We can spend all the time in the world building up an incredibly tough and fit human engine. But if your bike isn’t equally prepped and ready to take on the rugged, rooty Iceman course, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle out there.
Having your steed perfectly dialed with a comfortable, efficient fit and fresh components can make all the difference in your performance and experience. A neglected bike will beat you up, waste your energy, and potentially leave you sidelined with mechanicals.
Have you ever had a professional bike fit? Even if you’ve been ripping trails for years, it’s a wise move to get a check in occasionally as our bodies change. Small adjustments in saddle height, fore-aft position and cleat positioning can have a big impact.
Oiled your chain and checked the stretch lately? Tune-up and maintenance should be focused on frequently but if not, it’s time to give your bike some love with a thorough tune-up. Don’t be that person scrambling to true a wheel or bleed brakes days before!
At minimum, you’ll want to check your chain, cassette, chainring(s), cables, housing, and brake pads. You should consider replacing anything that shows significant wear.vA fresh suspension service couldn’t hurt either. Support your local bike shop when you can!
You want every single component and mechanism working flawlessly without the slightest hint of hesitation, stiffness, or binding. The last thing you need is some nagging creak (these are very annoying!), missed shift, or brake rub ruining your race day flow. A dialed and quiet bike equals more energy to devote to pushing hard.
Make sure you have a comfy saddle and grips that can go the distance without causing hotspots. Inspect the seams and chamois of your riding shorts or bibs. And break in those trail kicks if you plan to rock flat pedals.
You’ll also want to dial in what kind of hydration system suits you best for rapid refueling on course without having to unhitch your pack. I prefer bottles on my frame but many use hydration packs or even bar mounted bags for fluids. Also, if you want easy access to snacks (who doesn’t like snacks!?), consider figuring out what works best for you. It could be in your back pocket or a top tube mounted bag, either way its personal preference for this.
Don’t forget to practice managing your cold weather layers. Iceman is infamous for drastic temperature swings and maybe even mud (long live Mudman of 2014 and 2019!), so you’ll need to master the art of venting or sealing off as needed to stay dry yet breathable.
With so many miles of training ahead and such a demanding course to conquer, the last thing you want is nagging discomforts or mechanicals related to your steed or kit selections. Get dialed now and focus on the miles!
About the author: Tobi is a passionate mountain biker and ultra endurance gravel cyclist who thrives on pushing his limits in the great outdoors. He has a deep appreciation for nature, savoring the scenic views and challenges of unpaved singletrack trails and long gravel routes. Tobi’s passion for adventure drives him to constantly seek out new ultra endurance gravel races and mountain bike events that take him on new dirt roads. He has participated in the Iceman Cometh Challenge for over a decade. When not hitting the trails or grinding away the miles on gravel, Tobi enjoys camping trips with his family. He is also actively involved with the West Michigan Coyotes youth mountain bike team, where he coaches and rides alongside his daughter, fostering her love for the sport. The solitude of the trails and the invigoration of conquering an ultra endurance race is what fuels his obsession with mountain biking and gravel cycling.