Katy Trail Forum

I recently moved close to the KT Trail and would like to start riding. I'm in need of a new bike but am unfamiliar with the best brands, style, etc. (haven't had a bike since my childhood days). Any recommendations?

Most any brand from a reputable bike shop would be recommended. Target, WalMart, and Dick's don't qualify as bike shops. Probably the best all around trail bike is a hybrid.

I agree with Trek, even the best bike at Wal-Mart has lower than low-end shifters and breaks. Plus, they assemble them about like McDonnalds makes hamburgers. This time of year you should be able to buy a Giant Cyprus for around $300. I purchased mine in 1998. It now has 30,000 miles on it. I haven't spent a dime on it other than tires & tubes. Another way to go is a recumbent. It is more comfortable, you can see better, great for the Katy. The only downside is the price, $1500 on up. You don't need a mountain bike for the Katy.

A cross bike is also a good way to go if you are only going to have one bike. Wide tires for the trail and narrow for the road. Don't be afraid to check used bikes either. There are lots of people in the area upgrading or just tired of what they have, all the time. For this it might be best to enlist the aid of someone with more bike experience, but a lot of the sellers are regular riders and helpful. Also check with Paul at Recycled Cycles in St.Louis. He deals in quality used bikes and is very knowledgeable. Expect to pay a minimum of $300 for a decent used bike. You can often find a bike that costs $6-700 new for that though and may have almost no use. Beware of the bike that costs $1500 new selling for $200. Either it's shot or hot.

Since you haven't ridden for years, I recommend going to a bike shop as they can help you "fit" your bike. If you aren't comfortable riding the bike, it doesn't matter how great a bike it is. When I got back into riding several years ago, I went with a Comfort bike. Then a couple years later I traded that bike in for a "trail" bike (Specialized Globe), as I wasn't really comfortable riding the "Comfort" bike anymore with it's tall handlebars. So, it's very important to get the bike that fits you. We are in the KC area and really like the guys at the Bike Stop in Lee's Summit, but there are lots of great shops out there that will help you find a bike to fit you.

May I suggest that you visit one of the many bike shops near the Katy and rent a bike for a couple of hours. Ride the trail and see if you like it. The shop owner may be able to steer you in the right direction as to what style of bike would be right for you. Then shop around for the best deal. When I was looking for a new bike several years ago, I had two bikes in mind; a Giant Boulder and a Trek 3700. Both bikes were comparable in gearing, comfort and price. The selling point that made the sale was that the shop selling the Trek including free tune ups for the life of the bike. Now, after a weekend ride, I just drop off the bike at the shop and pick it up a couple of days later after it's been serviced.

Free tune ups are worth a lot…..to both the consumer and the shop owner. Always shop at the store where you’re taken care of!



I bought a new bike in 03 and was commuting to Olathe, Kansas at the time from St. Joseph, MO. I looked at the shops in the Olathe area and then decided to spend my dollars with the local shop at home. You know….it’s the right thing to do. When I asked about the free lifetime tune ups I was told that NOBODY did that. We discussed it for a bit and I was made out to look like a fool. I didn’t run a bike shop so I couldn’t know what I was talking about. I returned to the store a few days later with a full page add from the KC Star that a shop in Olathe had just run with mention of…….free lifetime tune ups.



I gave in….bought the bike at home….couldn’t talk them into lifetime service and ultimately quit buying anything from them. Today they are out of business…..the internet hurt their sales was what I heard….go figure. When time came for Ms. Trek to trade bikes…..from the Comfort to the Hybrid we went to a local shop in a northern KC burb. (There is no comfort in riding a Comfort bike on the trails, limestone or paved….I’ve yet to realize why Trek Corp wastes their effort on producing a comfort bike. Oh I do know….the Comfort bike is grand if you’re going to max out at 2 miles….when you get beyond the 2 mile mark you’ve just wasted your money on a moniker.)



