![](https://imezi.jp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1_DSC_0072-300x150.jpg)
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!
![](https://imezi.jp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0067-300x150.jpg)
・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
![](https://imezi.jp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC_0074-300x150.jpg)
・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!