This page will be updated to show the kit that Dave uses. He would not compromise his abilities to complete the WC2C and The Hobbits' Tale Guinness World Record™ with equipment that he doesn't fully believe in.
If he would buy, or in most cases already use it, and it will aid the rides, then it will be on here. There is no point in having "top end" gear if it won't last.
This needs to updated fully to do justice to the bond I built with my The North Face Kit. During The Hobbt's Tale, I only ever wore my Dirt Track Softshell, Puddle Gilet, Xenon Paclite, and Muddy Tracks jacket in the maelstrom of weather that was sent to try us. It was all I wanted to wear above my base and mid layers.
The socks are handed (or footed?) and are marvellous. The Levada baggies are really light, airy and slightly stretchy, and the Capri Bibs have a very comfortable pad and are nicely cut. Marvellous.
You really can tell the difference when outdoor kit is made by outdoor people.
These are my cranks of choice. I have a few sets but my favourites are the K-Type triple chainset with scandium bottom bracket and bolts. This is lighter than the XTR variation and as stiff as you like. They are on all my race bikes and a couple of my fun bikes, too.
Their appearance is slightly different to all of those currently available from other manufacturers, as is that of their stems, seatposts, seatclamps and jockey wheels. This alone sets them apart from other manufacturers, until you see how light, strong and well engineered they are.
I count myself as very lucky to have the support of Infinit Nutrition since it has revolutionised my race feeding strategy. For the past few years I have been racing on a liquid diet since it is easier for me to metabolise than solid food (like most people). I've also struggled with my salt levels at some races, being hospitalised once with cardiac issues because of Hyponatraemia. My medical and surgical history mean than I can't absorb salts well compared to most people. At one point I struggled to metabolise 500ml of fluid per hour and if I tried to take any more than that (even 100ml) then I would look just like one of those little peeing cherub statues. But with Infinit I can now drink a litre per hour and still have no problems with my waterworks or stomach. This leads to the new phenomenon of my being able to cut down at night when sweat rates reduce. But it seems that you don't have to if you don't want to. Just keep going with 552 calories per hour! I still can't get my head around that.
It's also much lower in citric acid than all other drinks, which is good for those with a delicate tummmy or history of stomach acid problems.
This is a fully bespoke product, which does introduce an element of risk: Well, it would if it didn't come with a no quibble money back guarantee. Use the online interview or take advantage of their consultation service and they'll develop your drink for you. If it doesn't work then they'll redo it or refund. It took us a couple of goes (one remake) to get my drink right, and if my needs change then I just need to ask them about it and they'll sort me out.
If they can sort me out, then they can sort anybody out. There is no chance that I'll be going back to normal drinks.
It's BESPOKE FOR EVERYONE although they do have stock drinks, too. So I'm not that posh!
Remember to use the code "24ormore" and you'll get £5 (or the Euro equivalent)off of any order.
Power is all fine and well, but I don't trust it yet on a mountainbike. So I've used a heart rate monitor since 1993, and it's always been a Polar monitor. Well, I had a short period of unfaithful behaviour with another brand, but it was very short and unfulfilling...
...No BIG RED BUTTON, you see.
Apart form the easy, attractive and intuitive software that accompanies it, this watch is a cinch to work and gives you as much information as any other professional level of training monitor provides.
But for me, at 3am and after 15hrs of riding, it's all in the big red button.
Link it to the gps, and review your heart rate, speed and position on Google Maps...
...It's brilliant!
It's also the best looking watch that I have.
Nice
If you've read my blog then you'll realise how much I love the Satmap. It's awesome, period. I've taken to riding with it in a plastic bag on it's bike mount, because I don't like getting it dirty. It is designed to get dirty, mind you, but it's really worth treating this little puppy with relish and respect.
Plan your route directly enroute, on the Satmap, or modify it whilst you are actually out and doing something grown up and gnarly. You don't need a computer, but if you have one then you can use any .gpx compatible mapping software suite and plan it, then export it to the Satmap using the Satsync software. There is also an on-line mapping page, licensed by Satmap which means that you can plan your journey on-line and share it.
