28 Bikes of BC Bike Race

Jul 16, 2018
by BC Bike Race  
Is there an ultimate whip for BC Bike Race? We asked 28 riders and crew about what they ride and why - we also asked for their best advice for anyone who is thinking of signing up for the race.

Registration opens today for the 2019 BC Bike Race at 12pm (PDT).

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bigquotesI ran the dropper post this year, last year I went a little more full XC with the high post, so I'm enjoying the descents a little more this year.Geoff Kabush

Geoff Kabush
Bike: Yeti SB100
Tires: Maxxis 2.25 Aspen EXO (except in North Van: ran a 2.35 ForeKaster EXO up front)
Front PSI: 21-22.5
Rear PSI: 22-24.5
Fork: Fox Stepcast 34 120mm
Rear Shock: Fox Float 100mm
Front Ring: 32
Rear Cog: 10-51
BCBR Advice: "Definitely don't go full XC. Don't bring your hardtail, long stem, and skinny tires."



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bigquotesI am actually riding with a seat dropper for the first time ever and it's been awesome! I'm still learning too! I started mountain biking in the 90's so I can high post, but once you use the dropper, it's just a lot more fun. You end up enjoying the descents a lot more and I think ultimately, you're just faster, so that's good!Katerina Nash

Katerina Nash
Bike: Orbea Oiz
Tires: Maxxis 2.2 Ikon EXO and Maxxis 2.25 Aspen EXO
Front PSI: 19
Rear PSI: 20
Fork: Fox iRD SC32 100mm
Rear Shock: Fox Float iRD
Front Ring: 34 (first 5 stages), 32 (last two stages)
Rear Cog: 11- 45 OneUp
BCBR Advice: "I try to tell people to think about the multiple days of racing, to think about their nutrition and to have that dialled, bring enough chamois', and bring the right gear. The bike [you bring] makes a big difference. It would be so fun to ride it on the trail bike, but then you're racing so you just have to make the choices that are best for you and your riding style."


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bigquotes The fun lines are sometimes also the fast lines and you can rest up when you are in the air, so it's good to do jumps when it's possible. It's only for half a second, but it's great! Francois Bailly-Maitre

Francois Bailly-Maitre
Bike: Santa Cruz Blur
Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.35 (front), Rock Razor (rear)
Front PSI: 23 (1.6 bar)
Rear PSI: 24.5 (1.7 bar)
Fork: Fox 34 120mm
Rear Shock: Fox Float Evol 100mm
Front Ring: 34 Shimano XTR
Rear Cog: 11-40 Shimano XTR
BCBR Advice: "Comfort is really important because you have a lot of singletrack with roots, having an efficient bike is important but also a comfortable bike."


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bigquotes I asked Jakroo to design a tux and wedding kit for Emily and I to take photos in at our wedding. We planned a group ride on the blue ridge parkway and thought it would be cool to wear the kits for it. Rather than get only one use out of them, we thought it would be cool to wear them for our honeymoon, BC bike race. Kerry Werner

Kerry Werner
Bike: Kona Hei Hei
Tires: WTB Trail Boss
Front PSI: 21
Rear PSI: 24
Fork: MRP Ribbon Air 120mm
Rear Shock: Fox Float 100mm
Front Ring: 34
Rear Cog: 11-42
BCBR Advice: "Spend some time in the woods pedaling on some rough trails. The smooth, loamy trails are a real treat but there are some sections with rocks and roots as far as the eye can see that can trip up even the most technically savvy rider. Exercise the smile muscles because they will be getting a lot of use too."


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bigquotes I'm super happy with the bike I'm riding. It's on the aggressive side of an XC bike; definitely still an XC bike but with 120 mm of travel up front.
Sam Schultz

Sam Schultz
Bike: Rocky Mountain Element
Tires: Maxxis Ikon (front), Aspen (back)
Front PSI: 22
Rear PSI: 23.5
Fork: Fox 34 120mm
Rear Shock: Fox
Front Ring: 34
Rear Cog: 52 SRAM Eagle
BCBR Advice: "Just make sure you have the right tires that you're comfortable on and a set up that you're going to be happy riding interesting technical trails on."


