Tires for Chequamegon Fat 40

[flombe]

I am interested in hearing what some of you plan to run this year.

Last year I rode Hutchinson Python UST Lights. The two years before last I ran Continental Explorer (front) Escape (rear), both with their "Protection" sidewall. The year before that it was some sort of Bontrager (Jones Revolt X??) with low profile knobs.

I prefer the Pythons although last year was drier than most. The Conti's rode fine too. The Bontrager's worked well on a bone dry course but I recall they lacked traction on the rockier climbs.

I am toying with running Hutchinson Spider UST's and will for certain if the course is wet as usual (big puddles do not count - they are to be expected). I have ridden these all summer and am impressed with the high traction/low rolling resistance they offer.

[Wolfchimp]

I also would like to know what tires to run. I have Python Air Lights and some Ritchey Speedmax tires that I thought about running. This year will be my first 40 so any riding tips for the 40 would be very much appreciated.

[viv]

Ive run everything from Panaracer fireXcs 1.9s to Onza Rip and Rails (way back,remember) I try for low rolling resistance...remember all of the fire roads? This year Ive been useing Specialized FastTracksand they seem to roll fast. (especially if pumped up to 50 or so) I find that tracxtion isnt much of an issue. You dont do a lot of fast cornering on the 40 and any climb that is steep enough to require massive doses of traction can be either finnessed or walked. Low and Fast...... Last two years I ran the Hutchinson Pythons (I think) and the year before the Ritcheys, even though I run Specialized RollXs around here.

[SuperV]

I ride cheap tires so I can FEED THE KITTY

[viv]

Dont You Have A Job!

[viv]

I'm thinkin about leavin mine nowish and hitting Wirth....

[SuperV]

I'm going to take a nap

[SuperV]

maybe I'll dream about VEGAS

[flombe]

I will be running Hutchinson Python New Gen UST Lights if it is dry. If it is wet, I will run Hutchinson Spider UST Lights. By the way, I ride hardtail.

The course for the 40 is not technical in terms of twisty stuff.

On the snowmobile/atv/fire/logging trail sections, there are several fast exposed root and rock-strewn downhills with sand pits at the bottom of every one of them. The same can be said for the several climbs. You may find large puddles in the low spots as well. I have heard that the trail is drier than usual and rougher than usual in terms of loose surface, baby heads, etc.

On the Birkie sections, it is all rollercoaster hills with a singletrack surrounded by rough grass. Naturally, most riders take the singletrack. Passing is done in the rough where you will not see the dips, rocks, etc. until you are right on them.

There are stretches of gravel road, some smoother than others where you can hammer (or recover!).

The notorious climb is the Firetower and depending on when you get there, you will find a 5-tier challenging climb or a 5-tier hike-a-bike. There are a few other good climbs throughout the course.

The are two grassy downhills at Telemark (former ski hill) at the end of the course leading to the finish area. Keep your weight back and pay attention to your line! There are some good sized dips that can throw you.

[Magic]

My tire of choice for this race when it's dry is: 2.1 Panaracer Fire Pro XC up front and a 1.8 Panaracer Fire Pro XC on the rear. This combo has worked well in all types of conditions for me. I like to have a bigger front tire for the float and cornering. Then having the narrow tire on the rear helps with traction as it digs down to find good traction. Plus the smaller rear tire helps in rolling resistance. These are the tires I've run for the course. I'd recommend to bring some extra tires just in case the course is wet, that way you have options.