tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101679182641225404.post3136546489987184047..comments2017-09-12T13:53:19.586-07:00Comments on Cycle, Comida, Cerveza, Siesta... Repeat - Camino de Levante: Day 14 - Villavella - Vilar de BarrioBen Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11320697929817688619noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101679182641225404.post-47549427730141758882013-12-13T17:08:46.347-08:002013-12-13T17:08:46.347-08:00Hi Evan,
Terrain is dependent on whether you want...Hi Evan,<br /><br />Terrain is dependent on whether you want to stick to the trail as much as possible, or if you are happier taking the paved roads. <br /><br />We stuck to the trails as much as possible, taking a lot longer but more enjoyable, there are only a few sections which the road must be taken by bike, as it is impassable or extremely slow.<br /><br />We are both mountain bikers, so took our 26" hardtail bikes. I would prefer a 29" bike but the other aspect is you must be able to fit racks safely, so avoid carbon (my 29" mtb is carbon)<br /><br />I would say rigid is fine, i rode with a steel framed bike with a steel rigid fork and it was fine.<br /><br />There isn't too much climbing so gearing is fine, I had a 27 speed, but rarely used more than 10 gears.<br /><br />For, tires, this can be important, if you plan to ride the trails as much as possible, I would stick to a fast rolling nobby tire, 1.95 is fine, we had setup tubeless with sealant, which meant we only had 1 flat between the two of us over the 1200k, pretty impressive, with lots of rocky sections and thorns as well.<br /><br />We found bikes to be very common, with lots of mountain bikers and road cyclists throughout the route, which also tells me there must be lots of bike shops, so if you take spares for any specific parts like brake pads, spare derailleur hanger and spare spokes, you should find a shop to help you repair.<br /><br />I think the bike i had was perfect for me, light rigid mtb with fast rolling nobby tyres, disc brakes where great with the extra weight when going through towns especially with some steeper sections, although it is good if you know how to bleed and adjust the brakes if you plan to take disc brakes, as the smaller towns may not have experience with them. Buy the best racks and bags you can, as if you plan to ride offroad, you want them to be very secure, make sure to take an occy strap to tie down for extra security.<br /><br />I wouldn't go with a touring bike unless you plan to stick mostly to the roads, as the offroad trails are quite rough in places.<br /><br />Hope that helps, happy to answer and other specific questions.<br /><br />We also plan to ride the Via Francigena route in June next year, which looks great!Ben Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11320697929817688619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101679182641225404.post-65650365414603354082013-12-13T08:16:52.443-08:002013-12-13T08:16:52.443-08:00Hi Ben,
I had walk a couple of times on the Camin...Hi Ben,<br /><br />I had walk a couple of times on the Camino de Santiago. I am planning to do the same Camino Levante as you next year on a bicycle. I hope you can help me on the terrain and bicycle required for this road as I am preparing to get a bike for this Camino. Hopefully I can use it after the Camino as regular commuting/grocery bike.<br /><br />1.Is a 26 inch MTB or larger 29er better?<br />2. Rigid fork or suspension? Personally I don't really like any suspension.<br />3. Gearing. A basic 21 speed good enough for the route? <br />4. Tires. Semi slick or knobby? How much of the route is on the tarmac? On the path? Gravel? Rocks? 1.95 inch width enough?<br />5. Would a touring bike or a hybrid with 35-38 mm be better? Would the 700c wheels be a bigger spoke breakage risk?<br />6. What do you recommend for a budget bike on this route? And what would be a perfect bike for this route if you were to do it again (ignoring the cost)?<br /><br />Thanks again. I hope to be able to get your feedback.<br /><br />Cheers.<br />-Evan-<br />Evan Lowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08595074608229506461noreply@blogger.com