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Terry Quinn from Germantown Hills, IL on 10/2/2009 7:12:44 AM:
My wife and I are beginners at trail riding. Some friends want us to join them riding the Katy Trail for a couple of days. We are in our upper 50s. Neither of us has a true off-road bike.

My bike is an old Schwinn Traveler 12 speed road bike with very slim 100 psi untreaded road tires, racing handlebars, and no suspension. It has a softer than stock seat.

My wife's bike is an almost new 18 speed Specialized "comfort bike," upright riding position, medium-width treaded tires, fork suspension in front, and seat post suspension in rear.

Neither bike has fenders.

I'm guessing that her bike is probably going to be okay, and mine isn't going to work. Anyone have any comments on whether I can make the ride on mine, or that hers will have problems?

Terry

 
Trek on 10/2/2009 8:40:56 AM:
Although your bike is probably not the ideal trail bike...yes it should work. We ride our road tandem on the Katy at times and it works fine. Just make sure to watch for hazards that might effect your smaller tires.....rocks, ruts, loose chat, etc. that may not be an issue for larger tires.

 
ChrisJ from Centralia, IL on 10/2/2009 10:35:35 AM:
Trek is right. But more important than the type of bike, is how you handle it. If you get too close to the soft edge on any bike, you may be in for a spill. But MOST of the trail is hard packed and fine for skinny, slick tires if you stay alert.

 
Larry from St. Louis on 10/2/2009 10:36:18 AM:
I agree with Trek's reply--you'll just have to be cautious with your Schwinn. There's quite a few leaves covering large walnuts on certain parts of the trail right now. So that could be an issue depending upon where you'll be riding. Also, depending upon how much you're accustomed to riding, don't let your friends schedule too many miles per day. That can put a damper on an otherwise great Katy experience.

 
Terry Quinn from Germantown Hills, IL on 10/2/2009 10:57:04 AM:
I appreciate everyone's comments. Based on what I'm hearing, I may give it a try with my 12 speed. We should be traveling rather liesurely, especially with my wife along.

If you had not replied, I'd have been scrambling for another bike for the trip. Thanks.

Terry

 
Terry Quinn from Germantown Hills, IL on 10/2/2009 11:56:36 AM:
I appreciate everyone's comments. Based on what I'm hearing, I may give it a try with my 12 speed. We should be traveling rather liesurely, especially with my wife along.

If you had not replied, I'd have been scrambling for another bike for the trip. Thanks.

Terry

 
Gene from Indiana on 10/2/2009 10:53:13 PM:
Good idea to ride with other people. Bikes probably are OK but you might look into new tires
if you have old tires. Also, make sure the wife has a women's saddle. It will be more
comfortable for her.

 
Terry from Festus on 10/3/2009 12:28:31 AM:
I do not know where you plan on riding on the trail, but you can always try the road bike and if things do not work out all that well you can visit a bike rental shop and rent a bike for a day or two. I know the shops in Rocheport and Defiance offer very reasonable rates.

 
John from East Jordan on 11/1/2009 11:10:08 AM:
We have a 100km limestone trail in Michigan and I've seen many road bikes on that trail. Most road bikes can fit 700x28 tires instead of the skinnier 700x23 standard tire. If you were to fit the 28's on your bike, I think it would do just fine.

John