tire inflation where?

Go to Forum

Sally on 5/13/2023 12:12:19 PM:

Hi All, I ride with a mini pump, but how do other folks deal with keeping tires inflated to good psi each morning? Stop at bike shops along the way? do trailheads have bike air pumps? Thank you

Mapmedic from KCMO on 5/14/2023 1:26:58 AM:

IMO checking tire pressure daily let’s air out daily. You have to eventually replace that air. Tires can operate at a variety of pressures and be fine. Some people “obsess” about what the right number is for psi. I suggest checking it on day one prior to hitting the trail and then just feeling the tire in the morning…if it feels firm/similar to day one, you’re good. I don’t recall seeing tire pumps at the state park trailheads. Hopefully you’re familiar with on trail tire/flat repairs and you could consider getting a CO2 cartridge type inflator to save space if desired. Happy trails!

Jerry from Belleville on 5/14/2023 2:29:12 AM:

What size tires? Something like 700x32s probably can go two or three days between inflation checks. Something thin like 700x23s aren't ideal for the Katy. If riding on them, I would get a larger pump like a Topeak Mountain Morph pump. A few of the trailheads have pumps.

Sally on 5/14/2023 3:31:29 AM:

Riding on 38’s. Went tubeless with plugs since Im getting older and the heavier tires getting harder to change. Thanks!

Paul from Calhoun GA on 5/14/2023 5:37:17 AM:

Last summer the trail had pumps spaced out along the length at random intervals. Some of the pumps were not working and when I needed one it was not there. I ended up going with co2 and new tubes after failed attempts to patch the flat failed. Some pretty remote areas that you don’t want to have a flat without a reliable way to fix it. I had a small sharp object in my tire tread that was causing flats when the tire was inflated that was difficult to find. My son rode with me on the GAP/C&O and used a hand pump. His pump had survived Atlanta to Seattle the previous summer and died on the C&O ride.

Bill in Hoiuston from Houston on 5/14/2023 10:00:11 PM:

There aren't really bike shops along the way. Take your own pump. I have some kind of Crank Brothers one that can handle road or mtb tires, and it wasn't too expensive. Learn to use it before you get a flat in the rain...

Anonymous on 5/15/2023 8:57:47 AM:

Good info to have Bill.....didn't know all the bike shops on the Katy had closed. When did that happen?

Bill in Houston from Houston on 5/15/2023 9:41:41 AM:

If you know of locations, please share, and help out the OP.

Anonymous on 5/15/2023 12:54:50 PM:

Have a look at the Towns & Services between Machens and Clinton for the bike shop symbol if you're curious. I don't need to copy and paste here when there is a list on this site. There have been bike shops dotted along the Katy for years and years. I'd be very surprised to know for a fact today there are none.

Ray (webmaster) on 5/15/2023 1:27:25 PM:

You can find some bike shops on or near the Katy Trail. Here's a list of bike shops and bike rentals, from the Trip Planner: https://bikekatytrail.com/planner.aspx?scid=59&ecid=11&rt=0&rtid=1&svcs=|6|5| If you are looking at the Towns & Services page, or the pages for specific towns, look for the little circle icon with a bike, to indicate bike shops. The icon with a bike and dollar sign indicates bike rental. If you find that any of these shops are out of business, or if there are any new ones not listed, please let me know. Happy trails!

Bill in Houston from Houston on 5/22/2023 9:27:31 AM:

Also, make sure you take a presta adapter. Then you could just air up at a gas station.

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 2023 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.