Transcontinental Race No. 7 - TCR7 - #TCRN07 - 2019

Could put more [reflective tape] on saddlebag but would knacker its waterproofness...

Not tried it myself, but I've seen folk recommend using silicon sealant to glue patches onto bags, could work for this?

I need to start looking at routing but I've got to get TransP out of the way first. I'm hoping to recover so I can do my set of 600s and use them to test my kit changes. So all of this is taking up time and looking at routes is like the last thing I want to do, especially when stuff isn't finalised.

Yeah, I think the gaps were weeks, then a month then like 3-6 months. They are supposed to be done a fair while in advance.

Better off getting all the illness done at the same time I reckon.

Will they give it if you are on medication though?

Am I even going to need a Wolftooth if I've got the newer Di2 Ultegra RD?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roUXWvAN-9k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5G_KtK3LVk

Depends how far the mech mounting bolt is from the axle.

Yes, you'll need it for that new 60T cassette

TBE is a month then a year.

Depends what, but probably makes no difference. You could check on the info site for the vaccine if there is a conflict with whatever you are taking.

Best to go your gp first as they will give you some of them free, like hepatitis. Rabies and TBE you have to pay for from take clinic

Yes, the start and end point of each stage is now finalised (apart from the start of the stage in Austria, but they have said almost where it will be) so you can plan the free routes between now.

If like to know what the plan is for alpe d'huez parcours so I can decide on tyres.

The hardest bit is trying to decide whether to go on cycle path or main road in Austria where they tend to run parallel, and you haven't got enough local info to know which is better at any given point.

Problem with a roll up saddlepack is that you don't always close it in the same place, if you put more stuff in it

Yeah, I knew there was a long one.

It's probably the wrong shape, now I've switched to the new style RD. I bought this Wolftooth like two years ago and still haven't used it.

Derr, why didn't I think of that.

Cheers, guess I'll join komoot and see what I can see. Preferred it when it was just Gmaps.

I want to run more durable tyres, sod speed. I was paranoid about cutting mine up on CP4 last year. I'd love something to fit and forget. Any suggestions? I can only go up to maybe 32mm on the Mason.

I'm also looking for friendlier roads this time. Big, fast roads might be fast, but if you need to stop for a lie down after the stress of riding them I'd rather stick to smaller shit these days.

I ordered some absolute black rings yesterday to get lower gears - 30/46. I'm not interested in the oval BS but it's a clever way of making smaller rings fit my chainset (and I'm committed to chainset because power meter)

When I've added (self-adhesive) reflective tape, I've done it perpendicular to the bag opening, so even when some gets rolled up, there's still a stripe showing.

Just upgraded my brakes, from cheapo mini-vs to cantis. Cantis have come on since I last fitted a set. These ones are great (Tektro CR710) - loads of stopping power, easy to adjust and a nice retro look...

Yes, that would be the way to do it - stripe up the middle

Yeah, I gave up on that idea a while ago. I'll stick with the Quarq and a big cassette. It's still going to be lower than what I ran in TABR and TCR last year.

Why did you give up on them - tried and didn't like, or too much hassle?

I couldn't find a powermeter that would deal with smaller rings and suit my cranks so I just bought the Quarq because it'll do Compact and I can run bigger cassette easier and cheaper.

Any suggestions?

Marathon supreme?

Reflective strip, to boot