Top Five Mechanical FAQ's for the Triple Bypass

Top Five Mechanical FAQ's for the Triple Bypass

Courtesy of Tony Song, Owner, Bicycle Outfitters, Evergreen

Q: What kind of gearing should I be using?

A: The majority of riders are using a triple chainring (30/42/52 tooth) with either a 12-25 or 12-27 tooth cassette. The ultra low 30 tooth chainring in combination with a 27 tooth cog will allow most anyone to climb extremely steep grades with relative ease.
Racers and masochists who are running a double chainring (typically 39/53 tooth) often use either a 12-23 or 12-25 tooth cassette, but not necessarily recommended for the Triple Bypass.

Q: What gear should I bring?

A: As many who attempted the Triple in 2006 will attest, the weather can get pretty nasty and unpredictable; as such, the minimum gear recommended is:

1) PUMP - many riders carry co2 inflators (& extra co2) for their light weight and compact dimensions

2) TUBE - for obvious reasons

3) PATCH KIT - for those cases where the spare tube is used, a patch kit is a great last line of defense!

4) TIRE LEVERS - these little things will allow much easier tire removal for those pesky flats

5) ARM/LEG WARMERS - who knows....it could snow!

6) LONG SLEEVE JACKET - ideally something light that can be stuffed in a jersey pocket.

7) WATER BOTTLES - at least 2 large (20 oz) water bottles.....this ain't no short ride

8) ENERGY GEL - take one of these every 45 minutes or so and you'll never bonk!

9) FOLDING TOOLKIT - a slipping seatpost, crooked stem, loose saddle, or host of other potentially hazardous problems can easily be fixed with a small folding tookit.

10) MONEY - never know when you'll need to call a cab ;)

Q: How should I train?

A: Simply ride your bike.......a lot!

Q: What do I need to do to prepare my bike?

A: Make sure it's tuned properly.......there's nothing worse than riding a squeaky, poor-shifting, ill-braking bike all day!

Q: What tire pressure should I run?

A: The recommended tire pressure for tires is printed on the sidewall of any tire. The recommended range is typically 100 - 120 psi, however there are tires that will handle up to 175psi. Definitely check the pressure before you ride as tires with low pressure will tend to flat easily and will be less efficient.