She gets free tune ups/service from the burb shop because she bought there…..I get work done usually at a very good rate. We buy what we can from them and appreciate their attitude and expertise. We haul both of the Trek hybrid half bikes and the Santana longbike to this shop. Other than myself, they are the only others qualified to service the longbike. They earned that right not only by their expertise, but by their honesty.



Yes bike shops will “give you free lifetime service” because they want you in their store when you do the drop and pickup.

On my most recent trip on the Katy this summer, since i'm not from MO, I bought a nice hybrid bike off of craigslist from a student at WashU in the St. Louis area versus taking my bike onto a plane like I've done in the past. I paid $125 for a great Specialized Crossroads bike and spent another $150 in bike accessories and parts including tubes, bike rack, lights, etc. I'm not sure what these bike retail for but given the components it was a bargain. I left it with my son so next time all I need to do is fly there. I had to contact 6 sellers before I found this one - so it's not like walking into REI or some bike shop to check out which model catches your fancy.

For the trail stick with a Trek Hybrid, you can't go wrong. Shop the larger stores in a metropolitan area that offers a good selection of all models. You could go into a small shop and not know what you missed out on because the owner only stocks a few bikes... I would buy up as much as I can.. Have the dealer show you his used bike selection. I would rather put my money in a used high end bike than a cheaper bike.. Always compare the bikes weight.

You mentioned getting a new bicycle. The previous advice from other riders is good

advice by staying with a bicycle shop. Two things you might consider: 1) join a local bicycle

club. 2) Don't be afraid to ask questions of other riders. Riders in clubs can help but don't

be intimidated by fast riders. New riders may be afraid to ask questions but you need to ask.

As in any sport, there are little things that make the sport easier. Make up you own mind

though because what works for one rider may not work for you.

I hope to ride the KT in late September but I have a road bike with 700C tires. It may not

be adequate for the Trail. Decide what you like to ride the most, then get that bike.

You can't go wrong by visiting the Hartsburg Cycle Depot in Jefferson City. Mark Allchorn builds and sells bikes and will fit the bike to you. He really goes out of his way to help new and old bikers. They used to be in Hartsburg but have a much nicer place in Jefferson city now.

I agree with those who recommend a hybrid for riding the Katy Trail. I have a Trek 7100 and it has been a great "first" bike bought from a local bike shop(LBS)instead of going to one of those other stores (that sell everything one could possibly want, from groceries to car services.) There are many advantages to getting to know the staff in the LBS and usually you will get some free service, adjustments, etc. for the first 6 months-year. The staff in the LBS are usually riders and they care about whether you are enjoying yourself and learning to be a better biker.

It is recommended to clean bike chains. Does this mean the full scale cleaning of the chain or wiping it down and lube it? And if it means lube it, with what?

Thanks

Yes to all of the above.....and it seems that chain lube is a matter of personal preference. If you think about it, a chain is a series of small parts connected by little pins so all the parts can pivot about the one next to it. Why would you not want to keep those parts clean and well lubed?



A clean and well lubed chain is quiet, makes shifting easier, and prevents costly repairs. I clean the bike chain by wiping if off and by using a chain cleaner with degreaser....with regularity. The Katy can be dusty so the chains are cleaned after each ride on it or similar trails. On long rides I clean the chain and relube along the way.



There have been lengthy discussions here on what is the best lube to use. I use Ice Wax but there are many kinds on the market. Google "Sheldon Brown chail lube" for a good article on the subject.

Degrease 2x per year unless you are constantly riding in wet conditions, your chain really needs to be nicely lubed and while a nice shiny chain LOOKS nice the performance can be poor.



For KT riding I would say the Ice wax is good. Make sure to apply it the night before your ride, or at least 1 or 2 hours before or it will come right off.

Twice a year doesn't seem very often, but it may be ticket. I'd rather degrease when it needs it and not be on a time frame. Thats quite typical though.....we've all been told to change our car oil by the miles logged and not when the oil is dirty and actually needs changed.

