Bike Recommendation for Abingdon route

Hi Chris,

I cycle from North Abingdon 4 days a week. I stick to the road, coming through Drayton, Steventon, up the Milton Hill, left along to Rowstock roundabout and the up to the Campus. A road bike makes it quicker, and the roads are in good enough condition to be able to use one. The route is a popular diving route so if you prefer something quieter and more off road then it is possible you may need to look at a bike that can take something more bumpy. The road route is the most direct though and in the six months I’ve been cycling it I haven’t had problems with other road users.

Good luck with your placement!

Clare

I’ve been doing 2/3 road bike commutes/week on this same route from North Abingdon, via Drayton & Steventon. My return journey is after 6pm. I avoid Abingdon town centre, on the way out, and head down Faringdon Rd/Spring Rd & over the double mini r-ab. I also tend to use the cycle track between Abingdon & Drayton, about the only one I use anywhere, just for a quieter life – although it does mean turning right on to said path heading back out of Drayton on the return. In Abingdon on the return I simply head back up Ock st, then do a left onto Bath St. I haven’t had any problems, perhaps ~3 ‘close’ passes in 2015 so far… It’s a good distance & normally around 35-40 mins in, and 30-35mins back for me.

Andy

Just preference really; though Abingdon centre does get pretty busy at peak times, and some of the traffic lights have fairly long ‘cycle’ times – e.g. the Ock St – Stratton Way lights.

I used to cycle from North East Abingdon when I lived there and concur mostly with Andy’s view. Having (also) taken the decision to use the cycle track from Drayton to Abingdon on the return, I then capitalised on this by turning down Preston Road and enjoying a cycle alongside the river before crossing town to return home – slower but more enjoyable. The worst spot in the route (IMHO) is crossing lanes at the top of Steventon Hill to turn right..