Dilemma, help needed.

[Don1]

So next year I'm doing the Scotland Coast-Coast rat race. The bike sections are both road (mainly), and some XC. Do I:
1) just do it on my FS MTB?
2) get a XC bike just for this event (plus training). I have a selection of bikes already...2x MTB, 1x road, 1xTT.
3) upgrade the FS MTB
4) A N Other

The issues I have are that I'm just not that comfortable on rails, my build is more suited to comfort or MTBs. I'm not 'racing', just doing it as an experience.

Thoughts? Cheers!

[Celtic Dragon]

Fs xc mtb on slicks and a set of folding knobblies in the pack.

[Gizmoish]

CX bike.

/n+1

[Don1]

Celtic Dragon said:

Fs xc mtb on slicks and a set of folding knobblies in the pack.

The first day is pure road, the second XC followed by road, no time to change tyres... But I like the thought, thank you.

[47p2]

Gizmoish said:

CX bike.

/n+1

This

[Celtic Dragon]

Don1 said:

The first day is pure road, the second XC followed by road, no time to change tyres... But I like the thought, thank you.

Ok. If it's not wet, street tyres will suffice.

[richardxjr]

Having looked at the course (which looks like a load of fun) being tight I'd put something fast rolling like Maxxis Crossmarks on whichever is the more XC mtb and use that.

As long as it's not a mad DH rig or something. Saying that, one of my mates rode his very slack and heavy 6" FS on the road up some cols with us in the Alps in the summer, similar distance.

[BOBTEE]

I've done the C2C and the Leeds Liverpool canal on a 160mm bike, I've done 82 miles in one hit on it too... MTFU

[Don1]

BOBTEE said:

I've done the C2C and the Leeds Liverpool canal on a 160mm bike, I've done 82 miles in one hit on it too... MTFU

Wonderfully useful, thank you.

[Don1]

richardxjr said:

Having looked at the course (which looks like a load of fun) being tight I'd put something fast rolling like Maxxis Crossmarks on whichever is the more XC mtb and use that.

As long as it's not a mad DH rig or something. Saying that, one of my mates rode his very slack and heavy 6" FS on the road up some cols with us in the Alps in the summer, similar distance.

That's interesting as well - I must admit I'm fairly ignorant about the different tyres out there. It's not a nutty D/H setup, so that should be OK. I guess I better have a ride of a CX machine, and see if it's more comfortable than my MTB, and make the decision from there.

Cheers!

[anonymous-user]

I appreciate it's a fair way from you but given the race is September 2014, why not recce it first? Would be a good ride regardless and may help you choose!

[Don1]

pablo said:

I appreciate it's a fair way from you but given the race is September 2014, why not recce it first? Would be a good ride regardless and may help you choose!

That is a cracking idea. Thank you!