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Okay, I've been roped into this years Mountain Mayhem. It's the first time I have ever competed in anything like this but the team are doing it more for a laugh rather than any serious competitive streak.
The two mountain bikes I own are probably not the most suitable for this type of thing but was after some advice on which to use (may well take both anyway).
My first bike is a 2008 Enduro SL (weighs about 31lbs) and happily ride it all day at the minute.
The other is a Marin Rocky Ridge (again about 30lbs) great fun downhill but can be a bit harsh/tiring on longer rides) I was toying with the idea of getting rid of this anyway and getting something like a Rock Lobster but am not sure whether I can bring myself to do it before the race because it's just such a fun bike for the type of riding I do most of the time.
Most of my mates are also taking part in the event, so borrrowing a bike from one of them isn't really an option.
Any thoughts?
Unicycle 😀
Enduro - I've done it sevarl times on my 30lb Jekyll and on a 28lb hardtail as well - the Jekyll was faster. I don't know if it'll be faster than the 20lb hardtail I have this year though......
You do need the most comfortable one though - it's a long period of riding and any bike that gives you less of a beating is good IMHO
RM250 works for me!!
Am going for Giant XTC carbon hardtail and kona hei hei for my poor back & bottom when it all gets too much! Suggest full sus will make the event more fun for you but there is a lot of climbing - usually over 1,000 ft a lap so keep that in mind!
My first bike is a 2008 Enduro SL
I think this'll be my main bike as well, though mines an '07 and weighs in around 28lbs or so (carbon frame with Roval Traversee's), might switch to 2x9 for MM as well (drop the bash guard, don't imagine I'll need it :lol:)
Back-up bike will probably be my old Yeti ASR... or maybe a SS of some sort?
If its the same as last year I'd say a Cyclocross bike. Boring boring track, just climbing in fields. There was one good techincal descent that they took out when the roadies moaned.
EDIT Sorry having been that negative I should add that I did enjoy the event overall, was riding bikes afterall and the night laps were lovely. I'd say hardtail is defo the way to go but you can ride around on anything as long as you are prepared for a lot of climbing.
They took out the descent because someone seriously splattered themselves 😐
Its never going to be technical, its a XC race track. Hardtail is the best choice
team are doing it more for a laugh rather than any serious competitive streak.
just ride whatever bike you've got.
it won't make much diffference to you anyway. people on much sillier bikes than that around. i'm sure i saw a single ring freeride bike going round!
Hardtail for speed, full suss for comfort over many hours, single speed for mud.
I rode my 25lb hardtail last year and regretted it every lap. Wish I'd taken my full suss stumpjumper, much more comfortable. Really hurt going over the field before the Kenda climb, the cows had potholed the field and then the mud had dried (although admittedly this can be a Mayhem oddity, dried mud that is).
Not doing it this year, no team 😥
Its never going to be technical, its a XC race track.
Its never going to be technical, its a [b]English[/b] XC race track.
Best choice is a 20lb full susser.
I thought the course was pretty good last year, though I can appreciate how it might be less than fun if you can't get the laps under 50minutes.
how long is each lap?
"Its never going to be technical, its a XC race track."
You obviously haven't done an NPS in a while then.
GB
Well, I'll take my Orange 5, but if there's any rain I'll be on my IO iD. The mud can destroy any bike.
I'll be on my Anthem Advanced & an XTC hardtail as a spare. Short travel full sus is perfect imho, unless it's muddy (again) then singlespeed hardtail.
psychle - Member
how long is each lap?
Usually between 8.5 and 9.5 miles.
Full suspension SS was the best bike for me. Closely followed by a Cotic Soda (HUGE mud clearance)
You don't need gears for any of MM, I've never failed the big climb and I'm not that fit.
It's the mud. I hate that mud. Lets pray for a dry course!
Did it on a Trance last year. Too much bike. Will be on a hardtail this year.
I have it on good authority that its gonna be warm and dry....
I still think the name shouldn't be allowed under the trade description act. 😛
I suppose Muddy Field Mayhem doesn't sound as hardcore.
Done the last 3 all on an Orange 5, weighing in around 31lbs, no issues in the mud and nice and comfy in the dry, but then, I only have one bike to choose from 😉
Also, had loads of fun even though I never did a sub 50 min lap, not sure what that post was about other than willy waving 😀
Did on my Trek EX8 last year and also a Giant XTC hardtail. Forget full suss as you will only be on the bike for about 60 minutes and a hardtail is a damn site quicker in certain sections. Plus you will have to pick up and run so go light.
There was 7 minutes difference between a lap on the EX8 and the XTC.
Any my arse was fine on a hardtail.
Take 'em both. Having a spare is no bad thing.
I am doing it solo and have 2 bikes:
Full rigid (though may get some forks before Mayhem) On One Scandal 29er with an Alfine hub. Must be around 24lbs. Reckon this will be great if the weather turns...
Yeti 575 - will set it up as light as I can - Bontrager wheels, full XT, maybe the 1.5" xc tyre I used at Hit The North (worked a treat)
Hopefully this will give me a couple of different riding positions and I can use the 575 when my body starts to ache!
that flat section along the lake before kenda climb was a bugger last year - very uncomfortable, and I'd have loved a full sus at that point. Also the descent after the kenda climb would have been faster on a full sus.
That said, me being substantially fitter would have been faster overall. A hardtail is fine - this year I'll be on my whyte 901, and it'll be fine.
If I had the choice, I'd take a SS along if it got seriously muddy, but I don't, so I won't. 🙂
There isnt anything too technical on the course to warrant lots of suspension, but you definately would find it more comfy, take both hardtail and sus.
Neither of them will be any good if its wet and you dont have mud tyres.
I suppose Muddy Field Mayhem doesn't sound as hardcore.
Grum, no one forces you to do it, if you don't like it just go and do something else. It's a 3 day party with a bit of camping, a bit of biking, a bit of night riding - it isn't the Hardcore World Championships.
Grum, no one forces you to do it, if you don't like it just go and do something else. It's a 3 day party with a bit of camping, a bit of biking, a bit of night riding - it isn't the Hardcore World Championships.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be able to do it - I just think it's a somewhat ridiculous name. It conjures up images of something like the Megavalanche. 😆
Just to clarify - I took my hardtail setup for mud; conti 1.5s, crud catcher, no granny-ring etc. Luckily I didn't need it last year.