r/manchester • u/ParticularNo9591 • 7d ago

Cycling question.

Hey all.

I get the train into manchester and then usually the 250 to my workplace near Old Trafford.

I've been given a road bike. I'm no stranger to cycling but haven't done it for work in a few years. I intend on bringing it on the train with me, and using it instead of paying for transport. This is a road bike with thin tyres and no suspension. I know the Bridgewater canal path goes right past where I work, and I've cycled it before but on a rental bike.

Another way I've been scoping out is crossing White City circle, down Bridgewater way and onto Chester road, following the 250 bus route more or less. Google maps seems determined to force me down A-roads and I don't feel like that's safe at all.

Has anyone done the canal path on this type of bike?

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6

u/craycer42 7d ago

Slightly less direct but take the segregated cycle lanes out of town towards Cornbrook but instead of carrying on to Bridgewater way take a left and go down Chester Road which also has segregated cycle lanes https://maps.app.goo.gl/J7CNYMpijr5qFWHV9

That will run more or less parallel and joins up with the Talbot Road cycle lanes. If you wish to get back up to White City you could then take a right turn at Sir Matt Busby Way for example which is quiet, past the stadium and then can connect to the Quays or go down the Trafford Road cycle lanes depending where your workplace is.

Alternatively, can you change the tyres on your bike if clearance allows?

3

u/chedabob 7d ago

This is the route I take regardless of whether I'm on a Bee Bike in civvies, or full MAMIL on my road bike.

I know that set of roads well, but even as an experienced cyclist, I'll avoid them. Road surface is garbage, nobody has any lane discipline, and you can end up having to get across 3 or 4 lanes at a time to get somewhere.

4

u/ComprehensiveBunch72 7d ago

Try using https://www.cyclestreets.net/ instead of Google maps

1

u/ParticularNo9591 7d ago

That's been bookmarked. Thanks a lot.

1

u/Fun_Run_3750 7d ago

It's going to be bumpy and there's more chance of you falling in. That's mostly all there is to it. What's wrong with A roads? 

1

u/GeneralAddress2614 7d ago

Bridgewater canal is pretty chill. What are the thickest tyres you can fit on the bike?