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bigquotes We have been racing pretty technical trails at home lately and we are getting ready to go to nationals at Snowshoe, so this will be the bike I run at nationals as well. Kaysee Armstrong

Kaysee Armstrong
Bike: Liv Peak Advance
Tires: Maxxis Ikons
Front PSI: 24
Rear PSI: 25
Fork: DVO (60 psi)
Rear Shock: Fox Float Evol 100mm
Front Ring: 34
Rear Cog:
BCBR Advice: "I would say run a 2.35 in the front, definitely on North Vancouver day."


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bigquotesI really enjoyed the bike all week, it was fantastic, really stable at speed and really good in a lot of the aggressive singletack sections that BC is known for. Jeremiah Bishop

Jeremiah Bishop
Bike: Prototype Canyon Lux CF (available now)
Tires: Ardent Race 2.35 (front), 2.25 (back)
Front PSI: 19
Rear PSI: 21
Fork: Fox Stepcast 34
Rear Shock: Fox Factory Float
Front Ring: 36
Rear Cog: 42
BCBR Advice: "BC is chalk full of rocks, roots, and technical features, so I have a Fox Transfer dropper post."


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bigquotes Since I've never done this event before I set it up for what I think is the best bike for all scenarios. I chose the Maxxis Ikons because I think they are one of the best tires for all terrain and having never done this course before I was really confident in their ability to hold out for the entire week.
 
Hannah Finchamp

Hannah Finchamp
Bike: Orbea Oiz
Tires: Maxxis Ikon 2.2
Front PSI: 18
Rear PSI: 19
Fork: Fox Stepcast (66 psi)
Rear Shock: Fox Float (130 psi)
Front Ring: 32
Rear Cog: 11-46
BCBR Advice: "I think comfort is really key, so that was one of the things I took into consideration was running all the things that I'm comfortable with and confident in. I would say the gear ratio for me is really important. I went with a 32 instead of a harder one because I know it is steep around here."


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bigquotes No dropper, I haven't joined that group yet, but I think I will after this week. Everyone else had a dropper, so I think I have to give it a try. I like my bike to be simple and it's just one more thing that could go wrong, but I think it's the way to go.Cory Wallace

Cory Wallace
Bike: Kona Hei Hei Race
Tires: WTB 2.5 Rangers
Front PSI: 21
Rear PSI: 21
Fork: MRP Ribbon 120mm (80 psi)
Rear Shock: Fox Float (150 psi)
Front Ring: 36
Rear Cog: 11-40
BCBR Advice: "Don't go too crazy, there's a lot of climbing and pedalling in it still, so I think 120mm in the front is more than enough and 100mm in the back is more than enough suspension. Tire-wise, I wouldn't go bigger that 2.25, I think you still have to be efficient on the uphill. The tire pressure is key. A lot of people run too much pressure. And I like the foam grips, they are just a little softer on your hands. Just little things like that cause a little less fatigue over the week."


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bigquotes This year my dad came along to give me a little extra support over the week. I am very happy to share the weeks experience with him as he has been there throughout my bike career. He had almost as much fun as I, which speaks to the incredible vibe of the race! Quinn Moberg

Quinn Moberg
Bike: Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 99
Tires: Maxxis 2.2 3C/EXO/TR Ikon skinwall tires
Front PSI: 22 (21 on stage 6)
Rear PSI: 23 (22 on stage 6)
Fork: Fox 34 StepCast
Rear Shock: Fox Factory Float
Front Ring: Shimano XTR 34
Rear Cog: Shimano XT 11-42
BCBR Advice: "My advice to a mountain biker coming to do BC Bike Race would be to come rested and relaxed. The readier to go you are, the more fun you will have out there!"


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bigquotesI changed everything about my bike for the race, but it wasn't enough!
Karl Platt

Karl Platt
Bike: Bulls
Tires: Schwalbe
Front PSI: 18 (1.25 bars)
Rear PSI: 19.5 (1.35 bars)
Fork: Fox 34 Stepcast 120mm
Rear Shock: Fox 105mm
Front Ring: Shimano XTR 34
Rear Cog: 46
BCBR Advice: "I would come a week earlier, and I would preride the North Shore trails to get more used to the terrain and for your brain! It's definitely an eye-opener to ride here for BC Bike Race, I'm not used to the terrain, but going race speed and your comfort zone are different. Sometimes it's good to get a little bit of a taste of the north shore trails to be more familiar with the trails."