It works and constant updates means that it continues to reflect changing market needs.
It can get a satellite lock on in my lounge and I can then navigate to the kitchen and back again!
The screen is huge, and this is a real and very functional plus. It's easier to read a 1:50000 in detail on this, than it's paper original, such is the quality of the screen and data!
Remember, you can actually use it and change the routing whilst on the move.
Try that on the other makes; the other ones that don't have full OS mapping. You can also change the batteries without losing data halfway through your ride. Genius.
(2011) The Hobbit's Tale required a system that could record seemingly endless amounts of data and the ability to accept an external power source to allow it to function for nearly 60 hours of riding. The Satmap, allied to the Exposure cable was the obvious and, easily, best choice.
(2009)I couldn't have done the WC2C without the help and ready reckoning capabilities of the Satmap unit. I love it even more, now. At the seasons' end now, and it's time to start using her again to recce "The Double". I am looking forward to it.
This is the simplest little gadget, and one of the most effective.
The best bit?
It's cheaper and lighter than any mudguard system I've ever used and is more effective.
Check out the photos on the WC2C Gallery. My relatively clean face, after 22 1/2 hours of riding through ice and mud, shows how effective the Neoguard is.
The idea of the equipment on this page is to make our challenge that little bit easier.
I've raced motorcycles for years, in the past, and used a few of these on my road and also my track race bikes. The motorcycle version is a bit different, but the theory is exactly the same.
See my 2011 bike with Scottoiler fitted, on Cyclist No1 website.
This little baby oils the chain, without your having to stoop and do so, after taking the oil bottle out of your backpack (and spilling stuff everywhere in the process). All you have to do is "squeeze the squid," and your chain cleans and oils itself.
The best bit? When full, it still weighs less than a small chain lube bottle.
It's a no-brainer.
25 minutes is all it took to fit.
(2011)All bikes (bar one) used on The Hobbit's Tale had a Scottoiler fitted. When your mechanic turns around and says "That's Awesome" you know it's a well received bit of kit that saved him lots of work compared to that required on the bike without one fitted.
(2009)This unit functioned flawlessly on the WC2C.
This has been the single most interesting thing to people when they look at my posh bike.
"What's that?"
My chains have lasted twice as long as normal, as have the chainrings. But the simple fact that the chain stays serviceable and relatively clean throughout a muddy 24hr race, and I still don't have to stop to oil it, is testament in itself.
For 30 quid, you can't say no, really. Try one.
I find that un-padded gloves work the best for me.
Up steps the Raji Glove, in white of course. Easy to pull on and off, well vented and soft. The main feature for me, apart from the softness and comfort, is the towelled thumb area used for wiping noses etc. There are no hard little bits of plastic to catch you unawares.
I love these gloves.
Comfortable hands for the whole of the WC2C, and my nose wasn't cut to bits after all that time of wiping the icicles off of it at night. I think these are the smartest gloves out there, otherwise I wouldn't have asked for them. All I needed to do was to wear my Merino liner gloves, and I was ice resistant.
I don't need to say much about these. They sell themselves, as people ask about them on every ride or race. I like them so much I bough a few more sets, so Jo could use them.
We have sets of MaxxD, Six-Packs, Flash, Flare, Diablo and Joysticks now, with the added benefit of the great little piggyback battery range.
That's belief in a product!
Obviously I much prefer to use my bespoke "The Hobbit's Tale" lights but that's just because I like shiny things.
Nice!
The best mix and choice of grip and speed with the highest quality, and extreme value for money, out there. They seal easily when converted to tubeless for the ultimate lightweight wheel setup. I and most of friends use these, and check out what the top downhillers use.
Dave's Faves are the IKON
I really liked last years' bike, but from an endurance, efficiency and aesthetics point of view the Blur just blows it away. It's silky sleek lines and stand out graphics make this a real eyecatcher.
It's really quick, agile and somehow plush at the same time. A comfortable out and out race bike that revels in the feast of scary, steep and technical riding on offer in my local area? I don't get it but am happy to ride it!
