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Reply to Should I bring my saddle and pedals?

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Kim from Henderson, NV on 4/1/2019 11:33:22 AM:

I have only done road biking and the Katy will be my first experience with "cross over" type bike on a "rougher" surface. We are riding end to end. Is it better/more comfortable to have my own saddle or just use the saddle on the rented bike which I assume is larger and has a little more cushion? Also, I'd really like to have my clipless pedals. Anything I should be considering in that regard?

Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 4/1/2019 5:30:44 PM:

Do your shoes have recessed cleats so that you can easily walk on them? If so, I highly recommend bringing your own pedals and shoes. If not, you still may like your own shoes and pedals better, but make sure to buy some cleat covers so that you can walk around easier. Also check the front of any establishments or buildings before going inside. Some do not want you to wear cycling shoes inside often because of the floors could get scratched up.

The saddle is a tougher call. Your road saddle might not feel right if the rental bike is more upright. I think that I'd use the bike's saddle and make sure to bring high quality cycling shorts and some lubricant like Chamois Butt'r.

Kim from Henderson, NV on 4/1/2019 9:29:40 PM:

Thank you. That makes perfect sense and I appreciate your insights as well.

Karl Brand from Missouri City, TX on 4/2/2019 6:16:25 AM:

I am an older cyclist, and I am primarily a road cyclist. My brother (also an older cyclist) and I ride annually, end to end, and we have done so nine times. Our travelogue appears in the Katy Trail Trip reports, The Katy Trail, The Whole Enchilada. My Rock Island – Katy Trail rides are on Strava.

I use a hybrid (TREK 7200) for the trail and use SPD’s clipless pedals; my brother rides a MTB, and uses the “road pedals” from his road bike. By all means, use the clipless pedals of your choice.

While there are rough spots on the trail, for the most part the trail is not a bone-jarring ride. My brother uses his road bike saddle on his MTB, and he quite happy. I use the firm saddle which came with my hybrid. As you know, going too soft can increase the pressure on some of your pressure points. Assuming that it works for you logistically, it couldn’t hurt to bring the saddle with which you are comfortable, and see how it works for you on the cross over. If it doesn’t switch.

Kim from Henderson, NV on 4/2/2019 9:44:47 AM:

I think I'm going to bring my own saddle and pedals for sure. I hadn't thought about the fact that I could change out saddles if one doesn't work. Thank you

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