OK so here is the deal....
I am a 24 year old Personal Trainer who has been invited to complete the John O'Groats to Lands End ride- in 5 days (around 180 miles per day). Given my job, I am more than clued up on training, nutrition etc, so that is no problem. I am also no stranger to endurance events (I have completed 2 marathons and the Tough Guy race 3 times).
The problem I have is equipment.
I have read the informative sticky regarding choosing a bike, but I am confused as to what bike would suit me best. I need to eat up the miles quickly- afterall I am trying to cycle the length of the UK in 5 days, yet I need the comfort and stability of a touring bike. Should I sacrifice comfort for speed?
As for gears, I have been told by others that road bikes do not have the same gear set as a mountain bike, making them harder on the hills. Is it worth buying a second bike for the hilly stages? I am assuning the mountain bike is heavier, so would that negative the benefit of the better gears, as I am lugging more weight up the hills?
My last question is reading- I want to have my technique solid so I dont waste energy. Are there any books out there that will advise me in terms of cycling tecnique?
Although I am starting from a total-beginner point when it comes to the cycling, I am only doing the tour in July next year, so have plenty of time to learn!
All of your help is very much appreciated!
Thanks very much guys.
I am a 24 year old Personal Trainer who has been invited to complete the John O'Groats to Lands End ride- in 5 days (around 180 miles per day). Given my job, I am more than clued up on training, nutrition etc, so that is no problem. I am also no stranger to endurance events (I have completed 2 marathons and the Tough Guy race 3 times).
The problem I have is equipment.
I have read the informative sticky regarding choosing a bike, but I am confused as to what bike would suit me best. I need to eat up the miles quickly- afterall I am trying to cycle the length of the UK in 5 days, yet I need the comfort and stability of a touring bike. Should I sacrifice comfort for speed?
As for gears, I have been told by others that road bikes do not have the same gear set as a mountain bike, making them harder on the hills. Is it worth buying a second bike for the hilly stages? I am assuning the mountain bike is heavier, so would that negative the benefit of the better gears, as I am lugging more weight up the hills?
My last question is reading- I want to have my technique solid so I dont waste energy. Are there any books out there that will advise me in terms of cycling tecnique?
Although I am starting from a total-beginner point when it comes to the cycling, I am only doing the tour in July next year, so have plenty of time to learn!
All of your help is very much appreciated!
Thanks very much guys.