Great Divide Route Bike Set up

[skundricha]

Hey friends,
I'm planning on doing a section of the GDR this summer and do to budgetary issues, I will have to be as frugal as possible.  I'm looking at buying a Diamondback Hook. I'm curious as to whether or not the stock SRAM 1x8 drivetrain would be sufficient or if i should look to outfit the bike with a double or triple drive train.  I dont know much about the technical aspects of mountain bikes so be easy on me haha any advice is greatly appreciated
cheers,
Drew

[Iowagriz]

That bike is marketed towards Hardtail downhilling (thus the 8-speed).  5" front fork, slack head angles, etc.  If that is how you normally ride and you will use the bike after riding the GDR, then go for it.

As for 8-speed, it might work.  I didn't see the size of the front ring on the spec sheet.  11/32 in the rear.  I rode the Montana section when I was in top notch racing shape with a 36 front; 11/36 rear.  Not fun in a few sections.  So, 1:1 ratio is going to be difficult.

However, that doesn't mean that you couldn't gear down the front ring somewhat.

[skundricha]

Thanks for the insight, definitely appreciated. Do you have any opinion or knowledge on the Ghost Panamao X 3? I know its in the same kind of price range and seems to be a different style of hardtail, maybe more fit for the divide?

[Iowagriz]

No knowledge on the ghost.

Where do you live and what type of riding will you do after the TDR?

Lots of bikes will work for the TDR. But you might as well buy something that you will use long after.

In general a 27.5" or 29" hardtail MTB. Front suspension not required, but if you need for the riding you do afterwards you might as well get now.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[mgholson]

I helped my friend get his bike ready to race tour divide a few years ago.  He used a Scott Scale with niner carbon fork, no suspension and was very happy.

The Hook would be a very good trail bike, and the 1x8 would be fine for most trails, but on the divide I think you could really use a granny gear unless you are a super strong rider.

THe Ghost would probably be a better choice, but those tires look a bit on the wimpy side.  Probably be OK.