This is a first for Reader's Ride - we are featuring all of the wheels currently out there taking on the Transcontinental Race. At the time of writing, many riders are currently between CP3 and CP4 with last year's winner James Hayden storming out in front and nearing the finish line.
On dispatch out at the start in Geraardsbergen, Belgium, 2015 Winner and Hunt team member Josh Ibbett was there to check out the brave souls taking on the epic race to Meteroa, Greece.
On dispatch out at the start in Geraardsbergen, Belgium, 2015 Winner and Hunt team member Josh Ibbett was there to check out the brave souls taking on the epic race to Meteroa, Greece.
"Mainly a split between 4Season Disc and 4Season Gravel Disc with a few carbons and dynamos thrown in."
Josh Ibbett | At the start of TCR No.6
Josh Ibbett | At the start of TCR No.6
There was a general shift for riders to be on more sturdy wheels this year. This is presumably because of the few gravel sections thrown in as well as the infamous off-road section from a few years ago which many rider's TCR was brought to an abrupt end.
Outside of the bikes and wheels, we were surprised to see just how slimmed down rider's luggage set-ups are getting - a sure sign of how serious this epic event is becoming. We also have to say that the aero bags on the Cube is so so cool!
#bemoremike
Rider no.113 Derek Boocock with his Specialized and 4Season Disc Wheels.
Unknown rider, but reppin' the mudguards!
That's all your taking? Mason Bokeh with Mason X Hunt 4Season Disc wheels.
A lone Canyon. Note the small frame bag to fit two bottles.
Rider no.189 Mark Townsend ready with his Mason Definition. He's embracing the #fastfar life with only a frame bag.
Whaaaaaaaaaat do we have here!? Yep, custom carbon frame bags! Get aero or die trying!
A nice BMC with 4Season Disc Wheels. Like the use of the Aero bars to attach the Therma-rest.
Here is Aynakol Zincir form Turkey with his Mason and matching 4Season Disc Wheels. Flip Flop placement is key!
Rider no. 114, Ben Snodin. Ben is a TCR veteran who is going for his second completion on his freshly re-built Mason Definition.
An aero Whyte ready to be called home.
A Mason Resolution. The vissy-vest will double up as a gillet and to reamin visible even in the day.
A few riders this year were spoting a full frame bag. It means that a baldder is used for water instead of bottles.
Mixed depth for Canyon Eisberg.. must be good enough for the TCR! Also, banana placement is perfect!
A custom Riley Cycles. Liking the use of the strap with the dry bag. Simple but effective.
A sensible set up for this rig.
This one has the most luggage, but who doesn't like to be comfortable.
Apidura had a good presence on the start line.