Chequmegon 40 Tire Selection Tips by Peter Olejniczak

Tire Selection for Chequmegon 40 The Chequamegon 40 features a variety of trail conditions, ranging from grueling stretches of Birkie trail, smooth singletrack, rocky road sections and technical climbs. I think you can err on the side of this being a Fitness and Speed race, rather than a technical and skills race. Here's a breakdown and tire recommendations: Trail Conditions:

• Birkie Trail: The majority of the course is grassy and gravelly trail, which can vary in width and terrain.
• Gravel Roads: Some sections are on gravel roads, offering a break from the technical singletrack, but VERY FAST!
• Rocky Sections: Expect rocky sections that can be challenging for tire traction.
• Fire Tower Climb: The course includes a steep and technical climbs that require good traction.
• Singletrack: Expect it to get single file and be greasy through some of the sporadic singletrack sections.

• Tire Type: A cross-country or all-around mountain bike tire is ideal for this race. Look for tires with a tread pattern that offers a balance of traction and rolling efficiency.
• Tire Width: A tire width between 2.25 and 2.5 inches is generally recommended for this type of terrain. Wider tires can provide better traction on loose surfaces, while narrower tires can roll faster on smoother sections.

• The ideal tire pressure depends on your weight, riding style, and the specific trail conditions. It also depends on if you are running Tubeless, or Tubes. For tubeless, 20-25, if not lower, can be the sweet spot. For tubes, a good starting point is around 30 PSI and below. Experiment with different pressures to find what works best for you.
• Lower tire pressure can provide better traction on loose surfaces, but it can also increase rolling resistance. Higher tire pressure can improve rolling efficiency but may reduce traction.

Peter’s Tire Selection: Gear West has some excellent options from Maxxis and Continental. Maxxis Aspen would be my recommendation for the racers out there!