non-script Melon eyewear
You could grab yourself one of the Evoc bags with the back protector built in. It's not easy but I would really want to try on helmets and goggles. With my face some helmets push the goggles down onto the bridge of my nose and restrict breathing, not something that you want to find out when you're gasping for air.
I have no aspiration of being anything but last
Funny, that’s exactly my aspiration when entering a race. Anything but last!
Can’t help with the kit list but I would try to use what I have rather than risk something that could potentially be uncomfortable. You’ve not given yourself much time to try stuff out. Have fun though 😀
I can recommend the Proframe as being nice and light and airy, it's what I use if I go to the Alps/Trail Centres and it's not really any warmer than a normal lid once you get used to the feeling of the cheek foam pads sitting against your skin. However that's with most climbing being done by the lifts, if I was pedalling all the transitions I might be more inclined to try a removable chin-bar type but they all seem to be a lot heavier/more expensive/both so I'd probably just go for the Proframe and take it off if I was doing a fireroad climb.
Body armour wise I have this and found it very comfy and not too sweaty - main plus point with the full zip is you can actually get it on and off when you're hot and bothered at the end of the day and everything clings to you!:
https://www.hyperride.co.nz/product/314633/leatt-mtb-body-tee-reaflex-stealth
Although all the cool kids just seemed to wear one of the back/chest protector vest things and a baggy t-shirt, I feel like the shoulders are more likely to take the brunt of a small to medium tumble. I've never found a set of knee/elbow sleeves I get on with so I don't both with those (but do often feel silly for not wearing them when I think about the consequences!)
I have a Proframe, it's a great lid, highly recommended.
You can't go far wrong with any leatt kit.
Another Proframe user and it's decent 👍
You could grab yourself one of the Evoc bags with the back protector built in. It's not easy but I would really want to try on helmets and goggles. With my face some helmets push the goggles down onto the bridge of my nose and restrict breathing, not something that you want to find out when you're gasping for air.
or the poc column which is on sale in the Uk at the moment
Where the OP isn't
This is brilliant - thank you all.
I will take a look at your recommendations
I am guessing that full-face needs goggles for comfort and that sunglasses won't work.
On the bike the Scout does offer familiarity and I rode it in Nelson fine back in 2016 but there is a good second hand market in 2021/2 bikes so not ruling it out - Giant Reign/Stumpjumper Evo/RM Altitude all at around 1200 GBP.
I am guessing that full-face needs goggles for comfort and that sunglasses won't work
Sunglasses work fine with a full face. I feel claustrophobic in goggles, so wear sunglasses or clear safety specs. Apparently it’s a fashion faux pas, couldn’t care less.
Friends who’ve done TransNZ have all ridden bigger bikes. I’d look for something with 160/140 that will pedal and descend well personally. If you’re going to drop some cash.
@keppoch keep us updated on your progress. Keen to hear how the race goes.