flats

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Jason from tonganoxie on 5/23/2013 12:21:48 PM:

We are going to be biking from Booneville to Hermann, one of the bikes has 700x35 tires with a smoother center tread and knobbier edges, the other bike has bontrager lt2 700x38 tires with a more fine pavement tread pattern (they supposedly have some type of flat protection built in). My question: are flats really that big of a deal on the Katy? I have read some places that make it sound like you'll have a flat every 1/2 mile if you don't use the right tire. I find this hard to believe. I'm trying to decide if I want to mess with switch tires or adding liners, etc. Any opinions?

ArkyKenny on 5/23/2013 12:35:51 PM:

What you have should work fine. Thorns are more of a problem in the fall. Right now you'll be dealing with loose top surface, ruts, transition areas where the trail crosses roads and driveways etc. That, plus the little limestone "Arrowheads" that are always on the Katy.

I'm a fan of big/wide tires with about 65 psi of air. I ride 700c x 40 semi-slicks. Before I got them, I used mountain bike I put drop bars on with 26 x 1.75 semi-slicks. I don't like vibration, ruts, or being careful when I cross a road. But those are my preference, not what you need.

Others swear by 28's or 32's. There has been thread after thread of discussion on the subject on this page. You can no doubt read for yourself those threads, but IMO, what you have will probably work fine (unless you are looking for a reason to get something else--Then you need to go get what you want!!!).

However you go, bring tubes, a patch kit, and a pump: Then have fun.

Anonymous on 5/23/2013 6:24:20 PM:

I am one of those who rides 28s most of the times and 32s now and then. I have never had any trouble with either one in terms of width.

The key to me is flat protection! I always enjoy my time on the KATY more if I don't have to change some flats.

I think you'll be fine with your tires, but agree fully to make sure to have a patch kit or two, several tubes and a pump.

Frank from Heber Springs on 5/27/2013 7:04:30 AM:

In a short 80 mile ride, I saw two flats. They were both at McKittrick but that may not be fair to say since they can happen anywhere. They were both from very small "petrified" burrs. One was on a tire with no liner or thornproof tube. The other was on the sidewall of a rear tire of a handcycle (3 wheel) that did have liners. Just take a patch kit and pump and go.

Ben Herr from Lyons, Colorado on 5/27/2013 7:16:11 AM:

When riding from Sedalia to St.Charles last year, our group was told to be wary of the edges of the trail, as that is where the "goat-heads" hang out. Following this advice, My wife and I had no problems with flats. I know a number of others did. I don't use "slime" in my tubes as it's rather messy, but I know several people that swear by it.

tikaani from jefferson city on 5/27/2013 5:25:04 PM:

I saw three flats between n. Jeff city and hartsburg last week. I think most of them were from areas with exposed rocks at washouts. Like others have said carry a patch kit and pump.

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