Extreme Momentum

MTB vs CX Bike – Head-to-Head Uphill

by admin on May.06, 2012, under Reviews

So, let’s be honest. Comparing the uphill performance of a 26″ full suspension MTB to a 700c rigid cyclocross bike isn’t exactly fair, especially on fireroads. This review is mainly to highlight the differences instead of declaring a winner. I just thought it would be interesting to relay some things I noticed from a recent ride.

The uphill challenge was the I Think I Can trail in Crystal Cove State Park. This is part of my normal loop, so I’m very used to each turn and rise. It averages about 9% for a little over a mile. I raced the Piru 40K TT the day before, so I didn’t know how my legs would perform. I figured they would be tired for both bikes, so it would really matter. Here’s how the bikes stacked up.

Sette CX-1 Cyclocross Bike
SRAM Force Drivetrain
50×34 Crankset
12×36 Cassette
Challenge Grifo Clincher Tires (700×32)
17.5 lbs
8:35 – 8.1 MPH – 1216 VAM

Titux X Carbon MTB Bike
SRAM X0 Drivetrain
44x32x22 Crankset
12×34 Cassette
Kenda Nevegal UST Tires (26×2.1)
25.4 lbs
11:25 – 6.1 MPH – 914 VAM

The CX bike was obviously the best going uphill. I Think I Can isn’t really technical, so the lighter weight and full rigid setup help. I know can go faster still on the CX bike, but wonder about the MTB. I guess I’m so used to spinning high RPM on the MTB to put more power into this short climb. Still, I’m excited to keep trying and even compare my biking time to my running time.

Cyclo-Vets Super Masters TT

by admin on Mar.31, 2012, under Cycling, Reports and Results, Time Trial

Cyclo-Vets Super Masters 20K TT
March 31, 2012 – San Diego, CA
Masters 35-39 – 1st – 27:54:00
289 watts – 26.7 MPH

My first W of the year. Even though I didn’t sleep well the night before, the race conditions were ideal. It was overcast with light winds and in the upper 50s. I got a good warm-up in and was ready to go, but still groggy for having had about 5 hours of sleep the night before. I could tell my legs were tight but excited about my first lap splits. I really wanted to break 28 minutes. I was hurting towards the end, despite my heart rate still being low. Overall, I was happy with my performance, as I knew I could this going for 20K. I was even more impressed in seeing how many 70+ year olds were racing. I hope I’m that fast at that age. BTW, the San Diego Cyclo-Vets put on a great race!

Winter is finally here! (And it’s nearly Easter)

by admin on Mar.25, 2012, under Workouts

Rose and I had been trying to go up to Big Bear a few times this winter, but timing never worked out. Neither of us is much into downhill skiing/snowboarding, but we wanted to try snowshoeing. Big Bear got about 2 feet of snow last weekend, however we couldn’t make it since I got sick. Today, we decided to drive up to at least try some hiking.

The weather couldn’t have been more spectacular. Sure, the trails were sloppy until we got to higher elevations, but the sun was out and the views were amazing. Plus, temps were in the upper-40s, so it felt plenty warm. We hiked the Pine Knot Trail from the Aspen Glen picnic area up to the 2N08 fire road. We needed snowshoes to go further, plus we were tired. In hindsight, it was good we turned around as a new winter storm blew in just as we were leaving. If we didn’t have to work Monday, it would have been great to stay and enjoy snowshoeing in a 12 inches of new powder. Yes, we are finally getting snow in late March, but were happy to drive home to 60 degree F weather!

Here is our route and some photos of our hike (this is the complete Pine Knot hike…we only went to the 2N08 fire road). In case you park in the Aspen Glen picnic area, you’ll need an Adventure Pass.