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How rocky is afan t...
 

[Closed] How rocky is afan these days?

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[#7550898]

Going tomorrow for the first time in years, maybe doing w2 and penhydd. Not sure if I should take the fully rigid bike.


 
Posted : 02/01/2016 5:08 pm
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The tree cull has produced a more barren landscape from previous years.

This has resulted in rockier terrain due to the more exposed trails.

You'll be able to ride rigid, but some form of front / and or / rear suspension will make it more enjoyable in my opinion.

Just got back in from a ride round Whites Level.


 
Posted : 02/01/2016 5:17 pm
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I don't know about W2 and Penhydd, but I'd think that the later sections of Blade would be pretty unpleasant (or at least very tiresome) on a rigid bike. The black run could also be a bit sketchy.

Big low pressure tyres would help. Better still, take a bike with some suspension; Blade is very entertaining in that case.


 
Posted : 02/01/2016 5:24 pm
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Rode penhydd a few days ago, not sure I'd really fancy it on a rigid bike, rode it on a 100mm xc bike and still got a bit of hand burn.


 
Posted : 02/01/2016 5:29 pm
 br
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[i]Not sure if I should take the fully rigid bike. [/i]

Not sure why you'd consider taking a rigid bike to Afan, it'll be 5h1t.


 
Posted : 02/01/2016 5:32 pm
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rode it on a 100mm xc bike

Me too, and I found it fine. OP I'd say the conditions will make you slower therefore perhaps not so floaty over the rocks and root, personally I wouldn't go rigid.

The tree cull has produced a more barren landscape from previous years.

I agree, the whites climb was awful in bad weather. Without the trees your exposed to the wind an rain coming straight up the valley, and it looks a long way down if you slip. Best ride it hard and fast IMO.


 
Posted : 02/01/2016 5:33 pm
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Did it on full sus and loved EVERY ride. Saw a few on hard tails, not many admittedly, but certainly not for me now. If you've got a full Susser take that for more fun.
If you were doing North Wales I'd say don't go at all !


 
Posted : 02/01/2016 6:05 pm
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Just checked the forecast. Rocks are going to be the least of my worries.


 
Posted : 02/01/2016 7:36 pm
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molgrips, you could do the far sections of the old skyline which are all still intact, they would be fine on a rigid.


 
Posted : 02/01/2016 7:40 pm
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Sounds like fs is best to get the most out of it though.


 
Posted : 02/01/2016 7:46 pm