April Showers and Nobby Tires

Go to Forum

John from East Jordan on 2/27/2010 4:49:17 AM:

Hi All,

I'm planning an end to end trip on the KATY the first week of April. I've planned for, and expect to do, some riding in the rain on the trip. Presently I've got 35mm nobby tires on my bike. They have worked very well on the crushed limestone trails here in Michigan. However, I've never ridden in the rain with them. Recently, on other forums, it's been suggested that nobbies on the KATY would be miserable when ridden in the rain.

There are probably trade offs, but for those of you with experience on the KATY, would the nobbies be a problem, or should I change them? I've got a good set of 32mm slicks that I could use, or, I can just buy some other, more appropriate, tires.

Thanks,

John

jd from gkc on 2/27/2010 1:52:41 PM:

Your slicks will work. Many of the trail bikes here are fitted with cruising tires for their width not their grip. If you expect to ride in the rain, you might consider mudflaps as well. This limestone mud sticks to the bike, gears, brakes, and rider fairly good. :) But it washes of easily.

John from East Jordan on 2/27/2010 3:32:23 PM:

Thanks,

As part of outfitting my bike, I've already added fenders (mudflaps). Thanks for the suggestions.

John

Trek on 3/1/2010 11:28:45 AM:

If you ride in the rain and the trail is wet....the limestone mud that jd mentioned, to me is a bigger issue than tire type. It seems to sling itself on the chain, gears, rims, etc. Every time you pull the brakes on you'll be reminded that there is grit between the rim and the brake pad.

I know that there are times that you may not have a choice, but after a Century attempt in the rain a few years ago....I'll stay off the Katy in rain and save my gear the wear.

The Dalton Boys from Austin, Texas on 3/7/2010 9:12:31 PM:

John - If you've ridden the White Pine Rail/Trail end to end (especially the last stretch into
Cadillac, MI), you'll be able to deal with anything the Katy can dish out. Been there, done
that. Mark of the Dalton Boys

Speedy on 3/8/2010 4:58:39 PM:

Last year on the trail I got stuck in a downpour 7 miles from my car. I have 700x32 knobby tires on my bike and had no issues whatsoever.

I'm curious why someone would suggest slicks in the rain vs knobby tires? That would be like putting a set of racing slicks on a Jeep and going 4 wheeling in the mud - it makes absolutely no sense.

John from East Jordan on 3/8/2010 5:54:51 PM:

Sounds like I pretty much can use whatever I want with differences of success. I'll probably just leave the nobbies on as I really like the comfortable ride I get with them. Dalton Boys, while I've not done the White Pine end to end, I have done the northern part by Cadillac. I would certainly use the nobbies, or better yet, my mountain bike for that.

Again, thanks for all the good advice.

John

Anonymous on 3/8/2010 10:43:33 PM:

From my experience, you'll be fine with whatever you ride. I personally
like 28-32mm (cyclocross or "urban") tires.

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 2025 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.