It's a Viking giro d'italia for £50, thinking it would be better for doing Manchester to Blackpool on rather than my whippet with slicks? I have no idea about road bikes, is it worth it?
Viking is pretty well the Bike Shaped Object of road bikes - provided it's in good nick, 50 quid is OK for a bike selling for £200, but just don't go throwing money at it expecting to turn it into a Pinarello. Your other option would be to track down a used Decathlon Triban which is a popular beginners road bike.
Stick with the Whippet with slicks, spend £50 on cake and beer on the day..
Yeah I've been trying to find tribans on a mates recommendation on his, but they seem to be selling for more than I can really afford.
I did the Manchester to Blackpool when it went from the city centre on a Cannondale F1000 sl, the lockout on the lefty fork was broken and it had knobbly tyres. I had a nice time and it didn't hurt one bit. I think you're over thinking it. Ride the bike you've got. It's only 50 miles and it most definitely is not a race, at all, in any shape or form.
Some of the ladies from work are doing it and they are not cyclist of anybody's description.
In fact, if you're determined to do it on a road bike, depending on date, you can borrow my Defy to do it if you like? You're my height if memory serves.
Nothing to advise on, but Jonny from Leigh doing the Manchester to Blackpool ride?
If so life is too weird! 🙂
Me being called John from Leigh doing the same ride!