I will be doing a 5 day ride on northern Vancouver island. Pretty much looping Campbell river to cape Scott park. I am debating using my ‘road’ bike that I can fit knobby 42s on or my hardtail with dropper/ suspension front fork. I’d say for distance the road bike is more comfortable and easier to load gear on, but I am uncertain which would be better for road/trail conditions. I am fine with underbiking, but I don’t want to get stuck or deal with constant mechanicals. Any general tips for riding that area are appreciated. Photo 1: is the road bike with slicks. Photo 2: hardtail. Neither in touring mode. Thanks for the help. Cheers
by 99877787
4 Comments
I haven’t ridden up there yet, but someone I know has and they agree with the advice from Saltybeard, who has designed a 1300km route called caves and coves. There are a lot of jagged rocks on some of the roads” and sidewalk cuts are common. He recommends a hardtail with minimum 42mm….. https://www.saltybeardadventures.com/caves-coves-tt
I was there last week, if you’re staying on the main roads you’ll likely make do on the road bike with 42s. If you’re planning on the back roads, without hesitation, the hard tail. The back logging roads will obliterate the road bike. We had a couple of gravel bikes on 42s and flats were an issue, one of the bikes with 48s had a ripped side wall from the rocks. The front suspension will also be welcome on the ample, rough, back road descents
If you’re doing riding 19 up north and then the logging road to cape Scott you should be okay on the road bike with 42s. Some bits of the mainline are less well maintained especially as you get closer to the park but just go around the big holes lol.
What’s the route you’re planning on taking?
Here is our planned route:
https://caltopo.com/m/9SG6AMU
Any advice is fully welcome. We aren’t new to bikepacking but are new to this specific area.