Langster on a canal towpath

[not_an_exit]

Hi everyone

I am thinking about getting a Specialized Langster http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/langster-street-2015-singlespeed-bike-ec053037 and using it on a canal towpath on my way to work. Is this terrain totally unsuitable? One of the questions on that website says the tyres are very narrow so they would be compromised on such terrain, so I was thinking about fitting some 28c Schwalbe Marathon tyres. Also, I think I'd be giving the winter months a miss too :-)

I'd be interested in what people have to say about this, and whether there is a better single speed bike for canal towpaths around the same money.

Thanks for any help and advice!

 

[JimboJames1972]

I guess it depends on how the canal paths are surfaced?

My first thought is that a 23mm tyre is really only suited for dead smooth tarmac. If your canal paths are paved like that then you should be fine.

On the other hand, if they are limestone/gravel/clay (like a few of the bridleways and river paths around here are) I would definitely consider a significantly wider tyre, and probably a wheel rim to match. My local paths are ok if the weather has been dry for a while, but they get pretty well cut up after a bit of rain and then the ruts dry as hard a rock. Definitely not the surface for skinny tyres.

My Genesis Flyer came with 28mm Continental tyres (and wider than standard rims) out of the box. When I had them mounted up the tyres actually measured 30.5mm wide. With 85/80pis rear/front they were exceptionally comfortable over any surface I tried them on (I'm convinced that steel frame and carbon forks probably helped here too!) and I never really noticed any increase in their rolling resistance when I used them on the smoth, black stuff either. Looking at the frame and forks I guess I could probably go another 3-4mm wider all round, if I really needed to.

I realise that the Flyer will be a bit more expensive than the Langster you are considering, but considering that it comes set up with wheels/tyres that look as if they will suit the surfaces you will be riding on I think you will end up about even.

J

 

[not_an_exit]

Thanks @JimboJames1972 plenty of food for thought in there. I am going to have a ride of the towpath myself to see exactly what it's like. I've also been researching the Genesis Flyer, and it seems like it will fit the bill better than the Langster.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[SWSteve]

Day One Disc would be good for this

 

[phantasmagoriana]

I've ridden my Genesis Flyer (with 25mm Durano Pluses) on a fairly rough canal towpath - it wasn't something I'd want to do regularly, though I suppose it would depend on the towpath. The Day One mentioned above (also available in non-disc, though the disc version's probably a better bet for commuting) or perhaps the On-One Pompino might be worth looking at. Bear in mind that if you decide to fit mudguards, this will reduce the tyre clearance - I've got guards on my Flyer and I certainly don't think anything wider than a 28mm tyre would fit.

 

[vickster]

Charge plug is pretty rugged as another option

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-plug...|pcrid|67090792502|pkw||pmt||prd|5360675370uk

 

[MrGrumpy]

28c tyres are a defo no chance on a langster, I know as I have one! Even 25c is tight if you then want to fit crud guards or race blades. In fact looking back I would not have bought it for the reasons I have mentioned. CX for the wet/winter commute is on my list, just deciding what to buy and then seeking approval from the boss

oh and langster does handle a wee bit of rough stuff but 23c tyre may not! Canal path round my way but good surface and langster is fine.