Syncros have very kindly agreed to support me this year. The items supplied are basically the whole gamete of their finishing kit. The seatpost, handlebars and wheels are my favourites by a long way because they are quite simply stunning and, of course, carbon fibre.
The seatpost and wheels are finished with a nice cosmetic final layer of lay-up material which gives them a nice subtle sheen. Easy to adjust, the seatpost has never creaked or moaned once, and the finish is still like new, but then I don't pull my saddle up and down much.
The FL25 Carbon Wheelset are, for me, a bit different from normal carbon wheels. I'll explain myself. Where my other carbon wheels are seriously stiff and use very slim spokes, the FL's on first inspection seem to be less stiff and use larger spokes. When I say stiff I mean mediolateral and frontal stiffness; nope that's a medical term that probably won't help you at all. When you squeeze a couple of adjacent spokes on one side of the wheel on my "other set" then you get a sore hand as the spokes don't move. They seem to rely heavily on the multiplanar stability that can be built into any structure using Carbon weaves of various angulations and lay-ups.
The FL's on the other hand, utilise (or seem to) another aspect of lay-ups that has eluded the bike industry so far, on wheels. They seem to have built the rims in such a fashion that they will give slightly under lateral and torsional loads. They have used unidrectional weave carbon to give it ultimate stiffness in roundness, though. As a result, all of the forces are spread throughout the whole wheel, rather than concentrating on the rim itself. This creates a slightly different feel to the bike intially, for me in any case. The wheels are stiff and true and transmit every bit of power development to the ground, but if you hit a big rock or something else that might force a super stiff wheel to "ping" off and rebound out of control, nothing happens. They just shrug it off and keep tracking straight.
These wheels needed rebuilding after a couple of, err, clumsy and hard rides on rocks. I kept breaking spokes so asked my friends at Castle Bikes to rebuild them with Sapim CX-Ray Spokes. James did an awesome job and these are now even lighter and seemingly more responsive. Wheels that were awesome are now absolutely BRILLIANT. These are the best wheels that I ever rode, by a country mile.
Clever, seriously clever, but weird science, improved dramatically by a Pro's intervention. These wheels are high value items and not something I would trust to anybody else's spoke key.
The bars, on the other hand, are finished more "normally" with a 90 degree weave of carbon fibre and are very well finished. Bars have always been a problem for me, as they are such a personal thing. I used to favour another pair of high end bars but struggled to get room on them. So the Syncros FL25 bars are now my favourites, due to the angle of sweep and rise, allied to the fact that the rise has been engineered to leave lots of room for shifters, brakes and lock-outs (if you use them). Nice and stiff; they seem very adept at dampening any vibration from firetracks, and rocky descents. Love 'em.
And they look good on the bike.
If he would buy, or in most cases already use it, and it will aid the rides, then it will be on here. There is no point in having "top end" gear if it won't last.
The North Face
This needs to updated fully to do justice to the bond I built with my The North Face Kit. During The Hobbt's Tale, I only ever wore my Dirt Track Softshell, Puddle Gilet, Xenon Paclite, and Muddy Tracks jacket in the maelstrom of weather that was sent to try us. It was all I wanted to wear above my base and mid layers.
The socks are handed (or footed?) and are marvellous. The Levada baggies are really light, airy and slightly stretchy, and the Capri Bibs have a very comfortable pad and are nicely cut. Marvellous.
You really can tell the difference when outdoor kit is made by outdoor people.
KCNC
These are my cranks of choice. I have a few sets but my favourites are the K-Type triple chainset with scandium bottom bracket and bolts. This is lighter than the XTR variation and as stiff as you like. They are on all my race bikes and a couple of my fun bikes, too.
Their appearance is slightly different to all of those currently available from other manufacturers, as is that of their stems, seatposts, seatclamps and jockey wheels. This alone sets them apart from other manufacturers, until you see how light, strong and well engineered they are.
Infinit Nutrition
It's also much lower in citric acid than all other drinks, which is good for those with a delicate tummmy or history of stomach acid problems.
