100m Sportive - is my bike suitable?

jopari

I've entered the York 100 sportive organised by Action Medical Research. This is 100miles through the Yorkshire wolds, so rolling countryside with short (but steep?) ascents.
I have a Kona Honky Tonk, so steel frame (not the lightest) and double 34/50 on the front, 12/25 on the rear.
Anyone with experience of this ride think I might struggle with that gearing?
Also, what mileage should I look to be doing in training to be prepared ( I currently cycle 2-3 times a week, 18 miles round trip to work).
Sorry for the numpty questions, but this is my first forray into 'proper' cycling events.
Graham

napoleond

I'd look at getting a 12-27 cassette and try and get in some longer rides of at least 60 miles. You'll manage it with what you have gearing/training wise but it'll be far from pleasant.

ugo.santalucia

The bike is fine, but you need to put in the miles

RonB

Might be already sorted, but I would also suggest going for narrower/ slicker tyres with plenty of pressure to boot.

mog812

Hi am hoping to be able to do the (100mile) Newforest sportive in August, which should give me sometime to put some miles in along with some training; but was wondering if you good people out there would think that my bike would be suitable to do it on?
I have a Carrera Vanquish (2011 model, the black and red one, with carbon forks)
Looking forward to the replies.

Thanks for your time.
Mog.

thecrofter

IMHO you can cycle 100 miles on any bike.......the only limitation is how comfortable you want to make it for yourself. Any heavier, older bike will make it less pleasant/easy as will thicker/softer tyres. The main thing is to prepare your body for six to nine hours sitting on that bike. Was it Lance who said "There is no substitute for time on the bike"?

mog812

pretty much what I thought, though thought I would ask, just in case.

Thanks

Liam 2010

thecrofter wrote:

IMHO you can cycle 100 miles on any bike.......the only limitation is how comfortable you want to make it for yourself. Any heavier, older bike will make it less pleasant/easy as will thicker/softer tyres. The main thing is to prepare your body for six to nine hours sitting on that bike. Was it Lance who said "There is no substitute for time on the bike"?

This is pretty much the best advice.

The only thing I'd add to that, besides putting in longer rides, try and put in a few rides in bad weather. It might seem daft, like why would a person want to ride in rain or a strong head wind, but come the day of the sportive, you can't gurantee what the weather is going to be like, so it helps a little if you are ready and have trained in unpleasant riding conditions.

cycleclinic

Your bike will be fine. I have done 100 miles on a Kona Paddy Wagon and that was fine, I've even riden up an Italian Mountain on it some Lake district rides.

You have some choice of gears so it will be fine if you are fit enough.

KTK13

@ Mog you'll be fine on the Vanquish a nice bike
@ jopari ditto to the above, if you want a fall back gear for climbing look at a 12-27 cassette or 12-30 Deore cass

It's all about your set up on the bike, saddle position and what you are wearing make sure you shorts bibs have a gel pad, Sportives are great you'll meet and ride with new people and this deffo takes away the time element, use the feed stations for a quick stop hydrate and re-fuel & enjoy yourself.

Try a 50-60 mile ride with somebody (if you can) & if you accomplish this the 100mile mark will be a cinch !

KTK

Jonny7c

I did the York 100 a couple of years ago. 39 - 25 lowest gear should be easily sufficient if you've ridden a few hills on it already. If the route is still the same then there's only really one hill of any length/steepness just before the first feed stop. The rest really can be described as rolling at worst and the last 20 or so miles is pan flat.

To echo most other replies the important thing is getting the miles under your belt - the bike will take care of itself. And make use of the food stops (or take your own if you intend to eat on the move).

xscreamsuk

I rode this last year 1st sportive, only started cycling in early May, got road bike end of June. Did a few longer weekend rides in the build up and many 15 mile commutes some of which I lengthened to 30 or so. Had a 34 27, which was fine, as said one steep hill, some other smaller ones that were a bit a challenge. Headwind all the way back though. V pleased to do it in 6 hours.

Bike will be fine, don't set off too fast, try to get in a group if you can for the shelter. Some cracking descents before the first food stop IIRC.

Buckled_Rims

The Kona honky is a good bike. It will actually soak up many of the bad road surfaces better then a few of the more "expensive" carbon bike IMO - I fancied getting one a few years ago. The only problem you'll have is mileage. You need to do at least 6 x 60 miles and a 75 miler in training. As also mentioned a 30 - 27 gearing also helps on the steep bits.

When you train, try and simulate the rest stops and what you'll need for water and food. Carry too much water and it's extra weight, carry too little food and you'll bonk or cramp.