c2c on a hybrid - will these tyres be ok?

[ED209]

We are doing the c2c between Whitehaven and Sunderland next month.

Im planning on using my boardman comp hybrid. Thing is will the normal Vittoria Zaffiro 700x28c tyres be ok or will i need something mre substantial.

I live close to the route and know they will be fine from parkhead to sunderland but not sure about other parts of the route.

[beedj]

It's 7 or 8 years since I last did the C2C but I recall maybe 65% of the route being tarmac (quiet roads or cycle lanes) and 35% off road - generally disused railway lines with hard-packed gravel type surfaces. I don't have any specific experience of your tyres - I think they'd survive and you won't have material traction/grip problems etc (assuming you're not out to break any records) but you might get a puncture or two.

I put some of these on my MTB before I last did the C2C http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/tour/marathon-plus/ and I was the only one of five of us not to puncture. In fact I then went a couple of years of regular similar rides without a puncture. For me it seemed to offer the best mix of low rolling resistance, some off-road capability/grip (though not same as a 'full' MTB tyre) and most of all durability.

Basically depends if you can justify £60 for a pair vs the risk of punctures

[N Dentressangle]

Yes - Parkhead to Sunderland is the most gravelly bit, IIRC. You'll be fine.