The Biggest Result of My Career So Far. Mid South Gravel Power, Bike Setup, and Race Analysis

[@ChrisWagner-bh3vn]

McElveen said something in his vid about your leg/arm sleeves, "I'm sure he did the research". I did laugh.

[@claytonious_johnson]

I had the same reaction. Dylan has earned the rep.

[@GSmith215]

Watching you get better and better makes me believe in karma. No other cycling pro does as much to educate the everyday rider. Great job!

[@danjeisenberg]

Couldn't agree more!

[@GravelHerault]

Dude, 36km/h average especially riding mtb tires, this is a huge performance. Congrats on the well deserved result.

[@Dumbo3.1428]

Those tires are blisteringly fast. Faster than many roads bike tires. But obviously you are correct

[@lilfinesse]

@@Dumbo3.1428 the aero penalty is considerable with this kind of tire width

[@jonpoon3896]

Except that wider tires roll faster…

[@drym3943]

​@@jonpoon3896 go ride mtb tire on your road bike and you will see how slow you go. Aerodynamics is no joke.

[@asdasd01]

Yeah, I just can't even imagine riding at that speed, not to mention the distance

[@harrywebster6752]

Your choice of number placement probably amounted to meters of gains, more than compensating for the 5 inches difference in placement. A trade worth making for sure.

[@mikekobylasz3490]

Backwards hat Dylan is proud even if he doesn’t say it!!

[@simonstucki]

rightly so!

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

The FELT looks awesome. Congrats on the race Dylan, you’re killing it

[@erlendsteren9466]

Dylan, this video must be very valuable for Felt, that probably was the top 5 bike that could take the fattest tyre, which should be a major sellingpoint.

[@RokkitRideProduction]

@@justinofboulder I started shopping straight away. Looks like they sold out already. My rims are 700(622) x 23w. I can run up to a 42wide on my Kanzo Fast. But I can't find the Race King in that size. Dang-nabbit - There goes my podium...!

[@nomadtrails]

@@RokkitRideProduction Check out Lauf Seigla (or Seigla Rigid), it takes 57mm tires and has short chainstays and race-oriented geo. Better than the Felt, you just doged a bullet!

[@rof8200]

You're so generous to share your prep. Good on you. Thank you.

[@jeffp1377]

The tires setup bit just elevated your comedic editing to category pro. That was excellent. 😂

[@eto2352]

That is wild that 4th to 5th could have come down to a timing chip placement error by Dylan. Great race recap and fantastic result! The power numbers are nuts. Next video: Dylan tests timing chips on gopro extension pole....

[@jameswithy]

That was absolutely the best plug for subscribing that I’ve ever seen on KZbin. Promising future value for subscribers to not miss. Everyone else just says subscribe please. Well done!

[@jackbecker4866]

Dylan’s gonna be a force to be reckoned with this year

[@michaelyoung5071]

...and hasn't it been a treat that your prediction came through! Looking forward to enjoying is racing in 2025!

[@ShawnIsBatman]

Fantastic result, congratulations! What I found most interesting is that you raced this in more of a traditional style of racing vs. the 'let the pack go, ride my own sustainable pace' strategy that you have used at Unbound. My guess is that since this race is half the length of Unbound, that type of a steady-pace strategy just would not work here. I will be interested to see how you approach Unbound this year given your continued fitness improvement....note that I don't expect an answer here as you would not want to publicly state anything that might give a competitor an advantage. On the race number placement, the next big innovation is certainly going to be a Dropper Post style extender that is mounted inside the top tube of the bike and would push the side-mounted number plate/chip forward several inches during the bike throw.

[@barrowsworm1226]

Hey Dylan, first of all, congratulations, great result! I am looking forward to more detailed analysis of gravel racing tire width, rolling resistance vs. aero factors. There is also the consideration of a smoother ride to consider: the less the bike is bouncing upwards, the more forward speed is preserved-this is of course very terrain specific and very hard to quantify! I look back at my early MTB racing days with tubes and now cringe at how "wrong" we were. Usually running lightweight 1.9" tires, with tubes, at, often 40 PSI or so to avoid pinching... The events and gravel riding I do are mostly on pretty smooth gravel (Colorado, SBT, etc), but I am considering going up 45s myself... As a 62 YO amateur, racing speeds are also slower, so a bit less emphasis on aero is OK.

[@jonpoon3896]

You definitely weren’t at a disadvantage with your setup. And for most of us mortals at these events, it makes so much sense. 27.5 x 2.1 is what I can fit, and that’s what I’d use with my goal of just finishing

[@whatthehoeck]

Thr Lauf Seigla has similar tire clearance. Running fast xc tires like mezcals is so fun

[@chuckfrizzell8668]

Great race result Dylan. Excellent description of the race as well. Best wishes this season.

[@Simte]

Congratulations Dylan, this truly was a very nice ride. Btw, I really like how tactics are becoming slowly adopted into races.

