RACE Prep: Sea Otter Classic 2023 — Racer H and Racer J discuss tuning options
Sea Otter Classic 2023 is only weeks away! Join Racer H and Racer J in a short discussion about tuning options for the Trek Supercaliber 9.6 and the Scott Spark RC Comp.
11m Overview of the Trek Supercaliber and mechanical update, reliability report etc.
By: Racer H
Out of the box the Supercaliber 9.6 has a very budget driveline; off the shelf Deore crankset was immediately upgraded with an SLX unit + XT 30T chainring for sea otter and never raced on; the 6100 all steel 12s cassette has proven extremely durable - Currently at 1200miles and still reliably smooth shifting
Race driveline update & misc notes:
I've always gotten results with XT since I started riding and racing with it in 1998. Sram may have the best robotic shifting but for analog use, the XT complete system is just a really pleasant experience. Have not raced with the XT electronic yet; looking forwards to having it on a future new bike.
XT 2023 12s rear derailleur, 11-51 cassette, chain, Sram 12s GX shifter to delete index finger from the operation of shifter - it works.
The Supercaliber has one pivot and I honestly forgot all about it; checked it at the 1100-mile mark after spending a lot of time riding chunky rock at local trails Rockville and Skyline park in Napa; the bolt had walked out a few MM. No damage; will check and Loctite pre-Sea otter endurance race.
The Custom setup Fox damper has been bulletproof even after being pushed beyond its standard XCO operation conditions - Thank you ED and the entire team at Fox for customizing it to greatness; the off-the-shelf unit was blown and leaking at hour 5 from new.
Recent tire option opinions;
Maxxis aspen 2.4; Not enough sidewall grip for the amount of slip angle and lean angle avail with the chassis.
Maxxis Rekon race 2.4; not as much air volume as the aspen so more subject to flatting out when running low pressure; too heavy to actually XCO race on but a fun option for more aggressive terrain. The Supercaliber cannot fit any more tire than this.