I'm planning doing the Loch Ness 360 soon on my gravel bike and am undecided on wheel/tyre choice. It's going to be a compromise of speed Vs comfort, I know. The choice is 700c wheel with 40mm tyres Vs 650b with 2.1" tyres. On balance, which compromise will be best?
For reference, one of my companions will be on gravel bike with 700cx38, the other on a 29er hardtail so I'm going to be somewhere in the middle, regardless of my wheel choice
Either will be fine. If I had to choose I'd go for the 40s.
Is this a 1 day attempt or 2? Taking the high route on the west bank?
I was having the same quandary, I reckoned 40mm on the gravel bike for a hard/fast 1 day attempt, but lightweight 29er with fast tyres to make an enjoyable and relatively relaxed two-dayer.
40s. The only tricky bit will be the Fair Haired Lady Pass and that's over quite quickly.
Haha I'm getting a variety of answers both here and elsewhere. Will be doing it over two days so may well go for comfort over speed. I expect I'll only decide when I'm taking the bike out of the van 😁
There are quite a few lumpy bits; if you’re over 2 days anyway and speed is not the issue, then the 650b option I’d say. You can then compare notes with your companions.
I’ve only ever done it on 29r wheels (recently - 26” race hard tail 15 years ago isn’t really a good benchmark).
Good spread of opinions!
This guy did a series of videos on the LN360, including this FAQ. You might not want to watch them all (spoilers) but this one might interest you.
Skin so soft
Thanks to all who responded. I ended up taking the 650b x 2.1" wheelset, if only to be able to get a comparison between 3 different styles of bike. More than happy with my choice, I was able to enjoy the whole ride and was matching the MTB on the loose, lumpy bits and the singletrack. If (when) I was to do it again, I think I'd go for something a little narrower and faster rolling, but not as narrow as 40mm. I think 700 x 45 or 47mm would be the sweet spot for me.
Skin so soft
Nah, they've both changed the formula and it only drowned the b*GG*rs one by one.
Smidge.
