Bike choice for South Downs
Discussion
Some of you may have read my other post about the SDW trip we are planning later in the year. It's a there and back 200 miler over four days buy four forty ish year olds.
Having never cycled in that part of the UK we don't really know what the terrain is like other than the links to web sites that some of the Guys have posted.
A friend of mine did it last year for the BHF one way and said he wouldn't do it on a hard tail. He did it on a Trex EX8.
What are your thoughts on bike choice for the trip.
I'm currently Running a Cube Reaction GTC SLT 29er hardtail. Having sold my last two full suss bikes. A Spec Enduro and a Cube AMS 29.
Is a hardtail a good or bad choice for the trip?
I'm thinking about looking at a Giant Anthem or Trance 29. But could save a few quid if the Carbon hardtail is suitable.
Cheers Karl.
Having never cycled in that part of the UK we don't really know what the terrain is like other than the links to web sites that some of the Guys have posted.
A friend of mine did it last year for the BHF one way and said he wouldn't do it on a hard tail. He did it on a Trex EX8.
What are your thoughts on bike choice for the trip.
I'm currently Running a Cube Reaction GTC SLT 29er hardtail. Having sold my last two full suss bikes. A Spec Enduro and a Cube AMS 29.
Is a hardtail a good or bad choice for the trip?
I'm thinking about looking at a Giant Anthem or Trance 29. But could save a few quid if the Carbon hardtail is suitable.
Cheers Karl.
Anything really.
Hardtail 29er is fine. I did it on an XTC 26", but did buy an Anthem straight after, again 26er though.
SDW taught me my no.1 need was for lightness (for climbing) and then a bit of comfort if I can get no bob.
My mate did it on a Whyte 146 with a lot of travel, he didn't die either, but he is now buying a Whyte shorter travel 29er XC susser of some type.
Hardtail 29er is fine. I did it on an XTC 26", but did buy an Anthem straight after, again 26er though.
SDW taught me my no.1 need was for lightness (for climbing) and then a bit of comfort if I can get no bob.
My mate did it on a Whyte 146 with a lot of travel, he didn't die either, but he is now buying a Whyte shorter travel 29er XC susser of some type.
I did it on a Specialized Hard Rock hard tail. Kudos to me! 
I did think at the time (specifically bombing down some long gorgeous hill nr Queen Elizabeth park) that I was just about on the edge of what the bike and me could handle.
They say 29ers (hard tail) are ideal for the Downs, so I think you would be allright if you were just doing it one way. I think a full sus may be better for your ride though, will take some of the fatigue away.
I would add the surface seems to get worse to me year on year, all that erosion makes some of the steep downhill sections very bumpy/rutted, with a combination of water channels and rocks gouging their way down the hill.
Some sections have been made easier though, the first part of the climb east from the car park at Washington has had a loose surface put down that has smoothed some of the worst edges off it. The second part is about as bumpy/technical as it gets.
I did think at the time (specifically bombing down some long gorgeous hill nr Queen Elizabeth park) that I was just about on the edge of what the bike and me could handle.They say 29ers (hard tail) are ideal for the Downs, so I think you would be allright if you were just doing it one way. I think a full sus may be better for your ride though, will take some of the fatigue away.
I would add the surface seems to get worse to me year on year, all that erosion makes some of the steep downhill sections very bumpy/rutted, with a combination of water channels and rocks gouging their way down the hill.
Some sections have been made easier though, the first part of the climb east from the car park at Washington has had a loose surface put down that has smoothed some of the worst edges off it. The second part is about as bumpy/technical as it gets.
not sure about the double though 
I’m planning to do the double as well and while I am currently coveting some very nice 29” full sus carbon loveliness, it’s highly unlikely I’ll manage to convince my wife that the price tag is worth it. So I’ll most likely be doing it on my 26” Cannondale hard tail, and to be honest in all the training rides I’ve done on the downs so far, I can’t really see why I’d need anything more.
Given the topography of the route, the lightness of the bike mixed in with the lack of bob on the climbs makes a HT perfect and when it comes to point down, there is little I’ve come across that can’t be absorbed by standing out of the saddle.
Ultimately (imo) its far better to be on a bike you know and are comfortable than to change to something new just before a long ride.
One thing I would spend some time thinking about is tyre selection, I’ve yet to have a ride on the downs that hasn’t be interrupted by punctures. Next ride is going to be on some heavy weight Schwalbe Marathon plus, he’s to hoping the extra weight pays off
Given the topography of the route, the lightness of the bike mixed in with the lack of bob on the climbs makes a HT perfect and when it comes to point down, there is little I’ve come across that can’t be absorbed by standing out of the saddle.
Ultimately (imo) its far better to be on a bike you know and are comfortable than to change to something new just before a long ride.
One thing I would spend some time thinking about is tyre selection, I’ve yet to have a ride on the downs that hasn’t be interrupted by punctures. Next ride is going to be on some heavy weight Schwalbe Marathon plus, he’s to hoping the extra weight pays off
I'll be doing the SDW this year on a short travel (100mm) carbon 29er. I think the full sus will be nice for the extra comfort but obviously it'll be a bit heavier the an HT.
Depending how I get on and how things pan out this year, I might try it singlespeed on my rigid 29er but I'll have to see how things go first.
Depending how I get on and how things pan out this year, I might try it singlespeed on my rigid 29er but I'll have to see how things go first.
I've done it a couple of times (well, 80 miles from QECP to Eastbourne) First time on a lightweight carbon 120mm Stumpjumper over 2 days, then on 140mm Yeti 29er (over 30lbs) in a day.
I don't think the bike is that important within reason, a lightweight 120mm 29er would be ideal. Tyre choice is crucial though - tubless preferably but not something too thin as the flint will shred tyres. I tore a Racing Ralph but they are thin, something fast rolling but tough like a Crossmark Lust is good. Take tubes and tyre boots too. Also make sure the bike is in tip-top order, it's not a technical route but we had various mechanicals including broken spokes on both occasions.
I don't think the bike is that important within reason, a lightweight 120mm 29er would be ideal. Tyre choice is crucial though - tubless preferably but not something too thin as the flint will shred tyres. I tore a Racing Ralph but they are thin, something fast rolling but tough like a Crossmark Lust is good. Take tubes and tyre boots too. Also make sure the bike is in tip-top order, it's not a technical route but we had various mechanicals including broken spokes on both occasions.
shouldbworking said:
I've ventured it on a carrera fury and a friend on a gt avalanche. anything is doable. Tyres.. may be an issue, maybe i got lucky - no punctures on 2.3 speed kings. The worst issue I had was a bottle vacating it's cage at the end of a particularly rocky descent 
Done it once in 2 days on my old carrera fury, and then last year on my HT Boardman HT Pro. Ive done it twice, not planning on ever riding it again lol. First time was an Orange E8 lightweight hardtail. Last time was an 08 Spesh Enduro. HT was great but uncomfy but the bouncer was comfy but pain in the arse after 80 miles. May (wont be holding my breath) attempt again on cross bike and I reckon that could be a winner.
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