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Road bikes
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Daryl on 7/21/2012 2:00:06 PM:
We are considering riding the trail from Boonville to Tebbetts in September. The trails are crushed rock. We were told that the surfaces in most areas are packed enough for road bikes. Has that been your experience?
 
El Toro on 7/21/2012 9:43:38 PM:
Lots of opinions on this, but I think its just fine. Rode it Clinton to St. Charles last month with 28mm tires...but buddy rode with 25mm tires...and neither of us had any problems at all. Both tires featured EXCELLENT flat protection...which to me...is the key. Enjoy.
 
Tim from Raymore, MO on 7/22/2012 6:56:21 PM:
I agree El Toro. I've seen and been passed by road bikes. I also had a flat from a thorn on my mountain bilr two weeks ago. I recently learned about the Kevlar tire liners and had both of my tires lined. Of the flats I've seen on the Trail, the majority have been on road bikes. Good luck and happy trails!
 
LJH from Iowa on 7/23/2012 12:33:39 PM:
I agree with the road tires with just one qualifier, my wife and I rode in early July with 700/28 tires, guess what? High pressure tires when the temps are in the 100's is not a good idea, 3 blow outs in 2 days, combination of limestone and heat creates added pressure. Sept, should not be such a problem..
 
kevin from Jeff City on 7/23/2012 1:48:53 PM:
Just to throw in another qualifier: if you are planning to carry your own gear, get a little bigger tire, at least on your rear wheel.

I ran into a couple going from Jefferson City to Boonville on road bikes Sunday, and he was stuck with multiple flats right outside of Hartsburg. He was carrying stuff in panniers, and that may have been stressing his tires.

If you aren't carrying anything, then rock on, especially now. The trail is hard-packed with the lack of rain.
 
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