I’m thinking of doing the Downs link this Sunday- I rode the London to Brighton off road on an mtb a few years back but don’t remember anything too rough or technical.
If I go this weekend would a gravel bike with 45 tyres be best suited or my Scott Spark 900 RC?
Any suggestions?
Isn't it old railways & family friendly? So I'd say gravel bike myself.
I've walked most of it. Its so dry at the moment you could probably do it on a road bike. Gravel bike would be spot on. Can't imagine it would be a lot of fun though,. seems pretty dull.
as above, it's mainly repurposed railway line so a gravel bike friendly surface that's fast and flat. it's bone dry at the moment although this week's change in the weather might dampen a few spots.
if you have a bell then take it as it can get peopley, if you have some headphones and music then also take them as it can also get tedious, although some do enjoy the not-having-to-think-about-things empty head space the Downslink allows
Thanks chaps - yes a bit dull from memory- high hedges either side.
Yep rain forecast this week and the weekend - will it still remain okay under tyre for a gravel bike?
I can't imagine a time when it would be unsuitable for a gravel bike.
Even in mid-winter it's fine on a gravel bike, bit greasy in places and puddly in others, it's the railway grade grit that eats your bike that's the main worry
I do like the fact the DL officially starts just off St Marthas and you're greeted at the very start with a sandy & rubble strewn descent followed by sandy/muddy bridleways until crossing the Wey; for the uninitiated I could see folk wondering what they got themselves into & whether they chose the right bike but it's all fairly serene after that 😀
I do like the fact the DL officially starts just off St Marthas and you're greeted at the very start with a sandy & rubble strewn descent followed by sandy/muddy bridleways until crossing the Wey; for the uninitiated I could see folk wondering what they got themselves into & whether they chose the right bike but it's all fairly serene after that 😀
Thanks mate, how long does the ‘crappy’ bit go on for in distance to the Wey?
It's only about 4 miles and it's not that bad, just quite different from the rest of the route. Should still be reasonably dry even if we do get some rain this week too. Also depends if you think it's worth doing as i assume most start from Guildford without going to the st marthas start (via pewley down or Chantries)
It’s really not far but that top section west of St Martha’s does catch people out, particularly families. By Tannery Lane Bridge it’s all fine so a better option for those riding with kids.
For the OP though, it’s all absolutely fine on a gravel bike or MTB, and I’d take the gravel option as it will probably cover the route more quickly.
... and fish and chips (or just chips) from Middletons just across the ferry bridge to eat on the beach when you get there 🏖️
Having a decent bell is more important than having any particular type of bike.
Thanks all
Recent Cycling UK feature on Downs Link may have useful info:
Recent Cycling UK feature on Downs Link may have useful info:
thanks mate
Definitely gravel bike though a Spark RC would’t be much slower and might be comfier. Yesterday I rode a section and despite the rest of the Surrey Hills being bone dry The Chinhurst Hill section started and finished with 100m bogs so I’d avoid there. I ride it from Dorking along the NDW then up St Marthas - the outward / return is a handy 100 miles.
I did it last summer on my gravel bike and really enjoyed it.