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bigquotes I can really tell that my bike is designed here, if you have the right speed and the right momentum you fly over the roots and those sections. It's so much fun! Hielke Elferink

Hielke Elferink
Bike: Rocky Mountain Element
Tires: Maxxis Rekon
Front PSI: 23
Rear PSI: 23
Fork: Fox Stepcast 100mm
Rear Shock: Fox
Front Ring: 30
Rear Cog: 9 - 46
BCBR Advice: "I think it's good if you prepare yourself technically. I recommend a 120mm or 130mm travel fork, a little more travel. And be fit - not just your legs, core stability is important and strong arms. Then, if it goes wrong you can catch yourself and possibly prevent a crash."


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bigquotesI usually ride a long travel Stumpjumper, but for this event I'm riding the short travel because there's a lot more climbing, but it still rides like a little trail bike, but it's a lot nicer for the long distances. It's a good balance.
Hannah Barnes

Hannah Barnes
Bike: Specialized Stumpjumper
Tires: Specialized Butcher Grid (front), Slaughter Grid (rear)
Front PSI: 21
Rear PSI: 23
Fork: Fox 130mm
Rear Shock: Fox
Front Ring: 32
Rear Cog: SRAM Eagle 50
BCBR Advice: "Come into it with an open mind and no matter what the weather or if you've got to get off and run or walk, or if you get a mechanical or a puncture, it doesn't matter if you lose five minutes because everyone over seven days are fighting their own little battles - no one is going to have a seamless race. It's just one of these things that make it more memorable. If you can laugh about it and share it with the people around you, it's good!"


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bigquotesOur Bike Patrol team is made up of 8-12 people who have all done the race as participants and have been hand selected based on their skills in everything from trail-side mechanics to first-aid. We deploy a strategic plan to cover 630 racers over the entire race course. Some of us leave well before the race starts to ensure course marking protocols are correct and in place, some leave just before the race start and the rest of us go in each wave so that the racers have our support should they need it.

I provide everything from moral support and trail etiquette suggestions to reminders to eat and drink. Over the last seven years, I have straightened wheels, replaced derailleurs, offered guidance on skills and line selection, and done everything within my abilities to help racers achieve their sought-after Finisher’s belt buckle! 
Kelli Sherbinin

Sam Whittingham
Bike Patrol

Bike: Naked Raven plus
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF and Chronicle (width 3)
Front PSI: 11
Rear PSI: 12
Fork: Fox 34 Boost 140mm
Rear Shock: All business, lip popp’n, harden the phuk up hardtail (aka N/A)
Front Ring: 30
Rear Cog: 11-46
BCBR Advice: "Be the stoke you want to see in others. Embrace the suffer and enjoy the journey. Always follow the pink [tape]."

Kelli Sherbinin
Bike Patrol

Bike: Rocky Mountain Element
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHR2 (front), Aggressor (rear)
Front PSI: 23
Rear PSI: 20
Fork: Fox 34 140mm
Rear Shock: Fox Float 100mm
Front Ring: 30
Rear Cog: 47
BCBR Advice: "Definitely choose a shorter stem. A more aggressive stem and handlebar set up and having a little bit more fork in the front is helpful for some people on the terrain here. If your strength is climbing I would focus on descending bike preparation."

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bigquotes We travel with every components you could ever imagine on a bike, work stands, tents, lighting, and bench space for 10-14 mechanics at any given time. It's a rolling bike shop that has the largest output capacity of anywhere in BC for a week. Fraser Newton

Fraser Newton
Obsession:Bikes Tech Manager

Bike: Fred Deeley Banana Frame
Tires: Maxxis Minion
Front PSI: 23
Rear PSI: 20
Fork: 97 Girvin Vector J-Stroke
Rear Shock: N/A
Front Ring: 40
Rear Cog: 17 (single speed)

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bigquotes The year I raced (2014), I spent most of my time partying with the crew instead of resting and being responsible and preparing for the race itself. I decided that if I came back, that was the part I wanted so I should just come back and be on the crew.
Tom Danger

