Tire Widths for NZ rough road touring?

[fireweed]

Greetings;
I am planning a trip to New Zealand next winter and would like to get off the highways to see some of the backcountry from a bike on some off road routes. The Molesworth Track (and the Central Otago Rail Trail) have caught my interest. My research tells me that the condition of these routes varies and could be slow going for stretches, but that's OK.

My touring rig is a Surly LHT fitted currently with 35mm wide tires. I am planning to swap these out for 40mm Schwalbes to allow me more flexilbilty for routes like these. Has anyone been been on either of these "roads" and would I have problems without full mountain bike tires?

Dave

[gnome]

Greetings;
I am planning a trip to New Zealand next winter and would like to get off the highways to see some of the backcountry from a bike on some off road routes. The Molesworth Track (and the Central Otago Rail Trail) have caught my interest. My research tells me that the condition of these routes varies and could be slow going for stretches, but that's OK.

My touring rig is a Surly LHT fitted currently with 35mm wide tires. I am planning to swap these out for 40mm Schwalbes to allow me more flexilbilty for routes like these. Has anyone been been on either of these "roads" and would I have problems without full mountain bike tires?

Dave

Hi,

I haven't done the Central Otago Rail Trail and have only driven the Molesworth track. The Molesworth is just like any other gravel road. If you are comfortable travelling on gravel roads with your current tyres, you will be fine.

I would think that you wouldn't have the problem on the rail trail either.

Note that the Molesworth road is only open between 28 December to Mid April each year. See Department of Conservation website for more info.

[Jonahhobbes]

Not got around to doing either yet, but the railtrail, (I know several people who have done it on an assortment of bikes), will certainly be fine with those tires. The roads are pretty crappy so anything from 700x32 will do for touring.

good choice of bike btw.

[Chris L]

I did a big chunk of the Central Otago rail trail a few years back on 700x32c tyres on my hybrid. It didn't present any problems, that was in early 2006.

[Steve0000]

I have cycled both Molesworth and the Otago Rail Trail using mtn bike and 1.5" knobblies for Molesworth, slicks for the Otago Rail Trail. I do not advise using slicks for Molesworth but they are fine for the Rail Trial. Be aware that Molesworth has about 150km total of unsealed road including the Awatere Valley leading to the northern end, and the road from the southern end to Hanmer Springs.