What type of bike do I need to cycle Wrynose Pass?

[Headgardener]

So what bike did you go for then Frances? Can you link to some pics of your new bike so that we can all criticize agree on how well it will cope with the two aforementioned passes.

 

[Neil A]

Hi

I am about to sign up to do the Great Lakeland Challenge in September - which includes 26 miles of cycling over Wrynose Pass. I am looking into buying a bike - but don't know what time would be best suited to this. I visited Evans today and they though road bikes (with racing style handlebars) would be best, however I have looked at the video from last year and most people seemed to be using standard handlebar bikes (perhaps hybrids?)

I am new to cycling so please excuse my ignorance!

Thanks!

 

[Neil A]

Hi

Wrynose is relatively easy from the west but a struggle from the east, if you are new to cycling and want to ride it all the way I would recommend a triple front with a 27 rear, or a compact if you are very strong, bear in mind that getting to Wrynose from the west involves hills, potentially Hardknott which is in its own gravity league. I am lucky enough to live here and actually went over Wrynose from the east on a 30/23 yesterday but I ride 200 plus miles a week around here. Please, dont try to be a hero, get yourself some nice low gears and enjoy the crack, you can always buy a more racy block as you improve.