Tom Danger
Bag Team Manager

Bike: Yeti SB5.5
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF (front), DHR (Rear) 2.5
Front PSI: 20
Rear PSI: 24
Fork: Fox 170mm
Rear Shock: Cane Creek DBcoil
Front Ring: 32
Rear Cog: GX 11-speed SRAM
BCBR Advice: "Build your bike for fun, don't put on lightweight, fast rolling race tires so you can go faster and shave a few seconds. Put on something that you're comfortable with. So, when you are on fresh trails that might knock you on your ass, you're ready for it!"



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bigquotes I am on the Green Team, I pick up the trash and recycle. I make it look beautiful all the time! I genuinely care for these people. I think it's a wonderful opportunity for them to come and why not come to British Columbia and see beautiful British Columbia! We are working really hard to keep it green; separating out the cardboard and refundables. At every site we have someone in town who needs our refundables and that's an important part of the program for me. And for the meal times we are almost 100% compostable!
 
Kathleen McKay, Green Team

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bigquotes I've been riding it for four years, so any other bike would have felt weird to ride. Charlie Patterson Jr.

Charlie Patterson Jr.
Bike: Salsa Bear Grease
Tires: Surly 4.8 (front), Maxxis Mammoth 4 (rear)
Fork: N/A
Rear Shock: N/A
Front Ring: 28-36 (2x10)
Rear Cog: 36



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bigquotes The Powerplay allowed me to carry more gear (a drone, in addition to my standard equipment) on course and access more locations than past years with far less effort. Dave Silver

Dave Silver
Photographer

Bike: Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C90
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF WT Maxx Terra 3C Tubeless Ready 27.5 x 2.5
Front PSI: 18
Rear PSI: 20
Fork: Fox 36 Float EVOL FIT4 Factory 160mm
Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS EVOL Factory 150mm
Front Ring: Race Face Next Cinch 34T
Rear Cog: Sram XG-899 11-48
BCBR Advice: "Ride lots, try and ride techy singletrack before the race or come early and preride a stage."


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bigquotesIt's what I've got and it's what I'm used to, I like riding single-speed, and I just wanted to see if it could be done. It was brutally hard most days, but I had some fun out there too! Kevin Claus

Kevin Claus
Bike: Niner Air9 RDO
Tires: Maxxis Ikon 2.2 (front) 2.25 (rear)
Fork: Rockshox Sid XC 100mm
Rear Shock: N/A
Front Ring: 32
Rear Cog: 20
BCBR Advice: "Don't ride a single-speed."



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bigquotes We had a rider crash on the middle of Roller Coaster on Day 7, he had taco'd his wheel and he had possibly hit his head. We assessed him to make sure he was medically sound, but his bike was unrideable. He had a somewhat unique boost wheel sizing and between Shimano, Obsession: Bikes Tech, and BC Bike Race, we didn't have a replacement wheel to run to him. But what we did have at the aid station was a loaner bike from Shimano. Due to the logistics, we didn't have a safe way to drive the bike to him, so we strapped it to my backpack and I rode it out the couple of kilometers to get it to the rider, so he could still be a BC Bike Race finisher! Stu Davidson

Stu Davidson
Medical Team

Bike: Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 (front), Aggressor 2.4 with a Cushcore insert (rear)
Front PSI: 25
Rear PSI: 26
Fork: Fox Factory 36 160mm
Rear Shock: Fox Float DPX2 150mm
Front Ring: SRAM XO1 Eagle 34
Rear Cog: 50
BCBR Advice: Don't just train for fitness, work on your technical skills!

James Beaudoin
Medical Team

Bike: Pre-production 2018 Knolly Fugitive Lt
Tires: Maxxis Minion
Front PSI: 24
Rear PSI: 26
Fork: Fox 36 Elite with Grip Damper
Rear Shock: Fox DPX2 Elite
Front Ring: One-Up 30
Rear Cog: Shimano XT 11-46 11 speed
BCBR Advice: "Train hard. Smile lots."