This is a fully bespoke product, which does introduce an element of risk: Well, it would if it didn't come with a no quibble money back guarantee. Use the online interview or take advantage of their consultation service and they'll develop your drink for you. If it doesn't work then they'll redo it or refund. It took us a couple of goes (one remake) to get my drink right, and if my needs change then I just need to ask them about it and they'll sort me out.
If they can sort me out, then they can sort anybody out. There is no chance that I'll be going back to normal drinks.
It's BESPOKE FOR EVERYONE although they do have stock drinks, too. So I'm not that posh!
Remember to use the code "24ormore" and you'll get £5 (or the Euro equivalent)off of any order.
Polar
...No BIG RED BUTTON, you see.
Apart form the easy, attractive and intuitive software that accompanies it, this watch is a cinch to work and gives you as much information as any other professional level of training monitor provides.
But for me, at 3am and after 15hrs of riding, it's all in the big red button.
Link it to the gps, and review your heart rate, speed and position on Google Maps...
...It's brilliant!
It's also the best looking watch that I have.
Nice
Satmap
If you've read my blog then you'll realise how much I love the Satmap. It's awesome, period. I've taken to riding with it in a plastic bag on it's bike mount, because I don't like getting it dirty. It is designed to get dirty, mind you, but it's really worth treating this little puppy with relish and respect.
Plan your route directly enroute, on the Satmap, or modify it whilst you are actually out and doing something grown up and gnarly. You don't need a computer, but if you have one then you can use any .gpx compatible mapping software suite and plan it, then export it to the Satmap using the Satsync software. There is also an on-line mapping page, licensed by Satmap which means that you can plan your journey on-line and share it.
It works and constant updates means that it continues to reflect changing market needs.
It can get a satellite lock on in my lounge and I can then navigate to the kitchen and back again!
The screen is huge, and this is a real and very functional plus. It's easier to read a 1:50000 in detail on this, than it's paper original, such is the quality of the screen and data!
Remember, you can actually use it and change the routing whilst on the move.
Try that on the other makes; the other ones that don't have full OS mapping. You can also change the batteries without losing data halfway through your ride. Genius.
(2011) The Hobbit's Tale required a system that could record seemingly endless amounts of data and the ability to accept an external power source to allow it to function for nearly 60 hours of riding. The Satmap, allied to the Exposure cable was the obvious and, easily, best choice.
(2009)I couldn't have done the WC2C without the help and ready reckoning capabilities of the Satmap unit. I love it even more, now. At the seasons' end now, and it's time to start using her again to recce "The Double". I am looking forward to it.
Neoguard
This is the simplest little gadget, and one of the most effective.
The best bit?
It's cheaper and lighter than any mudguard system I've ever used and is more effective.
Check out the photos on the WC2C Gallery. My relatively clean face, after 22 1/2 hours of riding through ice and mud, shows how effective the Neoguard is.
Scottoiler
The idea of the equipment on this page is to make our challenge that little bit easier.
I've raced motorcycles for years, in the past, and used a few of these on my road and also my track race bikes. The motorcycle version is a bit different, but the theory is exactly the same.
See my 2011 bike with Scottoiler fitted, on Cyclist No1 website.
This little baby oils the chain, without your having to stoop and do so, after taking the oil bottle out of your backpack (and spilling stuff everywhere in the process). All you have to do is "squeeze the squid," and your chain cleans and oils itself.
The best bit? When full, it still weighs less than a small chain lube bottle.
It's a no-brainer.
25 minutes is all it took to fit.
(2011)All bikes (bar one) used on The Hobbit's Tale had a Scottoiler fitted. When your mechanic turns around and says "That's Awesome" you know it's a well received bit of kit that saved him lots of work compared to that required on the bike without one fitted.
(2009)This unit functioned flawlessly on the WC2C.
This has been the single most interesting thing to people when they look at my posh bike.
"What's that?"
My chains have lasted twice as long as normal, as have the chainrings. But the simple fact that the chain stays serviceable and relatively clean throughout a muddy 24hr race, and I still don't have to stop to oil it, is testament in itself.
For 30 quid, you can't say no, really. Try one.
