The Race around Rwanda kicks off in Kigali, Rwanda this weekend. It's a 1000km race with around 250km of gravel roads and lots of climbing. In fact, there is barely a flat section on the route and coupled with the fact that the race begins at 1800m altitude and only goes up fro there means that this will be a tough challenge. But what is the best bike set up for the event?
Josh Ibbett takes us through his race setup:
The Mason Bokeh uses an aluminium frame and has the capacity for up to a 45mm 700c tyre. For this event, Josh has chosen WTB's Exposure 36mm tyre fitted to a set of HUNT 30 Carbon Dynamo Disc wheels.
"As the route is predominantly tarmac I decided to go for a road tyre, hower I chose the 36mm width to help with comfort and slightly better grip on the gravel. I just hope it doesn't rain too much" says Josh.
The groupset is Shimano's GRX Di2. Josh has opted for a 2x set up to give a better range of gears. As the route is so mountainous there shouldn't be much need for big gears so the 48t large chainring will be plenty. Paired with the 31t inner ring and an 11-36 rear cassette is should give plenty of easy gears to save the legs on the longer climbs, especially when the altitude starts kicking in.
The bars are a new lightweight 12dgee flare carbon bar from MtZoom a small British company with Deda short clip-on bars to give a few hand options and the saddle is WTB's hightail.
Luggage is supplied by Missgrape and Josh has opted for a frame bag, top tube bag and a feedbag for ride food.
Full bike spec:
Frame - Mason Bokeh
Fork - Mason Parralax fork
Groupset - Shimano GRX Di2 2x. 48/31 chainset, 11-36t cassette
Handlebar - MtZoom Carbon Gravel bar
Saddle - WTB hightail
Wheelset - Hunt 30 Carbon Dynamo Disc
Tyres - WTB Exposure 36
Luggage - Miss Grape