I recently qualified for cross tri worlds in 2026, which will be held on Trail X in Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi. It’s a giant machine-built track, dry and hard, some rock gardens and features but mostly super fast flow, from what I can see.
I live in Maine; I am used to janky, rocky, rooty, technical stuff. My bike is a Juliana Furtado (Santa Cruz 5010), set up to run 27.5+. I think it’s probably overkill for that mostly smooth, fast-running track, as well as the courses for most off-road tris, but I’m not quite sure what my next move should be.
1) Set the Furtado up with narrower 27.5” wheels – how wide?
2) Set the Furtado up with 29” wheels – can I even do that? I have some recollection that it is possible because I have the plus setup, but I’m much more savvy with road bike tech. And also, how wide?
3) Pick up a midgrade hardtail (something in the aluminum, 12-speed, dropper, ~$1500-$2000 range) to be my cross tri race bike. In which case, I’ll take suggestions but there’s a bunch in that price bucket with similar specs (and even more options if I look used).
4) Rent whatever I need when I get there – still spendy, and then I don’t get the benefit of setting it up perfectly for me from the get-go. (And also, where’s the n+1/new shiny fun in that?!)
Thoughts, please?
by FeFiFoPlum
3 Comments
Do some research into XC race setups as well as the course. Personally, I would run an XC race 29er either hard tail or short travel. Tire choice is important as well because you want something fast that won’t immediately wash out on sand (wild guess since it’s Abu Dabi).
Whether you rent or buy, I would also get plenty of practice runs on the bike. Hit some rock gardens and get comfortable on the bike.
I also have no desire to run a triathlon, so take this with a grain of salt.
I looked briefly at the website for the area and it looks like all man-made silliness, concrete, small features. Almost glorified gravel biking. You want the fastest tires possible
The budget and also useful n+1 option would be to get a Specialized Chisel hardtail and stick Maxxis Aspens or similar on it, for max speed. I doubt you are going to need any kind of real tread pattern at that race. Optimize in the direction of rolling speed/aero – it’s gonna be a flat one.
I’ve raced xterras on my hightower.
Tire choice and setup are more important than the overall bike, IMO.
Judging by your course description, I’d run my existing bike, air up the rear shock to firm it up, and put a super fast tire on the rear and something with more meat up front.
The combo I’ve run in xterras has been Xynotal/Rekon and Xynotal front and back depending on the terrain.
At your level, maybe a hardtail or dedicated race bike could make more sense, but being familiar with your bike and confidence in its handling is a huge part.
Congrats on qualifying. it sounds like an awesome time!