Our XC race gear!!! plus 3 simple upgrades for a first time racer

Finishing out our series about XC racing, in this episode we take a deep dive into the gear we have been using for XC racing this year. We also share three simple tips on what to upgrade first if you're interested in trying an XC race but don't want to invest in a totally different set up.

Syd's kit:

Our webstore:

POV footage shot on the Rylo 360 Camera. Check out our bike and camera gear:

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*Disclaimer - some of our links are affiliate links so we get a small percentage of any purchase you make. Doesn't change the price, just helps us keep making videos! Also, we're professional athletes, so many of the products we use and mention we didn't pay for.

[sydandmacky]

If you're curious about any of the gear we mentioned, check the description for links!

[The]

I didn't know that you weren't supposed to wear underwear with the padded shorts. I tried without today! WORLDS BETTER!!!! THANKS

[thomflowers]

Definitely a learning curve with clips, but the power and control is worth the blood spilled.

[jackiegammon]

Thank You for taking the time to share your thoughts! As a shop owner, often times people think that you are just trying to sell them something more... if you can get them to ride with a group, then they can see/feel what you are talking about. But as you know, that doesn't always happen. I love the fact that you are both so personable and simply give 'facts' and let others make up their own minds....you're both just naturals. :) One of the things that I would love to see is van build for folks wanting to race, now I've watched yours a couple of times. Wonder if you have any other friends/family that might want to share their builds? Thanks Again for all of your efforts!!

[tylerhasabike]

Syds clipped in rant is gold. So true. It’s as natural as anything when you’re used to it! Great video as usual guys!!

[keirfarnum]

Heart rate can be extremely useful for racing and it can be used to aid your tactics in a race. I had a situation occur in a race where I was leading the pro/expert group and we came up behind some beginners, and usually the beginners do one of two things: they pull over to let the experts pass, or they pedal their hearts out and try to keep up with the experts. In this case, these two beginners were leading and pedaling as hard as they could because they didn’t want to slow the experts down, but they were actually moving at a pace that was slightly too fast for the upcoming hill climb. So I expended some energy to sprint in front of them and then imperceptibly slowed the pace just slightly by using my HR monitor to monitor my HR and drop it by just two beats per minute which allowed me to recover just slightly.

By getting in front of the FNGs and controlling the pace, it allowed me to recover just enough to be able to take off on the climb. The other riders I don’t think recovered as much because the pace change was so slight; as far as they knew, we were going at the same speed and they were expending the same amount of energy (and part of my ability to drop my HR slightly was just riding more efficiently and smoothly too). So it’s not just a training aid; a heart rate monitor can be used to aid tactics in races as well. It’s one of the best tools I ever used in aiding my training and racing.

[feldybikes]

Why “rotational weight” matters, a lay person’s explanation (since you asked): it takes energy to 1. get things up hill, 2. accelerate in line (aka translate), and 3. accelerate in a circle (aka rotate). Everything on your bike (and you) has to do #1 and #2. Only the wheels, pedals, etc. need to do #3. So you have to fight frame weight in 2 ways, but wheel weight in 3. The larger the radius of the circle, the more #3 matters. That’s why people worry about “rotational weight” of rims and tires but the effect of a hub on “rotational weight” is probably negligible.

[maxabner]

The best thing I ever used for xc and marathon racing was the SPARE CYCLING seat pack. Unlike most seat packs it can be used with a dropper and not cause any obstructions. I fit literally everything in it from a tube, to tire levers, mech hanger, glasses wipe, Allen set, rubber cement, and co2. Have had no complaints and plus they look awesome. Highly recommend as they are super high quality for a great price.

[stevehague]

I am a real believer in lighter wheels and tires, they definitely allow you to accelerate faster up or down.and you pick up speed faster.

[supergsx]

Hey guys! Been following for you for a while. Could it be possible to have an updated version of this video. I’m sure you guys have learned a lot since then and would truly enjoy an up to date version of the video. Thank you again.

[willmoua]

Started on flats, went to clips for a few years, back on flats again. Be happy....go ride

[XCBen]

Great video! It took me 2 months to get used to clips. I almost went back to flats. They make me feel more connected with the bike. I get them haters too.

[keirfarnum]

As regards the Lycra shorts with chamois, it’s really worth it to look like a bike weenie to have the chamois for long rides. With clothes with seams, you’re going to end up with abrasions and it won’t feel good. I had a race that was really long (2 day stage race across the center of Alaska that was 189 miles long) and even with chamois shorts, I had blood spots in my shorts. With regular clothes on, it would have been far worse. So don’t worry about how you look and wear what works; it’s worth it.

[ireland]

Great video! And perfect timing seeing as how my first XC race is this weekend. Keep up the good work 👌

[petersimmonds]

Great video guys. Alongside the tyre upgrade I would definitely add making them tubeless. The vast majority of wheels can now be changed as manufacturers produce excellent kits for very little money.

[richardkaz]

I use my road kit for comfort on XC. My road shoes are Giro MTB XC clip shoes and work great for road bike rides and fabulous for MTB, especially MTB as you have the advantage of being able to push-pull to get over tight hard sections. While it is kind of possible to push-pull with flats you waste too mush effort and concentration trying to grip the pedals with your feet.

[rascal]

I agree, dropper post on a hard-tail. I use mine on smaller jump trails, and pump tracks. Makes a world of difference.

[darnellbreed]

Thats so true about the cycling computer, every time i suffer i just look at my numbers then it motivates me again

[gianmarcocostanzo]

I wasted over one year doing xc on flat pedals just because I was scared. I then went clipless and would never go back. Multidirectional release cleats also help for beginners.

[Beesno]

When I was living in Madrid, I was at the top of a diabolical hill that I had to climb to get back to my apartment, and my legs were too dead to unclip. It's really, really fun to explain to the Spanish police why you've just fallen over in front of their car in front of the royal palace.


So yeah, I'm back on flats for now. The clips can stay with my road bike until I'm more used to them. :-)