Ridgeway - can a hybrid handle it

ch79ro

Hi All,

This is my first post on the forum. Apologies if this has been asked before but I have done a few searches on Ridgeway but cant find a comment on this particular question.

We are planning to the do the cycle part of the Ridgeway from Streatley to Avebury. In our group we have a mix of normal MTB's and hybrids. From pics it looks like it is mostly dirt track through grassy meadows but some posters seem to talk a lot about ruts (created by 4wd's?) and mud etc etc.

In summary from the experience of other riders on this forum would the ridgeway be ridable on a hybrid? (perhaps retrofitted with 700x38 tyres etc. ) even if we have to get off and wal a few times.

thanks

compo

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12644082

ch79ro

Hi thanks for the response, I have looked at that thread already and it doesnt specifically say whether it is doable on a hybrid. Although yes the chalky path with nice scenery tends to lead in that direction that it is doable.

Unless I click back to the nationaltrail.co.uk link, granted there is some _hinting_ there that it is doable as it says "those using touring bikes might struggle a bit". Also there is a pic of a guy on a tourer on that page

So I guess it is doable but wodnering if anyone who has first hand experience can confirm?

alexclaber

I dragged a friend onto the South Downs on a hybrid on Sunday and that's pretty similar terrain. He dismounted for some of the more technical ascents/descents but he did only have lightly treaded road tyres. On the open chalky paths he kept up with me (and overtook me uphill). Wouldn't have wanted to try it in the wet though!

Alex

Kong

as long as it is dry I don't see why not, it would be hard going at times on the hybrid. I have seen people riding on the ridgeway on a hybrid before but they did struggle at times on the rougher parts.

the Barbury Castle to Avebury section is fairly good there is only one or two sections that you may have problems with where is gets badly rutted.

Jay dubbleU

The section between Barbury Castle and Bishopstone was badly rutted but has been regraded and 4wd vehicles have been kept off it so the surface is pretty good - not sure about the rest of the route

Trideg

Did Avebury to Streatley about three weeks ago; first section to motorway quite wet and rutted in places but rideable. After that generally well drained chalk / flint. Not sure I would do it on a hybrid unless heavily padded although we did see a pair loaded down with camping equipment. In all took 7hrs with stops to look at ancient monuments and crop circles.

ch79ro

Hi Guys thanks for your answers, well I checked the bikes and one has 700x35C and the other has 700x38C. So its sounding like they are reasonably wide tyres, more then 1 inch almost 1.5 on each.

Saw some tyres chainreactioncycles, there was one called "continental tour ride" which was a 700x47 which is about 2 inches like a standard width MTB tyre. im sure that would handle it. there were only 10£. just got to check if the frame can handle the width. one of them are suspension forks so that would be ok

Will put some pics up of the ride and path when im done!

PaulTh

Having ridden the Ridgeway a few times on various bikes, including a tandem, I think hybrids will be fine.

I don't know current condition, but normally any badly rutted wet sections you end up walking anyway - so the lighter the bike you have to carry/push the better !!

Barrythebike

I have ridden on similar terrain on a Cyclo X bike with dropped handle bars in the past, ruts & mud etc...Even done some of the less gnarly stuff in the Peak District on it :shock:
I would reckon a hybrid is ok