Super D Tips

[dogwonder]

I'm considering doing a Super D race and am looking for tips on setup and training.

I've heard mixed advice on what kind of bike to use. I've heard people using modified DH rigs and I've heard that some use the all mountain trail bikes. Any thoughts on which is better?

As for training, I know that there is no substitute for riding and I'll do a mix of trail and DH. Any thoughts on ways to supplement these to focus on Super D? When riding, is there a way I should be focusing / training (i.e. interval training)?

DW

[ioscope]

hehe

DW

[douglas]

super D at Mt snow/Norba ?


I was thinking about doing it

[dogwonder]

That'd be the one. I also read somewhere else that there were some others happening thoughout the summer, but can't remember where I read it, I'll have to dig some more.

I just don't want to show up with my DH bike when everyone else is running Blur's & Liquid's...That would be the proverbial DIH situation...

[mobius]

trail bike 5" like a heckler is your best bet. Just uhh be able to ride DH fast and pedal fast...

[douglas]

I think I'd be trying it on my hollowpoint

[dogwonder]

My other bike is a Yeti 575, that was what I was considering. Riding with my clipless shoes as well but don't make the clips to tight so you can pop out quick if need be. What about protective gear? Just the normal everyday helmet?

[IronJim]

the owner of my LBS is useing a blur LT for super D. he is useing clipless, no protevtive gear ans just a xc helmet

[douglas]

Norba should give you a deal on reg if you race say sport DH, sport XC & super D on the same bike

[Pat...]

That would be cool, but people might say they are doing that, then just put their number plate on a another sepaerate bike meant for each type of race.

[Repack]

My gf won the am womens Super D at Mt Snow and Snowshoe last year. For both races she used her SGS Pro with the seat hiked up. She also has strong legs- she's an expert xc racer. I rode the Snowshoe course and a DH bike is fine if you have moderate legs. She's trying to convice me to race the Mt Snow SD and that I should do it on my DH bike. I know her ring is a 38T and I'm pretty sure that her granny is a 32t.

[SuspectDevice]

Super D is pretty much just a shorter XC race. More often than not that person is an XC racer on a pretty stock XC bike. Occasionally the courses are rough enough to suit a bit more travel, and a more "all-mountain" or trail bike. There are exceptions, like the above poster's old lady, but for the most part folks win super D on sub 30 lb bikes

[Heath Sherratt]

It's a race where your recovery drink can also be a beer.

[Zutroy]

Yeah it varies alot from course to course. The AZ Norba a HT was fine. The Big Bear courses, a FS XC is probably best. The SuperD at Deer Valley came down most of the Sport DH course, so some travel and big tires there was an advantage. It all depends i think on the courses your going to be on, and what your personal strengths are. As to what kind of bike is best.

[Repack]

EDIT prior post: For Snowshoe the course seemed dead-even for any bike. Use a DH if you have some legs, a fs trail type bike if you need the gearing. A "freeride hardtail" might have been ideal.

[Heath Sherratt]

Zutroy explained that really well and accurately. Different strengths different bikes different courses. You want a Prophet though. :)

[BigStonz]

I built up an Azonic propulsion/Z1 freeride with beefy components this summer. I use mostly for up/down fitness rides, but I think I'll race some Super D next year with it.