what type of bike best for C2C?

[grellboy]

Thinking about doing the c2c next Spring. Have just read that about 45% or so is off road-ish: What type of bike do most riders do it on? Mountain? Cyclocross? Road?

 

[Joffey]

You can do the C2C on 100% road if you want. What bike you need depends on the route you take.

Decided on the route and then decide on the bike.

 

[buggi]

Depends on the route . We used MTBs over 3 days to go off road.

 

[Arthur]

I did it earlier this year on a road bike. Most of the off-road bits are well surfaced and no problem at all for road wheels. I did make a couple of diversions from my intended route when it all got a bit too agricultural, but that was a result of shoddy planning on my part. When I did detour, it was easy enough to get back on track, as the signposting was very good indeed.

Had a cracking time... I'd certainly do it again.

 

[mcshroom]

Should suit whatever bike you have dependant on route (well maybe not a downhill bike)

 

[ufkacbln]

Should suit whatever bike you have dependent on route (well maybe not a downhill bike)

For trips like this, you are better off on a bike that you know, trust, are comfortable on and can repair.

Buying a new bike, or upgrading is often at a cost of one of the above.

I did it many years ago on one of the early Pashley APB12 cycles

406 wheels with a 1.5 tyre

Wasn't a problem

 

[Andy_R]

A group of us did it a couple of years ago on a wide variety of bikes - 3 folding bikes, 2 road bikes, 6 mountain bikes and a hybrid.

 

[Brandane]

I would think that luggage capacity should be a consideration too. If you are camping then you probably don't want to be carrying a tent, sleeping stuff, clothes etc. on your good lightweight racing wheels! I have done a couple of C2C's - The Way of the Roses on a Tricross, and a Scottish C2C on a Trek hybrid (actually day 1 was on a MTB but it's a long story!).

 

[puffinbilly]

I did it earlier this year on a road bike. Most of the off-road bits are well surfaced and no problem at all for road wheels. I did make a couple of diversions from my intended route when it all got a bit too agricultural, but that was a result of shoddy planning on my part. When I did detour, it was easy enough to get back on track, as the signposting was very good indeed.

Had a cracking time... I'd certainly do it again.

Excellent write up - and great use of maps - I regularly cycle around much of the last 70 miles that you did and good to read from someone else's perspective. I think the bit of path you refer to - re the path melted etc is around a part of Tyneside called Pottery Bank - a pretty tough neighbourhood.
The Tour of Britain is due to finish a stage on the top of Hartside on Thursday - should be a good watch - with up to 10,000 spectators expected at the finish according to the local news.

 

[Hill Wimp]

I did it earlier this year on a road bike. Most of the off-road bits are well surfaced and no problem at all for road wheels. I did make a couple of diversions from my intended route when it all got a bit too agricultural, but that was a result of shoddy planning on my part. When I did detour, it was easy enough to get back on track, as the signposting was very good indeed.

Had a cracking time... I'd certainly do it again.

Really good write up which has given me an idea.

 

[videoman]

Great write up Arthur, really enjoyed reading it and now in my plans for next year.

 

[Pale Rider]

Really good write up which has given me an idea.

Let me know if you fancy a bit of company for a few miles.

 

[PaulSB]

I've ridden it twice, once on a hybrid and once on a road bike. Either was perfectly suitable and not much difference in average, probably due to 20 years age difference!!

 

[vernon]

I've done the route on
A road bike with camping gear - I had to push the bike up some of the steeper hills because of inappropriate gearing
A hybrid with camping gear - no problems.
A touring bike with camping gear - no problems.

In all three instances the only off road section ridden was the Waskerly way which can be ridden with any sort of bicycle.

 

[Gert Lush]

I did it earlier this year on a road bike. Most of the off-road bits are well surfaced and no problem at all for road wheels. I did make a couple of diversions from my intended route when it all got a bit too agricultural, but that was a result of shoddy planning on my part. When I did detour, it was easy enough to get back on track, as the signposting was very good indeed.

Had a cracking time... I'd certainly do it again.

Lovely read! Sparks ideas!