'soft-roader' capability to take hardship

8valve

ok folks, I've got a specialized crosstrail elite hanging about in the shed and a mate has suggested we do the nire valley drop offroad sportive next month...

the forks have a small-print disclaimer label stating 'for light offroad use only'.

I'm no downhill demon, I prefer to pootle along and smell the cowdung in the countryside.

if i fit decent knobblies, will she be up to the task, or will I be carrying her home in three halves and end up doing a 20km cross country hike instead of a cycle? :-)

surely some of you here have experience of this event?

all advice would be much appreciated.

also worth noting; the bike belongs to my son..if i kill the crosstrail, its gonna cost me a new BMX for him!!!!

ford2600

I've been ip on those trails a lot. For most part it is forest roads with a some quick drops.

Used a basic cube with mechanical dart 3 fork for the first year. The bike you linked has less travel and would Probably be at It's limit at times.

With a decent tyre at right pressure you should be able to get around but without setting any records.

Your doing short or long course?

8valve

Still recovering from achilles problems after lack of prep for the Kelly 100k, so Im opting for the shorter course.