I know they tripped up at least one rider. They are taller than the UTCX barriers as well. Good course though. I think the racers liked it quite a bit.
Ned Connell
November 22, 2010
Hey Adam – your old Ramble Tamble always managed to carry me to victory in all my mtb races this year – at least in age-group races. When I raced against the young guys in the SS division the results were less spectacular. I was actually winning one SS race but lost count of my laps and did an extra one and still was 5th – key thing remember to stop at the end!
I have been following your cross reporting this season. My season ended early unfortunately – to much work on the weekends. You know you pray for success but aren’t ready for it when it falls upon you. One thing that I do want to pass along after seeing your cross photos is that many guys in the New England series are switching to flat bars – mostly for financial and weight reasons. You can get a set of carbon flat bars and a set of “thumbie” shifters for less than $150 compared to $350 for a good set of brifters. Also, with flat bars and thumbies you even save around 1 pound of weight over brifters. However, with flat bars on a cross bike you are likely to need a much longer stem to get in a reasonably low position. And unless you are leading a race – you are always able to tuck in behind someone and eliminate any extra wind resistance. I tried a flat bar setup on my cross bike and felt much more comfortable and able to curve turns better. I am definitely sticking with flat bars.
check out the video youtube of the 1997 Cross Worlds – Thomas “Fishstick” gets second on flat bars.
Grizzly Adam
November 22, 2010
Ned,
Glad to hear the Ramble Tamble is treating you well. A few riders out here race on flat bars and/or modified MTBs. I’ve wondered if I’d be more comfortable with flats, although I’m starting to get the feel for the drop bars I’ve got… something to look into. Thanks!
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5 Comments
mark
November 22, 2010Those are some scary barriers. Fabric wrapped around steel? Would hate to get a foot caught in that.
KanyonKris
November 22, 2010The original plan was for iron spikes.
Grizzly Adam
November 22, 2010I know they tripped up at least one rider. They are taller than the UTCX barriers as well. Good course though. I think the racers liked it quite a bit.
Ned Connell
November 22, 2010Hey Adam – your old Ramble Tamble always managed to carry me to victory in all my mtb races this year – at least in age-group races. When I raced against the young guys in the SS division the results were less spectacular. I was actually winning one SS race but lost count of my laps and did an extra one and still was 5th – key thing remember to stop at the end!
I have been following your cross reporting this season. My season ended early unfortunately – to much work on the weekends. You know you pray for success but aren’t ready for it when it falls upon you. One thing that I do want to pass along after seeing your cross photos is that many guys in the New England series are switching to flat bars – mostly for financial and weight reasons. You can get a set of carbon flat bars and a set of “thumbie” shifters for less than $150 compared to $350 for a good set of brifters. Also, with flat bars and thumbies you even save around 1 pound of weight over brifters. However, with flat bars on a cross bike you are likely to need a much longer stem to get in a reasonably low position. And unless you are leading a race – you are always able to tuck in behind someone and eliminate any extra wind resistance. I tried a flat bar setup on my cross bike and felt much more comfortable and able to curve turns better. I am definitely sticking with flat bars.
check out the video youtube of the 1997 Cross Worlds – Thomas “Fishstick” gets second on flat bars.
Grizzly Adam
November 22, 2010Ned,
Glad to hear the Ramble Tamble is treating you well. A few riders out here race on flat bars and/or modified MTBs. I’ve wondered if I’d be more comfortable with flats, although I’m starting to get the feel for the drop bars I’ve got… something to look into. Thanks!