which bike

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Jeannie from Arkansas on 9/7/2013 11:11:10 AM:

I'm riding the entire Katy Trail the end of this month. Buying a new Trek bike. Does anyone have an opinion on Trek Neko SL vs. Trek 7.3 FX WSD for this endeavor. Thanks.

Brent from Warsaw on 9/7/2013 12:41:50 PM:

Trek 7.3 is great, I bought one 4 months ago, I have toured fully loaded 80lbs plus I my weight is 210Lbs.Only changes trek 520 rear touring wheel have 2300 miles on it.

Jeannie from Arkansas on 9/7/2013 6:38:59 PM:

Thanks for the response. Did you look at the Neko SL? I've gotten two different opinions from two different bike shops and I'm running out of time. I'm a 64 year old 119 pound woman so don't know which way to go.

Brent from Warsaw on 9/7/2013 7:53:15 PM:

Get on them and ride,very important put on your riding gear see which bikes fit you better.

ArkyKenny on 9/9/2013 8:34:27 AM:

Either bike will do just fine. So will any number of other bikes. The Katy is not real demanding--it's a flat rail bed with a hard surface, and good shelter from the wind.

Anything you spend more than $400 on will work great, stay adjusted, etc. I personally think a hybrid with 32s or 37s is the best way to go for most people. I say start there. Then, if you get Into it, go buy what you want once you know what you want.

More importantly, spend as much time as you can on your new bike before you get to the Katy. Adjust it. Tweak it. Make it fit you. Get in shape to ride it. Learn how to drink when you are not thirsty, and eat when you are not hungry so you can ride as long as you want to ride. Make sure you can fix a flat, and adjust the tension on your new shifter cable (or bring someone with you who can). Buy a chain tool and a master link, and know what to do with them too.

Those things, not the type of bike you have, will make it a great trip

Billy from Mokane on 9/10/2013 11:07:45 AM:

My favorite bike for riding the trail is my Trek 7.7FX. Not familiar with the Neko, think it has disc brakes, not sure how the brakes would fare on the trail, especially when dust and grime is bad.

Rosanne from Hannibal on 9/10/2013 7:38:08 PM:

jeannie, I'm a 67 year old and also would like to ride the Katy. I've been checking out Trek bikes online, and the NEKO one looks like it would do the job. You can get on their website and compare up to three bikes. Read the reviews. And definitely go to a local bike store to get fitted. I have an Electra Townie 21 speed, which I first saw on the trail a few years back. With athritis etc it is very easy to ride. I appreciate Trek's philosophy, and closest they have is the Trek Pure with the forward crank. It sure makes a difference in riding. I can sit to climb hills, and rode 15 miles the very first day (after 30+ non-riding years) with NO knee or butt pain! I think Electra bikes are what the Defiance bike rental place uses, but I bet a Trek would be nice too. I plan to go check them out tomorrow--but I do love my Townie. Good luck with your ride.

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