brad wilson from st louis on 6/9/2020 5:39:13 PM:
If you already have a bike or bikes, ride the one that is most comfortable to you as long as the tires aren't too skinny. Don't worry about handlebars, etc. All of that is subjective.
If you have a choice of bikes you'd like to ride, go with the one with the cushier tires.
If you don't have a bike, and aren't sure what you want, rent a hybrid bike. Those are usually a nice compromise between mountain bikes and road bikes.
The trail is crushed limestone that is sometimes hard-packed and easy rolling. Sometimes, due to trail repairs, there is a thick layer of loose limestone that can be tricky to navigate. Sometimes the trail is broken and rutted from erosion.
If you aren't used to those conditions, just slow down and enjoy yourself.
PS - I've done two rides on the Katy this year. 42 miles and 33 miles. I used my mountain bike with 2" semi-slick tires. Worked well for me. In the past I've used a drop-handlebar bike, a touring bike with flat-handlebars, and recumbents for long single-day rides or multi-day rides. Just about anything with a reasonably wide-tire can work.