at last!
I got to give the Imezi 167grv wheels a test ride!
my main aim this year is SDA Otaki
100km off road / 3,000m climbing
so I rode a course to simulate that
today’s course
・my condition
yesterday I did Noguchi san’s home strength training menu
today I woke up with heavy legs, heavy arms and a stiff core
still I’m motivated!
・demands of the course
Otaki is characterized by steep climbs and descents
and big rocks
usually I go with 2.4 bar
but Noguchi san recommends 3 bar
a little less grip
but more puncture protection
for SDA Otaki
it’s all about puncture protection
2 flats on the last 2 rides
2 different wheels with broken spokes too
・how to win the race?
on a mountain offroad course
it’s not rocket science!
climb faster!
descend faster!
・climbing faster
the obvious way to climb faster is to be lighter
240g of sealant
tyre inserts
950g saddle bag
light wheels can make a difference
1,200g for the pair
I feel like I have an extra gear today
particularly on the steep kicks of “the power climb” and “the snake”
I want to go back with fresh legs
and really push it on these climbs
・descending faster
descending faster is a combination of skill and confidence and avoiding punctures
with no suspension on the bike
anything that can absorb the impact is important
>fat tyres
>sealant
>tyre inserts
>strong rims
I waited till the last descent of the day
“the wild boar rindo”
to really let go
loose gravel
rocks
high speed!
punctured here so many times
but I have extra cushion today
descending with confidence
the wheels came through today’s ride with no issues
little by little
I want to push the wheels hard on the descents too
find the wheels limit
and my limit!
here we go!