What is the best type of bike to use for the London to Brighton bike ride?

Question

I have a full sus mountain bike which will be hard work on the roads. So is it best to go for a road bike or a hybrid for this course? As a heart patient, I want to take part next year. Thanks.

Answer 1

I'd recommend a road bike. Not one of those horrible aggressive ones, but a nice confortable one that you could travel long distances on.

Answer 2

A Yamaha FJR 1300

Answer 3

If you don't want to go to the expense of a full bike just for one day's use, get some road tyres on the wheels instead of knobbly off-roaders. That should only be about twenty quid. This will significantly reduce the bike's rolling resistance and hence reduce the amount of legwork.

Though I would use my road bike, only one person can post the quickest time, so most people set their main aim as being able to say "I did it!" You certainly won't be the only one to do it on an off-roader.

All the best with your continued recovery, and also with the race next year!

Answer 4

I took part in the 1989 Manchester-Blackpool and the following year London-Brighton. A hybrid would be best, the mountain bike will be ok for the Ditchling Beacon and some of the other hills, but the whole event is on tarmac, so a mountain bike will make hard work of the roads. Have a good time and enjoy it.

We made a video for the organisers in 1989 and we brought a proffesional over from Italy for a bit of a laugh (the brother of somebody I worked with) He got to Blackpool before the finish line had been erected, he passed me as I was about a third of the way to Blackpool heading in the opposite direction. He had a shower, changed and flew back to Italy before I finished!

Answer 5

A 3speed tourer.

Answer 6

one you find comfortable with and think you would be able to complete the distance with. however i would personally say a road bike.

Answer 7

hi nick                                                                                                       i am doing London to Brighton on my road bike its so much easier it will be hard on a full sus ....and my legs didn't hurt i fell okay ...hybrid are okay but i will say road bike of course .....it my 4 year of doing London to Brighton and i am doing it in fancy dress ......and good luck

Answer 8

A road bike will be quicker and a hybrid more comfortable.