Roubaix on Katy Trail?

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ryanmayshays from NYC/Lee’s Summit on 9/1/2020 10:41:35 AM:

We’re road tripping back home to MO and want to ride the Katy Trail in mid-October. Because we may make several stops (and rides) between NYC and KC, I am considering bringing my everyday bike (2020 S-Works Roubaix) but subbing 32mm tires for the standard 28’s. We plan to break the Katy trip into 3 days W->E @ 80 miles per day.

Any thoughts as to the suitability of a Roubaix to the Katy Trail?

Mark from Lee's Summit on 9/1/2020 1:38:47 PM:

I ran knobby 28s on my steel road bike with no problems and I am a 240+ lbs rider also carrying a cantilevered seat bag. No flat tires the entire trip and just remember to keep a straight line when you sink into any looser gravel patches. There are usually just a couple of gravel stretches where a repaired trail area just hasn't had time to compact down yet. Also be prepared at the trail to concrete bridge transitions where sometimes a one or two inch lip has eroded down...those can do more damage to road bike tires than any thorn or sharp rock. Your nice road bike will need a good cleaning once you finish the trip, but it is well worth it!

Anonymous on 9/1/2020 2:53:19 PM:

I wouldn't bother with changing tires just for the Katy. For all of your several stops and rides...your call. 28's are fine. Stay in the hard packed track and you'll be ok. There is often loose chat, but if you are prone to not paying attention, those can be problematic with any tire. As Mark said and as you probably know if your everyday bike is a street bike, transitions/bridge approaches may need to be taken lightly.

ryanmayshays from NYC/Lee’s Summit on 9/1/2020 3:42:52 PM:

Thank you both for the responses! Really looking forward to finally riding the Katy Trail.

Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 9/1/2020 3:48:35 PM:

Depending on your weigh, 28s or 32s should be fine. I usually ride on 32s at 70 psi. I weigh around 215 lbs.

To be honest, I'd rather not ride such a nice bike as the Roubaix on the Katy Trail. If it's dry, that crushed limestone dust can get everywhere. If it's wet, the dust can stick everywhere.

I have fenders on my old steel touring bike, my gravel bike, and an aluminum tandem that I use for the Katy trail. After rides on the Katy, my bike and body are much cleaner than those without fenders especially if wet. I seldom take my nice Giant Defy Advance on the Katy except for short stretches to avoid busy roads.

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