Going to Moab!!!!

Bikeworks

Well-Known Member
Like the title says, heading there the end of April for a 5 day trip. This is the first time I'm doing a MTB road trip (done plenty of roadie ones). Also the first time I'm riding anything outside of Northeast trails.

I'm on the fence with which bike I should take (Epic Evo vs SJ Evo), but I suppose that's going to be contingent on what trails I hit. I'm also curious to hear about tire recommendations (I'm a Schwalbe guy, so I'm looking for type of tire, not brands).

Any info and experience anyone can offer will be appreciated, just looking to get a sense of things. Thanks peeps!!! 😎
 
Big bike - any tire sticks, the rocks there are like sand paper.

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Thanks guys!

So I am thinking of going with 2.4 front and back, Magic Mary Soft in front, Nobby Nic Speedgrip (less soft) in back, both in Supertrail (two down from DH and Gravity, so lighter casings but still pretty robust).


Is 2.6 better to go with? And do I really need gravity-level tires? I preface those questions with 1) I'm not a jumper/big drop guy 2) I'm 210 geared up, and 3) I'll likely have to hike a bike for larger step ups.
 
It’s Rocky there, if you are not riding on rock, you are on sand. If you are not smooth and ride by Brail I would go with a heavier casing.

Some places are a long way from home and cell service depending on where you ride.

On vacations/trips like these I try to maximize time on trail vs. being 5% faster and fixing things.

Then again - I have seen people cruising the trails on some entry level bikes.

If you are unsure - run the setup you would use at Jungle or a day at Mtn. Creek if you plan on getting burlier. I have been to Moab seven times and am on Moto or a Jeep the whole time - pretty much everyone I see riding MTB Is on an all mountain or enduro bike.

Juevos Rancheros at Moab Grill are Fantastic. Jailhouse is another great breakfast spot. Trailhead is my favorite bar/dinner spot. Burgers at Moab Brewery or Milts are on Point. If you want to do a Jeep tour do the sunset run on Hells Revenge with Dan Mick.

Proper brewing is a great wind down spot.

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Like the title says, heading there the end of April for a 5 day trip. This is the first time I'm doing a MTB road trip (done plenty of roadie ones). Also the first time I'm riding anything outside of Northeast trails.

I'm on the fence with which bike I should take (Epic Evo vs SJ Evo), but I suppose that's going to be contingent on what trails I hit. I'm also curious to hear about tire recommendations (I'm a Schwalbe guy, so I'm looking for type of tire, not brands).

Any info and experience anyone can offer will be appreciated, just looking to get a sense of things. Thanks peeps!!! 😎

I've been weighing shipping/renting a bike.

I'm probably only doing 1 day in Hurricane so that changes the math, I'm sure a multi day riding trip is definitely smarter to bring your own bike. Pros and cons to both.
 
One thing that I didn't take into account before my Moab trip this year is nothing is actually IN Moab. So you really need to have a way of transporting the bike also. Easier if solo, harder with others.

Take a look at the trails and you'll see they're all a hefty drive from Moab, so plan accordingly if you have concerns of riding in the heat, etc. You gotta start your days early.

Long travel burly bike.

I've been weighing shipping/renting a bike.

I'm probably only doing 1 day in Hurricane so that changes the math, I'm sure a multi day riding trip is definitely smarter to bring your own bike. Pros and cons to both.

Two times going to Moab, both times rented bikes and feel it kind of ruined the experience. I don't feel comfortable on bikes that aren't my own especially as I get picky about setup. This time I rented a Ripley which would have been fine except the dropper lever was horrible and required all my hand strength and had to use it way earlier than I wanted my seat down so all the timing was off. Plus the brakes sucked compared to my bike and the suspension wasn't properly setup.

Sure, I complained but it was when returning the bike.
 
I've been weighing shipping/renting a bike.

I'm probably only doing 1 day in Hurricane so that changes the math, I'm sure a multi day riding trip is definitely smarter to bring your own bike. Pros and cons to both.
When are you going, Hurricane is pretty far from Moab
 
Tom,

I get out there a few times a year so I can offer up a few things. If you're considering a rental rather than traveling with your bike, check out Poison Spider or Chili Pepper Bike shops. They both offer high end rentals and have great customer service.

Regarding the tires, there is plenty of traction on the slick rock but theres also plenty of loose sandy spots so you want something with decent knobs. Sidewalls are equally important if you plan to ride trails like Enchilada or Ahab. There's plenty of sharp rocks and drops that will punish your tires and rims. I used to run a Maxxis Assegai/Dissector combo with a cush core in the rear. I now run Conti Kryptotal DH casings F/R without an insert.

