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As the title says 29 or 650b tyres
Thanks
Dc
Surely it depends on your wheel size...?
Taking a group of limbless veterans so mixed sizes 29ers and 650b's
Geoff Kabush won this year, running 2.25 Aspens (and a 2.35 Forekaster up front for North Vancouver). Hope that helps!
Personally I'd go something like Hans Dampf front and nobby nic back or high roller / ardent in ~2.3 width. People at the front of the pack obviously tend to be on racier options than those just aiming to get round.
People use such a wide range of equipment at the BC Bike Race. From 'full enduro' Nomads through to full on scary carbon XC hardtails. If you want to win, you'll be running pretty light tires as in any XC race, it's won on the climbs anyway. But if it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to do the race and you are aiming to finish and enjoy yourself then put something meatier on the front at least.
I did a 50km XC race around Squamish last year and put on some fast rolling 2.2 tires on and it was a horrible experience compared to riding the same trails on HRs, Minions, Vigilantes etc!
I have a sense that the background to the question may be more interesting than the question itself. OP?
If you want to win, you’ll be running pretty light tires as in any XC race, it’s won on the climbs anyway.
Having read the race reports, I'd disagree with that. It really rewards the all round bike handler. Jeremiah Bishop is arguably a better climber than Geoff Kabush, and admitted that he lost out on the long technical downhills.
Kabush is a bit of a special case though and more importantly local. He could ride around Squamish / North Van with his eyes closed and still win.
+1 on Kabush being a special case. I seem to remember reading once that he doesn't even use a dropper post<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">.</span>
<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">I should add that I did the race on 2.5 DHF Minions but I had no illusions beyond enjoying the trails.</span>
Backstory please! Sounds amazing!
I ran Hans Dampf front and rear last year (Trailstar compound both ends) with no issues. To be fair, the level of grip in the dirt itself inspired so much confidence you could run just about any tyre and stick like glue. As long as it stays dry!
Ran them for three days in the park at Whistler after the race and found they worked pretty well there too.
BCBR is amazing, proper bucket list stuff.
(650b on a Giant Trance BTW)