If you’re joining us for the North Coast 500 or planning your own adventure, one of the most common questions is what type of bike to bring.
After running the route for the last 10 years, our honest answer is that there is no single perfect bike for the NC500. We have seen riders complete it on road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids and touring bikes. What matters most is not having the fanciest setup, but choosing a bike that is comfortable, reliable and geared well for the climbs.
For most riders, we would usually recommend a road bike or a gravel bike. A good hybrid can also work well, especially if comfort and confidence are your top priorities.
Is the North Coast 500 suitable for a road bike?
Yes, absolutely.
The NC500 is an on-road route, and plenty of our riders have completed it very comfortably on road bikes over the years. If you already own a road bike and it fits you well, there is a good chance it will be a strong option for the trip.
That said, an endurance road bike is usually better suited than a more aggressive race bike. Over several days in the saddle, comfort starts to matter more and more. A slightly more relaxed riding position, sensible tyres, and lower gearing to help on the climbs will usually serve you better than a lightweight, race-focused setup.
As a guide, we would usually suggest tyres of at least 25mm, and ideally a little wider if your bike allows. Newer road bikes will often fit 28–32mm tyres, while some older bikes may be more limited.
Not sure if your bike fits well or what tyres you can run?
It is well worth popping into your local bike shop to ask whether they can check your fit and tyre clearance.
A bike fit may not be cheap, but it can be worth every penny if it helps you stay comfortable and reduces the risk of injury over a multi-day ride. In general, we would suggest running the widest tyres your bike can comfortably fit in the frame and brakes to make the ride more forgiving.
Is a gravel bike a good choice for the NC500?
Yes, for many riders, it is one of the best options.
Although the route is on tarmac, Highland roads can still feel rough in places, and the weather is not always kind. Gravel bikes tend to offer a really good balance of comfort, control and climbing ability. Wider tyres can smooth out rougher road surfaces, and gravel gearing often helps when the gradients start to bite.
If you already have a gravel bike, there is every chance it could be the ideal bike for this trip. It can also be a great option if you want the flexibility to explore a little more beyond the main route.
Can you do the NC500 on a hybrid or touring bike?
You can, and some riders do.
A hybrid can be a good option for someone who prefers a more upright position or feels more confident on flat handlebars. The main thing we would say is that not all hybrids are equal. A lighter hybrid with sensible gearing can work very well. A heavier hybrid designed mainly for short local rides may make the climbs feel harder than they need to.
Touring bikes are designed for long-distance riding and can handle the terrain well. The trade-off is that they will usually be a bit heavier and slower on the climbs. That said, finishing comfortably is far more important than finishing quickly, especially on a route as scenic as this one.
If you are thinking of using a hybrid or touring bike, we would pay particular attention to gearing, weight and tyre choice. If you are planning to bikepack the route, a touring bike can also be a very strong option.
Can you do the NC500 on an e-bike?
Yes, you can. An e-bike can be a really good option for riders who want extra support on the climbs or a little more confidence over a multi-day trip. The main things to think about are battery range, charging, and the extra weight of the bike. If you’re considering bringing an e-bike on our ride, get in touch and we can help you think through whether it’s the right fit for you and how it would work on the trip.
What matters most when choosing a bike for the NC500?
From our experience, these are the biggest things to think about.
1. Gearing
This is probably the most important one. The North Coast 500 has some serious climbing. You will enjoy the trip far more if you have low enough gears to spin comfortably rather than grind your way up every hill.
2. Comfort
A bike that feels fine for two hours can feel very different on day four or five of a multi-day ride. Comfort matters. Bike fit matters. Saddle comfort matters. A slightly more forgiving setup is often a smart choice. It is also worth training on the bike you plan to use so you can learn what is and is not working before the trip.
3. Tyres
You do not need huge off-road tyres to bike the North Coast 500. Slightly wider tyres can make a noticeable difference to comfort and confidence. For many riders, something in the middle ground of 28-32mm width works really well.
4. Reliability
Whatever bike you bring, it should be in good working order before the trip. A well-serviced bike you know and trust is usually a better choice than a brand-new bike you have barely ridden.
So what bike would we recommend?
If you are riding the NC500 with us, our general advice would be:
- Best overall choice: endurance road bike or gravel bike
- Also a good option: light hybrid or touring bike with suitable gearing
- Less ideal: aggressive race bikes or very heavy bikes not designed for long hilly days
Because our trip is supported, you do not need to carry all of your own luggage on the bike. That means you can focus more on comfort and ride quality, rather than choosing a bike around heavy load-carrying.
That said, there is no single “right” bike for the NC500. One of our alumni once completed the route on a folding Brompton, which is probably the best proof we have that preparation matters more than bike category alone. Would we recommend a Brompton? Probably not. Is it possible? You’re damn right it is.
Need to hire a bike?
If you’re travelling to the start or do not have a suitable bike of your own, hiring can be a good option. We’ve previously recommended Ticket to Ride in Inverness to riders, and they’ve had good experiences there. Ticket to Ride offers road bikes, flat bar hybrids, e-bike and mountain bike hire. They specifically mention the North Coast 500 as one of the routes they support.
If you’re thinking about hiring a bike for the trip, we’d recommend sorting it early. You’ll have the best chance of getting the right size and setup that way.
Final thoughts
Over the last 10 years, we have seen riders succeed on a range of bikes on the North Coast 500. The common factor is rarely the bike category itself. It is usually that the rider chose a bike that fit them well, was properly prepared, and was suitable for long days on hilly roads.
If you are unsure what to bring, we would usually suggest starting with the bike you already own and asking: is it comfortable, is it reliable, and does it have low enough gears for a week of Highland climbing? If the answer is yes, you are probably on the right track.
Want to talk through your choices with us? Get in touch and we can help walk you through it.
