Is my hybrid the right one for canal towpath

[Pjays666]

Hi all I am really enjoying my cycling again having not cycled for 20 years. I decided I wanted to use the bike for mainly canal towpath or tracks but also a bit of road. I have a 2012 diamondback contra flow with lock out suspension. Does anyone have any comments regarding my choice it feels good but is it heavy duty enough for varying conditions on towpaths (from Tarmac to muddy fields) jam doing the leeds liverpool canal for charity next year but just enjoy the peace of the canal

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Bikes aren't made of tissue paper, you'll be fine.

 

[defy-one]

Perfect for canals

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I would be surprised if there isn't a proper hybrid that can't cope with the tow path, end of the day that is what they are for, riding on rougher stuff than the roads. Like with any bike just try and avoid big holes.

 

[MrJamie]

Looks pretty similar to my Giant Roam, which seems to handle pretty much anything, even tried a downhill MTB course (and went over the handlebars ) . Id imagine you'd have to try pretty hard to damage it from the terrain, unless you're crashing into things. It seems to me that tyres make the most difference about the different terrain you want to ride on

 

[sidevalve]

From someone who used to ride the L&L [or bits of it] several times a week on any old gas pipe special I had at the time for years with no problems at all I wouldn't have any worries. Just keep clear of the big wet bit in the middle.

 

[Cycleops]

I have Marin hybrid which looks to have a similar spec to yours. I use it on the potholed roads and tracks here and have had no real problems except for breaking a spoke in the rear wheel. In fact I woild say it is probably pretty mu h an ideal tool for such use. If you find the wheels are not up to it you can always upgrade them.

 

[Kins]

Tyres would be the only thing I would think. Road tyres don't need grip, trails etc do.

Fascinating info here, learnt loads reading it yesterday, from another forum post. http://sheldonbrown.com/tyres.html and loads of other info. Well worth the time to read his stuff.

 

[Candaules]

I broke my Diamondback hybrid last winter by taking it off road. I hit something hard (possibly a brick) concealed in a drift of leaves. The bike jolted up so hard I nearly fell off. A quick inspection showed no damage, so I rode on, but over the next few weeks it got harder to ride, with wobbling pedals, skipping gears, etc. My LBS found that I had broken the rear axle, and continued riding had messed up the whole drive train. It wasn't worth the cost of repair, so I replaced it. (Imagine how sad I was to have an excuse to buy a new and better bike!)
My old bike didn't have suspension. My new one does, and it feels much better on towpaths, which can be very rough when you get out of town. I am now more careful about concealed obstacles.

 

[rovers1875]

Your hybrid will take everything th L & L can throw at it and more.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Been down one or two on my road bike, gee if it can take a pot hole at speed on the road, I think its capable of most tow paths. I just personally don't like riding on them.