I'm confused here. Are you experienced folks suggestiong we thoroughly clean/degrease our chains every night on a 5-6 day ride or degrease perhaps in prep for the trip then wipe clean and re apply ice wax or other product each night.

Thanks

I'd say wipe the chain down at the end of the day and apply a little of your favorite lube. When you finally get home you may want to clean the chain more thoroughly. As well as the rest of your bike.

Are there shuttle services available along the Katy trail that will transport luggage only from one location to another? We want to plan a multiple day trip, but don't want to have to carry all our belongings along the way.

I believe shuttle services along Katy trail would drop you off to start your ride or would pick you up after your ride (advanced reservation required, of course). Some have a fixed run schedule as listed on "Shuttle Ride" link of this website. I think you want supported ride which is not what the shuttle services would do. Try Independent tourist who is advertising on this website. MO dept of Natural Resources (DNR) hosts supported tour once a year in the month of June. Its website is at katytrailstatepark.com

I was on the trail last week and used the shuttle run by Katy Bike Rental in Defiance. They were easy to deal with and very cooperative so you might want to check them out. Call Tod at 314-578-7300. I found them on the Share a Shuttle page on this web site.

I wonder how this would work? Timing of leaving your luggage could be an issue, and they would probably have to charge just like they were doing a regular shuttle, don't you think?

If you have your trip planned out so you know where you will be staying, one option would be to ship a portion of your belongings to you in care of the B&B or hotel. This should be arranged with the management of course to see if it is do-able. Once you arrive, you could then ship some of your "used" belongings to your home address.

Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn’t the DNR sponsored Katy trail ride in June limit you to one bag of “luggage” per person?



I went one year and stayed in hotels, so no big deal. However, if I wanted to camp, I am not sure I really want to stuff all my things in one bag considering that my camping gear may be dirty/soaked.

"Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn’t the DNR sponsored Katy trail ride in June limit you to one bag of “luggage” per person? "



The year I did the ride (2007) I brought along a large duffel bag with most of my stuff and carried one pannier on my bike with things I might need on the trail, such as fresh socks, sunblock, first-aid, snacks, and tool/patch kit. I camped out and didn't have any problem packing my camping stuff in the duffel and picking it up again at the end of the day.

The annual DNR-sponsored Katy Trail ride in June allows you to bring two 50-lb. bags of luggage. I've ridden the ride twice and was successfully able to shove all my gear and one-man tent into two duffel bags. I'm pretty sure they both weighed 50 lbs apiece at the beginning of the ride. They seemed heavier towards the end of the ride. :)

"Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn’t the DNR sponsored Katy trail ride in June limit you to one bag of “luggage” per person? "



How does this relate to the original poster's question? He doesn't say that he's doing the DNR ride, just wants to shuttle some luggage

to avoid carrying it all.

Gary, if you read the second post, somebody mentions the DNR ride and the fact that they shuttle luggage for you. I thought it relevant was the fact they limit luggage (as it turns out to 2 bags, not one), and if the original poster was interested in that ride, they may want to consider that.

On Sept 11th there will be a structured ride from the Katy Depot to the Tour of Missouri

Time Trials at the Fairgrounds. The ride will be led by a group of local high wheelers and

there is a pep rally to kick things off with a vintage Bike Display here at the Depot. Once you

get to the fairgrounds there is a secure bike lock up for Bikes while you watch the Time Trails

of The Tour of Missouri. There is Tour Bound shirts, water and bike lock up included in the

registration. For more info go to www.katydepotsedalia.com. Hope to see you here in Sedalia

on the 11th.

I am riding through to St. Louis and chose the Isle of Capri hotel because of its proximity to the trail. I have noticed a couple of comments about the quality of the dining. Is the food that bad? If so where does one get a good meal? Are te lodgings suitable?

There are several good places to eat in downtown.....just south of the Missouri River bridge.

