8th November 2023
Transcontinental Race | Lisa Pfeiffer | MASON Definition
We spoke to MASON-supported rider Lisa Pfeiffer about her recent experience at the Trans Continental Race 2023.
The variety of weather and roads during this year's Transcontinental Race was a wild mix of everything. Despite being labeled as a road race, the challenging nature of the mandatory TCR parcours is legendary, often involving gravel, single track, and even hike-bike sections. This year was no exception – combined with the quickly changing nature of the elements. Especially in the Alps, weather is always unpredictable and you need to be prepared for a four-season experience.
While the variety of road surface was clearly a challenge, to me it was actually the most fun aspect of my journey – given the freedom the Definition offered to explore and enjoy all sorts of roads as well as paths off the beaten track, it's not only the perfect bike for traveling fast and far, but also the ideal all season bike.
Due to the tire clearance, this bike is a definite all-road bike. Whenever I hit off-road sections, I knew I came prepared: in combination with Rene Herse tires the Definition allowed a unique comfort while still being lively and well-balanced. With a combination of a slick 35mm tire in the front and 38mm in the back, it was fast on tarmac and the outstanding ability of the frame to smooth out vibrations helped to maintain the joy even during gnarly stretches.
My first big push of nearly 500km within the first 24 hours made me realize how much I love this bike. Due to its capability to deal with most sorts of terrain, there were more options to find the most interesting route.
The first three days were tough because of heavy rainfall and as soon as we entered the Alps, temperatures near zero at night made the ride even more of a challenge. Descending the San Bernadino at 2 am in 1°C is certainly an experience I won't forget – but despite the harsh conditions I loved every turn of the road.
Quite spectacular was one „short-cut“ - instead of riding the Stelvio, there was also the option to opt for a scenic off-road section – the Passo Alpisella. It did involve a few hike a bike sections, but the views and the lack of traffic made it worth all the effort. The way through Val Mora was one of my favourite parts of the route. Although the usual bike of choice in this area is a MTB, I was able to ride many sections and enjoyed how natural the handling of the Definition felt.
The geometry of the Definition allowed it to feel safe and in control, no matter if I was descending in the rain on smooth alpine roads or climbing up rough and sandy dirt roads in the Albanian back country.
While the variety of road surface was clearly a challenge, to me it was actually the most fun aspect of my journey – given the freedom the Definition offered to explore and enjoy all sorts of roads as well as paths off the beaten track, it's not only the perfect bike for traveling fast and far, but also the ideal all season bike.