Hello all and thanks for coming back to another ultra cycling video. This week, I am answering a FAQ, what is my setup? I have been riding this bike in winter mode since I started making videos. Now that I have converted it to summer mode, I felt it was time to do the breakdown on what is MY perfect ultra endurance setup on my Mason Definition. Hope you find it useful!
This ride – https://www.strava.com/activities/11076641824
0:00 Intro
5:47 The Breakdown
21:22 Back To The Ride
25 Comments
….just to win the "first-comment-competition": that is a nice bike!
After watching your videos and Josh Ibbett, I now have a Mason Definition on order. Loving your content. Learning plenty. Cannot wait to build up my new Mason when it arrives.
Thanks for the info, that's really useful, Andy. Where are you headed this weekend?
Hi Andy, do you wax or oil your chain? And why? Ta 😊
the bike is super cool Andy, and you can see you've got it dialled to just how it should be for you. I'm really excited for your racing, can't wait to follow long!
Your bike will almost certainly take a bigger cassette without a road link or similar. Generally shimano derailleurs can take up to 2 cassette sizes larger than they say in the spec. I’ve done this on loads of bikes and always works perfectly. I expect an 11-32 will go straight on with just a longer chain and b-screw adjustment
Bit keen with the summer kit lol! I found sram a better fit if you wish to swap gearing around and carry extra batteries. All of sram stuff talks to each other so you can get better range, so MTB mechs with road shifters. But it by the by if you have system you like, but worth considering in the future when you might need to upgrade
Love the setup video – always great to see what the pro’s ride ☺
Wife has Definition the same colour as yours which is beautiful. Purchased a Bokeh frame to build up for bike backing … looking at a Definition now I’m getting more into Ultra’s.
I’m with you mean re electric gears, currently on ekar (sram axs on order) my right hand get shot after a week of changing gear.
I'm speechless.
Nice run through of your bike setup Andy, and what you’ve found works well etc, appreciate you spending the time to do this 👍. Interesting how the slight change in aero bars made a difference to long ride comfort. Out of interest how stable do you find riding on the aero bars or does it take a little time to get used to them?
Andy – what size frame did you drop down to – I personally would fit a 56 but my two road bikes are 54 and 55 and if anything the 54 fits me better.
I think bib-shorts are crucial for comfort too – chamois leathers are very different for all brands – I personally prefer Castelli.
As for shoes I have eventually found my perfect shoes after trying out many – these are amazing as you can get them in a wide fit [Shimanos wide fit are still too narrow for my feet] – highly recommend fizik TEMPO's.
The four things you must get right are tyres, saddle, shoes and frame size.
That was interesting Andy, seeing how you have set up the bike – given me a few ideas about things that I could change. As for nutrition – chocolate every 30 minutes…understood.
Interesting stuff Andy… Lights are amazing these days but most regular lights seem to come with 1.5 – 2hrs on full power, not quite a night time gravel ride so they're also frustrating. Looking forward to the next video 👍
Thanks for the bike walk through.
Short sleeve jersey, yet red bib shorts with black leg warmers… ANDY! The cycling fashion gods will not be happy with you 😂
If i could afford it tailfin rear bag with carbon fibre bars, i think is must. I use aftershocks head phones brilliant, but curve ball would decathlon waterproof trousers with all one shoe protection for rain. You may laugh but cycle to and from work and keep me dry this winter. I seen videos of all points north raining all day long and wet through. So its a thought, it may not suit you.
A really insightful video Andy, love your explanation and reasoning on why you chosen differing brands. Not a boring video at all, I found it informative indeed.
nice one Andy, I might have to look at getting some of those aero bars for longer rides, cheers
Dont underestimate the need for easy gears.
Really good overview and great bike choice. My wife and daughters all have Mason Definitions. Great bikes. They’ve cycled from Bath to our French home in the Dordogne. My youngest daughter at 17 also did the Mallorca 312 on hers. I’ve often debated about Di2 for endurance events. I love it and it’s good to hear your thoughts. I’ve got an old 11 speed Di2 set but mixed with a GRX rear mech to give me the range. Works a treat that it’s good for the TCR. I have the same Ergon seat post so my battery is in my head set with a charger in the bar end. Anyway, nice overview and now off to order aero bars. 👍
Thankyou for this, very helpful . I get numb fingers on my right hand and altho I don't use aero bars normally ,I'm thinking of getting the Deda bars because I will be riding for many hours/many days.
Also I seem to get tired after 6 hours of riding. How do you get to ride for 15 hours/day without completely falling apart?
I managed 11 hours the other day ,but my garmin said i was running on empty after about 6 hours.
Great vid as always Andy 😊 lovely bike.. Pete 🚴🏻👍
😞 'promosm'
I made my aerobridge from an old hydration tablet tube then black electrical tape to hold it in place