[@ReVoltaire]

How much longer till Nor Cal Cycling does a critical break down of Dylan's tactics in Mid-South?

[@sgameirojr]

I guess that "biggest result of your career" was short lived! Wishing you many more PBs, DJ.

[@SpiritualStuntman]

I have followed you for a while. Congrats on the new Bike sponsor and the fast finish. Keep up the good work brother.❤

[@treksmix]

Very nice ride

[@nateisright]

Great job! My favorite part was the sand roads with one foot wide line in the gutter.

[@andreasdesch6142]

Watched your Video right after the Highlights of the Ronde van Vlaanderen...well done Dylan and best Tire Choice!

[@JibbaJabber]

DJ, that's was I always tell them; bigger is better! Great result for a great guy.👍👍👍👍 Love the recaps💪

[@sepg5084]

Fat bike

[@yycmtbr5087]

Congrats Dylan, incredible effort. Love the analysis and technical breakdown.

[@joehofeditz8560]

Congrats! Quite a few pro gravel race report videos coming out now which is excellent but I think yours was the first and still the best quality.

[@gilliesuarez]

As far as the number plate is concerned, you could use something like isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the glue holding the chip to the number. You can keep the number in the aero position, and tape the less intrusive chip to your bar. You keep most of the aero advantage, and your chip is no further forward than they recommend you have it.

[@irfuel]

That would probably be illegal :)

[@kevinwhite2601]

chip wouldn't read dude

[@gilliesuarez]

@@kevinwhite2601 as long as you tape the chip to the bottom of the bar, the RFID signal shouldn't be blocked. If however you stuck the chip in the bar, that likely wouldn't read.

[@kevinwhite2601]

@@gilliesuarez I’m the guy that prints the chips for this exact race. It will not work. RFID chips need to be saturated with signal to repeat their unique signal back to the readers to work. One of the reasons why we tell people not to tape their bib to their bike. Chip orientation also very important, I’m not sure why, a question for the engineers, but turning the chips sideways drops read rate significantly.

[@ridercanada1]

Way to go! All that research and hard work paying off!!

[@GNX157]

Even with chip timing they should have had a finish camera system. I’ve been part of much much smaller events and the organizer brought in a small two-man company that did finish line timing/scoring.

[@aaronhamlen8215]

Congrats Dylan I use the same tires on my 29er riding on trail trails, they are fast are reliable. I have also tried Specialized Fast Trak Control they are fast not as durable as the Race Kings. Looking forward to following your season.

[@slavomirsabol40]

Congrats Dylan.

[@SethFogle]

Attacking the feed zone. Classic, Strategic, and Easy.

[@TheShankalicious]

Insane work, you definitely leveled up this year

[@gerryc1575]

Fantastic to see Nico racing again, and you beat him! Well done Dylan.

[@waisinglee1509]

Wow...great analysis, killer finish in terms of "oh man...".

[@maxgrass8134]

Congrats! Was really waiting for this video!!

[@randyonbass1]

Great ride Dylan! I agree your relocation of the number plate cost you in that close of a finish 😮 Looking forward to your future content!

[@CL-dh2mf]

So happy for you! Really been anticipating this video after Ive heard about your great result. Congratulations!🎉🎉🎉

[@randyhale4181]

A top five in that field way to go young man. I was certainly impressed with your choice of tire 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@OGillo2001]

Leyende! Great vid, superb effort, and consistently good stuff on this channel - thanks Dylan!

[@plixplux]

Sick, and damn, new bike is looking clutch!!

[@mosklubba]

Closing the gap after the single track was just amazing to watch! (saw the whole part on Drew's vid)

[@ACanette]

Amazing to see your improvements season to season.

[@philipposen6743]

Congrats on the great result. Good luck with your upcoming races and thanks for sharing all your experiences and nerdy know how with us!!😊

[@lonbaker9241]

Kudos Dylan. Love your technique, discipline and creativity!

[@albertoscycles]

Glad these are back for the season.

[@martinandrews2860]

Monster effort and performance. Great to see. Kudos Sir.

[@benwigginsbikes]

The people all want your hair care routine......that being said, awesome video like usual. You are so close to the podium and the W!!!!

[@TheBasil36]

Very nice ride!

[@AgungSyaifudin]

Congratulations for the results 🔥🔥🔥

[@JonathanHair]

Rooting for you this season!

[@paul1340]

Great video! I live in the UK. This is the first gravel race I have seen. I find it much more interesting than the Grand Tours I usually watch. Thank you, and as big WELL DONE.

[@davidwebb2337]

Super fun. Love following along. I’m going riding!

[@PatTheCat]

Wow! Super impressive effort. Congrats man!

[@sergiobrunoleite]

I just can say that I’m really happy for you. In a fan perspective it's just so nice to see you achieving what you worked so hard to achieve. Just congrats 🎉

[@andrespiedrahita6851]

I must say as a gravel rider with a very low amount of racing experience, it is nice to see more of technical side to this genre like NorCal Racing than VeganCyclist. This seems more natural and understandable than has to be perfect each time/must look cool while riding. Looking forward to more of your calm yet informational breakdowns!!