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bigquotes My brake levers are kind of flat for easy reach in attack position in steeps. The fork is stiff to eliminate diving in steep terrain. I keep my seat is adjusted flat for most riding but tilted a little bit forward for days with lots of climbing so it sits flat when bike is pointed uphill. The bars rolled back from center a few degrees for stability. And I will reduce tire pressure for wet, and slippery conditions.
 
Brett Tippie

Brett Tippie
Director of Good Times

Bike: YT Capra 27 with custom glow in the dark paint job by Erik Irmisch
Tires: Maxxis Assegai 2.5WT 3C Maxx Grip (front), Maxxis Minion DHR2 2.4 3C Maxx Grip
Front PSI: 25
Rear PSI: 28
Fork: SRSuntour Durolux fork 180mm (85 psi)
Rear Shock: SRSuntour prototype TriAir shock 180mm (220psi)
Front Ring: Rotor Q-Ring 32T
Rear Cog: Shimano 11 speed cassette with a OneUp custom Shark 50T mod
BCBR Advice: Run a little more psi in the rear tire than the front so you can slam some rocks with back tire yet have good traction up front.
If you don’t have a dropper post, get one!! If you do have one, make sure it’s working well. Bring me some good jokes, please! PS: Red bikes are 3% faster!


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bigquotesI wanted to (obviously) ride a Knolly bike in this event. The Fugitive is a technical trail / enduro light bike and bigger category of bike than what most of the fastest riders would be riding, so I built the bike to my weaknesses (climbing) and sacrificed performance where I was strongest (technical descending).
 
Noel Buckley

Noel Buckley
Bike: Knolly Fugitive 29" set at 120mm travel
Tires: Maxxis Forekaster EXO 2.35 (front), Maxxis Ardent EXO 2.25 (rear)
Front PSI: 35
Rear PSI: 40
Fork: Fox 34 29" Factory w/ 140mm travel
Rear Shock: Fox DPS Factory w/ Trunion mount and 50mm stroke
Front Ring: Raceface Next R crankset with 30T Flipped Ring and 57mm chainline
Rear Cog: SRAM XO1 12spd Cassette 10-50
BCBR Advice: "The race is big and the biggest days are right in the middle of the event: make sure you're comfortable spending time on your bike. I purchased new XC shoes before the event (I know that's not the smartest thing) and while they worked great, the stiff carbon plate did cause my lead foot to get a bit crampy after some of the longer descents. Otherwise, though I settled into them nicely and this became less of an issue as the race went on. Active recovery played a huge part for me and really enabled me to be about as fresh as possible: in particular, the last two days I put down much better times than days 4 and 5."

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bigquotes I changed the tires for the race; I put a faster tire on the back and had a faster tire on the front for the first three stages but then changed to a bigger tire for the last couple. Denise Ramsden

Denise Ramsden
Bike: Juliana Furtado
Tires: Maxxis Minion (front), Maxxis Ikon (rear)
Front PSI: 20
Rear PSI: 20
Fork: Fox 34
Rear Shock: Fox Float DPX
Front Ring: 30
Rear Cog: 56
BCBR Advice: "I know there are people riding without a dropper post, but I think a dropper post is really helpful for all the up and down, changing terrain that was probably my favourite. And I think having a bigger bike doesn't hurt. There are XC bikes here but having a trail bike is nice for the terrain just to be comfortable."



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bigquotes I always ride a hardtail in Europe, I did the race in 2011 on a hardtail as well, so why not do it again! It's doable. The North Shore stage was rough, I had a lot of walking on the first downhill, but the rest went well.
Tom Naome

Tom Naome
Bike: Independent
Tires: ONZA downhill (front), XC (rear)
Fork: Rockshox SID (customized)
Rear Shock: N/A
Front Ring: 32
Rear Cog: 42



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bigquotes It's the best Rocky Mountain Altitude to ever come out of the factory because it's done six BC Bike Races. Thanks to Rocky for building an almost indestructible bike - not a single mechanical in six years.
Graeme Fitch

Graeme Fitch
12 Time Finisher of BC Bike Race

Bike: Rocky Mountain Altitude
Tires: Maxxis Aggressor (front), Ardent (rear)
Front PSI: 20
Rear PSI: 20
Fork: Fox Talus 160mm
Rear Shock: Fox
Front Ring: 26 (2x10)
Rear Cog: 36
BCBR Advice: "Know your bike and be happy with it - just ride your bike!"




