How to Dominate Unbound Gravel 2024 - Top 5 Expert Tips!

Travis gives his Top 5 Tips for Your Best Race at Unbound 200 Gravel (or ANY PRIORITY RACE) in 2024! Bike Prep, SAG Stop planning, Marginal Gains, Nutrition & Hydration, Tire selection and Best Tire Pressures, and Mental Attitude for endurance are all covered from the unique insider perspective that Travis gained from last year's project - The Road to Emporia video series.
▬▬▬▬ Video Overview ▬▬▬▬
During the week, Travis works at SILCA HQ, but he transforms into a dedicated athlete on the weekends in the summer. He's eager to pass on his Top 5 Tips for conquering Unbound Gravel this year. Thanks to his industry connections and his Road to Emporia project last year, Travis has gained unique insights that he's excited to share.
1. Mental Preparation: Break It Down
2. Clothing Optimization: Get Aero with Your Kit + SILCA Aero Socks
3. Pre-race Organization: Sort Out Your Gear in Advance
4. Drivetrain Maintenance: Keep it waxed for peak performance & What if it rains?
5. Tire Strategy: Choose Wisely & Nail the Pressure
2023 - Road to Emporia Video Series: • 2023 VLOG SERIES: Road...
▬▬▬▬ Links & Resources ▬▬▬▬
Chain Waxing System: silca.cc/colle...
Super Secret Wax Chain Coating: silca.cc/colle...
Synergetic Wet Lube: silca.cc/colle...
Synerg-E E-bike heavy duty Wet Lube: silca.cc/colle...
Ultimate Tubeless Tire Sealant: silca.cc/colle...
Gear Wipes (110-count Canister): silca.cc/colle...
Mattone Seat pack: silca.cc/colle...
Italian Army knife - Venti: silca.cc/colle...
Gravelero Mini-Pump: silca.cc/colle...
EOLO IV CO2 Regulator: silca.cc/colle...
Tire Levers: silca.cc/colle...
3DP Titanium Derailleur Hanger: silca.cc/colle...
Aero Socks: silca.cc/colle...
Tire Pressure Calculator: silca.cc/pages...
Travis is sporting the Italian Flag BMW 2002 T-shirt: silca.cc/colle...
Ben Delaney @ The Ride on KZbin : / @theridewithbendelaney
Dylan Johnson Cycling on KZbin: / @dylanjohnsoncycling
Drew Dillman on KZbin: / drewdillmanchannel
Wind Tunnel - Auto Research Center: www.arcindy.com...
Best Bike Split: www.bestbikesp...
▬▬▬▬ Video Chapters ▬▬▬▬
0:14 - Intro
1:03 - Tip #1
2:08 - Tip #2
3:23 - Tip #3
5:09 - Tip #4
7:25 - Tip #5
▬▬▬▬ Follow for more ▬▬▬▬
SILCA website: silca.cc/
SILCA blog: silca.cc/blogs...
Instagram: / silca_velo
Facebook: / silcavelo
LinkedIn: / silca-velo
▬▬▬▬ ABOUT SILCA ▬▬▬▬
Founded in Milan in 1917 and now based in Indianapolis, SILCA is renowned for its passion for cycling. Led by cycling industry leader, Josh Poertner, the brand has expanded from the iconic SuperPista pump to a full range of high-end cycling tools and gear, collaborating with UCI World Tour teams to enhance cycling performance. SILCA combines tradition with innovation, inspiring cyclists to enjoy both riding and maintenance.
▬▬▬▬▬ Credits ▬▬▬▬▬
Created by SILCA
© SILCA
#SILCA #cycling #marginalgains #unboundgravel #gravel #waxedchain #ChainWaxingSystem #mattone #gravelero #gearwipes #chainstripper #SilcaSuperSecret #Synergetic #Synerg-E #aeroSocks #windtunnel #tiretesting
Do you have any questions, tips, or ideas about Having Your Best Race Ever at Unbound? Let us know in the comments section below!

[@Marti-234]

Why would you bring a crockpot for chain waxing when travelling to a race? This is ridiculous, just bring an extra freshly waxed chain and install it before the race.

[@Thomas-fy9yc]

Yup, ditto, bring an extra chain, some drip wax, some wet lube. I keep about 5 chains waxed in my garage and ready to swap when cleaning the bike, then do a big batch for my group extra couple months. Anxious to try out the new Red chains when they arrive next week. Last super muddy race I did washed off the drivetrain a few times to clear the mud, and surprisingly the chain stayed pretty waxed up.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Agreed. Silly proposition

[@living4adrenaline]

you need those two watts!

[@Marti-234]

@@living4adrenaline But you still save the two watts if you bring an extra chain that you waxed at home, and the logistics are a lot easier. Also having one less thing to think about the day before a race is always helpful.

[@SILCAVelo]

I've got three rides planned before and will likely have two chains ready in the stops in case of mechanicals. Just cutting down the number of chains that I need to have.

