Trip to Ticknock... what bike?

Robotack

I'm going to be in Dublin next week. Thinking of making a visit to the Ticknock MTB Trails. I've never been and info is hard to find.... I'm wondering what the trails are like and whether or not they are xc type trails or more like Ballinastoe etc. Basically, I'm wondering if I'm packing my XC race bike or my full sus trail bike?

Cheers!

Peterx

XC would be perfect.
There are enduro trails on ticknock but these are difficult to find without a guide whereas the Coillte trails are all waymarked and very much XC friendly.
Biking.ie have a shop there and will rent you a bike too if you end up travelling light.
http://www.biking.ie/index.php/mountain-bike-trails-ticknock-and-ballinastoe/mountain-biking-ticknock

Robotack

Perfect thanks. One way or another I'll be bringing a bike to take in a couple of spins around Howth as well. XC Hardtail it is! Cheers

Tenzor07

Ticknock trails are quite rocky/rough in particular on the lower metro trails so would recommend the full suss.. esp. if you see some of the off piste trails..

TooObvious

Let's face it, it's winter now - bring the XC bike, stick the saddle up as high as it'll go and do some oldskool mtb!

silvo

You could also drop in to the bike park which is just down the road from the Ticknock trails here: https://www.thegap.ie/

Gerry

I'd say hardtail, but it depends what level of trail you are comfortable tackling on a hardtail.
The GAP is great fun on a hardtail also. If you've time for a longer xc spin here's a nice one.

https://www.strava.com/activities/526262647

rollingscone

So you're saying a novice on a Tubeless Rigid fork bike might struggle?

https://imgur.com/gallery/BR0Fb


I've had notions of going up there on dear old Wolfgang to do Eurosceptic

amcalester

rollingscone wrote: »

So you're saying a novice on a Tubeless Rigid fork bike might struggle?

https://imgur.com/gallery/BR0Fb


I've had notions of going up there on dear old Wolfgang to do Eurosceptic

I was up there about 2 months ago, stopped and repairing a puncture, when a guy on a touring bike emerged from a forest track that I had just punctured on and headed on up the fire road.

Tenzor07

Gerry wrote: »

I'd say hardtail, but it depends what level of trail you are comfortable tackling on a hardtail.
The GAP is great fun on a hardtail also. If you've time for a longer xc spin here's a nice one.

https://www.strava.com/activities/526262647

XC hardtails are no fun on a lot of those trails...

A nice Cotic steel hardtail would be just the job...

Peterx

The newer Coillte trails on Ticknock are all smooth enough for rigid bikes: This one is a grand loop on a CX bike https://www.strava.com/segments/10859428?filter=overall

Tenzor07

Peterx wrote: »

The newer Coillte trails on Ticknock are all smooth enough for rigid bikes: This one is a grand loop on a CX bike https://www.strava.com/segments/10859428?filter=overall

So long as you have a spine made out of rubber!

That loop contains a lot of fire/tarmac road, not v interesting..

Peterx

It's interesting enough on a CX bike, especially as I have a standard spine, the rubber issue ones weren't in stock
A little off topic though.

I still think a XC bike is the best choice for a day out on the Ticknock Coillte trails. Enjoy your trip, Robotack.

Robotack

Appreciate the replies folks. Hadn't even heard of the gap. Thought bike park ireland was the only one. Cheers!... I was kinda hoping the answer would be XC though... Looking forward to a spin on it!

Robotack

Gerry wrote: »

I'd say hardtail, but it depends what level of trail you are comfortable tackling on a hardtail.
The GAP is great fun on a hardtail also. If you've time for a longer xc spin here's a nice one.

https://www.strava.com/activities/526262647

Gerry, is this super steep? I've a mate who's more novice level of fitness and don't wanna murder him...

Gerry

Robotack wrote: »

Gerry, is this super steep? I've a mate who's more novice level of fitness and don't wanna murder him...

Re the Gap or the xc spin? If the gap, the pedal back up is actually fine, not very steep, but if your friend prefers there is an uplift. If you mean steep down - not really, they'll be fine on the blue trails.
The xc spin - not steep but would be tough for a newbie. Quite rocky.

Robotack

Yeah it was the XC spin I was on about. He's well able to handle the bike just not that fit.... Different question... I was in Ballinastoe years ago when it first opened. Which in your opinions would represent a better day's entertainment. Ticknock or Ballinastoe?