Photographers: Dave Silver, Margus Riga, and Erik Petersen

Author Info:
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Member since Nov 3, 2011
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82 Comments
  • 72 1
 I thought the benefits of the dropper post were widely understood already, apparently I was wrong. The honeymooners is pretty awesome, I need to find a girl that rides instead of one that complains when I'm gone riding my bike all the time Smile
  • 18 5
 Tell her to find a hobby of her own. Hope you aren't one of those guys that has to ask for permission to buy a bike or go riding haha
  • 12 2
 Yes, so many "first time with a dropper" ??? Really? I guess its expensive or heavy, would not ride without one.
  • 3 0
 @bartb: No lol cant let someone get in the way of bike purchases or riding time, perhaps that's why I should have used a past tense of 'complained' instead Thankfully there's more and more ladies getting into the local riding scene so nightly rides are a great way to meet new ones.

@BornOnTwo: I'm guessing its likely for the weight saving loonies but I know after having one on my bike I would never own a trail bike without.
  • 17 29
flag pb-kg (Jul 16, 2018 at 6:57) (Below Threshold)
 A girl who rides is a double edged sword, if she expects you to go her pace all the time. What @bartb said - get her into yoga or rock climbing or knitting or something.
  • 15 0
 @scvkurt03: I think that depends on the girl. A lot of women I know around here would leave my ass in the dust going at "her pace!"
  • 19 0
 @scvkurt03: Each to their own. I'm stoked to wait for my wife. There's rarely bad views and we get to hang out heaps. Kinda why I got married anyway.
  • 12 0
 My wife is not into riding but she shuttles me and my son with out any complaints. We go on vacations and mt biking is part of the trips now. Never stops me from spending money on the bikes if we can afford it at the the time.
  • 3 0
 People with a genuine passion are always good to have around. It could be mountainbiking, but you can also learn so much (and still have a good laugh) with someone who's into something entirely different. Yes my girlfriend went mountainbike riding with me and she did enjoy it, but she as also honest saying that it wouldn't become her main passion. She was more into karate at the time, now she's doing more trail running and yoga. All good. I'd rather have that than that she'd say she likes riding because she wants to please me but actually is into something entirely different. The best stuff to do together is the stuff you're both new to. We'll probably try some surfing this summer. Pretty sure she'll be much better at it (because of her balance and agility) but the main thing is, it will be a good laugh.
  • 10 1
 Not sure why all the downvotes on previous comment. My girl rides with me from time to time and I'm stoked to go her pace when she does, but if I'm trying to do intervals, pin a run, train, or ride with (faster than me) buddies, that wouldn't really work. What works is her stoke for yoga, where I go about as much as she rides. I wouldn't want her to have to only attend level 1 classes because I'm a novice... The situation buys me time to ride with the boys, we both get to share in each others' passions (she was STOKED on a day at Northstar, which made me super happy), and we're both fulfilled by them independently. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.
  • 3 1
 @scvkurt03: ain't nothing wrong with that at all.

Your first comment kinda came across as "girls are slow" though, probably why all the downvotes.

I will say it's extra nice when they're cool with riding together 50-75% of the time, and you get to attack a climb and a fun downhill bit of trail. Guess I'm lucky.

Then regroup for snacks. Never forget snacks.
  • 1 0
 @bartb: I used to have one like that! She's on the curb now and I'm back to doing whatever the fu$k I damn well please.... Life is good! Ha
  • 33 1
 appropriate use for the E-Bike. Medical and Trail Building would also be good.
  • 10 0
 And of course if you want to win the race.
(Just in case it isn't clear, that is sarcastic!)
  • 1 1
 I thought that model from Rocky Mountain wouldn't be available in North America.
  • 2 0
 Dave Silver is also known for his trail work in his home town.
  • 22 0
 I just completed the race on a 2018 Transition Scout (150 F/ 130 R), over built with TRP Quadium brakes, Bontrager XR4 Front/ DHF and DHR2 Rear (after puncturing the DHF). I'm a regular guy who had an absolute blast on the setup. Sure, a lighter bike with faster rolling tires would have made climbing a bit more enjoyable, but holy crap the downhills were fun. I ended up 148 overall with this setup. Even if riding on a rig referenced like the ones above shaved off 30 spots, who really cares??? I wouldn't have changed a thing, the downhills great knowing I could plow through anything I wanted.
  • 1 0
 I just love reading this comment.
  • 15 1
 "The fun lines are sometimes also the fast lines and you can rest up when you are in the air, so it's good to do jumps when it's possible. It's only for half a second, but it's great!" —Francois Bailly-Maitre

