"http://www.merciancycles.com/bikes.asp/

Can be ordered through Bicycle Habitat.

Drool."

Most shops will fit you for brevets. Now, I’ve done several 200Ks and one 300K. Time on the bike ranges from 7 hours to 13.5 for a 200K, since most 200Ks look for hills and have over 7,000 feet of climbing. A road bike that is fit to you would be fine. Same for a 300K

BUT, when, IF you start doing 400k, 600, 1200 BMB … yikes! BMB is 60, 70, 80, almost 90 hours of riding. Most ultra-distance cycles have a different fit. First, steel seems to be the choice, also titanium. A relaxed geometry, more of a touring bike than racing. Rivendell, Waterford are popular. Special randonneur handlebars are thick, padded and tend to be high for comfort. Bar end shifter are popular too. I know a few folks who did 1200s and had very difficult times using the brake shifters. It seems the wrists get very fatigued. One friend could not turn a key in his front door. So, bar end shifters!

Saddles are important too. Friction burns, saddle sores, boils are not uncommon.

Comfort is the priority. Some do a 1200 with over 35,000 feet of hills in under 50 hours with no sleep and a race posture. Most grab sleep and pace themselves to avoid a DNF, pushing a little to have a better time. But still, they take it easy – 80 hours on one ride is massive.

Then,, think RAAM – 3,000+ miles in 7-8-9 day!!!

And there is so much planning involved in ultra distance: food, new shorts/clothes, chammy cream, lighting, rain protection, sleep.

G'luck!!