Big JD
Wheel size expert
Ss
JD
33/ 17 at Mt Major is nuts unless you have years of SS experience, weigh 70kgs and cage fight on weekends. I rode it SS once with a 32/20 and wouldnt do it again - although the downhill was fun. Even the XC trails there are quite hilly and change pitch often - quite hard to get up a fast flow - needed for SSing. If it is your only bike then might l suggest setting it up 2 x 2 with a 32/34 up front and 20/18 out back. Then you have a good gear to spin out there and for the flatter trails and a gear for the MT M. it is accually a rather challenging place to ride a SS - hats off too ya.I rolled up there with the stock 33/17 only 2 days after getting the bike. More to show it off than anything else. Had an 18t in the tool box but after the short 1k loop near the bottom I gave up and grabbed the Gary Fisher. I`d probably get a bit further now but would want a 19 or more out back to do it, and even then it would be a once only lap if I did manage to get to the top.
The elevation plot shows 305 meters of climbing over the 10km enduro course with several sections climbing at 10% gradient for between 250 to 500 meters at a time.
Coming down there is a 2.4km run at -6% before a final 500 metre 10% climb.
Rinse and repeat.
Hoping someone with a bit more ability than me could have a go at the next club day and give some feedback. Are you up for the challenge? We`ll have a medic there for you just in case.
Cheers
MH
JD