Cape to Cape MTB organisers and team of experts at Avanti Plus Cannington have put together the below list of recommended items, designed to help you prepare properly for the Cape to Cape MTB.
All products and accessories are available at Avanti Plus Cannington, with special discounted prices for all Cape-to-Cape participants a 15% discount on parts, accessories and clothing and a 10% discount off bike purchases. To take advantage of the discount, please bring a print out or copy of your event registration into the store with you.
Parts and accessories
Tubes – Make sure that they have the correct length valve and valve type.
Stan’s Sealant – If you are going tubeless make sure you have spare sealant and tubeless specific tyres.
Tyres – Be sure to have at least a couple of spares in your team just in case.
Floor Pump – These pumps have a gauge built in and will get you up to pressure easier than a hand pump. Check tyres every day! What seems like a tyre that is OK is easily identified as having a slow leak by checking the pressure each morning.
CO2 Canisters – This is the quickest and easiest way to get air into the tyres. If you are going tubeless and need to reseat the bead this is the way to go.
Chain Cleaner – Clean your drive train every day.
Citrus Degreaser – This is for your chain cleaner. Grab an aerosol as well to help keep the drive line moving parts clean.
Chain Lube – After cleaning, rinsing and drying your chain, put a good quality lube on it. Do not use CRC or WD40 or anything else that is not a dedicated bike chain lube for dry conditions. When applying the lube only apply for one complete revolution of the chain, cycle through all gears, and leave for 3-4 minutes to soak in and then wipe off the excess.
Brake Cleaner – This cleaner is what you can use on your disc brakes. Do not use degreaser on your brakes as they will not work afterwards and squeal.
Chain Quick Links - To replace broken links on your chain.
Gear/Brake Cable Spares – Space Gear and Brake cables if you know and feel comfortable to fit them.
Shock Pump – This is the little pump to change the air pressure setting in your forks and rear shock. If you have not got your shock pump you cannot make the changes.
Bike Lock – Generally not needed during the ride but a useful addition.
Gore Cable Upgrades – These fully sealed cables will stop the dust getting in and minimise the chance of having sticking gears.
Multi-Tool – On the track break downs can generally be fixed with these handy devices. Get one with a chain breaker if you know how they work.
Garden Sprayer – Each night you need to wash your bike. Take a bucket, hard bristle brush, bike cleaner and the garden sprayer. We have a bucket with all the cleaning gear in it ready to go.
Bike
Here at Cape to Cape MTB, we have been getting some questions from riders about the specifications of bike needed to complete the event. To assist, we have outlined some regularly asked about features below.
Hard Tail v. Full Suspension: This is a personal choice. Today’s current range of dual suspension bikes pedal very well and if setup correctly have very little pedal “bob”. For this reason, either a traditional hard tail or late model dual suspension will make for a fantastic ride and event. The benefit of dual suspension for most people is very evident after 4 long days of riding.
Suspension Travel: We recommend minimising suspension travel as most of the riding on Day 1, 2 and 4 is open. Day 3 is more technical and a local bike service partner can help adjust suspension to suit. Suspension setup is crucial to a good quality ride.
Disc v. Rim Brakes- In past years the course has generally been dry and well packed, and even a little sandy through the first two stages. Disc brakes are definitely better for this terrain, however as these are generally more expensive, budget has to be considered.
Semi-slick v nobby tyres We recommend going nobby tyres for this event. Suggest something like a Maxxis Ignitor on the front and Crossmark on the rear, or a Kenda Slant Six front and rear.
Need more information on what bike to purchase for the event? Head into AvantiPlus Cannington, or give them a call to get all your questions answered.
Riding Gear List
Knicks – Get the very best you can afford. You will need a couple of pairs for the ride but always buy quality over quantity.
Anti Friction Cream – Grab a tub and slap it on before each of your ride legs for extra comfort.
Jersey – Cotton t-shirts will not cut it. Better to have a couple of proper cycle jerseys for the event.
Shoes – Go clip-less. You will have better power transfer and not get sore ankles and achilles tendons.
Socks – A couple of pairs each day works a treat to keep the feet healthy.
Helmet – Needs to be in good condition and fitting correctly.
Glasses – Keep that sun and dust out with interchangeable lenses.
Halo Headband – This handy addition will keep the sweat (and sunscreen) out of your eyes and keep your head cool.
Gloves – Short or long just make sure you wear ‘em.
Camelbak – Hydration is essential whenever you ride but absolutely critical on the Cape to Cape. Take a sip every five minutes rather than waiting until you are thirsty. Camelbaks are a lot easier and safer to use than water bottles and do not get covered in dirt like your water bottle either.
The Other Really Important Stuff
Compression Tights – If you haven’t been exposed to the virtues of this manmade miracle, we suggest you get a pair and give them a try. You are going to have long days on the bike or not moving in the car followed by doing the same thing the next day and the next. After each day’s riding, whack on the compression tights and you will feel like a new person the next day, recovered and ready to go.
Service Your Bike Now – We have serviced a large number of bikes already for similar events and have found some that were lacking in maintenance and may have likely failed on an event such as the Cape to Cape. Most of the bikes have had worn out chains and we have even seen a middle front chain ring with a missing tooth that the owner had no idea about! Book it in (discounted services for Cape to Cape MTB entrants) and get your bike serviced for safer riding.
