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Road vs mtb distances

tomj · 2025-02-24T16:28:35Z

So first up I’ll confess. I’ve never riden a road bike abd usually see roads as a way to get from trail to trail. But this summer we are going back to the Isle of Arran and having done some of the amazing mountain biking I quite fancy trying the whole loop of the inland. I can borrow a road bike (will prob still have my flat pedals and baggy shirts!). But no idea if it’s doable. the round Arran loop is 90km long and 1200m height gain. Is this a tough day in a road bike? In context a big day on my mountain bike would be 50km and a similar height gain. We’re staying on the island so no rushing for ferries and it’s July so almost 18hrs of daylight! Does this sound feasible? Thanks

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ayjaydoubleyou

Posts: 4829

Full Member

My rule of thumb is to base it purely on climbing. There will be exceptions at the extremes, and a difference in undulating terrain vs doing 1 mountain climb and descent; but if you can do 1200m climbing on a mtb ride, you can do it on a road bike.

Distance differential 90 vs 50, you'll probably take about the same amount of time too.

Posted : 28/02/2025 12:32 pm

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