661
Up steps the Raji Glove, in white of course. Easy to pull on and off, well vented and soft. The main feature for me, apart from the softness and comfort, is the towelled thumb area used for wiping noses etc. There are no hard little bits of plastic to catch you unawares.
I love these gloves.
Comfortable hands for the whole of the WC2C, and my nose wasn't cut to bits after all that time of wiping the icicles off of it at night. I think these are the smartest gloves out there, otherwise I wouldn't have asked for them. All I needed to do was to wear my Merino liner gloves, and I was ice resistant.
Exposure Lights
We have sets of MaxxD, Six-Packs, Flash, Flare, Diablo and Joysticks now, with the added benefit of the great little piggyback battery range.
That's belief in a product!
Obviously I much prefer to use my bespoke "The Hobbit's Tale" lights but that's just because I like shiny things.
Nice!
Maxxis Tyres
The best mix and choice of grip and speed with the highest quality, and extreme value for money, out there. They seal easily when converted to tubeless for the ultimate lightweight wheel setup. I and most of friends use these, and check out what the top downhillers use.
Dave's Faves are the IKON
Santa Cruz Blur XC Carbon
It's really quick, agile and somehow plush at the same time. A comfortable out and out race bike that revels in the feast of scary, steep and technical riding on offer in my local area? I don't get it but am happy to ride it!
Syncros
Syncros have very kindly agreed to support me this year. The items supplied are basically the whole gamete of their finishing kit. The seatpost, handlebars and wheels are my favourites by a long way because they are quite simply stunning and, of course, carbon fibre.
The seatpost and wheels are finished with a nice cosmetic final layer of lay-up material which gives them a nice subtle sheen. Easy to adjust, the seatpost has never creaked or moaned once, and the finish is still like new, but then I don't pull my saddle up and down much.
The FL25 Carbon Wheelset are, for me, a bit different from normal carbon wheels. I'll explain myself. Where my other carbon wheels are seriously stiff and use very slim spokes, the FL's on first inspection seem to be less stiff and use larger spokes. When I say stiff I mean mediolateral and frontal stiffness; nope that's a medical term that probably won't help you at all. When you squeeze a couple of adjacent spokes on one side of the wheel on my "other set" then you get a sore hand as the spokes don't move. They seem to rely heavily on the multiplanar stability that can be built into any structure using Carbon weaves of various angulations and lay-ups.
The FL's on the other hand, utilise (or seem to) another aspect of lay-ups that has eluded the bike industry so far, on wheels. They seem to have built the rims in such a fashion that they will give slightly under lateral and torsional loads. They have used unidrectional weave carbon to give it ultimate stiffness in roundness, though. As a result, all of the forces are spread throughout the whole wheel, rather than concentrating on the rim itself. This creates a slightly different feel to the bike intially, for me in any case. The wheels are stiff and true and transmit every bit of power development to the ground, but if you hit a big rock or something else that might force a super stiff wheel to "ping" off and rebound out of control, nothing happens. They just shrug it off and keep tracking straight.
These wheels needed rebuilding after a couple of, err, clumsy and hard rides on rocks. I kept breaking spokes so asked my friends at Castle Bikes to rebuild them with Sapim CX-Ray Spokes. James did an awesome job and these are now even lighter and seemingly more responsive. Wheels that were awesome are now absolutely BRILLIANT. These are the best wheels that I ever rode, by a country mile.
Clever, seriously clever, but weird science, improved dramatically by a Pro's intervention. These wheels are high value items and not something I would trust to anybody else's spoke key.
The bars, on the other hand, are finished more "normally" with a 90 degree weave of carbon fibre and are very well finished. Bars have always been a problem for me, as they are such a personal thing. I used to favour another pair of high end bars but struggled to get room on them. So the Syncros FL25 bars are now my favourites, due to the angle of sweep and rise, allied to the fact that the rise has been engineered to leave lots of room for shifters, brakes and lock-outs (if you use them). Nice and stiff; they seem very adept at dampening any vibration from firetracks, and rocky descents. Love 'em.
And they look good on the bike.
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