Haha - worst advice ever for 99% of the people at the BCBR. Awesome.
  • 8 1
 Some photos of the top 200 riders I took on Day 1 if you want to geek out more:

www.flickr.com/photos/vikapproved/albums/72157697172569871
  • 6 0
 This is an awesome spread!

@BC Bike Race Only thing I wish was included was each racer (or participant's) hometown. Cheers!
  • 4 0
 @MtbTico Good feedback! I'll be sure to include that next year - we had 40 countries in all represented this year!
  • 7 0
 Hats off to Stu Davidson for hauling a loaner bike on his back so a rider could finish the race. Epic!
  • 3 0
 Denise Ramsden runs that secret huge rear cog no one else could get their hands on. And Hannah Barnes just has got the biggest bike. Nice to see what everyone is running, not just the competitors. And many probably gave the best advice. Come early and ride some of these trails to get used to them and find out what you need to change about your gear. Of course it is too late to change your training regime, but at least you can change your geometry somewhat, get different tires and a different seatpost if you need that.
  • 3 0
 Great article Pinkbike! I'm so happy so see ya'll showing off not only the racers bikes but also the crews that help make the race happen. It takes a lot of moving parts and people to make an event like that go down and it's important to recognize those people too! Thank you!
  • 1 0
 yeah - what she said. The crew was amazing. Organization was pretty much flawless. So many moving parts - not sure how they pull it all off.

