A mountain bike should not be a problem. Just make sure you get a set of "slicks" to replace the knobby tires. This is the kind of thing you want: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15304&subcategory_ID=5430
Check your local bike shops for supply.
I'm not a mountain biker, and not really familiar with mountain bike geometry, but you should make sure that it is comfortable sitting in the saddle for extended periods. Any of the mountain bike races that I've seen, the riders are up and down (in and out of the saddle) more often than roadies.
Doing this sort of distance is quite possible for mountain bikers. I've done a Century and a 125 mile ride on my full suspension rig. Quixote is quite right...get a good set of slicks and it is a lot easier. I personally like Richie Tom Slicks as they do higher PSI so that you get less rolling resistance.
If you can do XC type stuff, then chances are you'll be fine for this. You'll probably want to take the seat up a bit (XC range for sure) and make sure your baggies are padded. :)
I agree that this ride will be doable on a mountain bike, but slicks are a REALLY good idea. Get the narrowest, highest pressure ones you can find. MEC should have everything you need. If you have been thinking about getting a road bike for this ride, go ahead. Even an older used road bike will be faster than a mountain bike. $500 can go a long way...
What are your thoughts on using a hybrid bike versus road bike. Hybrid I was looking at has same size tires as a road bike however the tires are slightly wider, but not by much. Is it more comfortable on a road bike or a hybrid. seats also look the same.
Zack, slicks are pretty much like road bike tires...but generally the ones for mtb's have more and/or deeper grooves in them. They seem to hold pretty well on wet pavement...not as nice as knobbies, but they won't kill you over the long haul with the rolling resistance like knobbies do.
Morris, a hybrid will likely be more comfortable...most road bikes have a more agressive position that, unless you are used to it, can be a little uncomfortable. A pure road bike will likely be faster, but as this isn't intended to be a race... you get the idea. If you're looking at a new bike, make sure it's something you will be comfortable on, regardless of the style...you're going to be spending some time in the saddle :)
I was comparing a Diamondback versus a Raileigh road bike and they were both the same weight and dimensions. Prices were close so that I why I as undecided. I have an old old road bike and I think after looking at it this weekend it may require a lot of tune up work, plus the back wheel has a slight wobble.
I know exactly where you are coming from Morrisjo. I ended up doing some bike shopping this spring myself.
I was fully prepared to go for the Rde on my full-suspension mountain bike (I've done a 200km single ride on it in the past...yeah, I know...I'm nuts), but thanks to Mr. Harper (a nice little tax refund) I was able to pick up a new bike. I'm not really fond of the position on a full-on road bike, so I picked up something that better suited my preferences, was comfortable for me and will let me do more of my "general purpose" riding without racking up lots of miles on the mtb.
So after all the deciding I am still training on my old 10 speed bike that has served me well for many years. Translation-Hybrid bike I was looking at sold out and the road bike came off sale.
Oh well who really needs those extra 11 speeds on top pf my 10?
Hehehe... I know that feeling. A few of the bike I was looking at were gone by the time I was ready to pull the trigger too. I just wanted to make sure I hade something a little more road firendly than my 5x5 FS mountain bike with slicks to do the Ride.
I've done the Ride distance on a mtb in the past...Edmonton to Westlock and back in a single ride...so I know it can be done. But I also know that it does take a lot more out of you than something more for road riding.
Oh well... Here's hoping your training down in MacKenzie goes well :)
I got a set of speacialized Fat boys and they are working very well...I'm using a Kona Dirt jumper. I only use my last gear now.. Top speed on it is 60 .. and also I tried riding it in the rain last week and it works fine... I'm surprized how well it grips in the rain..
Yeah, slicks / road tires do surprisingly well for on road, even in the wet..and with a lot less drag than knobbys :) I took the mini knobbys off my cross bike and have been riding it in prep for the Ride. Man, way more efficient than my 5x5 FS mtb when it comes to the long haul.
