Am I crazy?

[Apex]

I have signed up once again for the 2012 BP MS150 bike ride from Houston to Austin. Last two years I have participated, I have been riding my Trek 1.5. Well this year I am thinking about changing it up. I am thinking about riding either my Hardrock Sport 29-er mountain bike and put on some road tires, or riding my track bike, a Specialized Langster.

Now, the ride is over 180-miles, it isn't flat, it can be horribly windy in some cases, and some of the hills are pretty steep. If I ride my fixed gear, that leaves me one gear, no matter what. I'm stuck with the gear I choose. It is what it is.

If I choose the 29-er, I'll have more gears, but it will weigh more, be less aerodynamic, but it will have front suspension to cushion the hands from vibes.

I'm leaning towards the fixie (which has a flip-flop hub, so I can swap to a freewheel if I get too tired). The thing about the fixie is that it is still road geometry, insanely light, plus it is different. I will get very tired on it though, having to grind up the hills instead of downshifting and just cruising up them. Any suggestions?

[alex.s]

Am I crazy?

Yep.

[CynicalC]

Houston to Austin? They're in the same state. How far could it be?

[Apex]

Just a measly 180-miles. A quick little trip.

[Jono]

Go for the fixie! It will be a good workout. I hate riding my mtn bike on the street.

[ruben]

you will hate life without gears, let alone the track geo is probably not the most comfortable either. id say take the 29r as you'll still have the big wheels and the suspension up front for comfort. if anything but less knobby tires on there

my .02

[bhalv]

i would go with the track bike, warning that unless you have ridden long distance fixie it will turn your legs to jello after 50 miles or so, so you may want to work up to that. I hate riding roads on mountain bikes, the front suspension just sucks out all of your 'get up and go' juice.

[Apex]

I talked with my friend and decided on the heavier mountain bike. Not for the suspension, but because I want to hopefully train up enough for the Leadville 100 in 2013. That gives me 1.5 years to get my fitness level up for a 100-mile ride with 14,000 ft of elevation gained during the race. The race starts out at 10,000 ft above sea level. Oh, did I mention it is really cold when the race starts? hahaha