[@StevenStephens-ql1yo]

I ran the Perilli RC Gravel Tires at the Flint Hills Gravel Race in April. A heavy but well built tire that handles the rocks and the grip is fantastic. The are a voluminous tires and make the ride comfortable. With the higher thread count they actually roll good but not as good as the H and M models. I would not recommend them for a lighter rider as they will feel sluggish but for a 175+ rider they are excellent because you feel supported and planted. I was pleased to snag a podium spot with these tires and they are right at home in the Flint Hills.

[@JimLangley1]

Thanks for the great video and good luck Travis! I am a big fan of the Pirelli Centurato tires - tough and fast. Also, I'm sure you know this but the most important tip is not to forget the basic rule of any long bike ride: try to stay out of the wind as much as possible - in other words, let the other riders do as much work as you can so you don't have to! Thanks again!

[@NothingToSeeHere-mb3fw]

How about no over 3 mile Hike-A-Bike section by the Race Director? I had a freshly waxed chain installed and new one waiting for me with my crew if needed last year...Something I would recommend!

[@alexgleeson3634]

Conti Terra Speed 45 and Schwalbe G-One RS 45 are my go to

[@AntoineThisdale]

Not doing Unbound, but i'm in love with Pirelli Cinturato H 45. I've considered getting a 40 for the rear as well. Great tires.

[@josiasgoliardi]

I've tried the Rene Herse options, Pathfinder Pros, and Pirelli Cinturato H on various courses. I've landed on the Tufo Thunderos and Swamperos recently, and have found them to be an excellent balance of speed, comfort and puncture protection. And they're more affordable than other options with similar characteristics.

[@martinnavarre745]

chainguard ... big mystery to me why gravel racers don't protect the chain from all the grit coming off the front tire.

[@marciomvp9458]

2024 Panaracer Gravelking X1 45mm - standard version is the happy medium between speed and protection.

[@Thomas-fy9yc]

Running RH Manostash ridge endurance 44s, love them. Fast and grippy…Just did a group ride all asphalt as my road bike wasn’t ready to roll today and kept up with group no problem. Pathfinders are great but don’t like them in wet, Pirelli Ms in 45 my second choice. Maybe an H in back for drier conditions. I have a set 45c Terra speeds which I love but I think they would get eaten alive.

[@LDice20]

Continental Terra speed 700x40. great for shedding mud, and side wall protection.

[@brandonvicenti2513]

Tufo Thundero 44 HD. I have Panaracer GK SK+ 43 on my spare set.

[@PeterDahm-vz2gv]

I’m running 47mm Pathfinder Pros with Vittoria inserts for Unbound 200. Silca suggests initial application of 4oz for 45-60mm tires. For the North Course, should I run 5oz? 6oz?

[@Calebyte]

I am thinking of running an XC mountain bike tire (2.2 conti race kings). Seems like it would make sense for such a rough course. But at what point does the aero penalty outweigh the rolling resistance benefit?

[@yetiman72]

Dylan said those tires are terrible and to stop buying them

[@hansthijs]

He winked😉

[@travisverhoff8120]

We tested the 2.2 race king in the tunnel recently and found it was faster than the 50mm Pirelli and about the same as the 45 so looks like there are some gains to be had there.

[@Calebyte]

@@travisverhoff8120 Wow really? It seems counterintuitive that a wider tire would have an aero benefit. But that wouldn't be the first time that wind tunnel tests were surprising. Not long ago we all thought that hydration packs were less aero. Hopefully there's another video on the way about those tire tests. :)

[@theothermsc]

@@Calebyte It is not just the tire wide influencing aero - it is also the profile ... For road tires more less to ignore but not for gravel tires.

[@voldengen]

Why doesn't anyone use full frame pumps? Silca has amazing full size frame pumps that inflate tires super fast with very minimal effort. And they never run out like CO2.

[@SILCAVelo]

You actually see quite a few SILCA frame pumps at Unbound, just not at the pointy end of the fastest groups!

[@JavierDiaz-vg1fg]

Tandem team here doing the 200. I'm testing Vittoria Mezcals right now. Seem to roll well, but might go with something less knobby. Suggestions?

[@living4adrenaline]

There are many sub models of the vittoria Mezcal. I'm running Challenge Getaway Pros they have great puncture protection but not so much on the sidewalls. Very low rolling reesistance , not the best side knob traction could have higher knobs.

[@Timmeh2Buck]

Need a 50mm GP5000

[@PoorWorksmanship]

Im still amazed that more people arent running Challenge Getaways. They are brilliant tires, extremely fast rolling with adequate puncture resistance and good dry grip snd tread depth. Are people just afraid of mounting them?

[@SILCAVelo]

I agree that they are brilliant tires, but they definitely have a reputation for being hard to setup and a bit fragile in the sidewalls so I think a lot of folks worry about them for an event like Unbound, but for something like SBT.. amazing!

[@theothermsc]

​@@SILCAVelo There is also a new version available with reinforced sidewalls.

[@Cschwanz]

IRC Boken Double Cross 42

[@doughills8024]

Schwalbe G1 RS

[@neilmoses3376]

Instead of oiling your chain just put another one on

[@johnnycab8986]

400w FTP gg ez