Biking Clinton to St. Charles and bike maintenanc

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Drewski from St.Louis on 2/19/2012 1:36:46 AM:

I am planning on biking nearly the whole trail. I am not a regular biker, but I have no problems with endurance and 50 miles a day should be fine. I was wondering what type of spare parts and tools should I bring? I have a 10 year old mountain bike. It's rather cheap. I think about 75-100 dollars. I road the bike 30 miles just the other day and it seemed great. Do you think this bike will hold up to the full trail? Is there any maintenance I should perform on the bike before my trip?

Also how safe would it be to ride solo. I'm a 6,2 male. I plan to ride in mid to late march.

THANKS!!

Paulie from Knoxville on 2/19/2012 10:46:40 AM:

As far as tools/items to carry, make sure you have spare tubes & patch kit, tire levers, pump, chain link and multitool with a chain repair feature. You can go for miles with no help on the Katy so be sure to learn to change a tire and some basic bike repair, just in case.

And without seeing your bike its hard to give an honest evalulation. I would definitely have a bike mechanic look it over before you make such a long journey. At 6'2", it would seem a large frame bike may suit you best. I suggest a proper fitting because being on a cheap bike for 200 miles that doesnt fit equals misrible trip.

The Katy trail is very safe. But beware because I hear bigfoot has seen near Bluffton.

Good Luck, Paulie

Trek on 2/19/2012 12:40:37 PM:

I always make sure and never start a trip with anything that is questionable. Age of your bike should not matter if you've kept it in good working order. If you notice things that are in question, fix those before your venture.

I'm kind of a fanatic about chain lube. I try to clean and lube the chain daily when on a dusty trail, which the Katy can be. If the chain is in good condition and well lubed it should not be an issue. I've only pulled apart a chain once, and that was on the tandem trying to torque our way up a rather steep city hill. IMHO, if your chain is in bad enough shape that you might need a chain tool/link, you need to replace it before your trip.

Darrell from Jeff City, Mo. on 2/19/2012 9:22:19 PM:

I think we will all be a little sore after the first ride from laying off for the most part over the winter, but you should get as much saddle time as possible before you start. Having no problem with endurance is great, I hope your butt agrees.

I agree with Paulie and Trek, if you know the bike is in good shape, the usual maintenace is all ya need. If you have not taken the bike to a bike shop or other competent mechanic for a check over and adjustment in a while, you should. Good luck!

ArkyKenny from Farmington, AR on 2/20/2012 9:33:25 AM:

Agree with above--I NEVER start with anything that is not adjusted. My criteria for that is 2-3 training rides in a row where I don't have to fix or adjust anything after the ride. Also, the 10 year old bike is not a problem, but if it has 10 year old rubber, that is ia problem waiting to happen. Tearing out a rotten sidewall is a bad deal! I recommend you get some new 1.5" semi-slicks for the Katy, like Specialized Nimbus tires.

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