IMFL Gearing Question

53/39

11/23 

you could practically do this race on a single speed.

I was wondering: does Shimano make straight block 9 speed cassettes? I'd really like an 11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19 for IMFL. 

That would be the trick setup!  Years ago when we ran 7-speed cassettes and you could custom build them, I did just that, making a 13-14-15-16-17-18.  On top of that I put a 48 tooth (I think) chain ring on the inside and a 54 tooth on the outside.  Depending on the wind situation, you might be able to do Florida on the big chainring.  Hell, I used a 12-23 with a 39x53 for Lake Placid.

Thanks for the replies, after reading I think the hot set up for me would be a 11-19 to 21

I used 12 - 21 at Placid and was ok, a 23 would have been better.

Thanks

Chris

Ugh- I am hoping that doesn't happen this year. I can't imagine battling a strong headwind for the last 20 miles.

The last 20 miles of the course aren't in one direction. With about 6 or so miles to go, you make a 90 degree turn, so you can't be in the wind the last 20 miles.

Is the IM FL bike course the same as GC but only 2 loops?

The Gulf Coast course is completely contained in the IMFL course, but it is not two loops of the GCT course...if that makes any sense. Check the IMFL site for a map. You can compare it to the GCT map and see where the overlap is.

That makes sense.  I'll check out the IM FL bike course map.  For some reason I thought it was just 2 loops of the GC bike course- where I got that from I don't know.