Specialized Sequoia Elite for Munda Biddi

[NreeK]

Hi there all,
The plan is to do the Munda Biddi trail around Sept 2019, end to end if possible (depends on how much time I can take off and how in shape I am in). I have a Specialised Sequoia Elite with has a Shimano 105 setup. I love my bike and use it for commuting mostly on Melbourne's beautiful creek trails, which are mix of gravel and paved.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has ridden this trail on a CX or gravel grinder drop bar bike.
Would you for example recommend a switching out group sets to a lower gearing etc (I don't have super climbing legs)?
What tires might you recommend?
Thanks in advance to any taking the time to reply
Cheers, NreeK

[Cycleops70]

I'd definitely recommend dropping your gearing to as low as you can get it.
When you're carrying all your gear up & down constantly, You'll be glad you did.
The terrain varies a lot, from sand, road, gravel, rock, pea gravel, & single track.
If you plan for the worst, then the easy will be too easy, but no loss.

Pushing is part of the trail.

[RonK]

I wouldn't recommend tackling pea gravel on cx tyres.

[NreeK]

Thanks Cycleops70, I'll do some research into how low I can go.

RonK, the original tyres on the Sequoia are like a herringbone pattern designed for gravel I think, but no doubt not for pea gravel. Do you have any recommendations?

[RonK]

Thanks Cycleops70, I'll do some research into how low I can go.

RonK, the original tyres on the Sequoia are like a herringbone pattern designed for gravel I think, but no doubt not for pea gravel. Do you have any recommendations?

The pea gravel is very deep in places. In in WA you'll encounter lots of sand. You need plenty of flotation. I would suggest a 2.1" tyre at a minimum. Tubeless, so you can run them at low pressure.

[NreeK]

thanks Ronk, much appreciated.... BTW, are you originally from Adelaide?

[RonK]

thanks Ronk, much appreciated.... BTW, are you originally from Adelaide?

Hehe - no, I'm originally from Darwin.

[wicksey]

Depends on what year your Sequoia is, I think you may be limited to 35mm wide unless you're 2018 or newer (then you can go up to 45-47mm)

[Bjbiker]

For an enjoyable ride on the Munda biddi I would only use a mountain bike with 2.1 minimum tyre size ,and travel as light as possible ,rear panniers only , bike packing gear even better, sure you could do it on a touring bike ,but there will be a bit of walking to be done ,both uphill and at times downhill.