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D from St. Louis on 4/26/2014 4:41:02 PM:

I'm looking to buy a new bike and wanted other's experiences with theirs on the Katy Trail. I currently have a Specialized Crossroads Comfort bike. Rides fine on trails near home and the Katy Trail. But I want an upgrade with my bike. I'd like something faster, but want it to perform on the Katy Trail as well since I like to ride there alot. So I'm looking at Specialized Crosstrail, Specialized Sirrus, Jamis Allegro X, and Jamis Coda. Does anybody have any experience with any of these bikes and maybe how I could expect them to handle on the road and Katy Trail?
thanks,

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 4/26/2014 7:42:49 PM:

Of the four listed I would vote for the Jamis Coda. It has a lightweight steel frame which I find more comfortable than aluminum, and 32c tires, which I prefer for the Katy. The others have a suspension fork which adds weight and is not needed.

El Toro on 4/26/2014 7:46:53 PM:

I agree with several of the comments above. A suspension fork is definitely NOT needed on the KATY and brings with it extra weight. 32mm tires are plenty wide. I ride 28-32s depending on which bike I ride (single speed or geared). I much prefer quality steel over aluminum in terms of comfort...but that is a personal choice.

Enjoy!!

ArkyKenny on 4/26/2014 9:43:39 PM:

I would say to think more in terms of a touring bike, not a cyclocross bike. Look for something that is stable, has a long wheelbase, is probably steel, can accomodate wider tires (not necessarily knobbies), has you sit in a more upright position, and can carry a load. Weight is not a big deal since the Katy is a railroad bed.

Pseudio on 4/27/2014 7:54:52 AM:

Arky is very correct. More touring with comfort than off road style. The KT is pretty tame unless the rains comes then there is soft spots, flash flooding and debris on the trail. I like the Trek FX types that are lighter 28cm fairly upright with softer seats. But a must is flat protection with kevler or liners. Happy trails.

Hank on 4/28/2014 6:11:33 AM:

I have a touring bike (Salsa Vaya) that I love but I feel the cross bikes are a fine choice for the Katy as well. I would not buy a touring bike unless you actually intend to "tour." (Load up the bike for overnight, multi-day rides etc.) My wife has a cross bike and for the 30-40 mile rides we typically do on the Katy she loves it. The steel frames are much superior to aluminum IMO.

Chris from Tulsa, OK on 4/28/2014 7:43:35 AM:

I think a cx bike would be fine. I am riding the Katy next week on my Trek XO2. It is aluminum, although I prefer steel, and it has plenty of room for 40mm tires. It has rack eyelets front and rear, but I went with Revelate bags to save weight. I think a really good choice is a Surly or Salsa though. They are extremely versatile and ride smooth. I love my Karate Monkey.

Billy from Mokane on 4/28/2014 9:15:57 AM:

Pseudio, Agree on the Trek FX. My 2006 FX7.7, with 32's on it is my favorite Katy trail bike. Not so much sold on the newer FX models.

Terry from Festus on 4/28/2014 9:35:48 PM:

I have completed the trail on my Specialized Tricross four times and plan on two more trips this year. For me, this cross bike is the perfect bike for this trail. I could give many reasons, but to each their own. I would ride it on another bike. The important thing is getting some saddle time in before you go. Life is good on the Katy regardless of what bike you are riding.

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