Type of bike

[Sophievano]

I am planning to cycle from Lyon to Santiago in July august this year. Just wondering what the best type of bike to use is. I currently have a hybrid but wonder if I need something a bit sturdier for the trip.
Sophie

 

[William Marques]

It depends where you want to cycle. There is a choice between road and path. In many place the road is the more authentic route than the path which has been rerouted for safety and pleasure. So do not feel you have to take one or the other.

If you are riding on the road and only use the path in where it is flat and well paved a hybrid will be fine. If you intend to use the path more often and even here I would advise against using it in the steepest sections of the Pyrenees and Montes de Leon a mountain bike style will be better. The low gears, wider tyres and smaller wheels make them a better bet. I use a 26in wheeled tourer which is similar to a hardtail mountain bike but with all the attachments for front and rear panniers etc.

 

[newfydog]

I assume you mean from Leon in Spain, not Lyon in France.

The Caminos have a great variety of surfaces--its one of the things that makes them so fun to ride.
One can ride a mountain bike on the paved road much more easily than riding a road (or hybrid) bike on a trail. If you have something other than a mountain bike you'll be on and off the marked trail quite a bit.

Leon is not too far, and I've seen plenty of hybrid type bikes ride much of it. You'll miss some great parts, but if you aren't into mountain biking you might be better off on the road when it gets rougher. If you are actually coming from Lyon, it would definitely be worth getting a nice bike.

 

[Bobbydigital]

Here is my rig- it is at the end of the video.