Taff Trail

[jimbo40]

Never done the whole Taff Trail, only Ponty - Cardiff. Can the whole 55 miles be done on a hybrid (Ridgeback Flight 02) or do you have to have a MTB. I have one but its a 15 y.o. Trek with no suspension. Would rather use my newer bike if poss, but not if its impractical.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Yes. A hybrid will do it easily. You can do it on a touring bike. You may want to take the road rather than the forest just after Pont Sticill res It is a great route and well worth it.

 

[jimbo40]

Thanks for the advice, really appreciated.

Did it Saturday on my hybrid and it was definitely the right choice. Only had to get off the bike briefly on two occasions (only 50 yards or so each time) as bike didn't have low enough gears, once at the steeper bit at the top of 7 mile bank and again somewhere near Merthyr. When I get the bike serviced I will have a triple chain-set fitted to replace the double, to give me some granny gears and then hopefully should be able to do it all without pushing.

Took my mate and I 6hr 45min including two short food breaks, which I was pleased with.

Probably stop at Ponty, where we live, next time as the Ponty - Cardiff Bay bit seemed a drag, as we know that part of the route so well now.

Thanks again.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Thanks for the advice, really appreciated.

Did it Saturday on my hybrid and it was definitely the right choice. Only had to get off the bike briefly on two occasions (only 50 yards or so each time) as bike didn't have low enough gears, once at the steeper bit at the top of 7 mile bank and again somewhere near Merthyr. When I get the bike serviced I will have a triple chain-set fitted to replace the double, to give me some granny gears and then hopefully should be able to do it all without pushing.

Took my mate and I 6hr 45min including two short food breaks, which I was pleased with.

Probably stop at Ponty, where we live, next time as the Ponty - Cardiff Bay bit seemed a drag, as we know that part of the route so well now.

Thanks again.

I bet I know both hills and they are blood steep if riding a double. Well done

 

[Wednesday]

So a hybrid can do it, but how much do you have to pay attention to the ground? I was wondering about doing a bit of it next time I'm in the Rhondda but not sure if I'm actually into doing extended bits of off-road.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

So a hybrid can do it, but how much do you have to pay attention to the ground? I was wondering about doing a bit of it next time I'm in the Rhondda but not sure if I'm actually into doing extended bits of off-road.

Unless it has been raining hard a Hybrid will eat it up.

 

[Banjo]

I have done it several times on a hybrid with slick road tyres. The 7 mile bank is a bit bumpy but worth it for the views through the trees towards the top.