Bike set up for the Ronde

[ededwards]

Ok, so for Paris-Roubaix it is pretty much accepted that you need double thick bar tape and slightly wider, robust tyres. But what do you need for the Ronde?

I'm assuming extra bar tape is unnecessary and that the main requirement is low gearing to get up the 1 in 5 cobbled climbs. But a compact plus wide cassette? Or 52/42 and man up?

For what it is worth I've currently got 52/42 and 12-25 on this

 

[Johnsqual]

Hmm, maybe a 33 small chainring is better because you usually need to stay in the saddle on the cobbled climbs, otherwise you tend to lose traction I find.

Some other random advice:

If it's wet, you need to be able to climb quite slowly on the cobbles, otherwise it's very easy to lose control and slide all over the place, so maybe practice this.

Tom Boonen apparently has his RD set so he can't shift into the lowest sprocket, so prevent shifting into the spokes on the cobbles.

Are you doing the RVV cyclo or the Retro Ronde? If the former, get there early, the climbs get choked up with people on totally inappropriate bikes,
from MTBs to city bikes. It can be frustrating!

Oh, and a training tip is to do the following: start from the ski sit/army squat position, and jump so your legs are completely straight. Do 3-4 sets of 5 of these, maybe a couple of times a day. It's supposed to be a good way to build enough power to deal with the short, sharp climbs.

Hope some of that is useful (and accurate...)

Johnny

 

[daccordimark]

I guess it all depends on your power output. From my experience of the local (West Yorkshire) cobbled climbs I need a lower gear than the 39/26 I have currently. I don't have the power to climb seated up those steep climbs and even out of the saddle on a dry day I've had to give in and walk.

Mark.

 

[monty dog]

Whilst the stones of RvV aren't as rough as P-Rx, by the time you get to Oudenaard, you'll be glad for any relief. As for gears for the Koppenberg, the sheer volume of riders makes it difficult and even if you find a gap, the mud trampled all over the road makes it pretty slippy.
Tyre-wise, bouncier is better as the gaps between the stones can be quite big and I've seen them rip open a sidewall on narrow tyres.
Even with your Biffeur physique Ed, I'd go for a compact as it's still about staying seated on a 20% plus climb.

 

[ededwards]

Wise words from a grimpeur

I know that compact makes sense but the idea of doomed failure on a standard double is one of the few things, bar a certain loucheness, that a classic biffeur has got going (and let's be fair, the only thing sleek will be the bike).

I'm toying with a 39t instead of a 42t and a big cassette (the 7400 will handle one without a squeak) to make it look like a Belgian hardman set up when it's more gearing to suit a bearded, sandal wearing cyclotouriste - it may not be about the bike, but it is about the flair.

 

[wallonie11]

Berg Fun

I have family based out in the area of Ronde and have bike in area. My (albeit limited) advice would be not to worry about the gearing! I find anything lower than 39x23 in the wet and you are in danger of wheel slipping on shiny cobbles. As for position, try out saddle on the drops to get right weight balance. Its only really the Paterberg Koppenberg combo that should scare you silly, after them the rest seem milder. Good luck, it'll be mega on that steed!