Читать книгу The C2C Cycle Route. The Coast to Coast bike ride онлайн

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 Very good brakes. Either V-brakes with wire cables or hydraulic disc brakes. The latter are most efficient, but can interfere with fitting racks and mudguards, as well as being considerably more difficult for DIY maintenance.

 A wide range of derailleur gears, with triple chain rings at the front and eight or nine cogs at the back, will tackle any hill on the C2C with ease.

 A good set of full mudguards is vital for riding through mud, puddles and rain. Make sure they are securely fitted, with good clearance, so that mud and crud do not clog up inside.

 A strong, secure rack mounted over the rear wheel is extremely useful, so that gear can be carried in two panniers with space for a rack bag on the top. Front panniers allow even more gear to be carried, at the cost of making the bike more cumbersome to handle and very heavy to pedal or push uphill.

 Horizontal, flat handlebars, which may be a little swept back, help provide a dynamic riding position. ‘Riser’ handlebars, with the ends lifting upwards, make it possible to sit up and enjoy the view. It’s just a matter of finding the right compromise for your kind of riding. Comfortable grips are important. If they feel hard, wear a pair of cycling gloves with padded palms, which also take the shock out of a bumpy ride. 90° bar ends can be useful for changing riding position.