Sportive for a beginner

[hoppym27]

I fancy doing a non competitive sportive but are they appropriate for a hardtail MTB? I'm just looking for something novice friendly, Im already pyhsically fit as I'm a runner already...I'm in Manchester but willing to travel a bit if needs be.

 

[ianrauk]

You can do a Sportive on what ever bike you like. After all it's not a race.
If you think you can complete the course on a MTB then go for it.

 

[Markymark]

All sportives are non competitive. As above it's whether you can stomach the distance on such a bike.

 

[mjr]

I don't remember seeing any sportives banning MTBs and I don't think any British Cycling registered one would but some will discourage it. There might be some sportives that do ban MTBs because there seem to be a few strange ones out there. Check the terms before you enter.

If any medals offered are important to you, check you can complete the course in the time on that bike. Otherwise, it doesn't usually matter much if you roll in after the official finish has packed up - slow riders get swept off the course at RideLondon but I'm not sure if even other closed-road events do that. So give it a try if you like the idea.

 

[heist]

Ive seen loads of people at sportives on mountain bikes. Nothing wrong with that at all. Makes it a bit more hard work though. Enjoy!

 

[smutchin]

I fancy doing a non competitive sportive but are they appropriate for a hardtail MTB? I'm just looking for something novice friendly, Im already pyhsically fit as I'm a runner already...I'm in Manchester but willing to travel a bit if needs be.

On some sportives, an MTB might even be an advantage...
http://cycleclassics.co.uk/liverpool-roubaix/

Not too far from you either.

 

[Cycleops]

Just remember you different muscles when cycling as compared to running.

 

[Welsh wheels]

Check this one out. It's designed for mountain bikes and cross bikes https://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/lakeland-monster-miles-adventure-cross/

 

[rivers]

I saw a guy on a Brompton, or similar fold-away bike, complete the Great Weston Ride at the weekend. You'll be fine on a mountain bike

 

[John the Monkey]

My first was the Tour of Britain "Tour Ride" sportive - saw plenty of people on hybrids and hardtails for that one.

 

[ColinJ]

The Manchester 100 on 3rd September! (That link takes you to the 100 mile ride, but there is a 100 km version too if you don't fancy riding that far.)