jcliszewski

Hey everyone,
I'm new to this forum, and also new to any sort of serious bike talk. I'm planning on doing a 100 mile ride next summer. It's a recreational rail-trail, 60% asphalt and the remaining 40% being gravel/dirt. Since my longest ride on my bike is currently only 65 miles, (all on asphalt) I was wondering if my 2016 Trek DS 8.3 would be good enough to ride the entire distance, assuming I spend the whole next summer training. The bike only cost about 600 dollars I believe.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
And if I sound like an idiot, just let me know. Still a beginner in bike language!

Scooty Puff Jr

It really comes down to you and your physical capabilities, I’ve rode a couple 100 plus rides on a Fuji Crosstown ($600) 40 pound bike with some gear. As far as the bike, as long as it’s in good running order: tires, brakes, bearings, etc, your bike should be fine. Just remember to bring plenty of water, and have a plan where you can stop to get more water and some food too. Also bring a extra tube and pump or inflater, you don’t want to be 50 miles out and stuck with a flat tire.

MRT2

A 100 mile bike ride, with 40% on gravel and dirt is no joke. It isn't so much the equipment, but whether you are up for the ride.

Roamer2

With the proper training, tires & saddle you should be able to do that. It's a haul all in one day for most, tho.

As mentioned above, water and fuel (food) is absolutely key.

rumrunn6

absotively! start early in the day just to be safe

Doctor Morbius

The bike is up for it if you are. May want to go with something other than the stock tires though.

Also, don't wait until spring or summer to start training for this event. Start NOW!

badger1

Point the first: if you can ride 65 miles in one day, you can do a century (100 miles). You will want to work up to at least 85% of the latter if you can, over time and ideally on some roads/surfaces approximating what you'll encounter, but there's no question that you 'can'.

Point the second: your Trek DS will be perfectly fine. You'll want to ensure that it's in good shape, and you certainly would want to consider investing in really good tires, but apart from that if the bike fits, you're comfortable on it, and especially if you've already done a 65 mile ride on it -- 100 miles should be fine. All down to you, the cyclist.

FWIW, I did my first 'century' ride on a hardtail mtb (26er) with road slicks, at age 59. I'm no athlete; if I can do it anyone can. It even had riser bars (Shock!!!) and front suspension (Horror!!!!), and I didn't suffer a life-threatening injury as a result of using 'the wrong tool for the job'.