Gorrick Race Series
Discussion
I know the answer is always yes, but do I need a new bike to be competitive?
I'm a reasonably strong road and gravel rider, and I'm considering giving the 3hr enduro races a go this autumn and winter. I've a Scott Scale 735 from about 2015. A fully carbon hardtail with 27.5 wheels and 2x10. I believe I can be competitive in the race, but wonder if this bike is going to hold me back…
I quite like the look of the Santa Cruz Blur or the Cervelo version, both full sus XC race bikes. I'd probably then aim to use it as my winter gravel bike if that makes sense. Thoughts?
I'm a reasonably strong road and gravel rider, and I'm considering giving the 3hr enduro races a go this autumn and winter. I've a Scott Scale 735 from about 2015. A fully carbon hardtail with 27.5 wheels and 2x10. I believe I can be competitive in the race, but wonder if this bike is going to hold me back…
I quite like the look of the Santa Cruz Blur or the Cervelo version, both full sus XC race bikes. I'd probably then aim to use it as my winter gravel bike if that makes sense. Thoughts?
S100HP said:
I know the answer is always yes, but do I need a new bike to be competitive?
I'm a reasonably strong road and gravel rider, and I'm considering giving the 3hr enduro races a go this autumn and winter. I've a Scott Scale 735 from about 2015. A fully carbon hardtail with 27.5 wheels and 2x10. I believe I can be competitive in the race, but wonder if this bike is going to hold me back
I quite like the look of the Santa Cruz Blur or the Cervelo version, both full sus XC race bikes. I'd probably then aim to use it as my winter gravel bike if that makes sense. Thoughts?
I used to have that exact bike and you're completely outgunned at those races being on 27.5, but didn't stop it being great fun! I upgraded to a scott spark in 2024 and moved up the field just because I could roll over stuff so much quicker and didn't need to flog myself on every other section to keep up/close a gap. I'm a reasonably strong road and gravel rider, and I'm considering giving the 3hr enduro races a go this autumn and winter. I've a Scott Scale 735 from about 2015. A fully carbon hardtail with 27.5 wheels and 2x10. I believe I can be competitive in the race, but wonder if this bike is going to hold me back
I quite like the look of the Santa Cruz Blur or the Cervelo version, both full sus XC race bikes. I'd probably then aim to use it as my winter gravel bike if that makes sense. Thoughts?
SoliD said:
I used to have that exact bike and you're completely outgunned at those races being on 27.5, but didn't stop it being great fun! I upgraded to a scott spark in 2024 and moved up the field just because I could roll over stuff so much quicker and didn't need to flog myself on every other section to keep up/close a gap.
Hmm, I feared that might be the case. Thanks. I think.Is this the Brass Monkeys series?
They're great fun. But yes, there are a lot of riders who take it really seriously, and are running on some seriously capable bikes.
Me? If I enter, it'll be on a 2015 Giant Anthem 3 (27.5"). I'd be under no illusions about being competitive, but the Gorrick venues used to be my "back yard", the Minley venue especially. There are some lovely trails in the woods there. 'Sponge Bob' and 'Olympic Ridge' are Strava segments I used to quietly look after between races when the fairweather riders had melted away.
Since moving to Bournemouth I miss only two things about Farnborough - the MTB trails that I could ride from home, and the ability to have a night out in London and get a train home after the gig.
I remember my first Brass Monkey race - on a 2008 GT Avalanche 3 hardball, cable discs, 3×8 Shimano Acera, a proper "entry level" lump. And the weather was honking. Driving rain, thick sloppy mud, and the sound of squeaky brakes was like listening to an enormous flock of angry geese tearing through the woods. I was borderline hypothermic by the time I got home. I'd never ridden in conditions like it before, and not since, neither.
They're great fun. But yes, there are a lot of riders who take it really seriously, and are running on some seriously capable bikes.
Me? If I enter, it'll be on a 2015 Giant Anthem 3 (27.5"). I'd be under no illusions about being competitive, but the Gorrick venues used to be my "back yard", the Minley venue especially. There are some lovely trails in the woods there. 'Sponge Bob' and 'Olympic Ridge' are Strava segments I used to quietly look after between races when the fairweather riders had melted away.
Since moving to Bournemouth I miss only two things about Farnborough - the MTB trails that I could ride from home, and the ability to have a night out in London and get a train home after the gig.
I remember my first Brass Monkey race - on a 2008 GT Avalanche 3 hardball, cable discs, 3×8 Shimano Acera, a proper "entry level" lump. And the weather was honking. Driving rain, thick sloppy mud, and the sound of squeaky brakes was like listening to an enormous flock of angry geese tearing through the woods. I was borderline hypothermic by the time I got home. I'd never ridden in conditions like it before, and not since, neither.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff