Unveiling Tom Pidcock's Race Rig: A Unique Take on Gravel Grinding
In a thrilling conclusion to the season, Tom Pidcock embarked on an epic journey to South Africa, where he took on the inaugural Gravel Burn, an intense 800km, seven-stage gravel race across the rugged Great Karoo. With no performance pressure, Pidcock surprised everyone by claiming victory in Stage 5's grueling mountain top finish on his Pinarello Dogma GR.
The Bike: A Green-Gold Enigma
The green and gold color scheme of Pidcock's bike for Gravel Burn was an intriguing choice. While it may not have been as eye-catching as his Gravel Worlds red/gold Dogma GR, the colors held a hidden meaning. This combination is synonymous with South African sports, famously worn by the four-time world champion Springbok Rugby team. A subtle nod to his host nation, perhaps?
Bike Choice: Gravel vs. Road
Here's where it gets controversial. With the unforgiving terrain featuring relentless washboard and technical descents, a Grevil with its 50mm tire clearance would have been the logical choice. But Pidcock, ever the maverick, opted for the race-oriented Dogma GR. The Dogma GR, inspired by the aerodynamic design of the road-going Dogma F, offers enhanced tire clearance and frame compliance, making it a versatile choice for gravel racing.
Tire Upgrade: Going Big
For Gravel Burn, Pidcock upgraded his tire game, switching from the all-tan Vittoria Terreno T30s in 35mm to a beefier 45mm front and rear setup. Despite the bike's limitations with tire clearance, his mechanics worked their magic, squeezing a 45mm tire into the rear, showcasing the versatility of the Dogma GR. These tires, made from 92% recycled rubber, proved to be the perfect choice for the hostile terrain, providing the necessary grip and durability.
Valve Examination: Unveiling the Secrets
A closer look at the green Vittoria Multiway valves on Pidcock's Vision SC 48 i25 wheels reveals a clever choice. It's speculated that he used Vittoria AirLiner inserts, adding an extra layer of protection and comfort, especially crucial for the rough conditions of Gravel Burn. This small detail highlights Pidcock's attention to detail and his commitment to optimizing his setup for the race.
Pedal Choice: A Smart Move
Unlike most professional riders, Pidcock opted for Shimano XTR mountain bike pedals over road-specific hardware. This decision was a wise one, given the rough terrain and the potential for rock strikes and portages. It's a testament to Pidcock's experience and his understanding of the unique demands of gravel racing.
Groupset and Cockpit: A Winning Combination
As a SRAM-sponsored team, Pidcock's Dogma FR is equipped with a Red XPLR AXS Groupset, featuring a 50T 1x chainring and an 11-46T cassette. This setup provides a wide range of gears, ideal for tackling varied terrain. Additionally, a Wolf Tooth chain catcher ensures added security, preventing chain drops during choppy washboard sections and rough descents.
Specs at a Glance:
- Frameset: TorayCa M40X, TiCR
- Fork: eTICR Onda Fork with ForkFlap
- Cockpit: Most Talon Ultra integrated cockpit
- Seatpost: D-shaped Adaptive seatpost
- Groupset: SRAM Red XPLR AXS, 1x13
- Wheelset: Vision SC 48 i25
- Tyres: Vittoria Terreno T30 45mm
- Saddle: Prologo Scratch NDR
And there you have it, a unique insight into Tom Pidcock's race setup for Gravel Burn. A blend of road-inspired aerodynamics, off-road practicality, and a touch of South African spirit. What do you think? Is this the perfect gravel race setup, or did Pidcock miss the mark? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