Depending on your budget, Glenn's cafe, in the Frederick Hotel, right by the MO River Bridge, is wonderful food, but pricey. There's also a very nice little Italian place on the main street with good pizza and pasta, called Cafe Napoli. For more plain fare, The Stein House has been there for decades serving standard family-type fare.

I agree, Glenn's cafe is good. Are you looking for someone to eat dinner with?

Glenn's! Glenn's! Glenn's!

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I will be arriving on Sunday afternoon and would love to have company for dinner joplinbikegirl. That is if you don't mind dining with a petroleum engineer. Given the recent run up in oil/gas prices I have been sort of persona-non-grata.

doug72901@yahoo.com

Alright Arkie. I would like to dine with a petroleum engineer. Dad is a civil engineer so I think I can carry on a conversation without blaming you for the recent gas prices.

Arkie and Joplin - Is this a dinner for two or are you open to inviting other diners?

I think I will let Arkie make that call if he would.

I will make other plans.

My husband and I just stayed at the Isle of Capri in Boonsville. The hotel itself is brand new and very nice and clean, the room was very comfortable, but I must admit that the food was not good at all. The buffet is overpriced and doesn't taste good and there are 2 other places to eat at the boat and they are also both bad. We ended up eating one meal at the Trailside Cafe in Rocheport and we ate breakfast one morning at Bobbers and these were both good.

Buffet is awful unless you like heat-lamp food filled with grease and fat. I suggest Glenn's or Napoli if you are eating in Boonville.

Kind of off the subject of food, but has anybody ever come out ahead in that casino? Or even heard of anyone who did? I have been there probably 6 times and never hit anything on the slots, not even a small win! I think I have finally figured out to stay away from the place.

Don't fool yourself. The casino, and by that I mean ALL casinos, always win in the end. They work on the principal that you may win a little, but they will win more. Having said that, I still go there and have a good time, I just don't expect to make a killing there.

We had a good experience at the Palace Restaurant. It is just down from Steins's, right on the corner by the little pioneer park (or whatever that was). The Palace was clean, affordable, friendly. They kept the water glasses topped and had great cole slaw. My husband enjoyed the gyro, and i the reuben. We saw other diners with beautiful salads. We'll visit again.

If it's not to late I would suggest staying at the Comfort Inn and Suites on Main Street in Old St. Charles. It's at the south end of Main not to far from the Casino. The trail runs right behind the Hotel. The will let you take your bikes to the room and will store your luggage for you while you are on the trail. You can leave your car in the lot on the south side of the building. We were gone for two days and when we returned around noon they let us go ahead get back in our room so we could take a shower before going to lunch on Main street. There are several good places to eat up and down Main steet and it's a really neat place to spend an afternoon or evening. Have a great ride.

WE STOPPED AT THE CASINO FOR THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME LAST JUNE ON THE WAY BACK FROM A WEDDING IN SEDALIA. I WON $500.00 AND WE WILL BE STOPPING THERE AGAIN IN NOVEMBER. WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW I DO THE SECOND TIME.

I will be staying at the isle of capri soon. Do they have a work out facility at the hotel (i.e. treadmills, weights, etc...)?

Does anyone know how the slot tournaments work at the Isle of Capri in Boonville?

Sure. Call Karla Kluck at Isle of Capri at 660-882-1280. She is handling slot tournaments!

This is concerning the Sundermeier's Storage facility in St. Charles, Mo. On Aug. 31st. we sold our camper and had already paid the Sept. payment but the Sundermeiers would not refund the payment. I would not recommend them to any one. There is nothing in writing stating they need a month in advance to rent the space as the lady informed me when I requested the refund on Aug. 31st. She was very curt and refused to discuss the matter.

This is concerning the Sundermeier's Storage facility in St. Charles, Mo. On Aug. 31st. we sold our camper and had already paid the Sept. payment but the Sundermeiers would not refund the payment. I would not recommend them to any one. There is nothing in writing stating they need a month in advance to rent the space as the lady informed me when I requested the refund on Aug. 31st. She was very curt and refused to discuss the matter.