You can shuttle to most of the popular trails from town. I use Poison Spider Shuttle, Coyote Shuttle, Hazard County Shuttle and Porcine Shuttle.

Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

Questioning my life choices on Portal Trail...

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One thing that I didn't take into account before my Moab trip this year is nothing is actually IN Moab. So you really need to have a way of transporting the bike also. Easier if solo, harder with others.

While it's true that you can't really just ride out your door and be on trails like in Sedona, it's also kinda not true. You can ride to any of the bike shops and get a shuttle to wherever and ride back to town -- Whole Enchilada, Raptor Route, and Mag 7. Pipe Dream is also pretty good for a quick ride and is an easy pedal from town. I wouldn't necessarily recommend riding to Amasa Back to ride Captain Ahab, but I did it and it wasn't terrible.

Questioning my life choices on Portal Trail...

A video of the Portal Trail popped up on our YouTube feed recently, and it freaked my wife out. I let her know that I walked the scary parts (mostly true).
 
Tom,

I get out there a few times a year so I can offer up a few things. If you're considering a rental rather than traveling with your bike, check out Poison Spider or Chili Pepper Bike shops. They both offer high end rentals and have great customer service.

Regarding the tires, there is plenty of traction on the slick rock but theres also plenty of loose sandy spots so you want something with decent knobs. Sidewalls are equally important if you plan to ride trails like Enchilada or Ahab. There's plenty of sharp rocks and drops that will punish your tires and rims. I used to run a Maxxis Assegai/Dissector combo with a cush core in the rear. I now run Conti Kryptotal DH casings F/R without an insert.

You can shuttle to most of the popular trails from town. I use Poison Spider Shuttle, Coyote Shuttle, Hazard County Shuttle and Porcine Shuttle.

Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.

Questioning my life choices on Portal Trail...

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Wow, thank you for all the info, and the offer to help out! I'm definitely taking my personal rig with me, I think that's the smart move.

I will definitely reach out to you and @Johnny Utah as the date gets nearer. Thanks again!
 
While it's true that you can't really just ride out your door and be on trails like in Sedona, it's also kinda not true. You can ride to any of the bike shops and get a shuttle to wherever and ride back to town -- Whole Enchilada, Raptor Route, and Mag 7. Pipe Dream is also pretty good for a quick ride and is an easy pedal from town. I wouldn't necessarily recommend riding to Amasa Back to ride Captain Ahab, but I did it and it wasn't terrible.
Yeah, I’ve ridden from town to amasa/ahab a few times, not that bad. Although I’m not a big fan of pipe dream, it’s the closest to town.

I’ve rented from Moab cyclery, although I bring my bike now. FYI some rental bikes have tubes in them, can’t speak for other shops but Moab cyclery doesn’t.

Favorite restaurants are gilbertos and 98 center.
 
As stated by others tire grip isn’t an issue out there. You’ll be shocked how grippy the rock is. But you are out in the desert so durability is key, you don’t want to be walking back 10 miles because you chose to run lighter casing tires.

If you ride any of the north jersey gnar regularly you’ll feel like a god on a bike at Moab. It’s truly just fun fun fun. The rides do tend to be longer though so endurance is key and good hydration habits. The climate out there just sucks the moisture out of you very fast. Whatever you’re used to drinking out here on a ride, double it. And pre-hydrate a lot.

If you’re looking for a guide or tour company Rim Tours is excellent.

Def have dinner at least one night at the Sunset Grill. And def do one ride at least at Slickrock. It’s something totally different.
 
As stated by others tire grip isn’t an issue out there. You’ll be shocked how grippy the rock is. But you are out in the desert so durability is key, you don’t want to be walking back 10 miles because you chose to run lighter casing tires.

If you ride any of the north jersey gnar regularly you’ll feel like a god on a bike at Moab. It’s truly just fun fun fun. The rides do tend to be longer though so endurance is key and good hydration habits. The climate out there just sucks the moisture out of you very fast. Whatever you’re used to drinking out here on a ride, double it. And pre-hydrate a lot.

If you’re looking for a guide or tour company Rim Tours is excellent.

Def have dinner at least one night at the Sunset Grill. And def do one ride at least at Slickrock. It’s something totally different.
Thanks for the suggestions! Only 'gnar' I ride in NJ is at CR (and yes I ride all of it). Not sure what kind of gauge you feel that is, but I'm guessing you're talking more Ringwood/Wildcat.
 
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