And thanks for the Endless 20T that got me through the week! Smile
  • 2 0
 Thank you @BCBR and @pinkbikeaudience for putting this together, I've waited about 6 years for this and it delivered in spates! It's so interesting to see such a vast array of different bikes and setups that people choose and/or run! One day maybe my bike will be on here with me talking about my setup?! Bucket list!! Big Grin
  • 6 0
 Cory Wallace on a 36 front and 11-40 wow just wow
  • 3 0
 Amazing the range of tire pressures people run. Sub 20 psi to 40 psi! Wasnt sure if that was a typo or not for Noel. 35psi front/40psi rear?
  • 1 0
 he's a big dude around 100Kg, so I'm sure it wasn't a typo. But he had zero issues as well which is what he wanted. Smile
  • 4 0
 BCBR Advice: "Know your bike and be happy with it - just ride your bike!" Well said!
  • 4 0
 Feeling really good about looking up "Naked Raven bike" on my work computer. Let's just say I got some interesting results.
  • 3 0
 Graeme Fitch must pedal his bike backwards if his front tire is the Ardent.
  • 2 0
 Aggressor front and Ardent back
  • 2 0
 @taprider: It was a joke. They fixed the swap in the article.
  • 9 5
 "Definitely don't go full XC..." -Guy on full XC bike.
  • 22 0
 Look closer. That is a down-country bicycle.
  • 7 0
 67.5 degree HTA, 120mm 34 fork, dropper post, heavy casing tires? doesn't look like a full XC bike to me.
  • 4 10
flag jamieSaunders (Jul 16, 2018 at 12:59) (Below Threshold)
 Anything full suspension with under 130mm travel , skinny tires under 2.3” and long ass stems is full Xc to me
  • 2 0
 @jamieSaunders: The stem is 50mm... And you can fit 2.5"s on that bike. Calling it 'full XC' just isn't accurate.
  • 2 0
 If your talking the sb100, there's fsr more xcish bikes... That thing has a 67d head angle... That's trail territory
  • 4 0
 Tippie's bike looks sooo friggin cool.
  • 2 1
 Karl Platt's advice on pre-riding some BC trails is the best. I would think it would be a huge shock to suddenly ride BCBR coming from some pretty tame Ontario trails. (Or from anywhere else.)
  • 4 3
 Some of those tire pressures are insanely low. I would roll a tire right off the rim at 19 psi, and I run DD casing on the rear. Maybe it's just the less aggressive XC type riding it's ok.
  • 3 1
 They are xc folks and as such i suspect many of them weigh next to nothing...
  • 2 1
 I don't think anyone runs high pressures around here. Slabs, cambered roots, rock, powder like dirt at this time of year.....a recipe for landing on your teeth with 30+psi. I run around 20 / 25 on my hardtail and have for years.
  • 1 0
 @wallheater: I can see that on a hardtail. I rode for a few days in Squamish last year on the way up to Whistler. We did some pretty technical and rad rides in that area on our trail/enduro bikes. I was running about 25 /27 and had no issue. 20 or below would just feel like a marshmellow in the turns/jumps to me. I weight approx 168 lbs/76.2 Kg
  • 1 0
 @bman33: i'm about the same for psi. 25 if i know the track super well and know its smooth lines or 27 is the magic number for everything else. mandatory 30 for bike parks because you roll so much faster and the tracks are designed really well.
  • 4 0
 Sam Schultz running 52 tooth eagle huh...
  • 5 0
 Tippie is a legend
  • 4 0
 "Director of Good Times"...says it all...
  • 1 3
 except for his wacky bike setup and race advice lol. I thought he was joking at first read
  • 2 0
 A Honeymoon at BC BR! Fantastic... but I don't think I would be able to engage in my marital duties after spending the day pushing a 34-42 on those climbs.
  • 2 0
 There's always Stage 8, the party night after the race is done. Although it'd be tough to "cross the finish line" that night too.
  • 1 0
 No dropper? what? I did a race this weekend with out a dropper post after my reverb decided to blow up and get suck in the high position.... I won't be having children anytime soon.
  • 3 0
 Great article. Simple, yet full of info for a fun read. Thanks!
  • 3 0
 The yeti 5.5 with streamers takes the win.
  • 1 0
 How are riders running these kind of pressures....I fold my sidewalls and dent my rims at 26 psi....just cant handle my smooth as crunchy peanut butter riding.
  • 4 2
 Come on Kevin Claus, please show some respect to the single speed community and set up your chain length !
  • 10 0
 eh. sorry man. That's 7 days of stretch. EBB in full forward position. I didn't want to take out links and eff up (change) my bike position. I'll do better next time. Haha!
  • 3 0
 Tippie on a full enduro bike that's awesome
  • 1 0
 This event is certainly on my bucket list. The entry fee is a bit high, but with some preparation its achievable considering its all inclusive.
  • 2 0
 I have a hard time believing people who ride this much haven't tried a dropper until now. The world is a strange place.
  • 1 0
 Is that an wireless XTR rear detailer on Karls and Katerinas bikes? Can't see any wires?!?
  • 1 0
 I would be interested in hearing more about the "trail etiquette suggestions".
  • 1 0
 The weird thing is Hannah Barnes (Specialized rider) riding the low spec Stump with Fox Rythm.
  • 2 0
 She might be doing product testing.
  • 1 0
 @j-t-g: when they've already specced it? theres nothing that's not stock on that bike is there?
  • 1 0
 That pic of Hannah Barnes and her Spesh cracks me up. She looks soooo small from that camera angle.
  • 1 0
 @Fraser What wheel diameter do you run?
Awesome bike!
  • 1 0
 Most of the bikes got flat tyres Wink
  • 1 0
 What an event, it would be awesome but probably kill me.
  • 1 0
 Hell a medic road a hardtail even
  • 5 7
 So many people on 11-40 max 11-46. I guess they are riding mellow and short climbs because according to so many Pinkbikers incl. a few editors you are missing out if you are not running Eagle.
  • 1 0
 It depends just as much on the big ring and a style of riding. There are a lot of 30T rings + 46 in the back. That's a pretty slow gear
  • 2 1
 @WAKI

"I guess they are riding mellow and short climbs"

Nope.
  • 1 0
 Oh, the old and lovely Suntour Duro
  • 1 1
 Hey Man, long time no see knolly.
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