Bike advise for 450km tour/audax

[2pies]

I've signed up for a mini-tour/audax with my company; 450km in two days. The ride is quite flat, but does cover some fairly rough roads in Belgium, probably some cobbles. Just wanted some advise on what bike to ride. I currently have:

Spec. Tricross - alloy frame, 32mm tyres, quite relaxed geometry
Focus Variado - alloy frame, 23mm tyres, quite racy geometry

The Tricross is marketed as a CX/Urban/Touring bike, but its quite heavy. I'm worried that most of the other riders will be on swanky carbon bikes such as Spec. Roubaix and I'll struggle to keep up.

The Varaido is certainly sporty enough to keep up, but worry that I'll be aching from a long day in the saddle on rough roads.

Any advice on what to do?

N.B. I should also that the ride is fully supported, so no need for panniers or any other kit to carry.

 

[betty swollocks]

I'd go for the Tricross. With the bigger tyres, you should be able to let a bit of pressure out for the rough bits with getting pinch flats. Softer tyres are more efficient over rough terrain, because they will fold into the road contours, rather then bounce over the top ie more traction more of the time.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

How many miles on cobbles? Rough roads? compared to smooth 'normal' roads? If it's just a few miles in the old town centres or something then ...hmm...I'd be tempted to take the faster bike for the main roads...and a cushion

 

[vernon]

Choose the bike that you think will be the most comfortable. If the route is flattish then weight will not be much of an issue.

 

[biggs682]

hare and tortoise choice

but tricross for me , cause if it rains all those swanky carbons will just melt away

 

[Fab Foodie]

Choose the bike that you think will be the most comfortable. If the route is falttish then weight will not be much of an issue.

He speaks in truth ....

 

[2pies]

Thanks. I was certainly leaning towards the Tricross, but just speaking to a colleague who said he was going to ride his lightest bike to reduce effort. Apparently there is 4000m of elevation, though it's more rolling than hilly. Highest point is 250m.

No idea how much rough roads there are. Someone said "crap Belgian roads". I can't believe the whole country is cobbled. French and Dutch roads are supposed to be quite good aren't they?

I'm really in two minds. Perhaps even leaning towards putting some 25mm tyres, some thicker bar tape and a couple of headset spacers on the road bike. Would that make much difference?

 

[vernon]

I stand by my original advice.