[@dylanrobertson5010]

its amazing to see your jour journey to a top pro.

[@gregtitus2467]

Solid, solid result. Good on you. Re: number placement that might have cost the 4th place finish...maybe the watt & time savings overall is what put you that close. Perhaps the standard placement would have put you a bike length or two father back. So it may have been worth it after all.

[@seriousbees]

Nice work! This season's going to be a big one for you I think

[@CatManDoSocial]

Very, very well done, Dylan. Hopefully this is a sign for the rest of your season. I also think that all the optimizations you made were excellent. However, what I can't get past is the frame paint job. I was a teen in the '80s so you'd think I'd like something like that, but no. Was that the only option you had?

[@chrisko6439]

Gotta love Backward Hat Dylan!

[@kimrice394]

9:56 nose wheelie😬 Congrats!

[@robertkelly28]

Awesome race. Congrats!! Well deserved.

[@phila9288]

So glad you are making such great results

[@Southerncyclist]

Awesome on the results, love the set up. Quit telling everyone all your tricks lol.

[@JayRappa]

Excellent job Dylan. You’re a great competitor.

[@billszymanski4844]

Congrats on a great result and video!

[@vicnutt6742]

Excellent video and race analysis! I like the parallel chip placement, which I have used, too. I will take the reduction in drag!

[@GerardEncabo]

Congrats on the result, boy 👏🏻 Overthinking paying off 😁

[@scottheitmanmarinesurvey3557]

Congratulations

[@topcat304]

I run 50mm tires on a 19mm rim; since 2020. My bike though is a converted 2013 carbon HT racing bike. Love the wider tires.

[@joegerdes3942]

Good video. keep it up. Love the stuff you are doing❤

[@ASGundogs]

Very nice ride 🎉

[@miggyruru]

Lmbo at your alter ego comments. One of the best characters in KZbin. Just hilarious

[@esweg]

great job as always Dylan. Thanks again for your insight!!!

[@Chris-dw3xl]

Amazing race dude congrats

[@mtn0freek]

awesome result dude! Can't imagine throwing down that kind of effort

[@jozsefizsak]

This is just fascinating stuff. Congrats on a great race.

[@augustgames6502]

Congratulations! Please give us deep dive into the bike setup and cable routing. 😂❤

[@MatthewBlue-yg1wk]

Big congrats: great effort and placing !

[@matthewlab3834]

Congrats!! Stoked for you!

[@alexanderson1293]

Congratulations and thanks!

[@jcsrst]

Wow! Great job! Congratulations!!

[@lazlo2511]

.. to me this was a massive opportunity to bag a win! Everything was looking very promising… until the aero ghost came to haunt you! LOL. You are showing good form, as for the new bike, wow… FELT are rocking it in 2024! 😉 You and Adam have the coolest White Knight steeds. All the best with the season ahead, stay upright and look forward to another great breakdown of racing.

[@peterreynolds5788]

Awesome result, beat 17th

[@paulbates4100]

New to your channel Dylan, love your race storytelling.

[@samreynolds5694]

Nice job Dylan. Love the content and you practice what you preach. The data never lies...but can be misinterpreted. 😉 👍 Keep it up.

[@felixre7]

very nice ride. the videos keep getting better somehow!

[@pandatactical4530]

Congrats Dylan! Great effort! 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

[@sascha1778]

Congrats Dylan! Incredible performance and as always fascinating race report.

[@alexandertheroot]

Congratulations!🎉

[@gregredelman9726]

nice work...super stoked for your top 5!

[@karlburningham3604]

Insane numbers

[@etiennechevrier3201]

Congrats!

[@i_Chill]

Congrats man!

[@obikedog]

As always a great view of the front of the race for those of us who never get there! I'm not a podium contender. I go to these big races because it's a chance to measure my abilities against the best in American endurance racing. So I'm very glad to hear gravel has finally grown up and shelled its fake SoG commandments. The desires of retired (or second-rate) world tour riders - wanting the races to be easy outings they can win with minimal training notwithstanding, races exist to see who is fastest and smartest. They are not and should never be popularity contests. Whoever thinks road-race tactics are distasteful or ruining the sport should maybe try switching to gran fondos or something!

[@Yoda-em5mt]

That av spd is stupid fast havent seen felt in a while was sponsored buy them back in 2010 for xcm won every race i did on that bike crazy now i,m going to make one of those old carbon frames into a gravel bike with 2 inch tyres . Well done mate dobt know how you breath in all that dust .

[@jacobdeangelis7702]

dude this is great. Keep it up!!!!!!! those power numbers are crazy

[@BulletGaming012]

Solid effort!

[@leventejuhasz2525]

Well done! Congrats!

[@1980bundy]

Man! congratulations!! the most waiting video and the bike setup 🙌🏼🔥