Tire size and tread

Go to Forum

Timmy D from Springfield, MO on 4/13/2023 8:56:00 PM:

I want to ride my hybrid on a KATY Trail through ride. I have 700c rims. I’ve read that 35mm to 40 mm wide tires might be good. Also, can anyone recommend specific tires and/or tread designs? There are so many tires available that I feel a bit overwhelmed with choices.

John from Pacific on 4/14/2023 6:28:29 AM:

FWIW, I don't think tread pattern will matter much on the Katy. The trail is pretty hard packed crushed limestone. Softer in recently repaired areas. I have the same size wheel and run 35mm Continental Contact Plus tires. Last spring I rode the trail on a rainy day and they did fine. But I mainly like them for their puncture resistance. I had 7,000 miles on my last set and have yet to have a flat tire. I ran them on the C & O Canal towpath in much much worse conditions than you'll find on the Katy with no trouble. Probably lots of other good choices out there, too.

Mapmedic from KCMO on 4/14/2023 9:25:52 AM:

I suggest Schwalbe Marathon or Marathon Plus tires. They are designed to be flat resistant. A guy name Ryan Van Duzer has an excellent YouTube channel about biking. A few years ago he and his girlfriend both rode across the entire USA on these tires via dirt, gravel and pavement with zero flats. They can still happen, just not as likely. Buy online or in your local bike shop. Feel free to google or YouTube the tires for more information and reviews. They are not the cheapest but not the most expensive either. Here is a link to the website I purchased mine from but only because my local shop said they were on back order at the time.
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/schwalbe-marathon-plus-700c-tire-hs-440

Mel Zabecki from Fayetteville, AR on 4/14/2023 11:02:36 AM:

I don't know if I'm hijacking this thread or making a viable suggestion, but I wonder how people feel about solid tires? I commute to work on my recumbent trike and refuse to deal with flats and those solid tires save such worries.

When I did my end-to-end KATY ride in Augusts 2019 on my recumbent 2 wheeler, I did use the marathon plus and I don't recall having a flat on the whole trip. No idea of the width though....

FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!

More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us

By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2026 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.