You can see the deterioration of the shoulder knobs. Figuring out which tires will perform well and hold up for the duration can be tricky, especially given all the options on the market. Lots of lengthwise siping on all of the knobs allow them to really conform to the trail surface, and it holds well on firm surfaces, off-camber terrain, and rock slabs. Chamois shorts (2 pair): very personal choice, but Louis Garneau Carbon 2 shorts work well for me. As a northbound rider who had already been through New Mexico, I didn't find it particularly challenging. Despite its do-it-all intentions, it has a relatively aggressive tread design with tall, stout side knobs and similarly tall and aggressive tread in the center and intermediate zones that inspire confidence in corners and on the brakes. Read more: Review of my Salsa Fargo After 4500 Bikepacking Miles and Cutthroat vs. Fargo. Helmet mirror: Bike Peddler Take a Look visor mirror. Its burly enough to handle occasional rough stuff, efficient enough for pavement, and perfect for the large chunk of gravel and dirt road in between. There are many different approaches to choosing gear for the GDMBR, and no one can give you the one perfect list. I'll be departing on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route this August and I'll be riding a Niner M.C.R. SAVE 7 %. About | Riding the Great Divide on a Fat Bike We tested each tire as much as humanly possible and ranked them based on these metrics. 14 great midwest bike trails. Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not. Held clothes, food, and sleeping pad. 7 Bikes of the Tour Divide - Pinkbike 2.8" Mountain Bike Tires: 26 & 29 Inch MTB Tires for Sale Online Some rolling resistance data has been posted in the "Wheels" forum lately. The side knobs are stout enough to rail corners but not so burly that they resist flicking the bike's rear end into corners and breaking traction when the mood hits. On my bike I feel free. Water availability varies along the Great Divide. Side knob designs vary, with slightly less emphasis typically placed on the rear tire's ability to corner. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Bandanafor wiping out dishes and other miscellaneous needs. Some miscellaneous items that dont fit in other categories: First aid kit, lightweight and customized. Bike shoes: Pearl Izumi X-Alp Canyon are my favorite bikepacking shoes, and very comfy for walking and hike-a-bike. The Maxxis Assegai is a gravity-oriented tire from Maxxis that was designed in collaboration with World Cup DH racing legend Greg Minaar. I can definitely see advantages especially for those of us with low tire clearance.