The less trodden path

ianspeare

We know that some of the classics are defined by the road surface rather than significant clumsy. Does anyone out there go off the beaten track often on a road bike?

There's plenty of byways around where I live in in various states of repair, from small footpaths to unclassified and I maintained roads. There's also former rail lines that are like a gravel surface.

I think I'm going to set myself a new thing and seek out these lesser cycled paths. I attempted some of the cobbled roads around Alderley Edge last year and absolutely loved it

rayjay

I hoist myself and Bike into the tree tops of a local wood and bunny hop from tree to tree , a bit like Tarzan.

cyclingsheep

That's what cyclocross bikes are for.

marcusjb

See if there is a rough stuff fellowship group near you.

I like a little off piste riding for sure - but RSF really do some amazing rides.

Initialised

Helpful posts, it's not like he's suggesting taking a road bike to an MTB trail centre :roll:

Yes, I ride some less off road tracks. I find it knocks 25-50% off my speed compared to tarmac and then there's dodging dogs, horses and walkers.
Off road riding was easier when I ran 28s, on 23s it can be a bit of a grind when the surface is loose.
There's also the increased risk of pinch punctures so it's a trade off between that and a bumpy ride.
Tyre choice and pressures are the key.

It's actually a growing niche: http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/arti ... hbs-40409/

schweiz

Last year I decided to break from my planned route and follow the usually relaible Swiss cycle route network where both road and MTB routes are signposted. The 'road' signs suddenly ended and I ended up riding a few km along a rocky, rutted farm track before it became MTB territory. The bike and I suffered no ill effects.

roger_merriman

Within reason you can go quite off road, certainly for tow paths and the like.

I have for many years used bikes with 25mm on tow paths and the like, not yet pinch flatted though sharp shards have punctured etc.

Greenbeetle

I find if I get one of the route planning sites to auto-create a "cycle" route somewhere I'm not familiar with, it'll dump me onto all manner of bridle paths and off-road challenges.

marcusjb

Greenbeetle wrote:

I find if I get one of the route planning sites to auto-create a "cycle" route somewhere I'm not familiar with, it'll dump me onto all manner of bridle paths and off-road challenges.

AKA the Sustrans National Cycle Network!

I have fallen for that little trap a few times "ooh look, that national cycle route sign points to where I want to go and that track looks great", only to end up riding down something that is more like a trials course than a national cycle route.

ednino

no. in a word lol

I don't even like rough tarmac. My beloved road bike only goes on the road & not cycle paths & tracks.
I've got an XC bike for muddy stuff. Might take up CX next autumn to see what its like